Were you, like many, ready to write off Aqua as another 90s one-hit wonder, filed alongside Baha Men’s “Who Let The Dogs Out?” or Eiffel 65’s “Blue (Da Ba Dee)”? Before last Wednesday, I might have agreed, relegating them to the same category as fleeting pop sensations. “Barbie Girl,” their inescapable mega-hit, felt like the extent of their legacy. However, witnessing Aqua’s electrifying performance at The Fillmore in Minneapolis completely shattered that perception. They aren’t a novelty act; they are a vibrant, engaging band with a catalog far deeper than just that iconic, bubblegum pop anthem.
Before Aqua took the stage and proved their staying power, the night kicked off with two compelling opening acts: NOVUL and VASSY. NOVUL was first to ignite the stage, and from the moment she appeared with her two dancers, the audience was hooked. Her sound is a dynamic blend of pop, hip-hop undertones, and a touch of EDM. While not strictly within my usual musical tastes, NOVUL’s captivating stage presence and the mesmerizing choreography of her and her dancers were undeniable. By the end of her set, even I was caught up in the infectious energy of her beats.
Next up was VASSY, hailing all the way from Australia. The crowd’s enthusiastic reception as she took the stage was genuinely surprising. Perhaps NOVUL had already perfectly primed the audience, or maybe VASSY’s popularity had somehow escaped my notice. Regardless, the energy surged as VASSY launched into her set, also rooted in pop and EDM. The venue pulsed with her infectious, nose-ring-vibrating beats, though she also showcased a softer side with some more introspective tracks. VASSY even playfully acknowledged that the crowd might not be the typical audience for ballads, but she performed them nonetheless. While these mellower moments slightly shifted the overall energy, a current of excitement remained palpable throughout her performance.
But let’s be honest, as impressive as NOVUL and VASSY were, the anticipation was truly for Aqua. Yes, that Aqua, the band behind the ubiquitous “Barbie Girl song.” With the recent “Barbie” movie craze, perhaps you’re experiencing “Barbie Girl” fatigue. I get it. However, I’m here to emphatically declare that this Danish group is vastly more than their single chart-topper, a point they emphatically proved during their dynamic set on Wednesday.
Image of Aqua band members Rene Dif and Lene Nystrom performing energetically on stage.
Let’s rewind a bit. Aqua’s journey began in 1995. They’ve navigated periods of hiatus, but have been actively performing again since 2016. Their discography includes three albums, with 1997’s “Aquarium,” the album that spawned “Barbie Girl,” undeniably being their breakthrough. While to casual listeners (myself included, prior to this concert), they might seem like a quintessential one-hit wonder, it became clear that many in the audience were devoted fans, deeply familiar with their broader musical repertoire and thrilled for this rare opportunity to see them live. Incredibly, despite their late 90s explosion in popularity, this tour marks Aqua’s first ever in the United States, amplifying the excitement in the air. Whether drawn in by “Barbiemania,” genuine Aqua fandom, or simply seeking a fun night out, the palpable energy as the band took the stage was impossible to ignore.
Throughout Aqua’s set, music videos played behind them (when available), and genuine smiles radiated from the stage, mirrored by the ecstatic grins in the audience. The entire performance felt like it was on fast forward. Though their set was a solid hour and a half, the sheer fun and vibrant energy made it feel even shorter. Admittedly, I was in the minority, unfamiliar with most of their songs beyond “Barbie Girl.” Yet, watching the crowd dance and sing along with unrestrained joy song after song, I couldn’t help but regret my past underestimation of this band.
Their musical style is definitively Euro-pop: upbeat, danceable, with incredibly catchy melodies and an infectious energy that almost transcends sound, evoking visual sensations – a synesthetic experience of music and light. While Euro-pop isn’t my typical genre of choice, the sheer exuberance of Aqua’s performance was universally appealing. Beyond the music itself, the band members’ connection with the audience was striking. From the core trio – vocalists René Dif and Lene Nystrøm, and keyboardist Søren Rasted – to the backing musicians and vocalists, each member seemed dedicated to creating a shared experience with the crowd. I had preconceived notions of a potentially detached, routine performance, so I was genuinely surprised and impressed when Lene and René ventured from the stage to the barricade, directly engaging with the front rows during a song. It was a simple gesture, common among performers, but it underscored the genuine connection Aqua fostered with their fans that night.
Close-up shot of Aqua vocalist Lene Nystrøm singing and reaching out to touch audience members.
Aqua powered through a seventeen-song set, culminating in a single-song encore. I had anticipated “Barbie Girl” being the highlight, but the entire performance transcended that single track, which was truly heartwarming to witness. I’m officially retiring the “one-hit wonder” label when it comes to Aqua (though old habits die hard, I’ll certainly try!). They created genuine magic on stage that night. Whether Aqua will tour the US again remains to be seen, but if they do, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing their show. It’s a guaranteed night of vibrant colors, infectious energy, and a rediscovery of music from years past that deserves recognition beyond a single, albeit massive, hit. Aqua deserves far more respect than they’ve often received, and hopefully, this tour and the enthusiastic audience response are steps towards correcting that.
Line Up:
Venue: The Fillmore
Smell-O-Meter: Nothing Notable
Average Age of the Crowd: 38
Groove-ability: 9 out of 10
Overall Score: 8 out of 10
Show on Deck: Nelly / Ja Rule / Ashanti / T.I.
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