The article selects four songs released in 1961 that the writer considers enduringly cheerful and enjoyable. It highlights their upbeat melodies, romantic warmth or lasting cultural appeal, while noting that one seemingly lively track has a more downbeat subject.

– ‘Let’s Twist Again’ by Chubby Checker: an uptempo follow-up to ‘The Twist’, written by Kal Mann and Dave Appell.
– ‘Runaround Sue’ by Dion: Dion’s first solo number-one single, co-written with Ernie Maresca, despite its tale of heartbreak.
– ‘I Love How You Love Me’ by The Paris Sisters: a romantic Barry Mann and Larry Kolber song later revived as a Top 10 hit by Bobby Vinton.
– ‘At Last’ by Etta James: James’s first platinum-selling single and signature recording, originally a 1942 hit for Glenn Miller’s orchestra.