Blue (Da Ba Dee)

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"Blue (Da Ba Dee)"
Single by Eiffel 65
from the album Europop
B-side Remix
Released April 14, 1999 (USA)
June 28, 1999 (Europe)
September 13, 1999 (UK)
Format CD single, CD maxi
Recorded 1998
Genre Eurodance, Italo dance
Length 4:40 (album version)
3:40 (radio edit)
Label BlissCo Records
Writer(s) Jeffrey Jey, Maurizio Lobina, Massimo Gabutti
Producer Maurizio Lobina, Massimo Gabutti, Luciano Zucchet
Certification See certifications
Eiffel 65 singles chronology
"Blue (Da Ba Dee)"
(1999)		 "Move Your Body"
(2000)
Eiffel 65 - "Blue (Da Ba Dee)", 1999
A 29-second sample from "Blue (Da Ba Dee)", featuring the distorted hook of the song.
Problems listening to this file? See media help.

"Blue (Da Ba Dee)" (also released as "I'm Blue" in some countries) is a eurodance song released in 1999 by Italian group Eiffel 65, as a single from their debut album Europop (1999).

The song is the group's most popular single, reaching number one in many countries such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, Switzerland, New Zealand, Norway, Australia, and Germany, as well as reaching #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.[1] In the United Kingdom, the song originally entered the Top 40 purely on import sales. It was only the third single to do this.[2]

The song also received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Dance Recording at the 2001 Grammy Awards.

Contents

[edit] Writing and inspiration

The song was written by Eiffel 65 lead singer Jeffrey Jey, keyboardist Maurizio Lobina, and producer Massimo Gabutti.

The inspiration for the song came when group member Maurizio Lobina composed the opening piano hook. The producers of the song then came up with the idea for a dance song. Jey stated his inspiration for the lyrics were on how a person picked his lifestyle. The color blue as the main topic of the song was picked at random, with Lobina telling him to write nonsensical lyrics.[3] Lobina came up with the "da ba dee" hook at the end of this line.[4] Due to the heavy beat and distorted nature of these vocals, it appears to the ear as an oronym, causing this specific line to be commonly misheard, as various websites show.[5][6][7]

[edit] Music structure and composition

"Blue (Da Ba Dee)" is an uptempo dance-pop song, described by the band as "europop", hence the title of their debut album Europop, which the song comes from. The song carries a rather melodic sound with a bubblegum-pop influenced hook. The song is written in the key of G minor[8] and is set in Common time with a moderate tempo of 128 beats per minute.[9]

The song's nonsensical lyrics tell a story about a man who lives in a "blue world". It is also stated he is "blue inside and outside," which, along with the lyric "himself and everybody around 'cause he ain't got nobody to listen", may indicate that the term blue represents his emotional state. The song also states that a vast variety of what he owns is also blue, including his house and his car; various blue-colored objects are also depicted on the single's cover.[10] The song's hook is the sentence "I'm blue", followed by a repetition of the words "da ba dee da ba di", which the hook is based around.

The song's distorted vocals were composed using a pitch shifter/harmonizer effect.[2] There has also been a noted similarity between the distorted vocals of "Blue (Da Ba Dee)", and those from "Believe" by Cher,[2] which were achieved with Auto-Tune.

[edit] Critical reception

The song received mixed reviews from critics. Entertainment Weekly positively reviewed the song, calling the song "a fleeting, feel-good foot-tapper" and gave the song a rating of B-.[11] Sputnikmusic reviewer Dan Katz also reviewed the song positively, describing it as "a really great song." He noted the song has a "fairly cool bass line and a great piano loop set over a pulsing dance beat house the vocals that everyone knows." He also said while the vocals are not at its best, they fit the song well. He concluded his review of the song by describing it as "being the epitome of a good European dance track."[12] PopMatters reviewer Chris Massey, in his review of Europop, described his initial reaction to the song as being "really, really bad." However, he later stated in the review that after many repeated listenings of the song he "loved it."[13]

Rolling Stone, however, in their review of Europop, gave the song a negative review, stating that the song "blends Cher-esque vocoder vocals, trance-lite synth riffs, unabashed Eurodisco beats and a baby-babble chorus so infantile it makes the Teletubbies sound like Shakespeare." The magazine also placed the song on their list of the "20 Most Annoying Songs," reaching #14.[14]

Most recently, Matthew Wilkening of AOL Radio ranked the song at #41 on the list of the 100 Worst Songs Ever, stating that the entire song "is like one big ringtone that never... ever... ends. Answer the phone! Answer the phone!"[15]

[edit] Chart performance

The single, released in April 1999, was a chart-topper in many European countries. The song initially found success in France, where it debuted on the chart in June 1999 and reached number one in late August. It then found success in other European countries, reaching the top spot on many charts in September the same year, including Germany, the Netherlands,[16] Switzerland,[17] Sweden,[18] Norway and many other countries. It replaced "Mambo No. 5" by Lou Bega on many of these charts at the top spot.

