Fresh! Explained

Fresh!
Type:studio
Artist:Gina G
Cover:Gina G - Fresh! album artwork.jpg
Released:4 March 1997 (US)
Recorded:March 1995–January 1997
Genre:Dance-pop
Length:49:42
Producer:Steve Allen (executive)
Next Title:Get Up & Dance
Next Year:2005

Fresh! is the debut album by Australian dance-pop singer-songwriter Gina G, released in 1997. The album includes the single "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit", which was the United Kingdom's entry in the 1996 Eurovision Song Contest. Following the contest, the single reached number one in the UK[1] and went on to become a worldwide hit.

The album was scheduled to be re-released in May 2024.[2]

Singles

The lead single "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit", written by Simon Tauber and Steve Rodway, was first released in March 1996 in the UK. It was selected as the UK's entry for the 1996 Eurovision Song Contest, which took place in Oslo, Norway. Despite placing eighth, the song went on to achieve worldwide success, peaking at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 the following year. Too that date it was one of very few Eurovision entries to chart in the US market. The album features five additional singles, four of which were co-written by Gina G. "I Belong to You" and "Fresh!" (both peaked at No. 6 in the UK), "Ti Amo" (No. 11), "Gimme Some Love" (No. 25) and the final single "Every Time I Fall", the first ballad to be released from the album, (No. 52).[1]

Commercial performance

The album peaked at No. 12 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 27 on the US Billboard Heatseekers chart. It was certified Silver (marking sales of 60,000) in the United Kingdom.

Album artwork

The album artwork features Gina G covered in chocolate icing, and was shot by famed photographer David LaChapelle.

Critical reception

The Baltimore Sun concluded: "As much as 'Ooh aah ... Just a Little Bit' or the title tune might seem to replay formulas the Stock/Aitken/Waterman team devised for Rick Astley and Bananarama, the fact is, they sound fresher in Gina G's hands than they did originally."[3]

Release history

Release history and formats for Fresh!! Country! Date! Label! Format! Catalogue number
United States4 March 1997Eternal/Warner Bros.CD9 46517-2
United Kingdom24 March 1997Eternal/Warner Music UKCD0630-17840-2
Philippines4 March 1997Eternal/WEACassette0630-17840-2
United Kingdom31 May 202490/9 Records2xCD+DVD, Purple VinylQNTN3BOX005, QNTNLP005

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Gina G full Official Chart History. Official Charts Company. 1 May 2022.
  2. Web site: Gina G’s classic Fresh! album set for reissue with new music. Retropop Magazine. 23 March 2024. 24 March 2024.
  3. News: Considine . J. D. . Gina G Fresh! . The Baltimore Sun . 6 Mar 1997 . Features . 7.
  4. 110.