No Coke

Last updated
"No Coke"
No coke.jpg
Single by Dr Alban
from the album Hello Afrika
Released3 November 1990
Genre
Length
  • 3:43
  • 7:00 (Album Version)
Label Sonet / Warner Music
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Denniz PoP
Dr Alban singles chronology
"Hello Afrika"
(1990)
"No Coke"
(1990)
"U & Mi"
(1991)
Music video
"No Coke" on YouTube

"No Coke" is a song recorded by Sweden-based musician and producer Dr Alban. It was originally released as the B-side of the 12" version of his debut single "Hello Afrika" and became the second single off his debut album, Hello Afrika (1990). Released in November 1990, the song was a hit in several European countries and reached number-one in Sweden. To date, it is one of Dr Alban's most successful songs, along with "It's My Life" and "Sing Hallelujah". It was produced by Denniz Pop, who recorded the song's signature bassline using a Roland Juno-106 synthesizer. [1] The song is performed in English [ specify ] and the lyrics describe a tragic event outside Alban's nightclub Alphabet Street in Stockholm. In November 2017, it was the topic at SVT:s Hitlåtens historia.

Contents

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard viewed the song as a "cleverly written anti-drug anthem", "particularly potent and U.S. club-friendly." [2] He added that "pure (and clever) toasting is woven into a fabric of accessible hip-hop and reggae threads" [3] and concluded that the song is "a brilliant piece of work". [4]

Chart performance

"No Coke" was very successful on the charts in Europe, peaking at number-one in Sweden. It spent two weeks at the top spot and 5 weeks within the top 10. The single made it to the top 10 also in Austria, Germany, Greece (#3), the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. In Austria, it peaked at number two, being held off reaching number-one by Roxette's "Joyride". It spent four weeks at that position. Additionally, "No Coke" was a top 20 hit in Finland and Italy, and a top 30 hit in Belgium. It didn't chart on the UK Singles Chart, but reached number 59 on the UK Dance Singles Chart. The single earned a gold record in Sweden, where the song broke all records by staying for five consecutive weeks at number-one in national radio SR's popular show "Tracks". That's a feat not even achieved by ABBA. [5]

Music video

A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Scottish director Paul Boyd. [6] He also directed the video for "Hello Afrika". "No Coke" received heavy rotation on MTV Europe [7] and was later published on Dr. Alban's official YouTube channel in December 2011. By December 2022, it had generated more than 18 million views. [8]

Track listings

Charts and certifications

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dr. Alban</span> Nigerian-born Swedish musician and producer

Alban Uzoma Nwapa, better known by his stage name Dr. Alban, is a Nigerian-Swedish recording artist and producer with his own record label, Dr. Records. His music can best be described as Eurodance/hip-hop reggae in a dancehall style. He has sold an estimated 16 million records worldwide and is most famous for his worldwide 1992 hit "It's My Life", from the album One Love.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sadeness (Part I)</span> 1990 single by Enigma

"Sadeness " is a song by German musical project Enigma, released in 1990 as the debut single from their first album, MCMXC a.D. (1990). It became an international hit, reaching number one in 14 countries. In the United States, the song peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, and number one on both its Dance Club Songs and Dance Singles Sales charts. A sequel to the song, "Sadeness " featuring Anggun, was released on Enigma's eighth studio album, The Fall of a Rebel Angel (2016).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">People Are Still Having Sex</span> 1991 single by LaTour

"People Are Still Having Sex" is a song written and performed by American musician LaTour. It was released in March 1991 as the first single from his self-titled debut album, LaTour (1991). The song reached number one on both the US and Canadian dance charts. It also peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 15 in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twilight Zone (2 Unlimited song)</span> 1992 single by 2 Unlimited

"Twilight Zone" is a 1992 song recorded by Belgian/Dutch Eurodance band 2 Unlimited. It was the second single released from their debut album, Get Ready! (1992). The UK release of the single was the first 2 Unlimited single to include the vocals of Anita Doth, as they had not been featured on their debut hit "Get Ready for This". However, Ray Slijngaard's raps were once again removed. The instrumental "Rave" version of the track sounds different from the original "Not Enough" version, with a more Hi-NRG style with more bass and added cowbells. The single scored chart success in many European countries, topping the chart in both Finland and the Netherlands. "Twilight Zone" was the second single in a row to just miss out on the top spot in the UK again, peaking at number two. But it was 2 Unlimited's biggest hit on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, reaching number five, and it won an award in the category for Best Techno 12-inch Single on the 1993 WMC International Dance Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spending My Time</span> 1991 song by Roxette

"Spending My Time" is a song by Swedish duo Roxette, released as the fourth single from their third studio album, Joyride (1991). It was written by Per Gessle and Mats Persson, and produced by Clarence Öfwerman. The single attained moderate success, reaching the top ten in Germany and Italy, and the top twenty in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland, while peaking at number twenty-two on the UK Singles Chart and thirty-two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Connected (Stereo MC's song)</span> 1992 single by Stereo MCs