The song also found success in other regions, including Oceania and North America: it reached number one in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. It became a top ten hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, reaching #6.

[edit] Music video

Eiffel 65 on television screens during the opening segment of the video.

The song's music video was released in 1999 and featured computer-generated 3D animation.

In the video, lead singer Jeffrey Jey is abducted by blue aliens during a concert. The aliens then proceed to leave Earth with him. Group members Maurizio Lobina and Gabry Ponte give chase in their own small spacecraft, and eventually both ships arrive on the blue aliens' planet via a portal. It is then shown that the Jey was abducted to perform in a concert for the aliens, performing the same song he was about to sing when he was taken. He slowly realises that the crowd is composed of blue aliens and becomes increasingly concerned. After fighting off a number of alien guards using martial arts and several energy-based, psionic abilities the pursuing members succeed in rescuing their lead singer. While leaving the planet, they are asked to return by the aliens. They oblige, and spend the remaining duration of the video by performing a concert for the blue-skinned extraterrestrials.

The events in the video share no relation to the song's lyrical content.

[edit] Cover versions and samplings

German singer/band leader Max Raabe and Palast Orchester covered in cabaret/big band style for his 2001 album Super Hits.[19] The song was covered by Crazy Frog on the album Crazy Frog Presents More Crazy Hits, released in 2006. A cover by Gummibär was included on the 2007 album I Am Your Gummy Bear. The melodic death metal parody band Ten Masked Men covered the song in their customary heavy style.

The Brazilian funk group Furacão 2000 used the beat of the song to be the base of their most famous song, "Tapinha não dói" (A little slap doesn't hurts).

The band Bloom 06, consisting of Eiffel 65 members Jeffrey Jey and Maurizio Lobina remixed "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" on their EP Club Test 01, entitling the remix "Blue (Da Ba Dee) [Bloom 06 2008 Extended Concept]".

In 2009, the song was sampled by rapper Flo Rida in his song "Sugar", featuring his Atlantic Records labelmate, R&B singer-songwriter [20] Wynter Gordon.

UK Hardcore DJ and producer, DJ Squad-E also produced a UK Hardcore cover version of Blue.

The Russian singer Natali sampled the chorus in her song Cherepashka,[21] which gained popularity online when a video of her surfaced which depicts her falling off the stage while performing this song.[22]

In 2009, The single of "Blue (Da Ba Dee) Remix 2009" has released including remixes by Gabry Ponte, and featuring Djs From Mars.

The song was covered by The Blue Boys sometime in 2004-2005.

[edit] Appearances in other media

The song is also used in the films Big Fat Liar and Loser. It has also been used in the episode "The F Word" of the television series Daria and in the episode "One Party Can Ruin Your Whole Summer" of the TV series 90210.

On March 15, 2011 Ozone Entertainment released the song through the Rock Band Network. It is the first song on the service to incorporate the keyboard introduced in Rock Band 3.[23][24]

[edit] Formats and track listings

CD single
  1. "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" (Blue Ice Pop Radio Edit) — 3:39
  2. "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" (DJ Ponte Ice Pop Mix) — 6:26
CD maxi-single
  1. "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" (Blue Ice Pop Radio Edit) — 3:39
  2. "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" (DJ Ponte Ice Pop Mix) — 6:26
  3. "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" (Hannover Remix) — 6:24
  4. "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" (Dub Mix) — 4:48
  5. "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" (Ice Pop Instrumental Mix) — 6:27
  6. "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" (Blue Paris Remix) — 7:42

