Mixed Pop Groups & Duos Rate • WINNER ANNOUNCED
- Thread starter Doodvid
- Start date
he/him
‘New Direction’ is one my favourite Juniors/8 songs, it’s very Kylie and more mature than at least the rest of the Together album.
Rush, Feel The Beat, I Just Came To Dance and I Come Alive are my fave album tracks.
he/him
While we’re on a Juniors kick, let’s kick another Juniors out!
(If ever there was a phrase to alert social services…)
“Hold on
Hold on
Hold on to my lovin’…”
#27
S Club Juniors - ‘One Step Closer’
Average score: 8.132
High scorers: @Conan @Markus1981 @Remorque @iheartpoptarts @Doodvid (5 x 10) @Untouchable Ace (9.1) @Ezz @berserkboi @idratherjack @Wezzo (4 x 9)
Low scorers: @Sprockrooster (4) @DJHazey (4.8) @Hybridcookie @AcerBenII @j267 (3 x 7)
Notable achievements:
UK #2 in 2002, selling over 250k
23rd highest selling single in 2002 in the UK
First song in this rate to score over an 8 point average
One of the YouTube comments asks, “Is it bad I’m 33 & think this is a banger?” and therein lies the main crux of the uphill battle the S Club Juniors brand were constantly facing throughout their duration. Appeal to kids (easy) but also attract an older pop-loving fanbase, many of which felt it inherently uncomfortable/problematic to outwardly support a group of singing pre-teens. Flashback to the fever dream nightmarishness of Channel 4’s 1980s ‘Minipops’ TV series:
*shudder*
However there’s absolutely no denying the outright pop pedigree of ‘One Step Closer’. Written by Cathy Dennis, Tim Lever and Mike Percy, mixed by faves Jewels & Stone, and produced by Rose & Foster (Lolly!), it follows very much in the upbeat footsteps of the S Club ‘Seniors’ dancefloor-friendly bop tradition. And is kinda irresistible! Losing out on the #1 single spot only to Sugababes’ ‘Freak Like Me’ and Holly Vallance’s ‘Kiss Kiss’ proved the group had what it took to take on chart heavyweights and ensured a fairly flawless 2 year singles run (we don’t claim ‘Puppy Love’ though for reasons)
Voters say:
@iheartpoptarts 10
It’s coming at you baby, it’s… what? Somebody answer me please because I’ve wondered this like a million years.
@Doodvid 10
Pure bliss. This once filled the dancefloor at Bristol’s old Steamrock club student night (aka Steamy C*ck) and WENT OFF!
@berserkboi 9
Cheese galore in the best way!
@Ezz 9
It's a testament to their ability that this would work on a dancefloor!
@saviodxl 7.5
I thought I was gonna hate it. I don't hate it. But also don't love it.
@DJHazey 4.8
They just sound far too young and the song isn't necessarily amazing but it's really hard to know for sure.
The obligatory Almighty remix!
(If ever there was a phrase to alert social services…)
“Hold on
Hold on
Hold on to my lovin’…”
#27
S Club Juniors - ‘One Step Closer’
Average score: 8.132
High scorers: @Conan @Markus1981 @Remorque @iheartpoptarts @Doodvid (5 x 10) @Untouchable Ace (9.1) @Ezz @berserkboi @idratherjack @Wezzo (4 x 9)
Low scorers: @Sprockrooster (4) @DJHazey (4.8) @Hybridcookie @AcerBenII @j267 (3 x 7)
Notable achievements:
UK #2 in 2002, selling over 250k
23rd highest selling single in 2002 in the UK
First song in this rate to score over an 8 point average
One of the YouTube comments asks, “Is it bad I’m 33 & think this is a banger?” and therein lies the main crux of the uphill battle the S Club Juniors brand were constantly facing throughout their duration. Appeal to kids (easy) but also attract an older pop-loving fanbase, many of which felt it inherently uncomfortable/problematic to outwardly support a group of singing pre-teens. Flashback to the fever dream nightmarishness of Channel 4’s 1980s ‘Minipops’ TV series:
*shudder*
However there’s absolutely no denying the outright pop pedigree of ‘One Step Closer’. Written by Cathy Dennis, Tim Lever and Mike Percy, mixed by faves Jewels & Stone, and produced by Rose & Foster (Lolly!), it follows very much in the upbeat footsteps of the S Club ‘Seniors’ dancefloor-friendly bop tradition. And is kinda irresistible! Losing out on the #1 single spot only to Sugababes’ ‘Freak Like Me’ and Holly Vallance’s ‘Kiss Kiss’ proved the group had what it took to take on chart heavyweights and ensured a fairly flawless 2 year singles run (we don’t claim ‘Puppy Love’ though for reasons)
Voters say:
@iheartpoptarts 10
It’s coming at you baby, it’s… what? Somebody answer me please because I’ve wondered this like a million years.
@Doodvid 10
Pure bliss. This once filled the dancefloor at Bristol’s old Steamrock club student night (aka Steamy C*ck) and WENT OFF!