"Connected" is a song by British hip hop/electronic music group Stereo MC's. It is the title track of their third studio album, and was released in September 1992 as the album's lead single. The song samples "Let Me " by Jimmy "Bo" Horne and peaked at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart. Internationally, it peaked within the top 10 of the charts in Austria, Sweden and Switzerland, and peaked within the top 20 of the charts in Belgium, Finland and the United States. The song appeared in the movie Hackers, and it was the theme to the Rob Lowe programme Dr. Vegas (2004).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Before (song)</span> 1996 single by Pet Shop Boys

"Before" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released on 22 April 1996 as the lead single from their sixth studio album, Bilingual (1996). Upon its release, the single peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart, number four in Finland, and number one in Hungary. In the United States, it topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Change (Lisa Stansfield song)</span> 1991 single by Lisa Stansfield

"Change" is a song by British singer Lisa Stansfield from her 1991 album, Real Love. It was written by Stansfield, Ian Devaney and Andy Morris, and produced by Devaney and Morris. It was released as the lead single on 7 October 1991. "Change" was remixed by Frankie Knuckles and Driza Bone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's My Life (Dr. Alban song)</span> 1992 single by Dr. Alban

"It's My Life" is a song by Nigerian-Swedish recording artist Dr. Alban. It was released in February 1992 in Sweden as the first single from his second studio album, One Love (1992). Produced by Denniz PoP, the song was a hit in most of the European countries where it was released, peaking at number one in Sweden, Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium and number two in the UK. In France, the song was marketed twice: first in 1992, then in 1993 because the song was used in a TV advert for Tampax tampons, thus giving to the single a second career. The song had enough airplay on US college radio stations to chart on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks in 1992. "It's My Life" was re-released in 1994 in Australia, following the success of "Sing Hallelujah!".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sing Hallelujah! (Dr. Alban song)</span> 1993 single by Dr. Alban

"Sing Hallelujah!" is a song recorded by the Sweden-based musician and producer Dr. Alban. It was released in 1993 as the third single from his second studio album, One Love (1992). The song became a hit in many European countries, managing to reach to the top 5 in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland and Switzerland. In the UK, the song peaked at number 16 on the UK Singles Chart and on the Eurochart Hot 100, it peaked at number four. Outside Europe, in Australia, "Sing Hallelujah!" peaked at number five and in Zimbabwe, it reached number 11. After "It's My Life", this was the second Dr Alban's hit which had an international scope. The song has been described as an "discothèques anthem with dance and disco sonorities". In 2005, "Sing Hallelujah!" charted again when it was re-recorded by the artist in new versions. It peaked at number 12 in Finland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Look Who's Talking (song)</span> 1994 single by Dr. Alban

"Look Who's Talking!" is a song recorded by Sweden-based musician and producer Dr. Alban, featuring vocals from Swedish singer Nana Hedin. It was released in February 1994 as the first single from his third studio album, Look Who's Talking (1994), and reached number-one in Denmark and Finland. The song became a top 10 in almost all other European countries, except France and the UK. It entered the Eurochart Hot 100 on 12 March 1994 at number 61 and went on to peak at the second position four weeks later. In the US, it peaked at number 11 at Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart. And in Zimbabwe, the single peaked at number 10. A CD maxi containing four remixes was also released, particularly devoted to the dance floors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Love (Dr. Alban song)</span> 1992 single by Dr. Alban

"One Love" is a song recorded by the Sweden based musician and producer Dr Alban. It was the second single from his second studio album, One Love (1992). Alban co-wrote it with Denniz PoP, who also produced it. Released in August 1992, the song was a hit in many European countries. It made it to the top-10 in Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Ireland and Norway; however, the song was not as successful as "It's My Life", the previous single. On the Eurochart Hot 100, "One Love" peaked at number 23. Outside Europe, it was successful in Israel, reaching number five.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hello Afrika (song)</span> 1990 single by Dr Alban featuring Leila K

"Hello Afrika" is a 1990 song recorded by Sweden-based musician and producer Dr Alban. It was released as the debut single from his first album with the same name (1990). It features Swedish Eurodance singer Leila K. The song is similar to Eddy Grant's "Hello Africa", but in the style of hip hop. It peaked at number one in Austria and achieved a great success in most of the other European countries, including Sweden, Germany and Switzerland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Makin' Happy</span> 1991 single by Crystal Waters

"Makin' Happy" is a song by American singer and songwriter Crystal Waters, released in 1991 as the second single from her debut studio album, Surprise (1991). It achieved moderate success in European countries, but spent one week at number-one on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and also reached the top of the Canadian RPM Dance/Urban chart. In the United Kingdom, the single peaked at number 18.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Now That We Found Love</span> 1973 song by the OJays

"Now That We Found Love" is a song written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff and originally recorded by American R&B/soul vocal group The O'Jays for their seventh album, Ship Ahoy (1973).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)</span> 1991 single by Rozalla