[edit] Charts and sales

[edit] Peak positions

Chart (1999) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA Charts)[25] 1
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[25] 1
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[25] 1
Belgium (Ultratop 40 Wallonia)[25] 2
Canada (RPM)[26] 1
Denmark (Tracklisten)[25] 1
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) 1
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[25] 1
France (SNEP)[25] 1
Germany (Media Control Charts)[27] 1
Ireland (IRMA)[28] 1
Italy (FIMI)[29] 3
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[30] 1
New Zealand (RIANZ)[25] 1
Norway (VG-lista)[25] 1
Spain (AFYVE)[31] 2
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[25] 1
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[25] 1
United Kingdom (The Official Charts Company)[32] 1
U.S. Billboard Hot 100[26] 6
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play[26] 6
U.S. Billboard Latin Pop Airplay[26] 16
U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 40[26] 4
U.S. Billboard Top 40 Mainstream[26] 2

[edit] End of year charts

End of year chart (1999) Position
Australia (ARIA)[33] 3
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[34] 4
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[35] 4
Belgium (Ultratop 40 Wallonia)[36] 6
France (SNEP[37] 4
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[30] 7
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[38] 2
UK Singles Chart[39] 2
End of year chart (2000) Position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100[40] 49

[edit] Certifications

Country Certification Date Sales certified
Australia[41] 3x Platinum 1999 210,000
Austria[42] Platinum August 24, 1999 30,000
Canada[43] Gold April 25, 2000 50,000
Finland[44] Gold 1999 7,957
France[45] Diamond November 10, 1999 750,000
Germany[46] 5× Gold 1999 1,000,000
Netherlands[47] Gold 1999 40,000
Sweden[48] 3x Platinum October 8, 1999 60,000
Switzerland[49] 2x Platinum 1999 100,000
United Kingdom[50] Platinum October 8, 1999 600,000

[edit] Chart precession and succession

Order of precedence
Preceded by
"Tomber la chemise" by Zebda		 French SNEP number one single
August 7, 1999 - August 7, 1999 - August 21, 1999		 Succeeded by
"Mambo No. 5" by Lou Bega
Preceded by
"Mambo No. 5" by Lou Bega		 Swiss number one single
August 22, 1999 - August 22, 1999 - October 24, 1999		 Succeeded by
"So bist du (und wenn Du gehst...)" by Oli P.
Dutch Top 40 number one single
August 21, 1999 - September 4, 1999 - September 18, 1999		 Succeeded by
"The Road Ahead (Miles of the Unknown)" by City to City
Belgian (Flanders) number one single
September 11, 1999 - October 21, 1999		 Succeeded by
"Genie in a Bottle" by Christina Aguilera
Irish IRMA number one single
September 18, 1999 - October 16, 1999		 Succeeded by
"Flying Without Wings" by Westlife
Swedish number one single
September 2, 1999 - September 22, 1999 - October 21, 1999		 Succeeded by
"The Bad Touch" by Bloodhound Gang
German number one single
August 13, 1999 - October 8, 1999		 Succeeded by
"The Bad Touch" by Bloodhound Gang
Norwegian VG-lista number one single
September 18, 1999 - October 2, 1999		 Succeeded by
"If I Let You Go" by Westlife
Finnish number-one single
September 18, 1999 - October 30, 1999		 Succeeded by
"Torremolinos 2000" by Apulanta & Don Huonot
New Zealand RIANZ number one single
November 14, 1999		 Succeeded by
"One & Only" by Deep Obsession
Australian number-one single
November 14, 1999 - January 16, 2000		 Succeeded by
"I Try" by Macy Gray
Preceded by
"We're Going to Ibiza" by Vengaboys		 UK Singles Chart number one single
September 19, 1999 - October 3, 1999		 Succeeded by
"Genie in a Bottle" by Christina Aguilera

