Take the Splash as You Dive Back Into Aqua With Re-Release of ‘Aquarium’

Q&AMusic

Nov 10

☆ By Meghan Flood ☆

CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF “BARBIE GIRL” — Aqua has re-released their iconic album Aquarium, both digitally and on vinyl. The group first catapulted into fame with their song “Barbie Girl” in 1997, leaving the globe singing “I’m a Barbie Girl, in the Barbie World” on loop.

Behind the hit-making band are lead vocalist Rene Dif, Norwegian-born Lene Nystrøm, and producers Søren Rasted and Claus Noreen. Originally formed under the name Joyspeed in 1994, they quickly changed their name to the iconic Aqua, coinciding with the original launch of Aquarium. In this first launch, the album sold more than 17 million copies worldwide.

“With the release of our debut album, we had six major hit singles and experienced great success around the world,” Nystrøm described.

While we might be in a Y2K resurgence, the explorative and experimental fashions of Aqua are sure to draw both old and new listeners. Our first glimpse into their cartoon world is smack-bang on the cover of the vinyl, with an underwater introduction to the band — neons, spiked hair, and all.

The album’s 25th anniversary edition comes in a classic white, as well as a hot pink that blows you away to a Barbie world. Hits on the album include “Happy Boys & Girls,” the sister track to “Barbie Girl” you never knew you needed.

“Doctor Jones” is a must-add to your movie moments playlist, with uptempo beats and an infectious melody that will have you up and dancing in no time. The track embodies the early 2000s makeover moment we all love.

If you’re looking for your synth fix, there’s no better song than “Roses Are Red.” Relistening to this album, the bubblegum-pop synth combination in this song will transport you to another dimension.

Switching tones, “Turn Back Time” brings a slowed down groovy moment cut straight from a Bond film, before flipping into a love ballad. A standout on the album, it slows things down, showing Aqua’s more emotional and equally grungy side.

Summarizing the playful cartoonish aspects of the ’90s, “Barbie Girl” pulls you into an iconic imaginary landscape of neon pink and dollhouse decor. Listening to the iconic track on vinyl is a must, and might just be the best way to really listen to each line and melody while you sing along at top volume.

Make sure to get your hands on this iconic rerelease, and for any vinyl collectors out there, this is sure to be a timeless addition to your collection.

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We couldn’t be more stoked to have Suriel Hess as our new headliner for our upcoming LA show 🤩 🫶 Not gonna lie, us & Notorious Noise kinda went OFF with this line up & you’re not gonna wanna miss it - ticket link in bio 🎫