"Sweet Harmony" is a 1993 hit single by British band The Beloved. It was released as the first and lead single from their second studio album, Conscience. The song remains the band's biggest hit, peaking at number 8 in the United Kingdom and becoming a club staple. It was followed by a much talked about music videoconsisting of the band's singer naked and surrounded by naked women in a heaven-like setting. The video was based on the record sleeve on the Jimi HendrixalbumElectric Ladyland from 1968. The song was also included on the bands compilation albums, Single File in 1997, The Sun Rising in 2005 and Sweet Harmony: The Very Best Of The Beloved in 2011.
Background and release
"Sweet Harmony" was written and produced by founder member of the Beloved and singer Jon Marsh and his wife, Helena Marsh. It was also the first single after the departure of Steve Waddington and was recorded at Sarm West Studios in London. It was used to promote the second season of the American soap operaMelrose Place in several European countries. The single was released on January 11, 1993. It peaked at number 3 in Austria, number 6 in Germany and Switzerland, number 7 in Greece, and number 8 in the United Kingdom. The song was also a Top 20 hit in Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland and Sweden. On the Eurochart Hot 100, "Sweet Harmony" reached number 20. In the United States, the song peaked at number 23 on the BillboardDance Club Songs chart.
Critical reception
editor Jon O'Brien described the song as a "glorious slice of ice-cool synth pop which manages to be both brooding and euphoric at the same time". Larry Flick from Billboard noted it as a "thumping dance ditty" and added that "slight techno nuances, an uplifting lyrical message, and singer Jon Marsh's warm, soothing tones add up to a delightful jam." He added that "lyrically, "Sweet Harmony" is typical Beloved fare: spiritually uplifting and philosophical." Marisa Fox from Entertainment Weekly commented that "whereas Bryan Ferry infused rock with sensuality, Marsh and his wife-partner, Helena, lace their ethereal mix with house grooves that seduce and hypnotize." She added that the video "features a nude Marsh humming amidst a bevy of bare bohemian babes, all seated in a swirling mist. Music to steam by indeed." Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report wrote that "doing their part to end the divisivness around the globe, The Beloved do some positive preaching backed by the catchy dance/pop that's their trademark. Nothing like a positive message to inspire hope and encourage unity." Music & Media said that the "synth-dominated tune is a traditional verse-chorus pop song, which means very melodic and radio friendly." Rune Slygstad from Nordlandsposten described it as "catchy, synth-oriented pop not far from Pet Shop Boys on their best."
Music video
The music video for "Sweet Harmony" was directed by Big TV. It consisted of a naked and seated Jon Marsh surrounded by naked women - including Tess Daly - lipsynching the lyrics. It is based on the record sleeve on Jimi Hendrix' 1968 album Electric Ladyland, which was taken by photographer David Montgomery. Clouds, fog, and white-out effects were used to create a high contrast, while the participants used their arms, legs and hair to cover themselves. In an interview, Marsh said that the video was "not intended to be sexual" and was "as asexual as you can get" The video is supposed to represent unity between humans. The video was nominated for the International Viewer's Choice Award for MTV Europe at MTV Europe Music Awards in 1993. This music video was later spoofed in 1998 by rapper John Forté in the song "Ninety Nine " from the album Poly Sci in which the same scenes with nude women is featured, except they have chainsaws.
For the 7-track "Sweet Harmony" EP, see the Conscience album.
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Cover versions
In 2000, the song was covered on Spanish language by Spanish band Fangoria and Los Sencillos, with lyrics "Dulce armonia". This version is included on the album Interferencias. In 2002, the song was covered by British producer Vincent Stormfield and released as "Sweet Harmony '02" by Independiente. In 2007, the song was covered by Polish pop group Feel on their multi-platinum selling debut album. In 2007, Ukrainian pop group Tokio released a cover version of the song on Russian language called "My budem vmeste" . In 2014, Israeli pop singer Mei Finegold released a dance version with Shlomi Levi and Shai Rokach which acted as one of the Israeli Pride 2014 official anthems. 2014. Man without Country released a single with a cover of the song In 2016, the song was covered by Sans Souci featuring Pearl Anderson. In 2017, Liverpudlian indie band She Drew The Gun recorded the song, and accompanied it with a video. In 2017, Xenturion Prime released a cover of the song.
In popular culture
The song appears in the 1993 film, Piccolo grande amore. The music video appears in the Beavis and Butt-head episode "Politically Correct", where the duo enjoy the video due to the "naked chicks" and Butt-head stating that it was the "coolest video ever seen." An extended version of the song was used during the end credits of a season 7 episode of Dalziel and Pascoe. The song appears in the 2006 filmAlien Autopsy starring Ant and Dec. The song appears briefly on the episode "Follow the Money" from season 3 of the TV seriesNarcos.
