| Cleopatra's Theme | |
| Cover: | Cleopatra-Cleopatra's_Theme.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Cleopatra |
| Album: | Comin' Atcha! |
| Length: | 4:09 (album version) 3:51 (radio edit) |
| Label: | WEA |
| Producer: |
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| Next Title: | Life Ain't Easy |
| Next Year: | 1998 |
"Cleopatra's Theme" is a song by British R&B girl group Cleopatra from their first album, Comin' Atcha! (1998). Released by WEA as the group's debut single, it reached number three on the UK Singles Chart and number 26 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was their only song to reach the top 40 in the United States, where Cleopatra promoted the song by appearing on several children's programming blocks.[1]
Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Are ya ready for the female equivalent of Hanson? This UK teen trio has already won the ardent approval of kids throughout much of Europe on the strength of a light-funk groove, a candy-sweet chorus, and charmingly girlish harmonies. Precocious lead singer Cleopatra Higgins has the makings of a baby diva, as she vamps with a surprisingly soulful hand." He added further, "Early reaction from top 40 programmers here hints that this adorable sister act's music will be on the lips of mall America within seconds. "Cleopatra's Theme" is just one of numerous tasty treats to be discovered on the forthcoming full-length debut, Comin' Atcha! You'll be hearing just about all of 'em soon enough."[2]
Chuck Campbell from Knoxville News Sentinel said, "Granted, this song is infectious, especially when the girls' voices sweep together into the light R&B hook."[3] A reviewer from Music Week gave "Cleopatra's Theme" four out of five, adding, "Take three currently successful music trends — all-girl groups, teenage exuberance and R&B — combine in one neat package and provide an infectious, radio-friendly debut single for this attractive trio. They can't fail."[4] Ian Hyland from Sunday Mirror gave it nine out of ten, concluding, "This group of hip-hopping Manchester teens are some serious soul divas in the making. Keep a look out."[5]
The music video for the song, directed by Max & Daria consists of the girls singing and dancing in their room, after being told by their mother to turn the television off. It received airplay on U.S. channels, such as Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, MTV, and BET.
| Chart (1998) | Position | |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[11] | 99 | |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[12] | 60 | |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[13] | 94 | |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[14] | 49 |
| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 2 February 1998 | WEA | [15] | ||
| United States | 2 June 1998 | [16] | |||
| Japan | 25 June 1998 | CD | WEA Japan | [17] |