One Hit Wonders - Part I
It is well documented that the 90's was a real period of experimentation, creativity and genre definition for Electronic music. Some of the productions that came out of this era are worthy of note for a variety of reasons; these range from the exciting, original, disposable, catchy or downright novelty. I personally had quite the education on One Hit Wonders during this time as I was predominantly buying mix CDs and tapes to try and find tunes and artists I liked. Compilations like Energy Rush - of which I mentioned at the very start of my blogging journey - Rave Generation, Rave 92, Dance Zone, Techno Nights Ambient Dawn, Euphoria and many others really helped my discoveries.
I will write about these One Hit Wonders over a series of posts to try and evoke some memories of classics, ear-worms and downright bangers that defined this era, and wonder why (rhetorically) those artists didn't go on to do more in their careers. They may well have released more than one track, but didn't really stay the course beyond the 90's, or even the one or two hits they had. They may also have existed in differing incarnations as producers, DJs or artists and took a specific path that meant not all work could continue.
Hope you enjoy it!
Eurodance / Euro-NRG
You can't start a post like this without acknowledging the dominance of the Eurodance genre in the 90's, certainly when it comes to single sales, airplay and DJ play in the clubs around UK and Europe. Done almost as a direct response to the disposable Pop tracks that were circling around at the same time, groups like Aqua, Rednex, Whigfield, Haddaway and others started to appear. Some of the tunes were just downright catchy, and others formed a precursor to the more evolved trance, house and dance tunes we still hear today.
The formula was simple: catchy tune, vocals by a singer(s) and an infectious/annoying chorus (delete where appropriate). I am not ashamed to admit I was fully immersed in some of these tunes for a few years; others I truly hated and unfortunately the ones that have survived until today are predominantly the ones you dance to ironically at weddings or parties, which should have been forgettable but endure. There are some which still have a little more to offer than superficial sing-a-long quality. I will cover both here, from my perspective of course.
Dr Alban - Its My Life
It's My Life was taken from the second Dr Alban album from the Nigerian-Swedish born artist. It made a massive impact on the charts in Europe, reaching number 1 in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden. Furthermore the single was also Top 10 in 7 other European countries and the UK. In the latter, it reached number 2 in September 1992 after a successful use in the Tampax ad campaign, missing top spot due to The Shamen's Ebeneezer Goode. Dr Alban never really had a hit of note after this, despite releasing 4 further albums during the 90's.
Haddaway - What Is Love?
The first of 5 singles dumped onto the charts in 1993, What Is Love? is the seminal Haddaway track. It was a massive hit in Europe, reaching number 1 in at least 13 countries and reaching number 2 in Germany, Sweden, and the UK. Haddaway continued to produce albums right into the mid 2000's but nothing came close to this very catchy track. His soulful and baritone voice is very distinctive and it remains a favourite of mine even today.
Culture Beat - Mr Vain
In 1993, Serenity (Culture Beat's second album) was released and Mr Vain shot to number 1 in 11 countries including the UK. A catchy house track with absolutely nonsensical lyrics - that people of a certain age all know! - it went triple gold in Germany, and will forever be remembered fondly by me as the track that played every week at the roller disco in our local leisure centre, as it was the most requested thing and would always be on at least twice.
Cappella - U Got 2 Know
One of the few artists of this genre I found compelling enough to buy the album, Cappella are a glorious example of how to make it work beyond a single. The title of single and album, U Got 2 Know is an energetic and engaging album, with tracks like U Got 2 Let The Music, U & Me and Move It Up being my personal highlights. Without a doubt my favourite tune is Move On Baby which reached number 7 in the Uk chart in 1994. As a comparator, U Got 2 Let The Music was kept off top spot in the charts by Meatloaf in 1993; it felt more relevant at the time to have these guys triumph over Mr Loaf. That's another debate I don't want to get into here though. Founding member Gianfranco Bortolotti set up Media Records in Italy and spawned an empire of acts and hits. A phenomenal effort and when you see the impact it had commercially across Europe, you can appreciate how 'hit factory' mentality can and does work.
Snap! - Rhythm Is A Dancer
Apart from the line "I'm serious as cancer when I say rhythm is a dancer", I think it can be agreed this is a banging tune. German outfit Snap! had already scored a number 1 with The Power way back in 1989, and this followed. Thea Austin's vocals are very distinctive and drive the song, alongside Turbo B's rap in the 7" version and some tight production. Ironically this was never slated to be a single and Turbo B himself originally rejected working on the song. Thank goodness someone convinced him otherwise! Choon....
The Tamperer Feat. Maya - Feel It
Responsible for inadvertently alerting millions of kids to The Jacksons (sampling 1980's Can You Feel It from Triumph) and being the walk-on song for the team at my beloved Birmingham City at St Andrews since its release, I need have no more reason to like this song. Of course, NOBODY knows what she would look like with a chimney on her!
N-Trance - Set You Free
Nobody has a clue who Kelly Llorena is. When you tell them she sung the vocal on N-Trance's Set You Free, it will ring a bell. This track is STILL played in clubs now, and the rave/techno crossover track is an exemplary example of the one hit wonder which is probably still paying mortgages now. If something is worth milking, milk it. Quoting Wikipedia: It was first released as a white label record in 1992, then officially released as a single in April 1994, just making the UK top 40 at No. 39. A re-release in January 1995 was much more successful, peaking at No. 2 in the UK. Later, it was remixed and re-released in 2001, this time reaching No. 4.
Kevin O'Toole and Dale Longworth are quoted as saying the song was inspired by a night out at the legendary Manchester club, The Hacienda. Llorena was only 16 when she recorded the vocals, which sound so much more mature than her years.
It must be noted that the 1995 re-release only missed number 1 due to one Miss Celine Dion. We should collectively be ashamed of ourselves. In my humble opinion...
Livin' Joy - Dreamer
Italian house group Livin' Joy enlisted Janice Robinson for the vocal on this standout track. From the minute she wails her first note, you are hooked. Released in 1994 then again in 1995 it reached number 1 the second time of asking, and propelled Robinson to fame. She latterly featured on an ill-advised episode of the X-Factor in an attempt to resurrect her career a few years back, which was frankly quite nauseating. Nevertheless, she is an amazing singer and Dreamer was an iconic track for many of us at the time
Honourable mentions:
Corona - Rhythm Of The Night
2 Unlimited - Get Ready For This
Ice MC - Think About The Way
Whigfield - Saturday Night
Maxx - Get-A-Way
Alex Party - Don't Give Me Your Life
Baby D - Let Me Be Your Fantasy
Gala - Freed From Desire
Urban Cookie Collective - The Key The Secret
Alice Deejay - Better Off Alone
De'lacy - Hideaway
See you again for Part II soon....
Badger x