she/her
Speaking of getting started, when did your passion for this music start poptarts? For me it started pretty late because we all know I was into nu-metal during my teens/college years and then I discovered eurodance through Cascada since "Everytime We Touch" was on the radio everywhere. I heard that and decided I needed everything that sounded like it. Eventually I started adding groups like Real McCoy and Culture Beat to my library and discovering other 90s acts. Later on, I joined the bubblegumdancer.com forums and learned about a specific brand of eurodance called bubblegum dance which was pioneered by Aqua and Toy-Box. Years of being introduced to new eurodance artists seemingly every day on that site and here I am today. However, I know your history with eurodance came much sooner, can you remind me exactly what sparked your obsession with it?
I grew up with Eurodance. In Canada it was a thing. When I discovered the radio, there were no less than three dance stations for me to get my life to. (And one of them actually still kind of exists and does a lot of throwbacks and I live.) Dance Mix 95 (look it up, it's amazing, ask @LPMA) was the album to have. Aquarium was Millennium levels of massive. (This is why we're getting our own Aqua tour. My life will finally be complete.) I did my fourth grade gymnastics routine to 'Saturday Night' by Whigfield. (And got very good marks on it, just saying.) Emjay was technically the first popstar I saw live, because she opened for the Backstreet Boys at my first real pop concert. I always wanted to be like the people on Electric Circus (this 90s show where everyone went clubbing in the MuchMusic building), but I couldn't, because I was like 10. (And if I get my hands on a time machine someday, I promise you, Hazey, we're going on a 90s Euro trip.) So that was my life. And now we're going to rate it. Tell us a little about what we're rating?
Okay, well it's as easy as saying Eurodance in the 90s but maybe it's not that simple. We've had calls for acts doing similar styles of music that aren't quite 'Eurodance', so I should probably explain it more. One common misconception is that Eurodance strictly means its European but that's not the case at all. In fact, the music can originate from anywhere, but it began in Germany in the late 80s so that's how it got its name. The characteristics of the music are the presence of synthesizer riffs, strong beats usually in the form of kick drums, rich melodic vocals (melody-driven music is a huge factor), often times a rapping vocalist, simple lyrics and choruses, positive upbeat lyrics about love (an idealistic approach to the subject), as well as partying and good times. Bands like Real McCoy and Culture Beat really took Eurodance to the mainstream after acts like Snap! and 2 Unlimited sparked the movement. The biggest off-shoot of Eurodance was a subgenre called "bubblegum dance" which took the uber-positive messages to another level by skewing things to a child-like level while at the same time turning up the sexual innuendo. Denmark as well as other parts of Scandinavia was the birthplace of this sound, pioneered by Aqua and later other artists such as Toy-Box, Bambee, Smile.DK, and many others. You'll find that each region will have a distinct sound and carry their own flag, representing what Eurodance means to them. This will keeps things fresh and interesting when you listen to the song list. We've also made sure we brought some of our underground and/or underappreciated favorites to the table. What are some of your personal additions to the rate, poptarts?
Well, Hazey, I didn't need to add a lot to the rate, because the initial song list you came up with was so perfect. (*blush*) But I had to have my Ultimate PJ fave Whigfield and iconic BSB collaborators Fun Factory, and I'm pretty sure I insisted on a third Real McCoy song at some point! How about you?
Me? Well let's just say I had you worried we'd end up with a 100 song list, so I did my best to limit things to 75. I think I was on the fence about adding Caramell to the list over Tiggy or Miss Papaya but since Eurodance is mainly a English-sung genre I decided against the Swedes even though they did much better in PJOPS than Tiggy did when I entered her (but I can't say I'll be able to leave "Caramelldansen" out in the 00s rendition so look forward to that because its a life-changer). Yes, most of the Bubblegum Dance classics are represented well here, I think my old bubblegumdancer forum buddies would be proud. As for pure Eurodance, E-Type, Capital Sound, Emjay, Solid Base, Reset, DJ Bobo, and T-Spoon were my ideas so you guys can blame me if they aren't to your liking, but unlike some of my fun yet random picks in the flop girl groups rate and teen-pop rate I think these are going to go over like "how come I never listened to them before?" or "where have you been all my life?" so I'm excited. Should we let everyone introduce their personal favorites during the rate too?
Sure! If anyone out there has faves that didn't make the cut, feel free to PM us those too (with commentary, if you like) and we'll be happy to spotlight them along the way!
Excellent! Now let's get down to business because the Vengabus is comin'!
