Date: Mar 12, 1994
Weeks: 6
I'll be the first to admit that these 1000 No. 1 songs aren't necessarily the best 1000 songs of the last 50 years. These are just a snapshot of the most popular song each week, and there are just so many factors that determine that. It seems pretty easy for a new artist's first song to fail to reach the top just because it takes people a while to discover it, but then their second song gets more attention because people know them now, and it's the second song that reaches the top, even if everyone agrees the first song was better. So even for a single artist, their top-ranked songs might not be their best. But sometimes the charts pull a surprise, and that's certainly the case here, because this one they got right. "The Sign" is the only No. 1 song for Ace of Base, but it's also easily their best song.
"The Sign" manages to strike just the right balance between light pop music and the bass-heavy dance music this group came to be known for. It has a catchy drum and bass beat. That synth-whistle solo that opens the song is a signature, unique hook. Put these elements together with some voice and you have a really good sound. Then there's a nicely modulated bridge section on top of that. It's catchy, varied, interesting, and over before it wears out its welcome or repeats itself too much.
I like a lot of what's going on in the lyrics. It's the story of someone who realized their relationship was going nowhere, dumped them, and how happy she is that she did. "I am happy now living without you." It's not about blame, or even the faults and failings of the other person. It's about her figuring out who she is and what she wants. "How could a person like you bring me joy?" She's taken the whole relationship as an experience to help herself figure out who she is, and good for her.
The one thing I never quite got about this song is the whole thing about "the sign." What is it? I think the video really corrupted my interpretation, because the video includes an actual symbol floating in the sky. An ankh, for some reason. But I think the sign the lyrics are referring to is just a metaphorical sign, something that happened in the relationship that clued her in that she needed to end the relationship.
My verdict: Like it. I'm not putting it in my pantheon of favorite songs I've reviewed on this blog, but it's catchy, well-crafted, and has a clear meaning. More pop songs should try to be like this one.
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