D:Ream
Encyclopedia
D:Ream was a UK pop
and dance
band of the 1990s. They had a UK Number One hit with "Things Can Only Get Better" in 1994 as well as eight more top 40 hits. They released two albums, both of which reached the top five. The group had an all-male line-up which varied in number, but mainly centred on lead singer Peter Cunnah
.
remix was Pete Tong's
Essential Tune of 1992. "Things can only get better"; released in the spring of 1993, gave the group their first chart success and thanks to the Labour Party election campaign of 1997 became their best known success. "U R The Best Thing" was eventually re-released in April 1993 and gave the group their second chart hit.
Between 1992 and 1997, the period during which they were active, the band released two studio albums (D:Ream On Volume 1 and World
), ten different singles
(two of which were released three times), and an official greatest hits album (The Best of D:Ream
). In 2006, a second collection was released, for The Platinum Collection
series.
When D:Ream became famous the main members were Peter Cunnah
(vocalist
, songwriter
), Al Mackenzie (musician
) and Cian McCarthy (sax), although later the group would become a one man band, exclusively centred upon the singer. Another member, the physicist Brian Cox
(now Prof.
Brian Cox, O.B.E.
), played keyboards
for several years in D:Ream, while studying for his physics PhD
degree. Drumtech trained Mark Roberts
played drums
. The group also used a number of guest vocalists - such as T.J. Davis, who is featured as co-lead vocalist on "The Power (Of All the Love in the World)", one of the singles taken from their second album, as well as providing backing vocals
on many other songs.
The band's first album, D:Ream On Volume 1, which was promoted for almost two years produced seven singles ("Star" and "I Like It" came on a joint release as a double A-side). It was the track "Things Can Only Get Better" that gave them UK
success and international fame. After supporting Take That
on their tour, "Things Can Only Get Better" topped the UK Singles Chart
, in early 1994. Originally released in late 1993, when the track reached Number 24, it was later adopted by the UK Labour Party as their theme for the 1997 UK General Election
, and consequently released for the third time, this time getting to Number 19. Despite this, the group's record label
released their first compilation, The Best of D:Ream
, in 1997 instead of their third studio album which remains unreleased.
In 2008 D:Ream reformed after a chance meeting by Cunnah and Mackenzie. They are currently recording a new album for release in 2010 on their own label User Records and their single, "All Things to All Men" was released on 7 September 2009. They are also planning concert dates
to follow.
Brian Cox
became a renowned physicist
and science broadcaster
and is currently working on the Large Hadron Collider
project. In late 2010 he announced that he was to provide some keyboard work for the new album, but would not be re-joining the band full-time.
The band were nominated for Best Dance act in the MTV Europe music awards in 1994 and for Best Single in the Brit Awards
in 1995.
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
and dance
Dance music
Dance music is music composed specifically to facilitate or accompany dancing. It can be either a whole musical piece or part of a larger musical arrangement...
band of the 1990s. They had a UK Number One hit with "Things Can Only Get Better" in 1994 as well as eight more top 40 hits. They released two albums, both of which reached the top five. The group had an all-male line-up which varied in number, but mainly centred on lead singer Peter Cunnah
Peter Cunnah
Peter Cunnah is best known as lead singer and songwriter with 1990s dance-pop duo, D:Ream. He was born in Derry, Northern Ireland.- D:Ream :...
.
Career
D:Ream first came to prominence with the euphoric single "U R The Best Thing" in the summer of 1992, an anthemic piano-house tune which did not chart but thanks to a SashaSasha (DJ)
Sasha is a Welsh DJ and record producer. Sasha began his career playing acid house dance music in the late 1980s...
remix was Pete Tong's
Pete Tong
Peter "Pete" Tong is an English DJ who works for BBC Radio 1. He is known worldwide by fans of electronic music for hosting programmes such as Essential Mix and Essential Selection on the radio service, which can be heard through Internet radio streams, for his record label FFRR Records, and for...
Essential Tune of 1992. "Things can only get better"; released in the spring of 1993, gave the group their first chart success and thanks to the Labour Party election campaign of 1997 became their best known success. "U R The Best Thing" was eventually re-released in April 1993 and gave the group their second chart hit.
Between 1992 and 1997, the period during which they were active, the band released two studio albums (D:Ream On Volume 1 and World
World (album)
World is the second studio album by British synthpop / dance band D:Ream, released in 1995. It was to be their final studio release before their disbanding in 1997.-Overview:...
), ten different singles
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
(two of which were released three times), and an official greatest hits album (The Best of D:Ream
The Best of D:Ream
The Best of D:Ream was the first official compilation album from British pop/dance band D:Ream, issued by Magnet Records label, and distributed by major Warner Bros. Records, with the management of FXU. It was released in May 1997, just after their UK and U.S...
). In 2006, a second collection was released, for The Platinum Collection
The Platinum Collection (D:Ream album)
The Platinum Collection is a compilation album by British pop / dance act D:Ream. The album was released without the band's permission, in July 2006, by WEA, for the famous series of the same name, gathering a lot of groups and artists in its vast catalogue...
series.
When D:Ream became famous the main members were Peter Cunnah
Peter Cunnah
Peter Cunnah is best known as lead singer and songwriter with 1990s dance-pop duo, D:Ream. He was born in Derry, Northern Ireland.- D:Ream :...
(vocalist
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
), Al Mackenzie (musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
) and Cian McCarthy (sax), although later the group would become a one man band, exclusively centred upon the singer. Another member, the physicist Brian Cox
Brian Cox (physicist)
Brian Edward Cox, OBE , is a British particle physicist, a Royal Society University Research Fellow and a professor at the University of Manchester. He is a member of the High Energy Physics group at the University of Manchester, and works on the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at...
