Aqua Album: “Aquarius”

I enjoyed Aquarium, Aqua's first album. All the songs tended to sound kind of the same, but that was OK with me because I liked that sound. Having heard "Cartoon Heroes" before I bought Aquarius CD, I knew that I was going to like the CD. However, I never suspected just how much I'd like it. Musically, Aqua has grown quite a bit between its first and second CDs. The songs on Aquarius are much more diverse than the ones on Aquarium. Although the group is clearly moving into new territory, it hasn't abandoned what it knows how to do right: Recording songs that are both catchy and fun. (Not since the B-52s' last CD have I had as much fun listening to a CD.) Besides the songs themselves, I also got a lot of enjoyment from the photos in the CD jacket, which show the group members doing all sorts of space-hero stuff. I've also learned that for those with computers (and who reading this doesn't have one?), the CD has the "Cartoon Heroes" video on it. (I'll have to check that out as soon as I get home.) The bottom line: If you like music that's fun and catchy, I can't see how you wouldn't enjoy this CD.

Everybody knows Aqua as the Danish pop-dance group who exploded into the music scene with their 1997 debut album Aquarium, which included the much loved and equally hated hits "Barbie Girl", "Dr. Jones", and "Lollipop (Candyman)". Known for their catchy tunes and quirky and funny videos, Aqua was embraced by appreciative popsters everywhere.

I had expected their follow-up album "Aquarius" to be more of the same, but I was surprised to discover a group that had matured tremendously during the past 3 years, a growth that practically reeks from every song. The opening track and first single, "Cartoon Heroes" (the sci-fi video of which reportedly cost $3.3 million) still has that Aqua structure consisting of lead singers Lene Nystrom (in her little girl voice) and Rene Dif (in his big mean voice) bantering back and forth buoyed along a catchy melody. However, the track is richly laden with strings, horns, and drums mixed in with their usual synth sounds and beat. Their lyrics have started to show hints of cynicism and learned observations of life, but Aqua still do it in a fun and lively way.

It's tough to get bored with this collection of songs because each one is totally different from the other. From the infectious first single, to the reflective beauty of "We Belong To The Sea", to the salsa-inspired "Cuba Libre", to the hard-driving "Halloween", it seems impossible that no one can find at least one song in this entire collection that they like.

Much of the credit for this new sound and insight goes to Aqua's songwriters and musicians Soren Rasted and Claus Noreen, both of whom spent nearly a year composing, developing, and recording around 40 songs, of which only 12 made it into the album. As varied as their songs are, they are difficult to classify as well. "Around The World" is an upbeat song about their many travels, sung with much melancholy and longing. Contradictory and ironic, I know, but there it is. It is this self-same irony that is clearly evident in much of the songs. "Freaky Friday" is another wildly upbeat song that talks about the cruel and over the top tragedy that befalls the singer. "Back From Mars" pokes fun at Hollywood and it's excesses and ultimately pokes fun at themselves for their own outlandish appearance and antics. Lene sings:

"This is oh so just fantastic, I will live my life in plastic Check the hair, and see what I wear."

The group is little more serious this time around, but let it not be said that they had forgotten to laugh at themselves. A lot of their videos attest to this. They have long been honest about what they are and the kind of songs that they do. They are pop musicians, they love what they do, and they are here to have some fun.

Amidst all the evident maturity of these songs, the naughtiness of "Bumble Bees" seems almost obscene, and it's the one track in the entire album that is closest to the sound of their first album. And yet, it is this one track that has the most potential to become it's biggest hit. I'm pretty sure that even Aqua themselves would laugh at the irony of it.

these guys (and girl) are just excellent. i loved them since 'barbie girl'. you can tell they came a long way from 'barbie girl' and came out with the album of their career.

the hands down best track is 'cartoon heros'. i love this song and surprisingly it is on the dance dance revolution game and SDTK (but the speedy remix, which is better). but this version rocks.

another track that shines is 'good guy'. i just love her voice in this song.

buy this if you want to stay away from the 'barbie girl' world.

I bought Aquarium and was happy... I loved to hear tracks like 'Dr. Jones' and 'Lollipop'. Aaaah them were the good ol days. Then Aqua released another album... Aquarium... I bought it and alas... the one thing that made aqua aqua... was gone... the happiness is gone... replaced by an almost depressing feeling of a black and white parade in the 1940's... all the tracks sound the same and the only thing i can picture is a little black and white version of red riding hood you keep begging to see be attacked by a wolf. I'm sorry but this CD does not live up to any of the expectations I had had for it. I heraby dub this cd... HARDCORE AQUA FANS ONLY

2 stars

it gets one star cuz i can't pick zero and another for the neat little enhanced goodies on it.

When Aqua hopped onto the music scene with the controversal " Barbie Girl " in their debut album " Aquarium ", people were both impressed and surprised at their music. With their second album " Aquarius " ( also their last album, Aqua has splitted up last year ), they show us that they have more musical variety than one can imagine. Here is a track-by-track review:-

1) Cartoon Heroes ( 1st Single ):- Another quirky tune that has to do with the animated world. This time posing as monster fighting heores from outer space, the song takes the listener on a fun ride. Sets the tone for most of the album.

2) Around The World ( 2nd Single ):- A slightly more sophisticated tune about mostly the same thing. The arrangement is less loud and more grand.

3) Freaky Friday:- Like the name suggests, this is one of the rare Aqua songs that is quite freaky to listen to...

4) We Belong To The Sea:- This is a pretty bittersweet ballad and Aqua surprises most listeners because they are actually quite talented in composing & singing slower songs as well. One of my recommendations from this album.

5) An Apple A Day:- Back on the lines of their funky tunes, this song featured crazy lyrics and an even crazier melody.

6) Hallowe'en:- Although not as scary to listen to as " Freaky Friday ", this song might turn some listeners off by its peculiar melody.

7) Good Guys:- Maintaining Aqua's strongpoint of having fun songs, this is another good example of that.

8) Back From Mars:- One of the understated songs in this album, I actually find this song to be one of the funniest songs Aqua has ever put out!

9) Aquarius:- Quite clearly the strongest and the best done ballad they have done. From the grand orchestral arrangement to the strong vocal displays to the nice tune, this song shows Aqua at their best. The best song in the album!

10) Cuba Libre:- As the title suggests, this song features a latin-inspired melody and a catchy dance beat.

11) Bumble Bees:- Not quite " Flight of the Bumblebees " but still creates the atmosphere of a bunch of bees buzzing throughout the song. Fun to listen to.

12) Goodbye To The Circus:- Now that I listen to this song after they have split up, the meaning is quite sad. This song breaks from all other songs Aqua has done before. The almost show-tune like quality has Aqua thanking everyone and hope they've enjoyed the show. A wonderful end to their fun ride.

I personally quite miss Aqua and their musical talents, from " Barbie Girl ", to " Doctor Jones ", to " Turn Back Time ", to " Cartoon Heroes ", Aqua has graced the music scene with their brilliant talents. I hope they come back. But in the meantime, buy and enjoy this last album of theirs.