Bucks Fizz – ‘Making Your Mind Up’

25 April 1981

More ’50s throwing-back here, this time bubblegum popcorn something-or-other, which means it may still have been a hit and topped the charts even if it hadn’t, of course, won that year’s Eurovision. The line-up included a Dublin-born Nolan—though he’s not related to The Nolans—and the contest was held in Dublin too, so we even have a solid Irish angle. (Ireland’s entry that year, ‘Horoscopes’ by Sheeba, is a really strong up-tempo pop song and arguably better than all our winners – put together!)

The Fizz kicked on from Eurovision, had plenty more hits, and unlike Shaky they left the ’50s sound behind. Within a year we’ll find another of their chart toppers, one that is genuinely great. This, however, may be frothy and memorable but is not something I’d ever willingly listen to again.