[edit] References

  1. ^ Billboard.com - Artist Chart History - Eiffel 65
  2. ^ a b c "Blue (Da Ba Dee)". Songfacts.com. http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=2905. Retrieved 2009-03-31. 
  3. ^ "Eiffel 65 - Book Eiffel 65 for your Corporate Events, Fund Raisers". Locoloboevents.com. http://www.locoloboevents.com/display_bio.php?id=2732. Retrieved 2012-01-04. 
  4. ^ CANOE -- JAM! Music - Artists - Eiffel 65: The colour of money is Blue
  5. ^ misheard example #1 on youtube.com
  6. ^ misheard example #2 on youtube.com
  7. ^ misheard example #3 on songfacts.com
  8. ^ Sheetmusicplus.com
  9. ^ Dave's Music Database - Eiffel 65
  10. ^ prod-assets.mog.com - Eiffel 65 "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" single cover
  11. ^ Blue (Da Ba Dee) | Music Review |Entertainment Weekly
  12. ^ Eiffel 65 - Europop Review - sputnikmusic
  13. ^ Eiffel 65: Europop - PopMatters Music Review
  14. ^ 20 Most Annoying Songs by Rolling Stone.
  15. ^ Wilkening, Matthew (September 11, 2010). "100 Worst Songs Ever -- Part Three of Five". AOL Radio. http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/09/11/100-worst-songs-ever-part-three-of-five/. Retrieved December 23, 2010. 
  16. ^ Dutchcharts.nl - 65 - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
  17. ^ Hitparade.ch - Eiffel 65 - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
  18. ^ Swedishcharts.com - Eiffel 65 - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
  19. ^ "Max Raabe und Palast Orchester News, Bilder, Konzerte und Videos 2011 - Home". Palastorchester.de. http://www.palastorchester.de/index.php?id=13. Retrieved 2012-01-04. 
  20. ^ Sugar Songfacts
  21. ^ YouTube - natashka - marskaya cerepashka Натали Черепашка
  22. ^ Break.com: Russian singer Natalie falls off stage
  23. ^ Blue (Da Ba Dee) by Eiffel 65 // Songs // Rock Band
  24. ^ First RBN 2.0 Song in the Store – “Blue” // Blog // Rock Band
  25. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Blue (Da Ba Dee)", in various singles charts Lescharts.com (Retrieved December 12, 2008)
  26. ^ a b c d e f Billboard allmusic.com (Retrieved December 12, 2008)
  27. ^ "Eiffel 65 singles, German Singles Chart" (in German). musicline. http://www.musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/artist/Eiffel+65/single. Retrieved 29 April 2010. 
  28. ^ Irish Single Chart Irishcharts.ie (Retrieved December 12, 2008)
  29. ^ Top Italian Singles of 1999
  30. ^ a b "Single top 100 over 1999" (in Dutch) (PDF). Top40. http://www.top40.nl/pdf/Top%20100/top%20100%20-%201999.pdf. Retrieved 29 April 2010. 
  31. ^ Billboard: Hits of the World, July 3, 1999
  32. ^ UK Singles Chart Chartstats.com (Retrieved December 12, 2008)
  33. ^ "1999 Australian Singles Chart". aria. http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-1999.htm. Retrieved 29 April 2010. 
  34. ^ "1999 Austrian Singles Chart" (in German). Austriancharts. http://www.austriancharts.at/1999_single.asp. Retrieved 29 April 2010. 
  35. ^ "1999 Belgian (Flanders) Singles Chart" (in Dutch). Ultratop. http://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1999. Retrieved 29 April 2010. 
  36. ^ "1999 Belgian (Wallonia) Singles Chart" (in French). Ultratop. http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=1999. Retrieved 29 April 2010. 
  37. ^ "1999 French Singles Chart" (in French). SNEP. http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/pag-259376-Classements-Annuels.html?year=1999. Retrieved 28 April 2010. 
  38. ^ "1999 Swiss Singles Chart" (in German). Swisscharts. http://www.swisscharts.com/year.asp?key=1999. Retrieved 29 April 2010. 
  39. ^ "1999 in British music". Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_in_British_music. Retrieved 24 December 2010. 
  40. ^ "Billboard Top 100 - 2000". http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=2000. Retrieved 2010-08-31. 
  41. ^ Australian certifications aria.com (Retrieved December 12, 2008)
  42. ^ Austrian certifications ifpi.at (Retrieved December 12, 2008)
  43. ^ Canada certifications cria.ca (Retrieved December 12, 2008)
  44. ^ Finnish certifications IFPI.fi (Retrieved September 21, 2010)
  45. ^ French certifications Disqueenfrance.com (Retrieved December 12, 2008)
  46. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank ('Blue (Da Ba Dee)')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. http://www.musikindustrie.de/gold_platin_datenbank/?action=suche&strTitel=Blue+%28Da+Ba+Dee%29&strInterpret=&strTtArt=alle&strAwards=checked. Retrieved December 12, 2008. 
  47. ^ Dutch certifications nvpi.nl (Retrieved December 12, 2008)
  48. ^ Swedish certifications Ifpi.se (Retrieved December 12, 2008)
  49. ^ Swiss certifications Swisscharts.com (Retrieved December 12, 2008)
  50. ^ UK certifications Bpi.co.uk (Retrieved December 12, 2008)
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