Steps are brilliant and I think the reaction from this thread shows just how overlooked their appeal is. After all, I doubt anybody approached this game from an objective "most influential band" perspective, so to see a poptastic, feel-good band like Steps, who famously have a big following on here, as high as #6 isn't remotely shocking to me, and anything less wouldn't feel representative of the site. There's a huge place in music for fun, uplifting pop and I think maintaining their consistency (arguably even upping the quality post-reunion) for so long is a major achievement and shows clear commitment to their brand and artistry. Like or dislike them, it's hard to argue past them deserving a place in the music world.

:clap: Very well said! These results are very representative of BuzzJack’s member base, like it or not!

 

Also agree with you, 5,6,7,8 is one of my least favourites. I appreciate what it did for them, but I’m glad it wasn’t an accurate reflection of the group they’d become!

 

What do you think Rush is about, Jay ;)

:teresa: His themes are definitely less open to interpretation! :lol:

I like to think Buzzjack’s taste has diversified somewhat over time. Of the 10-12 regulars in our Sunday Synctube sessions nobody really has a penchant for female led pop, and I’d say we’re as much Buzzjack’s base as anyone else.

 

But as dandy* said you basically have half the voters really homing in on a few pop bands and the other half being split between 100s of other acts.

Look, I’m not a huge fan of Steps etc, but tbh I think variety is the spice of life (no spoilers intended) and it’s low level misogynistic to have a go at “female-led” groups as being invalid for whatever reason. Pop isn’t my thing as much as other genres, but it definitely has a central and important place in the rich tapestry of the charts!

No worries at all! That’s interesting context you’ve shared about Don’t Stop Me Now though - my interpretation of the song was very surface level to be fair. I guess it is for a lot of people too, because… forgive me for being stereotypical, but it strikes me as a song that is very embraced by heterosexual men, as an anthem they like to bellow out. So it being about Freddie throwing himself into hedonism in the gay world, that’s quite a contrast!

:lol: perfect description! :kink:

I know there a delicious irony in it, isn't there

Add me to the Don't Stop Me Now hate train, I can't stand it :ph34r:

 

Steps are brilliant and I think the reaction from this thread shows just how overlooked their appeal is. After all, I doubt anybody approached this game from an objective "most influential band" perspective, so to see a poptastic, feel-good band like Steps, who famously have a big following on here, as high as #6 isn't remotely shocking to me, and anything less wouldn't feel representative of the site. There's a huge place in music for fun, uplifting pop and I think maintaining their consistency (arguably even upping the quality post-reunion) for so long is a major achievement and shows clear commitment to their brand and artistry. Like or dislike them, it's hard to argue past them deserving a place in the music world.

 

I only really gravitated towards Steps in the last few years, but Say You'll Be Mine has cemented itself as one of their best songs for me, so nice to see that chosen for the video embed! 5,6,7,8 and Tragedy put me off them for years, I've warmed to the latter a lot but the former still annoys me :kink: otherwise, a very strong singles discography!

Totally agree on your comments about Steps, there isnt many bands like them who offer such great pop music,their concerts are just a fun night out and uplifting and there is always room for that, i think its also great how since they reunited the quality of their music is on par if not better than their material when first together and their comeback really did not disappoint fans. Totally understand they are not everyone's cup of tea but you can argue that about any artist or band.

Damn Steps were so close to top 5!!!! :o

 

It's obviously no secret that I adore Steps! I consider Step One to be one of my favourite albums ever (as revealed in my album covers game in The Lounge... shameless plug) but I actually consider their 2017 onwards material to be their best too. Very few bands come back better than they were the first time round, the only other one I can really think of to have done that is Take That (in my opinion of course). They hold a place in my heart both as a nostalgic band of my childhood and a genuine love of their recent output.

 

Obviously they are not everyone's cup of tea and they were never be considered to be an "influential" band however they have certainly made their mark and left a legacy on the music landscape which is criminally overlooked. In terms of 90's pop acts they have remained commercially successful both in touring and with music, are one of few music acts in history to have #1 albums across 4 decades and clearly love performing just as much as any "credible" band. While I might not rank them as one of the best groups in history in terms of influence and musical ability etc, they are always going to be one of my utmost faves! :wub:

Can't say I'm fond of Steps in general but I do like a few of theirs songs. 'Heartbeat' probably their best but also enjoy 'It's The Way You Make Me Feel', 'Stomp' and 'Deeper Shade Of Blue' to an extent and 'Last Thing On My Mind' too for that matter!

I think that's the first positive thing I've ever heard about 'Stomp' :lol: That feels like the very epitome of a forgotten #1, in fact it's probably the only Steps single that I couldn't even tell you how it goes!

Everybody clap your hands

Get on up and dance

We're gonna stomp all night now 💃🏻

Stomp is a bit naff to say the least. I just think of that very 2000 vibes trashed house party video and H's 'chill Bill'. It's fun live but yes, curious song to be one of their two No.1s when so many of their memorable hits stalled at No.2.

