Mixed Pop Groups & Duos Rate • WINNER ANNOUNCED
- Thread starter Doodvid
- Start date
Thanks all, those are great! Exactly what I was looking for, something a little bit more poppers o'clock than Cliff Richard and Shakin' Stevens.
he/him
I still can’t believe this was approved.
Or this
Glam Aid are iconic.
Glam Aid are iconic.
she/her
Christmas dance party!
he/him
“So I’m here to say how I feel right now…”
#11
Pop! - ‘Heaven And Earth’
Average score: 8.623
High scorers: @idratherjack @unnameable (2 x 11) @Markus1981 @AcerBenII @Conan @Hudweiser (4 x 10) @Doodvid (9.7) @Ezz (9.5)
Low scorers: @Sprockrooster @j267 (2 x 5) @Remorque (6.8)
Notable achievements:
Reached #14 in the UK in 2004
1 CD format was disqualified from the chart sales figures for the song’s second week (more on that later…)
Appeared in the videogame ‘Dance Stage Fusion’
‘So near yet so far’ will be the theme of this elimination write-up sadly.
Pop! (possibly the most Google-unfriendly band name in history) unfortunately stumble just before our final Top 10 in scenes reminiscent of the release of this, their debut single. The group formed in the early days of this very forum so we’re in a unique position to be able to view immediate (and witheringly blunt) reactions to their short-lived career. Suffice to say opinion was very-much divided on Pete Waterman’s latest colourful project and the notorious chart disqualification of ‘Heaven And Earth’, leading to the single sinking almost 50 places in its second week of sales, didn’t help the cynicism. Here’s what unfolded back in May 2004:
So, like most awful things in life, we can blame Westlife. (although ‘When You’re Looking Like That’ and ‘If I Let You Go’ exist so there is that in their favour I s’pose)
Poor Pop! had any momentum derailed by this upset, although speculation at the time suggested this was all an Uncle Pete publicity stunt to grab headlines after the less than stellar debut chart position:
Hmmmmm. Either way, ‘Heaven And Earth’s slightly clubbier-version of the Steps’ sound is undeniably catchy and ultimately this track deserves way more than being just an oft-forgotten footnote in mixed pop group history. (HI PETE WATERMAN, GIVE US THE GODDAMN UNRELEASED ALBUM PLEASE. Lots of love, Pop! fans and fans of pop)
Voters say:
@unnameable 11
This is perfection of the pop sound of that era.
It’s a shame the band didn’t have more success.
@Hudweiser 10
I love that they imported a touch of Eurodance to the soundscape for this (that middle eight is IT!)
@Doodvid 9.7
This must’ve been for Steps/H & Claire right? Ms Richards was MADE to belt out those high notes.
@Ezz 9.5
Simply gorgeous, it builds brilliantly and the change up for the middle 8 is an unexpected treat.
@DJHazey 9
I don’t know if the blonde girl hypnotized me or that I’m truly a sucker for this kind of lightweight stuff, but I’m swept up in it. Plus the chorus explodes onto the scene so incredibly.
#11
Pop! - ‘Heaven And Earth’
Average score: 8.623
High scorers: @idratherjack @unnameable (2 x 11) @Markus1981 @AcerBenII @Conan @Hudweiser (4 x 10) @Doodvid (9.7) @Ezz (9.5)
Low scorers: @Sprockrooster @j267 (2 x 5) @Remorque (6.8)
Notable achievements:
Reached #14 in the UK in 2004
1 CD format was disqualified from the chart sales figures for the song’s second week (more on that later…)
Appeared in the videogame ‘Dance Stage Fusion’
‘So near yet so far’ will be the theme of this elimination write-up sadly.
