"Whenever You're Near Me" is a song by Swedish group Ace of Base, released as the second single from their third American record, Cruel Summer (1998). The original version of the song, "Life Is a Flower", was a huge hit in Europe and Japan. The lyrics were rewritten by song composer Mike Chapman and the song was produced by Norwegian producer Ole Evenrude. It was released to radio stations in North and South America on October 6, 1998 by Arista Records. This version peaked at number 76 in the United States and number 51 in Canada; it was the band's last charting hit in both countries.
Critical reception Larry Flick from Billboard magazine wrote that the song "shows Ace Of Base revisiting the more familiar pop/reggae sound that made the group a top 40 favorite." He noted that the track "builds upon a bankable sound rather than mimicking it. The song has a decidedly more complex arrangement, which is rife with sunny Caribbean percussion and a sweet smattering of acoustic guitar/synth interplay." He also added that Jenny's and Linn's vocals are "notably more restrained here than on past singles, which allows the melody and chorus to work their contagious magic without vocal overkill. Downright irresistible, this cute single should saturate airwaves within seconds." Gary Shipes from The Stuart News complimented songs like "Whenever You're Near Me" and "Adventures in Paradise" as "pristine pop productions worthy of ABBA and Trevor Horn's '80s confections for Buggles, Dollar and Frankie Goes to Hollywood."Shipes, Gary (7 August 1998). "Making A Case For Ace Of Base; Un-Apeeling 'Avengers'". The Stuart News.
Track listing CD singles Whenever You're Near Me He Decides (Fisher Version aka American Album Version)
CD Maxi Whenever You're Near Me (Album Version) Whenever You're Near Me (Strobe's Radio Mix) Whenever You're Near Me (Strobe's Lollipop Mix) Whenever You're Near Me (Nikolas & Sibley Dance Radio Edit) Whenever You're Near Me (Nikolas & Sibley Dance Mix) Whenever You're Near Me (Strobe's Subway Mix)
Official versions/remixes Album Version Giuseppe D.'s Radio Remix Giuseppe D.'s Radio Remix Instrumental Giuseppe D.'s Extended Remix Giuseppe D.'s Extended Remix Instrumental Nikolas & Sibley Dance Mix Nikolas & Sibley Dance Radio Edit Strobe's Radio Remix Strobe's Subway Mix Strobe's Lollipop Mix Strobe's Lollipop Mix Instrumental
Charts Chart (1999)PeakpositionUS Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard)12
References