Aqua

If you were alive in the late '90s, there's no way you haven't heard of Aqua. This Danish pop group was the ultimate poster child for the bubblegum genre, with their infectious beats, catchy hooks, and bright colors. They were the epitome of fun and carefree music, and their fans adored them for it.

Aqua burst onto the scene in 1996, and quickly became a sensation in their home country of Denmark. Within a couple of years, their fame had spread like wildfire, and they had become one of the most popular groups in the world. Their hit single, "Barbie Girl," was emblematic of their style - silly, playful, and utterly irresistible. In an era of angst and grunge, Aqua stood out like a beacon of joy.

About Aqua

Aqua was composed of four members: Lene Nystrøm, René Dif, Søren Rasted, and Claus Norreen. They first met in 1988, and originally formed a band called Joyspeed. After an unsuccessful start with their first single, they decided to change their name and join Universal Records. The catchy and kitschy sound that would eventually make them famous started to take shape.

In 1997, Aqua released their debut album, Aquarium, which became a global sensation. It featured megahits like "Barbie Girl," "Roses Are Red," and "My Oh My," and sold over 14 million units worldwide. The album spent a staggering 34 weeks at #1 in Denmark, and also topped the charts in other countries like Norway, New Zealand, and Australia. Aqua's music videos were as colorful and playful as their music, often featuring animated backgrounds and playful choreography. They were a breath of fresh air in a time when many popular songs were about anger and alienation.

The controversy surrounding "Barbie Girl" is something that Aqua will always be remembered for. The song was seen by some as a mocking ode to the famous doll, and Mattel, the company behind Barbie, filed a lawsuit against Aqua for copyright infringement. The court eventually ruled in Aqua's favor, but the song earned its place in history as a provocative yet unforgettable pop classic. It peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was certified Gold by the RIAA.

Aqua's follow-up album, Aquarius, was released in 2000 and continued on with their bubblegum pop sound. It featured hits like "Cartoon Heroes" and "Around The World," and received positive reviews from critics. Unfortunately, tensions within the group began to rise, and they announced their break-up in 2001.

A few years later, however, Aqua reunited for a comeback tour, and even released a greatest hits album that included the new single "Back to the 80's". They continued to tour sporadically over the years, and in 2011 returned with Megalomania, a more mature and dance-oriented album that signaled a departure from their bubblegum roots.

The members of Aqua have always been candid about their ups and downs as a group, but their enduring legacy speaks for itself. Even today, their music remains a staple of '90s dance parties, and their influence is felt in the pop music of subsequent decades. Aqua proved that sometimes, all you need is a little bit of glitter and a lot of fun, and that music can be a powerful force for happiness and optimism.

If you're looking for a blast from the past and a reminder of simpler times, Aqua is always a great place to start.