@berserkboi 9
Cheese galore in the best way!
@Ezz 9
It's a testament to their ability that this would work on a dancefloor!
@saviodxl 7.5
I thought I was gonna hate it. I don't hate it. But also don't love it.
@DJHazey 4.8
They just sound far too young and the song isn't necessarily amazing but it's really hard to know for sure.
The obligatory Almighty remix!
‘One Step Closer’ was chosen as the first single by the show ‘American Juniors’, a Simon Fuller-led ‘American Idol’ spin-off in 2003. The track reached #2 in Canada but the group had a really odd line-up of 4 girls (with wildly varying ages) and 1 boy (who really gets his life in this performance, bless him!)
Old Popjustice Forum says:
Last edited:
He/Him
I made the thread title - yippee!!
And don’t stress oldies like me - it is still fine to enjoy kiddy bangers well into your late 30s like moi!
And don’t stress oldies like me - it is still fine to enjoy kiddy bangers well into your late 30s like moi!
he/him
This one going out before the Top 20 is a big upset…
…shall I “go on and on and on”?…
“You can say what you want
You’ve got it all wrong”
#26
Deuce - ‘Call It Love’
Average score: 8.195
High scorers: @Markus1981 @Remorque @MilesAngel @AcerBenII @Doodvid @idratherjack (6 x 10) @Hudweiser (9.5)
Low scorers: @unnameable (5) @Wezzo (6) @Untouchable Ace (6.2) @j267 (6.5)
Notable achievements:
In 1995 it reached #11 in the UK, #7 in Scotland, and #14 in Ireland
Made #1 in the Israel singles chart
Video featured cameos from label-mates Tony Mortimer from East 17 and members of 2wo Third3 amongst the art critics
With a promotional campaign as amazingly kitschy and creative as this, ‘Call It Love’ couldn’t fail to capture the attention right?
Deuce crashed onto the scene in late 1994 with a prime spot performing live on the televised Smash Hits Poll Winners Party, and with its rollicking Eurodance energy wowing both pop fans and club-goers alike ‘Call It Love’ was predicted to be a huge smash when released in early 1995. As it happened the track stalled just outside of the Top 10 despite being hammered on radio and TV throughout January, however in a rare occurrence for “disposable” pop at that time it ascended up the charts over an extended period as can be seen from its chart run here:
21 - 19 - 15 - 11 - 11 - 15 - 21 - 30 - 36 - 52
Described variously as ‘Abba meets Whigfield’ or ‘Abba on speed’ (sound familiar, Pete Waterman?), Deuce got off to a great start with this utterly euphoric single suggesting a very bright future ahead for the fluorescent foursome…(sob!)
I’m already anticipating several voters decrying this early elimination with the line:
“There’s really no way, it’s just too wild!”
Hold on tight, kids!
Voters say:
@AcerBenII 10
Call It Love and I Need You are probably my number 2 and 3 from this list, but very difficult to pick between them. I think the fact Deuce released only four singles before triumphantly disappearing from the face of the Earth makes them all the more special.
@Doodvid 10
Rod Thomas (aka Bright Light Bright Light) once played the blistering JX remix of this at a 90s club night he ran and I cry-danced to it. An iconic debut single.
@Hudweiser 9.5
Just a few years ahead of their time, but at least it was a moderate hit. The keys go off here.
@Ezz 9
Brilliant dramatic opening
@DJHazey 8.3
Never heard of this band before, which is surprising because they sound Hazeytastic here.
@berserkboi 8
Tis nice!
@iheartpoptarts 7
What’s with the babies though?
(The protagonist sings about their lover acting like a child)
2 amazing ‘Top of the Pops’ performances:
The amazing JX Kissy Kissy remix (also brilliant in the vocal remix form here):
Rare promo version of the song which is way more 1994 Eurodance especially in the middle-8 instrumental breakdown:
Old Popjustice Forum says:
Kelly from Deuce says:
…shall I “go on and on and on”?…
“You can say what you want
You’ve got it all wrong”
#26
Deuce - ‘Call It Love’
Average score: 8.195
High scorers: @Markus1981 @Remorque @MilesAngel @AcerBenII @Doodvid @idratherjack (6 x 10) @Hudweiser (9.5)
Low scorers: @unnameable (5) @Wezzo (6) @Untouchable Ace (6.2) @j267 (6.5)
Notable achievements:
In 1995 it reached #11 in the UK, #7 in Scotland, and #14 in Ireland
Made #1 in the Israel singles chart
Video featured cameos from label-mates Tony Mortimer from East 17 and members of 2wo Third3 amongst the art critics
With a promotional campaign as amazingly kitschy and creative as this, ‘Call It Love’ couldn’t fail to capture the attention right?
