“Walk Like an Egyptian” is a quirky, ultra-catchy 1986 pop-rock and new wave smash that hit number one globally for the all-female rock group The Bangles. Driven by a heavy, driving drum machine beat, a prominent tambourine, and a highly unique, echoing handclap rhythm, the song features a sharp, jangly electric guitar solo. The production is incredibly playful, utilizing a distinct whistled melody and a novelty-pop aesthetic that was custom-built to dominate the radio waves and the MTV video generation.

Lyrically, the song uses a humorous, stylized premise that imagines modern people from all professions-from street cops to slide guitar players-adopting the rigid, ancient silhouette poses found in Egyptian hieroglyphs. The group showcases their incredible vocal versatility by having three different members trade lead vocals across the verses, culminating in a beautiful, tight three-part harmony in the chorus. Its bizarre charm and danceable rhythm turned it into one of the biggest commercial hits of the decade.