Where:
Oslo Spektrum
Spectators:
Approx. 9000
«It was definitely a party!»
See all reviews
The comeback and the huge interest is likely partly due to a certain movie about Barbie and Ken that was released last year. 27 years after it was released on Aqua’s debut album “Aquarium”, “Barbie Girl” received a new boost. The original song is not featured in the film, but it is sampled by rappers Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice in their “Barbie World”.
“Barbie Girl” has 570 million listens on Spotify. The new rap version from the Barbie movie has nearly as many in just under a year. The circle is complete, and it was probably tempting to breathe life into “Circus Aqua”! Because it is a kind of circus when the band, which started 30 years ago, goes on tour without a single new song. They just sing their old songs. What is somewhat surprising for someone not in the target group is how many of them there are. Songs, that is. Do people like them? Definitely.
Audience Response
As a reviewer, it is easy to get lost in the musical content and forget the audience’s response. It is rarely more important to consider both aspects as it is during a concert with Aqua. It of course depends on whether you like the songs, the music, the simple lyrics, the voices, and the whole concept, and it is easy to dismiss the band as simple bubblegum pop and Eurodance.
But – it is part of the story that they actually mean a lot to quite a few people. It represents their youth, and tonight the audience is on a nostalgia trip that lasts for 90 minutes. It is very much about being happy and “having some fun”, and there is no doubt that most people in the Spektrum are probably quite happy themselves, exemplified by a few thousand mobile phones lighting up the hall.
Discovery of Lene
In short: Lene Nystrøm (51) is discovered by René Dif (57) in 1994. There are a couple of theories about how this happened, whether it was when she was singing on the ferry to Denmark or when she was a host on “Casino” on TVNorge. With Lene on board, Joyspeed changes its name to Aqua. The band disbands in 2001 and reunites in 2007. Claus Noreen steps down before a new reunion in 2017, and now Aqua is on the Scandinavian leg of a long tour. Dif (57) and Søren Nystrøm Rasted (55) now constitute Aqua, tonight with three other musicians and two backup singers behind them.
No Dynamics
Musically, it’s so-so. Aqua had several other hit songs, and they all come out. Most of the focus is pulled from the debut album. But it is truly not easy to differentiate them when the sound is so massive, the tempo so intense – and the volume so high – as it is in the Spektrum. A particularly heavy beat ensures that all dynamics and most details in the soundscape disappear. It sounds like one big rumble, aside from the acoustic guitar intro on “Good Morning Sunshine”.
Both Nystrøm and Dif sing better than on the records, perhaps because they have grown older – although it must be reported that it sounds a bit off here and there.
Back to the 80s
It starts gently with the title song from “Aquarius” (2000) featuring Nystrøm and Rasted (piano) - and strings on tape - on one side of the large stage. From ”Back to the 80’s“, there is full stage rig with three large, round screens revealing most things. The song has a slightly different tone than when Tramteatret sang about this decade back in 1980.
Full Engagement
There is full engagement from the audience, and already by song number four, confetti is raining down. The audience loves Aqua! Those standing on the floor jump more than they stand still, and those of us seated can feel the chairs shaking. In contrast, those sitting are also standing and clapping wildly. With “Barbie Girl”, it explodes, and Nystrøm gives her old boyfriend René Dif a long kiss out of sheer joy. Earlier in the evening, before “Turn Back Time”, she had been sitting at the keyboard, flirting a little with her ex-husband and the father of her two children (Rasted).
Undramatic
The tour has not been without drama. In March this year, Nystrøm experienced a panic attack during a concert in Perth, Australia, which had to be interrupted and could only resume after about an hour. Tonight’s event unfolds undramatically, except for a moment at the beginning when she loses sound in her ear. Dif does not trust that we understand Danish, and speaks English throughout the concert. Fortunately, Lene has not forgotten her Norwegian after many years in Denmark.