 

Heartbeat deserves the love though, it's a very underrated song - a beautiful track that Steve Anderson

. This version is sadly not on streaming and the full version isn't even on Youtube, but strip away that extremely of its time 1998 production and actually you're left with a very strong ballad, with a great lead vocal and very tight harmonies.

 

The funny thing is, a lot of people forget that Heartbeat/Tragedy was very much led by Heartbeat. That song had all the initial airplay and TV performances, it was always the song played on the chart show in its first few weeks of charting, a still from the video photoshoot was the CD cover etc, but then Tragedy becoming something of a New Year anthem meant the focus was flipped around and of course the rest is history.

Edited September 9, 2024Sep 9 by gooddelta

Look, I’m not a huge fan of Steps etc, but tbh I think variety is the spice of life (no spoilers intended) and it’s low level misogynistic to have a go at “female-led” groups as being invalid for whatever reason. Pop isn’t my thing as much as other genres, but it definitely has a central and important place in the rich tapestry of the charts!

 

There's no having a go, or saying female-led pop groups (which they are, don't need quotes, the top 6 groups are all pop groups with female lead vocals) are invalid. It's just disappointing that the results have turned out so slanted in one direction that a much more restricted rate would have given the same result. I was hoping the top end would have included a broader tapestry. I'd have been equally disappointed if the top 6 had been Pink Floyd, Beatles, Oasis, Radiohead, Muse and Arctic Monkeys.

Edited September 9, 2024Sep 9 by rio309

I’m also a bit disappointed that the top end only really represents the Buzzjack microcosm and not a broader range of music BUT it’s been a wonderful journey through 434 groups that I’ve absolutely loved! :)

The funny thing is, a lot of people forget that Heartbeat/Tragedy was very much led by Heartbeat. That song had all the initial airplay and TV performances, it was always the song played on the chart show in its first few weeks of charting, a still from the video photoshoot was the CD cover etc, but then Tragedy becoming something of a New Year anthem meant the focus was flipped around and of course the rest is history.

 

That’s interesting to hear that. I was around at the time, and I remember the buzz was all about ‘Tragedy’ even before it was released - and on the back of that I remember them playing ‘The Dot Cotton Club’ in Cambridge and ‘GAY’ in London on the same night. But I didn’t have a tv at the time, so maybe that’s why my perspective was different.

Buzz Jack members taste has certainly evolved over the years it is way more varied, you only have to look at the favourite single rate threads which is very popular on this site. From memory Madonna is the only female to be victorious.

That’s interesting to hear that. I was around at the time, and I remember the buzz was all about ‘Tragedy’ even before it was released - and on the back of that I remember them playing ‘The Dot Cotton Club’ in Cambridge and ‘GAY’ in London on the same night. But I didn’t have a tv at the time, so maybe that’s why my perspective was different.

 

I think the success of Tragedy really caught the label off guard. It was far more popular with the public than the industry expected.

 

I’m sure in hindsight they’d have flipped the focus from the start if they’d known how big Tragedy would end up being.

 

Heartbeat was the song licensed to the compilations at the time too (Now 41 and Hits 99 both had it quite quickly).

 

I’m not sure in what world anyone thought Heartbeat was the key draw of the single (as much as I love the track), but I suppose it was just the label playing the pop band game of promoting a ballad for the Christmas market.

I think as the track ("Tragedy") was already available on an album not much was expected of it despite the , then, recent examples to the contrary from take that and Boyzone not to mention 911.

I think as the track ("Tragedy") was already available on an album not much was expected of it despite the , then, recent examples to the contrary from take that and Boyzone not to mention 911.

 

I could be wrong but I think when Heartbeat/Tragedy was released that was the first time it was released in general. It later went on to appear on their 1999 album Steptacular.

It was on the bee gees tribute album that I bought in late 98. It was released a few weeks after 911's "More than a woman" I'm sure.

It was on the bee gees tribute album that I bought in late 98. It was released a few weeks after 911's "More than a woman" I'm sure.

 

Ah, ok. I’ll take your word for it. I didn’t even know of the BeeGees tribute album.

I’m also a bit disappointed that the top end only really represents the Buzzjack microcosm and not a broader range of music BUT it’s been a wonderful journey through 434 groups that I’ve absolutely loved! :)

 

Very true - overall this thread has been great fun!

I’m also a bit disappointed that the top end only really represents the Buzzjack microcosm and not a broader range of music BUT it’s been a wonderful journey through 434 groups that I’ve absolutely loved! :)

 

The vote was held in the Buzzjack microcosm though.

 

To be honest yeah there are some groups i'd not have this high...

Little Mix

for instance wouldn't be anywhere near my top 10. Same with

ABBA

, but I guess its reflective of Buzzjack.

 

What is odd that this vote has swung heavily towards Pop, the Record of the Decade vote this year seems to be going more the other way towards Indie. But I guess it depends who votes on these things :)