SONG LIST
Netherlands/Belgium (12)
2 Unlimited - Get Ready For This
2 Unlimited - No Limit
Alice Deejay - Better Off Alone
Alice Deejay - Back In My Life
Paradisio - Bailando
T-Spoon - A Part of My Life
T-Spoon - Sex On The Beach
Technotronic - Move This
Twenty 4 Seven - Slave to the Music
Vengaboys - We Like To Party
Vengaboys - Boom Boom Boom Boom
Vengaboys - We're Going to Ibiza
Italy (12)
Alex Party - Don’t Give Me Your Life
Ann Lee - 2 Times
Black Box - Strike It Up
Cappella - U Got 2 Let the Music
Cappella - Move On Baby
Corona - Rhythm Of The Night
Corona - Baby Baby
Eiffel 65 - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Eiffel 65 - Move Your Body
Gala - Freed From Desire
Whigfield - Saturday Night
Whigfield - Think Of You
Germany/Switzerland (20)
Amber - This Is Your Night
Amber - Sexual (Li Da Di)
Captain Hollywood Project - More and More
Culture Beat - Mr. Vain
Culture Beat - Got To Get It
Culture Beat - Anything
DJ Bobo - Let The Dream Come True
Fun Factory - Close To You
Fun Factory - I Wanna B With U
Haddaway - What Is Love
Haddaway - Life
La Bouche - Sweet Dreams
La Bouche - Be My Lover
Le Click - Tonight Is The Night
Maxx - Get-A-Way
Mr. President - Coco Jamboo
Real McCoy - Another Night
Real McCoy - One More Time
Real McCoy - Run Away
Snap! - Rhythm Is A Dancer
UK/Canada (9)
Berri - Sunshine After the Rain
Capital Sound - Higher Love
Capital Sound - Your Love Is My Energy
Emjay - Sound of My Heartbeat
Emjay - In Your Arms
Gina G - Ooh Aah… Just a Little Bit
Koko - Open Your Eyes
Livin' Joy - Dreamer
Livin’ Joy - Don't Stop Movin'
Denmark (11)
Aqua - Barbie Girl
Aqua - Doctor Jones
Aqua - Lollipop (Candyman)
Crispy - Licky Licky
Daze - Superhero
Hit 'n' Hide - Space Invaders
Me & My - Dub-I-Dub
Miss Papaya - Hero
Tiggy - Ring-a-Ling
Toy-Box - Best Friend
Toy-Box - The Sailor Song
Sweden/Norway (11)
Bambee - Typical Tropical
Dr. Alban - It’s My Life
E-Type - This Is The Way
E-Type - Angels Crying
Rednex - Cotton Eye Joe
Reset - Blue
Reset - Calling You
Smile.dk - Boys
Smile.dk - Butterfly
Solid Base - Come'n Get Me
Solid Base - Come On Everybody
Netherlands/Belgium
2 Unlimited - Get Ready For This
2 Unlimited - No Limit
Alice Deejay - Better Off Alone
Alice Deejay - Back In My Life
Paradisio - Bailando
T-Spoon - A Part of My Life
T-Spoon - Sex On The Beach
Technotronic - Move This
Twenty 4 Seven - Slave to the Music
Vengaboys - We Like To Party
Vengaboys - Boom Boom Boom Boom
Vengaboys - We're Going to Ibiza
Italy
Alex Party - Don’t Give Me Your Life
Ann Lee - 2 Times
Black Box - Strike It Up
Cappella - U Got 2 Let the Music
Cappella - Move On Baby
Corona - Rhythm Of The Night
Corona - Baby Baby
Eiffel 65 - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Eiffel 65 - Move Your Body
Gala - Freed From Desire
Whigfield - Saturday Night
Whigfield - Think Of You
Germany/Switzerland
Amber - This Is Your Night
Amber - Sexual (Li Da Di)
Captain Hollywood Project - More and More
Culture Beat - Mr. Vain
Culture Beat - Got To Get It
Culture Beat - Anything
DJ Bobo - Let The Dream Come True
Fun Factory - Close To You
Fun Factory - I Wanna B With U
Haddaway - What Is Love
Haddaway - Life
La Bouche - Sweet Dreams
La Bouche - Be My Lover
Le Click - Tonight Is The Night
Maxx - Get-A-Way
Mr. President - Coco Jamboo
Real McCoy - Another Night
Real McCoy - One More Time
Real McCoy - Run Away
Snap! - Rhythm Is A Dancer
UK/Canada
Berri - Sunshine After the Rain
Capital Sound - Higher Love
Capital Sound - Your Love Is My Energy
Emjay - Sound of My Heartbeat
Emjay - In Your Arms
Gina G - Ooh Aah… Just a Little Bit
Koko - Open Your Eyes
Livin' Joy - Dreamer
Livin’ Joy - Don't Stop Movin'
Denmark
Aqua - Barbie Girl
Aqua - Doctor Jones
Aqua - Lollipop (Candyman)
Crispy - Licky Licky
Daze - Superhero
Hit 'n' Hide - Space Invaders
