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Aqua have become pop’s new superstars all over the world including Australia. Their success has come from their dance beats and music. Although, it has taken sometime and a series of steps for Aqua to be known as what they are today.
It all started in 1989 when Claus and Soren got together and started composing music for a Danish movie. Meanwhile Rene was working as a DJ in Norway. Rene soon discovered Lene’s talent for singing in a TV show. They both headed of for Denmark and got together with Claus and Soren. Soon enough, they formed a band called ‘Joyspeed.’
Joyspeed got a contract with a record company in Sweden. It’s first single was released in the Swedish charts but lasted there only for a week. It was a flop and their music style had to be reconsidered.
Then came the idea of ‘Aqua.’ The name came from a poster in Rene, Lene, Claus and Soren’s practice room. They dissolved their old contract and got a new one from Universal Music in Denmark.
In September 1996, Aqua’s debut single ‘Roses are Red’ was released in Denmark. It stayed for several weeks in the chart and made platinum. The success then started when it was released in Norway and climbed all the way to the top. ‘Roses are Red’ also received a nomination for a Grammy for the best Danish dance publication. Aqua’s second single ‘My oh My’ was released in February 1997 and hit number one on the singles chart. The single received gold after 6 days which is quite extraordinary for a small country like Denmark. The smash hit ‘Barbie Girl’ was released next.
The single ‘Barbie Girl’ sold over 4 million copies and lead Aqua to fame all around the world. This came about when a Danish radio station sent copies of the song to American radio stations. As time passed by, it became the most requested song ever. ‘Barbie Girl’ went straight in at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest position ever for an act’s debut single. It went to number one in the U.K as well on it’s way passing the Spice Girls, and Elton John’s ‘Candle in the Wind 1997.’ Aqua’s album (titled ‘Aquarium’) was soon released and received gold after just two days!
Doctor Jones (track number 5 on the Aquarium album) proved to the world that Aqua are not one-hit-wonders. It reached successively to the number one spot. ‘Lollipop (Candyman)’ followed and made it to the top five of the Australian charts. Aqua’s current and most recent single is ‘Turn Back Time.’ It has already made its debut at number one in the U.K and is heading that way here in Australia. It is the theme song from the movie ‘Sliding Doors’ coming out soon in theatres. The video clip for Aqua’s ‘Turn Back Time’ is different from previous ones as colour and dancing is missing. Infact, it is more of a contrast to ‘Barbie Girl’ and the other songs made by Aqua. ‘Turn Back Time’ one of a few ballads featured on the album. This proves the diversity of Aqua.
As you can see, Aqua is not just “the Barbie Girl band.” The group is actually a variation from classical to rock-like band. Aqua are currently working on a new album which should come out sometime next year. Aquarium is definitely a must have and certainly the album of the year.
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