Pop! (possibly the most Google-unfriendly band name in history) unfortunately stumble just before our final Top 10 in scenes reminiscent of the release of this, their debut single. The group formed in the early days of this very forum so we’re in a unique position to be able to view immediate (and witheringly blunt) reactions to their short-lived career. Suffice to say opinion was very-much divided on Pete Waterman’s latest colourful project and the notorious chart disqualification of ‘Heaven And Earth’, leading to the single sinking almost 50 places in its second week of sales, didn’t help the cynicism. Here’s what unfolded back in May 2004:
So, like most awful things in life, we can blame Westlife. (although ‘When You’re Looking Like That’ and ‘If I Let You Go’ exist so there is that in their favour I s’pose)
Poor Pop! had any momentum derailed by this upset, although speculation at the time suggested this was all an Uncle Pete publicity stunt to grab headlines after the less than stellar debut chart position:
Hmmmmm. Either way, ‘Heaven And Earth’s slightly clubbier-version of the Steps’ sound is undeniably catchy and ultimately this track deserves way more than being just an oft-forgotten footnote in mixed pop group history. (HI PETE WATERMAN, GIVE US THE GODDAMN UNRELEASED ALBUM PLEASE. Lots of love, Pop! fans and fans of pop)
Voters say:
@unnameable 11
This is perfection of the pop sound of that era.
It’s a shame the band didn’t have more success.
@Hudweiser 10
I love that they imported a touch of Eurodance to the soundscape for this (that middle eight is IT!)
@Doodvid 9.7
This must’ve been for Steps/H & Claire right? Ms Richards was MADE to belt out those high notes.
@Ezz 9.5
Simply gorgeous, it builds brilliantly and the change up for the middle 8 is an unexpected treat.
@DJHazey 9
I don’t know if the blonde girl hypnotized me or that I’m truly a sucker for this kind of lightweight stuff, but I’m swept up in it. Plus the chorus explodes onto the scene so incredibly.
@berserkboi 8
Nice little ditty!
Nice little ditty!
A rather unfortunate outing with live vocals. You have been warned…(Poor Jade)
This extended version is worth it alone for the ridiculous and needlessly dramatic breakdown 1 minute in:
(The WIP mix is also available in a radio edit form)
Old Popjustice Forum says:
This extended version is worth it alone for the ridiculous and needlessly dramatic breakdown 1 minute in:
(The WIP mix is also available in a radio edit form)
Old Popjustice Forum says:
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I was getting a little worried for Doctor Jones so I'm pleased with this elimination. I gave both Pop!'s remaining songs an 8 but slightly prefer Can't Say Goodbye.
This isn't my perfect Top 10 but I'm happy with it. I have an 8, 8.5, 9.5 and 7 10's.
she/her
The minute @Doodvid said the other day it was an act with two songs remaining I knew it would be this! I have to say I think Heaven and Earth is superior to Can't Say Goodbye but I like both so I'm not mad.
Heaven and Earth was my 11 as it's just pop perfection to my ears with the clubbier production than most of the songs in the rate and I love Jade's voice (we won't speak of that live "vocal"). The B-side Someone Like You is amazing too. I wonder if there is an unreleased album? If so it's my holy grail of flop pop. I know Glenn said in an interview there wasn't but he freely admits that he was nowhere near the recording studio so who knows...
I'm still glad it got this far as I very nearly gave my 11 to Deuce's Call It Love as I was convinced it would make Top 5 here and look what happened there!
Heaven and Earth was my 11 as it's just pop perfection to my ears with the clubbier production than most of the songs in the rate and I love Jade's voice (we won't speak of that live "vocal"). The B-side Someone Like You is amazing too. I wonder if there is an unreleased album? If so it's my holy grail of flop pop. I know Glenn said in an interview there wasn't but he freely admits that he was nowhere near the recording studio so who knows...
I'm still glad it got this far as I very nearly gave my 11 to Deuce's Call It Love as I was convinced it would make Top 5 here and look what happened there!
Heathens. Heaven & Earth is everything good about this godforsaken genre we call pop.
Buckle up, get those single cassettes with the step-by-step dance moves, tune in to our final countdown! We kick off our top 10 with a song that perennially reminds me of summer.