“Cartoon Heroes” is the best and catchiest song of the evening. It suits a trio that has been called a “cartoon band” and more. There are many who do not like Aqua, but the fans love them. It is quite obvious in Oslo Spektrum tonight.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Aqua Expert: Revisiting Nostalgia and Music Dynamics
Time.news Editor: Good evening, everyone. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emma Lindberg, a musicologist specializing in pop culture and nostalgia trends. We’re here to discuss Aqua’s recent concert at Oslo Spektrum, which not only packed in approximately 9,000 fans but also reignited interest in their classic hits due to the resurgence of “Barbie Girl” in pop culture. Welcome, Emma!
Dr. Emma Lindberg: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss this fascinating blend of nostalgia, music, and popular culture.
Editor: So, Aqua was back on stage performing songs that many might consider dating back to their debut album “Aquarium,” released nearly 30 years ago. What do you think contributed to such a strong turnout for their concert?
Dr. Lindberg: There are a few factors at play here. The biggest is undoubtedly the cultural revival sparked by the recent Barbie movie. Although Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” isn’t featured in the film, its essence is captured through the sampling of their song in “Barbie World” by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice. This kind of cross-generational attention can really elevate a band’s status and draw in both old and new fans.
Editor: Right! “Barbie Girl” has racked up an impressive 570 million listens on Spotify. How do you see this resonating with audiences today, especially considering the evolution of music consumption over the years?
Dr. Lindberg: That’s a great question. The massive streaming figures indicate that music continues to serve as a vessel for nostalgia. For many, Aqua represents a carefree youth, eluding pressures and responsibilities, which is a powerful emotional trigger. The fact that these older songs are being revived and recontextualized in modern media makes them relatable to today’s listeners, who often seek an escape from their realities through music.
Editor: Speaking of nostalgia, the atmosphere at the concert was described as a “nostalgia trip.” Can you elaborate on how musical performances can evoke such deep emotions in audiences?
Dr. Lindberg: Absolutely! Live performances can create an immersive experience that intensifies emotions. For Aqua fans, singing along to their hits is not just about the music; it’s a communal experience that evokes memories. Simple lyrics and catchy melodies play into this quite well. It’s about reliving moments, creating connections with fellow fans, and celebrating those shared experiences. The mobile phones lighting up during performances symbolize a collective memory, binding the audience together in that moment.
Editor: It was noted in the review that while Aqua performed many of their familiar hits, there was criticism regarding their musical dynamics. Why do you think a band would choose to tour with a focus solely on older songs?
Dr. Lindberg: Bands often lean on their biggest hits, particularly when reuniting, to draw in audiences that seek comfort in familiarity. However, it does create a challenge, especially when most songs come from a single, distinct sound era. The energy in these live shows can lead to a sort of sonic overload, potentially drowning out the finer nuances of the music. For Aqua, who thrived on upbeat Eurodance vibes, the delivery might become more about spectacle than auditory clarity.
Editor: A pertinent observation. Many people dismiss bubblegum pop and Eurodance as simple or superficial, but as you highlighted, these genres can carry significant meaning for their fans. How can we better understand the cultural impact of such music?
Dr. Lindberg: It’s important to contextualize music within its cultural moment. While bubblegum pop may seem trivial, it reflects societal trends. Aqua, for instance, encapsulated a fun, post-90s vibe that was all about enjoying life and letting loose. Their lyrics may not be deeply profound, but they resonate on a level of joy and happiness that many seek. Recognizing this cultural backdrop is essential to appreciating the larger significance of these artists.
Editor: Well said, Emma. do you think Aqua’s revival signifies a larger trend in the music industry toward nostalgia?
Dr. Lindberg: Definitely. We see this across multiple music genres, but especially in pop, where the past is being revisited with a modern twist. Audiences crave connection—whether it’s through familiar tunes or the reinterpretation of older songs in contemporary contexts. This trend will likely continue as long as there is a yearning for that sense of community and emotion tied to musical experiences. It brings out the joy in our shared past.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lindberg, for your insights into Aqua’s concert and the broader implications of nostalgia in music. It’s a fascinating area ripe for discussion!
Dr. Lindberg: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to explore how music can connect us across generations.
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End of Interview