"What I Like About You" is a song by the American rock band The Romantics. It was released in December 1979 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album, "The Romantics," which came out in 1980. The song was written by band members Wally Palmar, Mike Skill, and Jimmy Marinos, with Marinos, the band's drummer, performing lead vocals
. The song features a catchy, upbeat rock sound with a memorable "Hey, uh-huh- huh" refrain inspired by the Yardbirds' "Over Under Sideways Down" and Chuck Berry's "Back in the U.S.A." It became a concert favorite for the band and gained moderate success initially, reaching number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was particularly successful in Australia, where it peaked at number two and was one of the top singles of 1980 there
. The lyrics express affection and admiration, highlighting what the singer likes about the person addressed, such as holding tight, dancing, and whispering sweet things in the ear. The chorus emphasizes these qualities as the reasons for liking the person
. The song's popularity grew significantly in the late 1980s after being featured in Budweiser commercials, becoming a classic rock anthem. It has been covered by several artists, including 5 Seconds of Summer in 2014, who performed it live and released it as a single
. The official music video for "What I Like About You" was frequently played on MTV in the early 1980s and was filmed at the University of Michigan Dearborn's recreational center
. In summary, "What I Like About You" is a defining hit by The Romantics known for its energetic rock vibe, memorable chorus, and enduring appeal as a feel- good love song
