The '90s child I am reminisces about #Aqua from time to time, thirsting for their lighthearted bubble-pop anthems to hydrate my spirit. Their iconic and unforgettable single "Barbie Girl" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyhrYis509A) rose this Danish #Eurodance group into international stardom with cheeky references to Mattel's beloved doll. Although "Barbie Girl" was a gateway for me to become acquainted with Aqua, their collection of other songs are what truly drew me in for the long haul.
In regards to Aqua's discography, they have released three official albums in total, including Aquarium (1997), Aquarius (2001) and Megalomania (2011). Fun fact: #Aquarium contains a dance jam titled, "Roses Are Red" which is featured in the children's movie Monsters vs. Aliens (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7HirhI6Wjc)! This particular song has lead female vocalist Lene Nystrøm and male vocalist René Dif enacting a playful call-and-response between each other, Dif often being more lyrically raunchy than Nystrøm. Also, in the background, keyboardist Søren Rasted and guitarist Claus Norreen supply the energetic fist-pumping production in the group.
#Aquarius creates a fresh image for Aqua as they are taken from underwater and into outer space as shown in their differing album covers. Their second album's lead single "Cartoon Heroes" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_LPJllaogU) makes a booming entrance designed to motivate misfits and welcome them to the so-called "toon town party." Unlike either Aquarium and Aquarius, Aqua's final album #Megalomania takes an explosive turn as many of those tracks consist of more aggressive expletives and sexual overtones and... I enjoy every second of it. Since Aquarius was released about ten years prior, it makes sense for Aqua to market towards the same demographic who has grown up with their music from the very beginning. After much listening, "Dirty Little Pop Song" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQt5kDg84Wg) has won my affection with its dizzying and club-oriented beat "that keeps running through your brain" and "you'll love going insane" while dancing around like nobody's watching.
SPECIAL THANKS...
To Aqua (in the words of "Aquarius," the title track of the second album): "You seduced me, I can never ever run." You will always have a place in my nostalgic heart and in our Musical Marigold Hall of Fame. Congratulations!