Inside an empty room - My inspiration flows
Can't wait to hear the tune - Around my head it goes
The magic melody - You want to sing with me
Just la la la la la - the music is the key
#10
ATC - 'Around the World (La La La La La)
Average score: 8.7
High scorers: @Ezz, @Sprockrooster, @saviodxl, @idratherjack, @berserkboi, @Untouchable Ace, @DJHazey, @AcerBenII, @Ana Raquel, @iheartpoptarts, @unnameable (11 x10), @MilesAngel (8.5), @Remorque (8.3)
Low scorers: @Wezzo (5.5), @Doodvid (6.6), @Mvnl, @Hudweiser, @Conan (3 x7), @Lost In Japan. (7.5)
Notable achievements: The highest number of 10 scores awarded to a song to date, with 11 top scores. Their most notable and breakthrough single, achieving #1 in Austria, Germany , Poland, Romania and Switzerland
I was really pleased when this song's performance held up, in a top 10 mainly consisting of more prolific acts. Joseph "Joey" Murray, Sarah Egglestone, Livio Salvi and Tracey Elizabeth Packham met on a touring production of 'Cats' in Germany. No wonder their friendship has endured! Watching contemporary acts of the time, the group decided to form a dance group in 1999. 'Around the World' was their debut single, and the global nature of the group was highlighted in promotional material and in the most gloriously camp minute of pop, their spoken prelude to debut album 'Planet Pop'. The song was a cover of Russian hit "Pesenka" by Ruki Vverh!, retaining the song's melody but overlaying English lyrics.
'Around the World' was released in May 2000 and was an instant hit, spending six weeks at number 1 in Germany and achieving success on over 20 charts. One of the exceptions was of course the tasteless UK, where the song failed to chart on its initial release. Not to be deterred, the song was re-released in August 2002 with a remix and achieved a respectable #15 position. I first came across 'Around the World' on this compilation album during a summer trip to London just after my A-levels - read the track list and weep for lost times!
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The success of this song propelled the group to release more singles and two albums: this track and the follow up single 'My Heart Beats Like a Drum' were featured in the amazing 00s Eurodance rate by@DJHazey and @iheartpoptarts. Hopefully we'll have the chance to sneak a track or two into our follow up rate too! Back to 'Around the World', it has had an astounding number of covers and re-workings. These include an orchestral version featuring Mel C (I still can't get my head around things like Ibiza Anthems with an orchestra, surely the point is to be in a club with sweat dripping onto you and bass blasting?) and two appearances in the last couple of years. In 2019, Dutch DJ R3hab released a reworked version, with the band receiving a credit. This was followed last year by Ava Max interpolating 'Around the World' within her 2020 single 'My Head and My Heart'. A long and enduring lifespan for a gloriously simple and catchy 'call and response' dance-pop song,
Voters say:
@saviodxl 10
I love how the boys are just eye candy and you don't hear their voices once in the song. Also, Ava Max was a wise b*tch for sampling this.
@Ezz 10
Perfect joyous video and a great blend of clubbier and pop vibes.
@berserkboi 10
A potential 11 right here! My Heart Beats Like A Drum would be it! <3
@DJHazey 10
An formative song for my Eurodance journey that will never dip below 10/10 in my lifetime.
@iheartpoptarts 10
Melodically amazing, and so Eurodance iconic.
@unnameable 10
Between this version, “Magic melody” and Ava Max interpolating this, the tune will never die.
The Dome looks absolutely iconic
One of the song's many second and third lives, this time in 2007 by fellow Eurodance stalwarts beFour:
Inside an empty room - My inspiration flows
Can't wait to hear the tune - Around my head it goes
The magic melody - You want to sing with me
Just la la la la la - the music is the key
#10
ATC - 'Around the World (La La La La La)
Average score: 8.7
High scorers: @Ezz, @Sprockrooster, @saviodxl, @idratherjack, @berserkboi, @Untouchable Ace, @DJHazey, @AcerBenII, @Ana Raquel, @iheartpoptarts, @unnameable (11 x10), @MilesAngel (8.5), @Remorque (8.3)
Low scorers: @Wezzo (5.5), @Doodvid (6.6), @Mvnl, @Hudweiser, @Conan (3 x7), @Lost In Japan. (7.5)
Notable achievements: The highest number of 10 scores awarded to a song to date, with 11 top scores. Their most notable and breakthrough single, achieving #1 in Austria, Germany , Poland, Romania and Switzerland
I was really pleased when this song's performance held up, in a top 10 mainly consisting of more prolific acts. Joseph "Joey" Murray, Sarah Egglestone, Livio Salvi and Tracey Elizabeth Packham met on a touring production of 'Cats' in Germany. No wonder their friendship has endured! Watching contemporary acts of the time, the group decided to form a dance group in 1999. 'Around the World' was their debut single, and the global nature of the group was highlighted in promotional material and in the most gloriously camp minute of pop, their spoken prelude to debut album 'Planet Pop'. The song was a cover of Russian hit "Pesenka" by Ruki Vverh!, retaining the song's melody but overlaying English lyrics.