Me & My - Dub-I-Dub
Miss Papaya - Hero
Tiggy - Ring-a-Ling
Toy-Box - Best Friend
Toy-Box - The Sailor Song
Sweden/Norway
Bambee - Typical Tropical
Dr. Alban - It’s My Life
E-Type - This Is The Way
E-Type - Angels Crying
Rednex - Cotton Eye Joe
Reset - Blue
Reset - Calling You
Smile.dk - Boys
Smile.dk - Butterfly
Solid Base - Come'n Get Me
Solid Base - Come On Everybody
2 Unlimited - Get Ready For This
2 Unlimited - No Limit
Alice Deejay - Better Off Alone
Alice Deejay - Back In My Life
Paradisio - Bailando
T-Spoon - A Part of My Life
T-Spoon - Sex On The Beach
Technotronic - Move This
Twenty 4 Seven - Slave to the Music
Vengaboys - We Like To Party
Vengaboys - Boom Boom Boom Boom
Vengaboys - We're Going to Ibiza
Italy
Alex Party - Don’t Give Me Your Life
Ann Lee - 2 Times
Black Box - Strike It Up
Cappella - U Got 2 Let the Music
Cappella - Move On Baby
Corona - Rhythm Of The Night
Corona - Baby Baby
Eiffel 65 - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Eiffel 65 - Move Your Body
Gala - Freed From Desire
Whigfield - Saturday Night
Whigfield - Think Of You
Germany/Switzerland
Amber - This Is Your Night
Amber - Sexual (Li Da Di)
Captain Hollywood Project - More and More
Culture Beat - Mr. Vain
Culture Beat - Got To Get It
Culture Beat - Anything
DJ Bobo - Let The Dream Come True
Fun Factory - Close To You
Fun Factory - I Wanna B With U
Haddaway - What Is Love
Haddaway - Life
La Bouche - Sweet Dreams
La Bouche - Be My Lover
Le Click - Tonight Is The Night
Maxx - Get-A-Way
Mr. President - Coco Jamboo
Real McCoy - Another Night
Real McCoy - One More Time
Real McCoy - Run Away
Snap! - Rhythm Is A Dancer
UK/Canada
Berri - Sunshine After the Rain
Capital Sound - Higher Love
Capital Sound - Your Love Is My Energy
Emjay - Sound of My Heartbeat
Emjay - In Your Arms
Gina G - Ooh Aah… Just a Little Bit
Koko - Open Your Eyes
Livin' Joy - Dreamer
Livin’ Joy - Don't Stop Movin'
Denmark
Aqua - Barbie Girl
Aqua - Doctor Jones
Aqua - Lollipop (Candyman)
Crispy - Licky Licky
Daze - Superhero
Hit 'n' Hide - Space Invaders
Me & My - Dub-I-Dub
Miss Papaya - Hero
Tiggy - Ring-a-Ling
Toy-Box - Best Friend
Toy-Box - The Sailor Song
Sweden/Norway
Bambee - Typical Tropical
Dr. Alban - It’s My Life
E-Type - This Is The Way
E-Type - Angels Crying
Rednex - Cotton Eye Joe
Reset - Blue
Reset - Calling You
Smile.dk - Boys
Smile.dk - Butterfly
Solid Base - Come'n Get Me
Solid Base - Come On Everybody
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST
Missing:
Berri - Sunshine After the Rain
Capital Sound - Higher Love
Capital Sound - Your Love Is My Energy
Emjay - Sound of My Heartbeat
Emjay - In Your Arms
Koko - Open Your Eyes
Miss Papaya - Hero
E-Type - This Is the Way
E-Type - Angels Crying
Reset - Calling You
Smile.dk - Boys
Smile.dk - Butterfly
DA RULES
- We don't think we'd be better off alone, so please make sure you send your ballots to BOTH @iheartpoptarts and @DJHazey.
- Don't make us feel like saying I'm blue da-ba-dee da-ba-daa by sending a troll ballot that we'd have to toss out. Just have fun and don't favor just one or two artists with your scores.
- While you're dancing free until the morning light, know that you must give all songs a score between 0 and 10, just limit the decimals to .1 or .25 (.1, .2, .25, .3, etc.)
- What is love, you may ask, well it's the kind of love you give to just one song, the one you give your 11 to.
- There's no no, no no no no, no no no no, no no there's no limit to the amount of commentary you send in. The more the merrier!
- It's your life, so vote for whatever versions/remixes you love best!
- So if we all come together because we know what to do, then things will go without a hiccup.
TUESDAY JULY 24TH
11:59 PM EDT
Happy rating! Love y'all!
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