As the Y2K was winding down, Sweedish Pop sensations, the A☆TEENS, were just heating up. Fresh off the success of their debut album The ABBA Generation, disco may have been dying (again), but the super-sweet taste of bubblegum-pop had American teenagers on a sugar high! Something, Amit, Dhani, Marie, and Sara were all too happy to feed. 

On 20 November the group released “Upside Down” as the lead track from their sophomore album TEEN SPIRIT. The group’s first original song was written by Gustav Jonsson (Grizzly), Markus Sepehrmanesh, and Tommy Tysper. Produced by both Grizzly and Tysper the song was a top ten hit in 8 countries and was certified platinum by its third week of release! The music video was number one on several countdowns around the world and was 2001’s 25th most-played video on MTV Mexico. 

The full-length album followed on 26 February 2001 and consisted of thirteen tracks. An “Enchanted CD” it also featured digital content. While Hi-tech at the time, the quality of said content has not stood the test of time.

The second single from the album “Halfway Around the World” was released on 12 March 2001 and was certified Gold by the RIAA as well as other music organizations all around the world. 

Sugar Rush, the group’s third single, was released on 18 June 2001. The music video, shot in Malibu while the group was on tour with Aaron Carter, was fun and dripping with summer fun. 

Several different versions of the album were released in various territories. The Japanese album included the bonus track “Can’t Stop the Pop” while the Thai edition not only featured an alternate cover but also several remixes and the bonus track “Give It Up” written by RedOne and Nanna. 

On 14 November 2001, the group released the A☆TEENS DVD collection, which featured all of the music videos for their first two albums, three bonus tracks, and an interview segment. The album was reissued on 14 January 2022. 

TEEN SPIRIT: New Version featured new artwork and included the Ray Hedges 7″ Mix of Heartbreak Lullaby, which was featured on the soundtrack (and in the film) of the European cut of the feature film The Princess Diaries. 

While critics were harsh on the album they did praise the fact that both Amit and Dhani had more prominent roles on the new songs. Like ABBA, the guys were pretty much glorified backup for the girls on the first album. While critics may not have been fond of the album, the Walt Disney Company was. A☆TEENS were about to Pop ’til You Drop!

More A☆TEENS soon so…

StayTuned!