Ace of Base

Long before streaming made worldwide success instant, Ace of Base managed it the old-fashioned way: by sending irresistible hooks across every radio and club floor on the planet. Their 1993 debut The Sign became one of the best-selling debut albums of all time, powered by three U.S. Top Ten smashes — “All That She Wants,” “Don’t Turn Around,” and “The Sign.”

A favourite behind-the-scenes fact: before the group formed, sisters Jenny and Linn Berggren were singing in church choirs in Gothenburg, while their brother Jonas Berggren and Ulf Ekberg were experimenting with synths and songwriting. Their early demos caught the ear of producer John Ballard, who helped shape that trademark blend of Eurodance, pop, and reggae-tinged grooves that went on to dominate MTV in the early ’90s.

At their peak, Ace of Base were ranked the third most successful Swedish band ever, right behind ABBA and Roxette — an achievement fans still proudly note. Though lineup changes eventually led to the group winding down in 2014, their debut remains a defining snapshot of ’90s pop: bright, melodic, instantly addictive.