1997 in Music

Welcome to a musical memory lane from 1997! The year was a remarkable one for the Irish music industry with several chart-topping hits that became instant classics. 1997 was a year of change and innovation in music, with new genres emerging and established artists experimenting with new sounds. From U2’s iconic “Discotheque” to the infectious pop sound of the Spice Girls’ “2 Become 1,” we’ll be exploring the diverse range of music that dominated the airwaves and our hearts during this era. No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak” brought the band to new heights of success, while Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” and Hanson’s “MMMBop” became worldwide phenomena. So, whether you’re feeling nostalgic for the good old days or you’re discovering these songs for the first time, sit back and enjoy the ride as we take a stroll through the musical landscape of 1997 in Ireland.

U2 – Discotheque

Discotheque” is a song by the Irish rock band U2, released as the lead single from their 1997 album “Pop”. The song features a dance-oriented sound, which was a departure from U2’s traditional rock style, and incorporates electronic beats and samples. A different approach for 1997 In Music

The lyrics of the song revolve around the theme of club culture and the allure of the nightclub scene. Lead singer Bono uses various metaphors and imagery to describe the experience of going out and dancing, including references to “discotheques” and “the neon light”.

The song features a catchy chorus that repeats the line “You know you’re chewing bubblegum”, and also includes a spoken-word section in which Bono imitates a club DJ announcing a song.

“Discotheque” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The music video, which features the band dressed in elaborate costumes and performing in a nightclub setting, also received critical acclaim and won several awards.

Spice Girls – 2 Become 1

2 Become 1″ is a song by the British girl group Spice Girls, released as the third single from their debut album, “Spice”, in 1996. The song features a romantic, slow-tempo sound and incorporates elements of pop and R&B.

The lyrics of the song revolve around the theme of sexual relationships and the idea of two people becoming one in a physical and emotional sense. The chorus repeats the line “I need some love like I never needed love before”, while the verses describe the various stages of a romantic relationship, including attraction, flirtation, and physical intimacy.

The song features lead vocals by Emma Bunton and Melanie C, with harmonies provided by the other members of the group. The instrumentation includes a simple, melodic guitar riff and a steady drumbeat, as well as subtle strings and synth flourishes.

“2 Become 1” was a commercial success, reaching number one in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia. The song also received critical acclaim, with many praising its catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics, and the vocal performances of the Spice Girls. The music video, which features the group dressed in winter clothing and singing in the snow, has become iconic and is often associated with the holiday season.

No Doubt – Don’t Speak

Don’t Speak” is a song by the American rock band No Doubt, released as the third single from their third studio album, “Tragic Kingdom,” in 1996. The song features a mid-tempo pop rock sound, with a prominent acoustic guitar riff and a memorable chorus.

The lyrics of the song revolve around the theme of a breakup and the pain of losing a relationship. The lead vocalist, Gwen Stefani, sings about the communication breakdown that often occurs when a couple is on the verge of breaking up, with the chorus repeating the line “Don’t speak, I know just what you’re saying.”

The song features a restrained, introspective vocal performance by Stefani, as well as harmonies provided by the other members of the band. The instrumentation includes acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, and subtle synth and string accents.

“Don’t Speak” was a massive commercial success, reaching number one in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The song also received critical acclaim, with many praising its emotional depth, relatable lyrics, and the vocal performance of Stefani. The music video, which features the band performing in a rundown house while various objects are destroyed around them, has also become iconic and is often cited as one of the best music videos of the 1990s, which is reason for why we had to include it in 1997 In Music!

Hanson – MMMBop

MMMBop” is a song by the American pop rock band Hanson, released as the lead single from their debut album, “Middle of Nowhere,” in 1997. The song features a catchy, upbeat sound, with a prominent guitar riff and a memorable chorus.

The lyrics of the song revolve around the theme of friendship and the idea of living in the moment. The chorus repeats the line “MMMBop, ba duba dop, ba du bop, ba duba dop,” which is meant to evoke the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing the people and experiences in our lives.

The song features lead vocals by Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson, who were all teenagers at the time of the song’s release. The instrumentation includes guitars, drums, bass, and subtle synth and horn accents.

“MMMBop” was a massive commercial success, reaching number one in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The song also received critical acclaim, with many praising its infectious melody, catchy chorus, and the youthful energy of Hanson’s performance. The 1997 in Music video, which features the three brothers performing in various settings, including a city street and a park, has also become iconic and is often cited as one of the defining music videos of the 1990s.

Aqua – Barbie Girl

Barbie Girl” is a song by the Danish-Norwegian dance-pop group Aqua, released as the lead single from their debut album, “Aquarium,” in 1997. The song features a upbeat, bubblegum pop sound, with a simple electronic beat and catchy, sing-along chorus.

The lyrics of the song revolve around the theme of consumerism and the commercialization of femininity, with the chorus repeating the line “I’m a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world” and the verses describing the various accessories and lifestyle choices associated with the Barbie brand.

The song features lead vocals by Lene Nystrøm and René Dif, with harmonies provided by the other members of the band. The instrumentation includes a simple synth riff, electronic drums, and various sound effects, including a synthesized dog barking.

“Barbie Girl” was a massive commercial success, reaching number one in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The song also received considerable controversy for its sexually suggestive lyrics and imagery, with Mattel, the makers of Barbie, suing the band for trademark infringement. The music video, which features Nystrøm and Dif dressed as Barbie and Ken dolls, respectively, has also become iconic and is often cited as one of the most memorable music videos of the 1990s

Blue – Bettlebum

Beetlebum” is a song by the English alternative rock band Blur, released as the lead single from their self-titled fifth studio album in 1997. The song features a relaxed, mid-tempo sound, with a prominent acoustic guitar riff and dreamy vocal harmonies.

The lyrics of the song are somewhat ambiguous, but are widely believed to be about drug addiction and the difficulty of getting clean. The chorus repeats the line “And when she lets me slip away,” which could be interpreted as a reference to the seductive pull of drugs.

The song features lead vocals by Damon Albarn, with harmonies provided by guitarist Graham Coxon. The instrumentation includes acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, and subtle keyboard and percussion accents.

“Beetlebum” was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United Kingdom. The song received praise for its dreamy sound and introspective lyrics, as well as Albarn’s vocal performance. The music video, which features the band performing in a stark, white room, has also become iconic and is often cited as one of the best music videos of the 1990s.

The music of 1997 in Ireland was a time of diversity, innovation, and experimentation. The tracks from U2, Spice Girls, No Doubt, Aqua, and Hanson that dominated the airwaves during this time remain some of the most iconic and beloved songs of all time. Whether you’re a fan of pop, rock, or alternative music, the musical landscape of 1997 had something for everyone. We hope that this musical memory lane has brought back some fond memories of a time when these songs were at their peak, and that you’ve enjoyed revisiting some of the most popular and influential tracks from this unforgettable era.

Why not check out our latest new tracks and artists right here in the Void?