(now Prof.
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
Brian Cox, O.B.E.
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
), played keyboards
Keyboard instrument
A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
for several years in D:Ream, while studying for his physics PhD
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
degree. Drumtech trained Mark Roberts
Mark Roberts
Mark Roberts is a British streaker who has run naked during several international events.A father of three, Roberts' streaking began when he saw a female streaker run naked down a 1993 Rugby Sevens game in Hong Kong...
played drums
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
. The group also used a number of guest vocalists - such as T.J. Davis, who is featured as co-lead vocalist on "The Power (Of All the Love in the World)", one of the singles taken from their second album, as well as providing backing vocals
Backing vocalist
A backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
on many other songs.
The band's first album, D:Ream On Volume 1, which was promoted for almost two years produced seven singles ("Star" and "I Like It" came on a joint release as a double A-side). It was the track "Things Can Only Get Better" that gave them UK
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
success and international fame. After supporting Take That
Take That
Take That are a British five-piece vocal pop group comprising Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams. Barlow acts as the lead singer and primary songwriter...
on their tour, "Things Can Only Get Better" topped the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
, in early 1994. Originally released in late 1993, when the track reached Number 24, it was later adopted by the UK Labour Party as their theme for the 1997 UK General Election
United Kingdom general election, 1997
The United Kingdom general election, 1997 was held on 1 May 1997, more than five years after the previous election on 9 April 1992, to elect 659 members to the British House of Commons. The Labour Party ended its 18 years in opposition under the leadership of Tony Blair, and won the general...
, and consequently released for the third time, this time getting to Number 19. Despite this, the group's record label
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
released their first compilation, The Best of D:Ream
The Best of D:Ream
The Best of D:Ream was the first official compilation album from British pop/dance band D:Ream, issued by Magnet Records label, and distributed by major Warner Bros. Records, with the management of FXU. It was released in May 1997, just after their UK and U.S...
, in 1997 instead of their third studio album which remains unreleased.
In 2008 D:Ream reformed after a chance meeting by Cunnah and Mackenzie. They are currently recording a new album for release in 2010 on their own label User Records and their single, "All Things to All Men" was released on 7 September 2009. They are also planning concert dates
to follow.
Brian Cox
Brian Cox (physicist)
Brian Edward Cox, OBE , is a British particle physicist, a Royal Society University Research Fellow and a professor at the University of Manchester. He is a member of the High Energy Physics group at the University of Manchester, and works on the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at...
became a renowned physicist
Physicist
A physicist is a scientist who studies or practices physics. Physicists study a wide range of physical phenomena in many branches of physics spanning all length scales: from sub-atomic particles of which all ordinary matter is made to the behavior of the material Universe as a whole...
and science broadcaster
Presenter
A presenter, or host , is a person or organization responsible for running an event. A museum or university, for example, may be the presenter or host of an exhibit. Likewise, a master of ceremonies is a person that hosts or presents a show...
and is currently working on the Large Hadron Collider
Large Hadron Collider
The Large Hadron Collider is the world's largest and highest-energy particle accelerator. It is expected to address some of the most fundamental questions of physics, advancing the understanding of the deepest laws of nature....
project. In late 2010 he announced that he was to provide some keyboard work for the new album, but would not be re-joining the band full-time.
The band were nominated for Best Dance act in the MTV Europe music awards in 1994 and for Best Single in the Brit Awards
1995 BRIT Awards
The 1995 BRIT Awards were the 15th edition of the biggest annual pop music awards in the United Kingdom. They are run by the British Phonographic Industry and took place on 20h February 1995 at Alexandra Palace in London.-Live performers:...
in 1995.
Albums
| Year | Album title | UK chart |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | D:Ream On Volume 1 | 5 |
| 1995 | World World (album) World is the second studio album by British synthpop / dance band D:Ream, released in 1995. It was to be their final studio release before their disbanding in 1997.-Overview:... |
5 |
| 1997 | The Best of D:Ream The Best of D:Ream The Best of D:Ream was the first official compilation album from British pop/dance band D:Ream, issued by Magnet Records label, and distributed by major Warner Bros. Records, with the management of FXU. It was released in May 1997, just after their UK and U.S... |
- |
| 2006 | The Platinum Collection The Platinum Collection (D:Ream album) The Platinum Collection is a compilation album by British pop / dance act D:Ream. The album was released without the band's permission, in July 2006, by WEA, for the famous series of the same name, gathering a lot of groups and artists in its vast catalogue... |
- |
| 2011 | In Memory Of... In Memory Of... In Memory Of... is a forthcoming studio album by Northern Irish pop rock / synthpop and dance band D:Ream.The album is their first new studio record in 15 years.... |
|
Singles
| Year | Single title | UK chart UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | "4 Things 2 Come" (EP Extended play An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact... ) |
- |
| "U R the Best Thing" | 72 | |
| 1993 | "Things Can Only Get Better" | 24 |
| "U R the Best Thing" (re-release) | 19 | |
| "Unforgiven" | 29 | |
| "Star" / "I Like It" | 26 | |
| 1994 | "Things Can Only Get Better" (re-release) | 1 |
| "U R the Best Thing" (re-release) | 3 | |
| "Take Me Away" | 18 | |
| "Blame It on Me" | 25 | |
| 1995 | "Shoot Me With Your Love" | 7 |
| "Party Up the World" | 20 | |
| "The Power (Of All the Love in the World)" | 40 | |
| 1997 | "Things Can Only Get Better" (re-release) | 19 |
| 2009 | "All Things to All Men" | - |
| 2010 | "Drop Beats Not Bombs (PROMO)" | - |
| 2011 | "Gods in the Making" | - |
| "Sleepy Head" | - |
See also
- List of number-one dance hits (United States)
- List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart