From Canadian Albums to Eurovision Gold
Katrina and The Waves, a band with British and American members, began their musical journey as a covers band.
Initially known simply as The Waves, they started recording their own tunes to sell at gigs. This eventually caught the attention of a Canadian record label, leading to their debut album in 1983, released exclusively in Canada.
One of the standout tracks was an early version of Going Down to Liverpool, which would later become a hit for The Bangles. The album also featured the band’s future signature song, Walking on Sunshine, although it would take a later recording for the tune to become a worldwide smash.
Their second album, Katrina and The Waves 2 (1984), failed to produce any major hits. When it was re-released in 2010, it included covers of Wild Thing and River Deep, Mountain High. Perhaps a little more of that familiar covers-band energy was what they needed to prpare for the break through.
The breakthrough came in 1985 with the self-titled album Katrina and The Waves. Released through Capitol Records, it featured re-recorded versions of both Going Down to Liverpool and Walking on Sunshine. The latter finally took off, selling millions of copies and becoming one of the most recognisable pop-rock songs of the decade.
A Covers-Band Classic
Few songs deliver instant energy quite like Walking on Sunshine. Since its 1985 breakthrough, it has become a favourite in working bands’ set lists, surviving decades of changing musical fashions through countless covers and live performances.
Part of its appeal is its simplicity. The tune revolves around just two chord progressions, making it easy to learn. The rhythm stays consistent through most of the arrangement, allowing the band to concentrate on keeping the energy high and the performance tight.
If you’ve already learned You Can’t Hurry Love, you may recognise a similar approach to keeping a song moving. The two tunes share a key, so why not consider pairing them in a medley? For a working band, connecting two familiar songs can be a great way to keep the dance floor busy without giving the audience a chance to catch its breath.
After the Sunshine: The Road to Eurovision
Following the success of Walking on Sunshine, the band struggled to repeat its commercial impact. Their next album, Waves (1986), disappointed commercially, with Sun Street making only a modest impression. They were subsequently moved to a smaller label, and Break of Hearts followed in 1989 without generating much renewed interest.
The band continued recording into the early 1990s, including a version of We Gotta Get Out of This Place, originally made famous by The Animals. Their recording featured in the television series China Beach.
Then, in 1997, Katrina and The Waves experienced an unexpected late-career triumph. They entered the Eurovision Song Contest with Love Shine a Light and won, giving the band another major moment in the spotlight.
Rather than bringing the group back together for the long term, the victory was followed by internal disagreements. Katrina eventually parted ways with the band, and the remaining members continued with a new singer before the group disbanded in 1999.
A Lasting Legacy
Katrina and The Waves had a career full of ups and downs, from selling early albums at gigs to achieving an international hit and winning Eurovision. Yet Walking on Sunshine has proved especially durable, remaining a staple of radio, films, parties, and live performances.
For guitarists, it’s a reminder that a tune doesn’t need complicated chords or elaborate changes to become unforgettable. A strong rhythm, a bright arrangement, and a chorus people can sing together are more than enough.
Explore the playlist above, learn Walking on Sunshine, and add this feel-good classic to your repertoire. And if you’re playing live, give that You Can’t Hurry Love medley some thought!
Katrina And The Waves Tunes | Related Pages
River Deep – Mountain High | Chords + TAB
You can learn River Deep – Mountain High by Tina Turner using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, TAB, and backing tracks.
| Bb N.C | N.C | Eb | Eb | Eb | Eb | Bb | Bb |
When I was a little girl, I had a rag doll, only doll I’ve ever owned…
Walking On Sunshine | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Walking On Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, TAB, and backing tracks.
| Bb | Eb | F | Eb | Bb | Eb | F | Eb |
I used to think maybe you loved me now baby I’m sure…
Katrina And The Waves on the web
