Happy Nation
Happy Nation, the debut album by Ace of Base, made its mark on the music scene in 1992. Influenced by Jamaican reggae, the album was later rebranded as The Sign for North America, Japan, and some Latin American countries, featuring revised tracks and new additions.
With over 19 million copies sold worldwide, Happy Nation/The Sign became the best-selling debut studio effort in music history and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Happy Nation (U.S. Version)
Happy Nation (U.S. Version) came on 22 November 1993 to coincide with the album’s release in North America under the title The Sign.
The Sign
“The Sign,” combined hits from the first album “Happy Nation” with new chart-toppers like “Don’t Turn Around” and “The Sign”. This top-selling album, which sold over 26 million copies, dominated the Billboard 200 for 26 weeks.
The Bridge
The Bridge,Experience the magic of the 1995 sophomore album. A unique collaboration, the album features contributions from all four members in writing, production, vocals, and harmonies, setting it apart from their other releases. With catchy singles “Beautiful Life” and “Lucky Love” climbing the US Billboard charts, “The Bridge” highlights the band’s captivating sound and undeniable talent.
Flowers
Flowers, the third album, dropped in June 1998 to international acclaim. Tailored for different markets, an alternate version titled “Cruel Summer” was launched in the USA and Canada, featuring remixes and new songs. Hybrid versions were introduced in Japan and Australia, reflecting the band’s global appeal and knack for versatility in their music production.
Cruel Summer
“Cruel Summer” is a dynamic blend of pop, euro disco, Motown, and dance. Released as the band’s third album in North America, Japan, and Latin America, it features the new hit “Everytime It Rains” alongside fresh versions of tracks originally on “Flowers.” Guided by executive producer Clive Davis, and with contributions from powerhouses like Cutfather & Joe and Billy Steinberg, “Cruel Summer” showcases the band’s versatile musical prowess.
Singles Of The 90s
As we reminisce about the Singles of the 90s, one band that stood out was Ace of Base. The Swedish pop band became a household name with their catchy tunes and upbeat rhythms. In 1999, they released their compilation album “Singles of the 90’s” which included some of their most popular hits. Let’s take a closer look at this album and what made it so special.
Da Capo
In 2002, Ace of Base introduced their fourth studio album, “Da Capo.” It debuted in Europe via Edel-Mega/Universal and in Japan through Toshiba EMI, with the latter version boasting a unique cover and extra songs. Despite its soft release in the UK by Polydor Records and scarce promotion, “Da Capo” embodies the group’s signature sound, marking a noteworthy point in their discography.
Greatest Hits
Greatest Hits is a compilation album that was released by Arista Records in North America on 18 April 2000. It fulfilled the contractual obligations of the band with the record label and marked the end of their relationship. In this article, we will delve deeper into the album, its track listing, and its significance in the band’s discography.
Hidden Gems
“Hidden Gems,” a compilation album, showcases unreleased material and unique b-sides from 1991-2006. Released by Playground Music, the album reveals a treasure trove of music, including updated tracks previously shared during Ace Thursdays on their Facebook page. With five songs that were earlier released as b-sides and bonus tracks, “Hidden Gems” lives up to its name, offering a deeper exploration into the band’s musical journey.