B-side "Motivation" Recorded 1992 | Released 18 January 1993 Length 5:02 | |
Format CD single, CD maxi, 7" single Genre Electronic dance, synthpop | ||
"Sweet Harmony" is a hit single by British band The Beloved. It became their biggest hit, peaking at No. 8 in the UK. None of the band's other singles made it into the Top 10, which is why many consider this the band's signature song.
Contents
Music video
The music video consisted of a naked and seated Jon Marsh surrounded by equally naked females - including Tess Daly - lipsynching the lyrics. Clouds, fog, and white-out effects are used to create a high contrast, while the participants use their arms, legs and hair to cover themselves. In an interview, Marsh pointed out 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.
This music video was later spoofed in 1998 by rapper John Forté in the song "Ninety Nine (Flash The Message)" from the album Poly Sci in which the same scenes with nude females is featured, except they have chainsaws.
Cover versions
In 1993, Sarah Mclachlan's song 'Fumbling Towards Ecstasy' used the same chord progression slowed down.
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, Russian pop group Tokio released a cover version of the song on Russian language called "My budem vmeste" ("Мы будем вместе") ("We'll be Together").
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 films and television
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 [he has] 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 film Alien Autopsy starring Ant and Dec.
Track listings
- "Sweet Harmony" — 5:02
- "Motivation" (Energised)
- "Sweet Harmony" — 5:02
- "Motivation" (Energised)
- "Sweet Harmony" — 5:04
- "Sweet Harmony" (Live The Dream Mix) — 7:15
- "Motivation" (Exercised) — 7:11
- "Sweet Harmony" (Love The Dub Mix) — 5:14