Cruel Summer
Single
Never Give Up: Ace of Base's Inspiring Rendition of Cruel Summer
Initially recorded in 1983 by Bananarama, Cruel Summer is a timeless hit that continues to inspire generation after generation. Ace of Base's American record label Arista Records recognized the song's profound impact and asked the band to record their version for their album Flowers (1998).
The song became the lead single for the album's American version, also called Cruel Summer, and soared as the second single worldwide. The Big Bonus mix of the song, a dance-driven version, swept mainland Europe, while the original album version touched North America and the UK.
True to the band's style and character, the song became an instant commercial success. It reached number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and eight on the UK Singles Chart. The song was Ace of Base's final Top 10 single in these countries, and its gold certification in the US continues to prove its significance.
Never give up, and your endeavours will continue to inspire and stand the test of time, just like Ace of Base's rendition of Cruel Summer.
Ace of Base's Take on the Classic Tune
In 1998, Swedish pop group Ace of Base breathed new life into the song "Cruel Summer" at the behest of their German and American record labels, PolyGram and Arista Records.
With catchy beats and their signature harmonies, Ace of Base's rendition quickly climbed the charts, becoming a staple of late-'90s pop music.
Chart-Topping Success
A Hit on Both Sides of the Atlantic
"Cruel Summer" not only reached number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 but also made it into the top 10 in several European countries, including Hungary, the UK, and on MTV's European Top 20.
The song's popularity even led to a gold certification in the US, proving that Ace of Base's take on the track had resonated with listeners worldwide.
International Appeal
The song's success extended beyond Europe and the US, becoming a top 30 hit in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Iceland, and Switzerland.
Canadian listeners also embraced the track, pushing it to number two on the RPM Dance/Urban chart and six on the RPM Top Singles chart.
Multiple Versions and a Memorable Music Video
As if the original album version wasn't enough, Ace of Base released a "dancier" mix of this song in mainland Europe.
This Big Bonus mix, produced by Stephen Hague, Jonas "Joker" Berggren, Ulf "Buddha" Ekberg, and Johnny Jam & Delgado, offered fans an alternative take on the track, further cementing its status as a late-'90s pop anthem.
The Iconic Music Video
Directed by English director Nigel Dick and shot in Rome, Italy, the "Cruel Summer" music video became an instant classic.
Three different versions of the video were created, each featuring additional footage and mixes of the song.
These included the original video, the Big Bonus Mix video, and a French version featuring Alliage, a French boy band.
Conclusion
Ace of Base's rendition of this song remains a beloved pop hit from the late 1990s, showcasing the band's ability to revive a classic tune while adding their unique touch.
The song's chart-topping success and memorable music video resonate with fans, serving as a testament to the group's lasting impact on the music industry.
FAQs:
- When did Ace of Base release their version of "Cruel Summer"?
Ace of Base released their version of this song in 1998 as the second single from their third album, Flowers.
How did "Cruel Summer" perform on the charts?
The song reached number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number eight on the UK Singles Chart, and achieved top 10 status in various European countries.
What are the different versions of "Cruel Summer"?
There are two main versions of the song: the original album version and the Big Bonus mix, a "dancier" version released in mainland Europe.
How many music videos were created for "Cruel Summer"?
Three music videos were created for this song, each featuring different footage and mixes of the song.