Sweet Harmony (The Beloved song)

"Sweet Harmony" was written and produced by founder member of the Beloved and singer Jon Marsh and his wife, Helena Marsh. It was also the first single after the departure of Steve Waddington and was recorded at Sarm West Studios in London. It was used to promote the second season of the American soap opera Melrose Place in several European countries. The single was released on 11 January 1993. It peaked at number 3 in Austria, number 6 in Germany and Switzerland, number 7 in Greece, and number 8 in the United Kingdom. In the latter, it peaked in its second week at the UK Singles Chart, on 24 January 1993.[2] It stayed at that position for two weeks. The song was also a Top 20 hit in Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland and Sweden. On the Eurochart Hot 100, "Sweet Harmony" reached number 20. Outside Europe, it was a Top 10 hit in Israel and it peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs in the United States.

AllMusic editor Jon O'Brien described the song as a "glorious slice of ice-cool synth pop which manages to be both brooding and euphoric at the same time".[3] Larry Flick from Billboard noted it as a "thumping dance ditty" and added that "slight techno nuances, an uplifting lyrical message, and singer Jon Marsh's warm, soothing tones add up to a delightful jam."[4] He added that "lyrically, "Sweet Harmony" is typical Beloved fare: spiritually uplifting and philosophical."[5] Marisa Fox from Entertainment Weekly commented that "whereas Bryan Ferry infused rock with sensuality, Marsh and his wife-partner, Helena, lace their ethereal mix with house grooves that seduce and hypnotize." She added that the video "features a nude Marsh humming amidst a bevy of bare bohemian babes, all seated in a swirling mist. Music to steam by indeed."[6] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report wrote that "doing their part to end the divisivness around the globe, The Beloved do some positive preaching backed by the catchy dance/pop that's their trademark. Nothing like a positive message to inspire hope and encourage unity."[7] Music & Media said that the "synth-dominated tune is a traditional verse-chorus pop song, which means very melodic and radio friendly."[8] Rune Slyngstad from Norwegian newspaper Nordlandsposten described it as "catchy, synth-oriented pop not far from Pet Shop Boys on their best."[9] In her review of the Conscience album, Anita Naik from Smash Hits, stated that the song is "wonderful" and "heartfelt stuff".[10]

The music video for "Sweet Harmony" was directed by Big TV.[11] It consisted of a nude and seated Jon Marsh surrounded by nude women - including Tess Daly - lipsynching the lyrics. It is based on the record sleeve on Jimi Hendrix' 1968 album Electric Ladyland, which was taken by photographer David Montgomery. Clouds, fog, and white-out effects were used to create a high contrast, while the participants used their arms, legs and hair to cover themselves. In an interview, Marsh said that the video was "not intended to be sexual" and was "as asexual as you can get".[12] The video is supposed to represent unity between humans. It was nominated for the International Viewer's Choice Award for MTV Europe at MTV Europe Music Awards in 1993. "Sweet Harmony" was uploaded to YouTube in February 2019. By September 2020, it had more than 3,7 million views.[13]

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 women is featured, except they have chainsaws.

CD single

1. "Sweet Harmony" — 5:02
2. "Motivation" (Energised)

7" single

1. "Sweet Harmony" — 5:02
2. "Motivation" (Energised)

CD maxi

1. "Sweet Harmony" — 5:04
2. "Sweet Harmony" (Live The Dream Mix) — 7:15
3. "Motivation" (Exercised) — 7:11
4. "Sweet Harmony" (Love The Dub Mix) — 5:14

EP

• For the 7-track "Sweet Harmony" EP, see the Conscience album.

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, Ukrainian 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 Andersson.

In 2017, Liverpudlian indie band She Drew The Gun recorded the song, and accompanied it with a video.

In 2017, Xenturion Prime released a cover of the song.

In 2019, Moderno released a cover of the song, with remixes.

In 2020, Hungarian dj & producer duo Stadiumx made a track, called "Sweet Harmony"; which is the Future House implementation of the original song.

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 "nude 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.

The song appears briefly on the episode "Follow the Money" from season 3 of the TV series Narcos.

• Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics