By Colette Custin
Was a tour from Aqua—the eclectic Danish pop outfit responsible for 1997’s weirdest hit single—on anyone’s 2023 bingo card?
Maybe it should have been, since this has been the year of Barbie across the board—and what could be more appropriate than “Barbie Girl,” of all things? But as the Danish trio proved in their Chicago appearance at House of Blues on Tuesday, things are not always what they seem. Namely, Aqua showed their strength as a pop band with flashiness and humor to the near capacity crowd. Taking the stage to “Cartoon Heroes” from 2000’s Aquarius, the band spent ninety minutes awash in glitter, confetti, bright lights, and flamboyant outfits that fit right in with the current pop landscape just as much as when they originally hit the music scene almost thirty years ago.
Singer Lene Nystrom owned the stage during upbeat bangers like “Around the World” and “Playmate to Jesus”—and of course, “Barbie Girl” had the room in a state of rapture as Nystrom and co-vocalist Rene Dif preened and teased as the original video played behind them. The band closed out on a string of international hit singles, including “Roses Are Red” and “Doctor Jones,” showing that they were more than just the one-hit wonder they’re often assumed to be, confirming that they have staying power and appeal.
Aqua – House of Blues, Chicago, IL – 12/12/2023 (setlist)
Cartoon Heroes
Back to the 80s
Calling You
Playmate to Jesus
Around the World
Happy Boys & Girls
Good Morning Sunshine
Turn Back Time
Dirty Little Pop Song / My Mamma Said
We Belong to the Sea
My Oh My
Didn’t I
Bumble Bees
Halloween
Barbie Girl
Lollipop (Candyman)
Doctor Jones
Aquarius
Roses Are Red
