Panel from Slick Chick Comics issue #3, 1947
I'll admit that the deck is stacked in the Divine Comedy's favor with this match-up, as their "Tonight We Fly" is one of their best-loved songs, but let's look first at a more obscure (but still quite good) song of the same name. Found on their self-titled album of 1979, 20/20's "Tonight We Fly" is rightfully overshadowed by a couple tremendous power-pop singles, "Yellow Pills" and "Cheri", that dominate the album. It starts out as an unexciting rockabilly number, but the band sweetens things up with some harmonies on the chorus without losing that early rock-and-roll feel. The song also has a nice bridge, but I'm not quite sure what the significance of the title phrase is in the context of the song. Is it about driving around with your girlfriend and listening to the radio? Are drugs involved?
The Divine Comedy's "Tonight We Fly" comes from their 1994 concept album Promenade, about two young lovers enjoying a day together. As the last song on the album, "Tonight We Fly" presents the couple soaring over the world, wholly consumed by their feelings for each other. The song's galloping drumbeat and string arrangement, as well as its unconventional structure, makes it a real pleasure to listen to simply as an exercise in admiration of songcraft. I'll admit that it's one of my very favorite songs, so I have to give this one a clear win over a very capable challenger.
Winner: DIVINE COMEDY
"Tonight We Fly" by 20/20
"Tonight We Fly" by the Divine Comedy
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