Well, it's official. Thanks to this just-released video for ''Back to the 80s," the new single from "Barbie Girl" creators Aqua, my excitement for '90s band reunions is no more. I'm looking forward to Blink-182 and No Doubt's summer tours. I'm totally okay with the LFO reunion tour that's launching in July. But really — Aqua? What's next, Chumbawamba?
If we can get past the fact that the song is essentially a dance version of Bowling for Soup's ''1985'' (which I'm not sure I can — how many novelty '80s nostalgia songs do we really need?), the video is just a mess of laser backgrounds, hair band costumes, and leopard print. And, as the astute Simon Vozick-Levinson pointed out to me in an email, why is a late-'90s act singing about the '80s? Shouldn't they be reminiscing about platform sneakers and scrunchies instead?
Take a gander below, and tell me: are you as affronted by this audio/visual travesty as I am, Music Mixers? Or are you on board the Aqua reunion train? (Note: If you did, in fact, enjoy this video, are you also holding out for an OMC/Eiffel 65/Len/Vengaboys resurrection?)
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I’ve been addicted to this song for weeks! I was 7 when barbie girl came out and have been a fan ever since! I hope they do an american tour….whats bannarama btw?
First time I heard it. I think its catchy
There is definitely a line of acceptability between bands that had multiple hits and albums reuniting like No Doubt and blink-182, and bands that are basically one hit wonders doing the same (I vavuely remember 1 other Aqua single that wasn’t popular around where I grew up), and I think this crosses that line…
Ok, I kinda LOVED it. And I am 30 years old. I am totally a kid of the 80′s, and remember Aqua from when I was a teen, and actually met them a few times, and they were so nice & fun. Exactly as they appear in their videos, totally just fun to be around & definitely NOT typical popstars! Anyone who can’t enjoy this should remove that stick planted up their butts, and Jean & Simon, do you just not like this cause you’re not old enough to remember the 80′s and the time their singing about!? This is fun & i doubt they’re releasing this in the U.S., its prolly just for Europe. *SIGH*
I discovered this song last week on iTunes. At the bottom of the front page, you can change the country. This song is currently #1 in Norway and I thought it sounded great. Also I liked the #1 in New Zealand – “My House” by Kids of 88. YouTube has the video.
There’s a whole world of music out there!
Why the hate for Chumbawamba? Sure, their one hit was ridiculously overexposed, but on the whole, their music was thoughtful, politically charged and interesting to listen to.
The LFO reunion is an entire tour, not just one night. But thanks for being okay with it!
myspace.com/lfo
aqua has never been known for amazing vids, this fits right in with the rest. it cannot be denied though that this song is catchy and i am on board to visit the 80s
I absoloutely love the song… Back to Aqua here we go!!
I love this song and Aqua!
I’m really glad they’re making an awesome comeback!
I love this song! They’ve had plenty of songs other than Barbie Girl – I don’t want to toss around the word “ethnocentric” but yeah there is a thriving music industry outside of the U.S. believe it or not!
Hmmm… so much for “professional” music reviewers. LOL
Virtually every commenter here likes or loves this Aqua song. And that includes me.
Welcome back, Aqua!
Hmmm… so much for “professional” music reviewers. LOL
Virtually every commenter here likes or loves this Aqua song. And that includes me.
Welcome back, Aqua!
@ last they are back the biggest selling band across europe return and are on form for a number 1 record right across the board again.
It’s too bad Chumbawamba is seen as such a joke, they are one of the most fascinating punk/dance/folk/rock bands in music history.