Aqua

Aqua are a Danish Euro-dance group from Copenhagen, formed in 1994 and active from 1994 to 2026. The group consists of Lene Grawford Nystrøm, Claus Norreen, Søren Rasted and René Dif. Their music spans bubblegum dance, dance-pop, electropop, eurodance, europop and pop.

Career

The group first forms in 1989 under the name Joyspeed before taking the name Aqua in 1994. They gain international recognition in the late 1990s and early 2000s, led by the single "Barbie Girl". Their first three singles reach number one on the UK Singles Chart, and their early commercial reach extends beyond Europe to the United States, Australia and Japan.

Aqua release the albums Aquarium in 1997 and Aquarius in 2000. Their recorded output sells approximately 33 million albums and singles, placing them among the most successful Danish and Norwegian acts. "Barbie Girl" also attracts legal attention from Mattel, although the lawsuit is dismissed.

Reunion and later releases

The group disbands in 2001, then reunites in 2007 for a reunion tour. In 2009 they release a greatest-hits collection that includes remastered tracks and new songs such as "Back to the 80s". Their 2011 album Megalomania is followed by singles including "How R U Doin?", "Like A Robot" and "Playmate To Jesus". These later releases achieve more limited success, mainly in their home countries.

Members and roles

The line-up includes vocalists Lene Nystrøm Rasted and René Dif, keyboardist Søren Rasted and guitarist Claus Norreen. After the split, the members pursue solo work or other roles in the music industry.