41 GIFs That Prove The A*Teens Were The Most '00s Pop Group Ever
The world was a bleak place in 1998. From the AOL 3.0 dial-up tones to the ensuing bloodbath every time a commemorative Princess Diana Beanie Baby hit store shelves, it was rough. Thankfully, Sweden knew what it took to fix everything: four teenagers singing ABBA covers set to thumping Euro-pop beats.
Presenting The A*Teens.
During their run, the A*Teens -- that's Marie Serneholt, Sara Lumholdt, Dhani Lennevald and Amit Sebastian Paul -- released four full-length albums, branching out into their own original material with 2001's Teen Spirit.
Maybe you remember "Upside Down"?
The group broke up in 2004, but their music videos live on. And from the frosted tips to the overwhelming, Wade Robson-level choreography, I'd argue that the A*Teens' videography pretty much defines Y2K-era bubblegum pop. Here are 42 GIFs that prove my point.
They were basically the most Y2K pop group of all time. Here's why.
1.) The A*Teens loved roller-blades. Those were cool once, I swear.
2.) And look at this futuristic chat technology.
3.) The "Upside Down" video's intro is so "Coming this fall to the WB." I can't.
4.) Oh my god, there's a Discman in "Dancing Queen."
5.) OH MY GOD, CDS. #TheABBAGenerationPromo #StealTheABBAGenerationOnNapster
6.) And yo-yos! Wait, were we into those?
7.) These two seconds from "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!"
8.) THIS ENTIRE ESTABLISHING SHOT. THROUGH THE SNOWGLOBE. THROUGH THE WINDOW. ALL CG. ALL NECESSARY.
9.) Back in the early '00s, you used your t-shirt to tell people your name. Why introduce yourself? What is this, the '90s?
10.) Also that you're a "beast." And that you're "99% Angel, 1% Devil."
11.) There's a kickflip at the climax of "Mamma Mia." So Rufus. When will Tony Hawk?
12.) This highly choreographed school dance scene from "Mamma Mia" is giving me major "She's All That" flashbacks. Do not disturb, plz.
13.) This facial proximity. Y2K was all about love. And fear. But mostly love.
14.) What even is gender? So post-Clintonian.
15.) The future is Y2K. The future is now. Look at this filter.
16.) "Upside Down" is basically peak "Interior Design as Music Video Concept." For more info, see Destiny's Child's "Say My Name" and Christina Aguilera's "Come On Over (All I Want Is You)."
17.) These flawless Y2K-era lyrics: "My teacher says to concentrate."
18.) "So, what? His name is Peter the Great?"
19.) "The kings and queens will have to wait."
20.) "'Cause I don't have forever."
21.) They are NOT playing "Spin the Bottle" with a state-of-the-art Nokia cell phone in "Sugar Rush."
22.) I can smell the L.A. Looks Mega Hold gel from here.
23.) They're driving a Volkswagen Beetle in "Upside Down."
24.) And a PT Cruiser.
25.) Then there was the dancing.
26.) Oh.
27.) THE DANCING.
28.) So tight.
29.) So precise.
30.) So... Arm-oriented.
31.) So overwhelming.
32.) So Y2K.
33.) Just look at it.
34.) LOOK AT IT.
35.) What in the name of Wade Robson?
36.) I'm entranced. Bewitched B*Witched, even.
37.) I can't look away.
38.) Tattoo this onto the inside of my eyelids.
39.) Make my child wear this as a mask.
40.) The last thing I hope to see before I die.
41.) And etch this on my tombstone. Thank you, A*Teens.