'Around the World' was released in May 2000 and was an instant hit, spending six weeks at number 1 in Germany and achieving success on over 20 charts. One of the exceptions was of course the tasteless UK, where the song failed to chart on its initial release. Not to be deterred, the song was re-released in August 2002 with a remix and achieved a respectable #15 position. I first came across 'Around the World' on this compilation album during a summer trip to London just after my A-levels - read the track list and weep for lost times!
The success of this song propelled the group to release more singles and two albums: this track and the follow up single 'My Heart Beats Like a Drum' were featured in the amazing 00s Eurodance rate by@DJHazey and @iheartpoptarts. Hopefully we'll have the chance to sneak a track or two into our follow up rate too! Back to 'Around the World', it has had an astounding number of covers and re-workings. These include an orchestral version featuring Mel C (I still can't get my head around things like Ibiza Anthems with an orchestra, surely the point is to be in a club with sweat dripping onto you and bass blasting?) and two appearances in the last couple of years. In 2019, Dutch DJ R3hab released a reworked version, with the band receiving a credit. This was followed last year by Ava Max interpolating 'Around the World' within her 2020 single 'My Head and My Heart'. A long and enduring lifespan for a gloriously simple and catchy 'call and response' dance-pop song,
Voters say:
@saviodxl 10
I love how the boys are just eye candy and you don't hear their voices once in the song. Also, Ava Max was a wise b*tch for sampling this.
@Ezz 10
Perfect joyous video and a great blend of clubbier and pop vibes.
@berserkboi 10
A potential 11 right here! My Heart Beats Like A Drum would be it! <3
@DJHazey 10
An formative song for my Eurodance journey that will never dip below 10/10 in my lifetime.
@iheartpoptarts 10
Melodically amazing, and so Eurodance iconic.
@unnameable 10
Between this version, “Magic melody” and Ava Max interpolating this, the tune will never die.
The Dome looks absolutely iconic
One of the song's many second and third lives, this time in 2007 by fellow Eurodance stalwarts beFour:
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he/him
This album was indeed iconic and first introduced me to these legendary tracks:
Worth investigating alone for the following interpretation:
And the ultimate inclusion (beyond the Almighty Edit of ‘Just A Little’) was one last triumph from N-Trance with the glorious ‘Forever’. Yes Queen Kelly, purge those lungs!
‘Southern Sun’ was also a highlight.
Sadly ATC’s effort wasn’t to my liking and my commentary would have read:
@Doodvid 6.6
Far too basic to be Top Ten in this rate. Sounds like a cheap throwaway novelty like Eiffel 65’s ‘Blue’ and never really gets me going.
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He/Him
How homophobique!
Around The World (La La La La La) is iconic. Ava Max knew what was up when she interpolated this masterpiece into her latest Poundland Gaga bop. I wish there had been more Eurodance mixed pop groups!
he/him
We had a German exchange student in my school when ATC came to the States, and she was always disgusted that I was their fan. Sorry that you don’t like sonic joy and delight, LISA.
he/him
he/him
Would that it was!!!!Lisa:
I need to watch this fully, possibly with a gin to counter its slightly chaotic nature but it sounds like a reunion tour might be on the cards! Bless Joe at the start, imitating all of us (well certainly me) still trying to navigate Zoom / Teams / etc (not to mention embedding Instagram here, heeeelp!)
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMDba5HHi3s/?utm_medium=copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMDba5HHi3s/?utm_medium=copy_link