About the Song
The Monkees – “She Makes Me Laugh”: A Joyful Return to Form with a Modern Twist
Released: 2016 | Album: Good Times! | Written by: Rivers Cuomo (of Weezer)
In 2016, The Monkees made a surprising and triumphant return with the album Good Times! — a project that celebrated the band’s 50th anniversary by blending their classic 1960s charm with modern songwriting. One of the standout tracks from that album is “She Makes Me Laugh”, a breezy, upbeat tune written by Rivers Cuomo of the band Weezer.
This track marked a significant moment: it was the band’s first new single in 20 years, and it perfectly captured what fans loved about The Monkees in the first place — sweet, catchy melodies, clever lyrics, and a sense of joyful innocence. With Micky Dolenz on lead vocals, the song sparkles with warmth and humor as it tells the story of a man completely smitten with a woman who keeps him smiling through life’s ups and downs.
“She Makes Me Laugh” manages to feel both retro and refreshingly current. Cuomo’s lyrics are filled with modern references — including “reading comics books and watching Netflix on the iPad” — yet the production and vocal delivery feel like they could have come straight out of the band’s 1966 debut. It’s this perfect fusion of old and new that made the track (and the Good Times! album as a whole) such a heartfelt success with longtime fans and new listeners alike.
The animated music video, styled like a classic Monkees TV episode cartoon, only adds to the nostalgia, making it a treat for fans of all ages.
More than just a fun pop tune, “She Makes Me Laugh” served as proof that The Monkees’ timeless spirit still had room to grow. Even decades after their heyday, their music could evolve — and still make us smile.
It’s a sweet reminder that true joy in music never goes out of style — and neither do The Monkees.