Deuce crashed onto the scene in late 1994 with a prime spot performing live on the televised Smash Hits Poll Winners Party, and with its rollicking Eurodance energy wowing both pop fans and club-goers alike ‘Call It Love’ was predicted to be a huge smash when released in early 1995. As it happened the track stalled just outside of the Top 10 despite being hammered on radio and TV throughout January, however in a rare occurrence for “disposable” pop at that time it ascended up the charts over an extended period as can be seen from its chart run here:
21 - 19 - 15 - 11 - 11 - 15 - 21 - 30 - 36 - 52
Described variously as ‘Abba meets Whigfield’ or ‘Abba on speed’ (sound familiar, Pete Waterman?), Deuce got off to a great start with this utterly euphoric single suggesting a very bright future ahead for the fluorescent foursome…(sob!)
I’m already anticipating several voters decrying this early elimination with the line:
“There’s really no way, it’s just too wild!”
Hold on tight, kids!
Voters say:
@AcerBenII 10
Call It Love and I Need You are probably my number 2 and 3 from this list, but very difficult to pick between them. I think the fact Deuce released only four singles before triumphantly disappearing from the face of the Earth makes them all the more special.
@Doodvid 10
Rod Thomas (aka Bright Light Bright Light) once played the blistering JX remix of this at a 90s club night he ran and I cry-danced to it. An iconic debut single.
@Hudweiser 9.5
Just a few years ahead of their time, but at least it was a moderate hit. The keys go off here.
@Ezz 9
Brilliant dramatic opening
@DJHazey 8.3
Never heard of this band before, which is surprising because they sound Hazeytastic here.
@berserkboi 8
Tis nice!
@iheartpoptarts 7
What’s with the babies though?
(The protagonist sings about their lover acting like a child)
2 amazing ‘Top of the Pops’ performances:
The amazing JX Kissy Kissy remix (also brilliant in the vocal remix form here):
Rare promo version of the song which is way more 1994 Eurodance especially in the middle-8 instrumental breakdown:
Old Popjustice Forum says:
Kelly from Deuce says:
Last edited:
25 mixed pop group songs better than this?
Seriously, this should be Top 5. I agonised between giving my 11 to this or another song (still in the running). I'm surprised it didn't get even one 11 teebs. It really is pop perfection. For a generation of gays Deuce were utterly thrilling.
Seriously, this should be Top 5. I agonised between giving my 11 to this or another song (still in the running). I'm surprised it didn't get even one 11 teebs. It really is pop perfection. For a generation of gays Deuce were utterly thrilling.
he/him
25 mixed pop group songs better than this?
Here, according to our voters!
allSTARS* - Things That Go Bump In The Night
Aqua - Barbie Girl
Aqua - Doctor Jones
Aqua - Turn Back Time
Army Of Lovers - Crucified
ATC - Around The World (La La La La La)
Deuce - On The Bible
H & Claire - All Out Of Love
H & Claire - DJ
Hear'Say - The Way To Your Love
Infernal - From Paris To Berlin
Liberty X - Just A Little
Liberty X - Thinking It Over
Liberty X vs. Richard X - Being Nobody
Pop! - Can't Say Goodbye
Pop! - Heaven And Earth
Pop! - Serious
S Club 8 - Fool No More
S Club 8 - Sundown
Same Difference - Souled Out
Same Difference - We R One
Same Difference feat. Alcazar - Karma Karma
Scooch - More Than I Needed To Know
Scooch - The Best Is Yet To Come
Vengaboys - Boom Boom Boom Boom
*NO COMMENT*
I only think one of those is better and that's my 11. I couldn't believe at the time I didn't give Deuce my 11 in a rate but in retrospect I'm quite glad now. Watch [redacted] be next out!
Another one to add to the chorus of 'Call It Love' was robbed. I couldn't believe it when I saw the notification. Should be Top 10 at least.
Last edited:
he/him
During the 00s when Clubland-esque dance remakes were all the rage, ‘Call It Love’ got its own cover version by an unknown called Luci. Put a donk on it etc etc
It even had the obligatory piano-led ‘candelight mix’, prompted by DJ Sammy’s ‘Heaven’:
And if you ever need a panpipe version of ‘I Need You’, perhaps to soundtrack an elevator ride for example, you’re in luck:
It even had the obligatory piano-led ‘candelight mix’, prompted by DJ Sammy’s ‘Heaven’:
And if you ever need a panpipe version of ‘I Need You’, perhaps to soundtrack an elevator ride for example, you’re in luck:
Hello the boys' legs!
I'm still reeling from Call It Love not making the Top 10, it's the biggest upset in any rate for me. I suppose I'm partly to blame for not giving it my 11. This is the first time Deuce have ever been in a rate that I've taken part in and I still can't believe I didn't give them my top score!
I also felt a bit sorry for them earlier watching the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party 1994 on @AcerBenII's brilliant YouTube channel when they lost out to Boyzone and Nick Howard (?) for best new act and only got to come onstage at the very end and dance awkwardly next to everyone else!
I also felt a bit sorry for them earlier watching the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party 1994 on @AcerBenII's brilliant YouTube channel when they lost out to Boyzone and Nick Howard (?) for best new act and only got to come onstage at the very end and dance awkwardly next to everyone else!