"Everybody's Free " is a song by Zambian-born Zimbabwean singer Rozalla. It was released in August 1991 as the second single from her second album, Everybody's Free (1992). It had been a staple in the clubs in Ibiza and Mallorca that summer, where hordes of recovering ravers were delighted to find "that tune about being free to feel good and stuff" was available to buy back home.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crying in the Rain (Culture Beat song)</span> 1996 single by Culture Beat

"Crying in the Rain" is a song recorded by German Eurodance band Culture Beat, released in February 1996 as the second single from their third studio album, Inside Out (1995).. The single charted in many countries, reaching its best chart positions in Hungary, Germany and Denmark, where it was a top 10 hit. It also reached number-one on the Canadian RPM Dance/Urban chart. A CD maxi-single containing remixes of "Crying in the Rain" was also released under the name "Crying in the Rain Remixes".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lost in Music (Stereo MC's song)</span> 1991 single by Stereo MCs

"Lost in Music" is a 1991 song by English hip hop/electronic dance group Stereo MCs. It was released as the second single from their second album, Supernatural. The single spent a week at number one on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club chart, and also peaked at number 46 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ride the Bullet</span> 1990 single by Army of Lovers

"Ride the Bullet" is a Eurodance song recorded by Swedish group Army of Lovers. The song is written by Alexander Bard, Anders Wollbeck, Jean-Pierre Barda, Emil Hellman and Camilla Henemark. It was originally released on their debut album, Disco Extravaganza (1990). In 1991, it was remixed and then included on the group's second album, Massive Luxury Overdose, and the US release of Disco Extravaganza titled Army of Lovers. A single was released both times, in 1990 and 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U & Mi</span> 1991 single by Dr Alban

"U & Mi" is a 1991 song by Sweden-based musician and producer Dr Alban, released as the third single from his debut album, Hello Afrika (1990). It is the follow-up to his very successful single, "No Coke" and was a notable hit in several countries. Produced by Denniz Pop, who also co-wrote it with Dr. Alban, it became a top 10 hit in Finland, Portugal and Switzerland, and a top 20 hit in Austria, Germany, Spain and Sweden. A music video was also produced to promote the single.

References

  1. Hitlatens historia: No Coke. SVT. Aired on 27 November 2017.
  2. Flick, Larry (1991-05-18). "Dance Trax: Sweden's Hot Clubland Still Looking For U.S. label" (PDF). Billboard . p. 23. Retrieved 2020-10-11.
  3. Flick, Larry (1991-09-21). "Dance Trax: Moroder Back On The Dancefloor With New Readings" (PDF). Billboard . p. 30. Retrieved 2020-10-11.
  4. Flick, Larry (1993-04-17). "Dance Trax: 'DeNiro' Delivers; 'Gypsyland' A Trip; Exposing I.D." (PDF). Billboard . p. 24. Retrieved 2020-10-08.
  5. "Spotlight: Dr. Alban" (PDF). Music & Media . 1991-01-26. p. 18. Retrieved 2020-10-20.
  6. "No Coke (1991) by Dr. Alban". IMVDb.com. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
  7. "Station Reports > TV > MTV/London" (PDF). Music & Media . 1991-03-23. p. 28. Retrieved 2022-12-11.
  8. "Dr Alban - No Coke (Official HD)". YouTube . Retrieved 2022-12-11.
  9. "Dr. Alban – No Coke" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  10. "Dr. Alban – No Coke" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  11. Nyman, Jake (2005). Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN   951-31-2503-3.
  12. "Dr. Alban – No Coke" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  13. "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . 1991-08-03. Retrieved 2018-03-20.
  14. "Classifiche". Musica e Dischi (in Italian). Retrieved 2022-05-29. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Dr. Alban".
  15. "Nederlandse Top 40 – Dr. Alban" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  16. "Dr. Alban – No Coke" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  17. "Dr. Alban – No Coke". VG-lista.
  18. "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . 1991-08-24. Retrieved 2018-03-20.
  19. Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN   84-8048-639-2.
  20. "Dr. Alban – No Coke". Singles Top 100.
  21. "Dr. Alban – No Coke". Swiss Singles Chart.
  22. "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 1991-11-16. p. 22. Retrieved 2020-09-28.
  23. 1991 Austrian Singles Chart Austriancharts.at Archived 2008-06-10 at the Wayback Machine (Retrieved 2008-09-02)
  24. "Eurochart Hot 100 1991" (PDF). Music & Media . 8 (51–52): 21. 1991-12-21. Retrieved 2020-01-17 via American Radio History.
  25. "Single top 100 over 1991" (PDF) (in Dutch). Top40. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-30. Retrieved 2010-04-13.
  26. 1991 Swiss Singles Chart Hitparade.ch Archived 2013-12-24 at the Wayback Machine (Retrieved 2008-09-02)
  27. Swedish certifications Ifpi.se Archived 2012-05-21 at the Wayback Machine (Retrieved 2008-09-11)