Ssynthesizers, cartoon atmospheres and eccentric colours. With their music — a mix of light electronica, eurodance and bubblegum pop — and adeliberately kitsch aestheticThe Aqua they were one of the most iconic bands of the nineties. The Danish groupcomposed of Lene Nystrøm, René Dif, Søren Rasted and Claus Norreenwhich became famous throughout the world thanks to the hit of 1997 Barbie Girlha dissolution officially announced. The news arrived via a long message published on social media: «For us, this seems to be the case the right time to say goodbyewhile the memories are still strong and the love for music, for our history and for each other remains intact.”
Barbie Girl, the symbol of an era
«I’m a Barbie girl, in the Barbie world» is not just a refrain, but the symbol of an entire era, of a generation and of a pop aesthetic that has become cult. In a time when music was looking for show and entertainmentThe Aqua they built a an immediately recognizable universe made of fluorescent colours, surreal video clips and caricatured characters. The success of Barbie Girl it goes beyond music. The song became a true cultural phenomenon, the reflection of the more pop, consumerist side of the nineties facing the 2000s. An ironic song, built on stereotypes, and which plays with the concept of appearance and superficiality in a provocative but light way. In short, is there really anyone who has never tried to imitate the voices of Lene Nystrøm and René Dif at the beginning of Barbie Girl?
The career of Aqua
Born in Denmark in the early ninetiesThe Aqua conquered the international scene in 1997 thanks to Barbie Girla song contained in the album Aquariumwhich quickly led them to dominate music charts, radio and television. After that success came other singles destined to enter the pop imagination of the end of the millennium: Doctor Jones, My Oh My, Cartoon Heroes And Around the World. Songs that have become true pillars of European dance of those years.
Aquaa story made of pauses and returns
After the first dissolution, which occurred in 2001the components embarked on separate paths, only to then find themselves in the 2007 for a reunion welcomed with enthusiasm by historical fans. In the following years the group returned to the scene with new recording projects and a long series of revival concerts dedicated to Nineties pop culture. From the 2016after the release of Claus NorreenThe Aqua they continued as trio formed by Lene, René and Søren.
The return of 90s nostalgia
In recent years the Aqua have experienced a new season of popularity thanks to the revival of music and aesthetics of the nineties. Thematic festivals, international tours and the return of the imaginary Barbie in pop culture. The culmination comes with the success of the film Barbie with Margot Robbie. In the message shared online, the band wanted to thank the public for the support received over all these years: «We have traveled the world countless times, met so many wonderful people, sang along with millions of you, and shared memories that we will carry with us forever».
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