Aqua

Bursting onto the scene with the playful party single "Barbie Girl," Aqua catapulted to superstardom in 1997. In 2011, The Danish-Norwegian foursome returned to the studio to record Megalomania, their first new album in over ten years. After pursuing different avenues in the entertainment industry, band frontwoman Lene was discovered while working as a television host by René Dif, a Norwegian DJ with a ton of industry experience. Recognizing her energy and talent for what it was, he immediately recruited her for the band he'd just recently formed with two friends. It was 1994, and Aqua was now complete. A mere two years later, they were signed to Universal Music Denmark and released their first single, "Roses are Red."

"Aqua Diary," a 1998 documentary, captured the spirit of the band's live act. Culled from concert footage shot during their Aquarium tour, the documentary offers fans a glimpse of the energy Aqua is capable of onstage. During one part of the film, Lene teases ticket holders while strutting across the stage, striking a riot girl appearance amidst the strobes and smoke of a hip, club atmosphere. Megalomania came as a surprise to fans, who were expecting a throwback to the band's bubblegum days. What they got instead were tunes like "Kill Myself" and "Playmate to Jesus," songs with unexpected thematic twists. The band's greatest hits album is due for release in 2014.

Of course, the band will always be known for their mega smash, "Barbie Girl." The fun, infectious beat set the song a cut above the average novelty single. Today, Aqua continues to draw a new generation of fans who know fun when they hear it.