Released in August 1991, “Obsession” by the flamboyant Swedish dance-pop group Army of Lovers quickly established itself as a memorable anthem of infatuation and longing. As the second single from their pivotal album, “Massive Luxury Overdose,” the track showcased the band’s distinctive blend of electronic and dance music, often characterized as downtempo or synth-pop, and sometimes even affectionately dubbed “slow disco.”
At its core, “Obsession” delves into the consuming nature of unhealthy romantic fixation. Lyrically penned by Alexander Bard and Anders Wollbeck, the song’s verses, such as “I could wait night and day / Sigh your name when I pray / In my heart night and day / ’til you come my way,” paint a vivid picture of a devotion bordering on obsession. Alexander Bard himself delivered the lead vocals, his distinctive voice weaving through the song’s hypnotic soundscape. Interestingly, the looped “ah ah” backing track, a subtle yet memorable element of the song, drew partial inspiration from Laurie Anderson’s avant-garde 1981 piece, “O Superman.”
“Obsession” proved to be a significant commercial success across Europe. It ascended to the coveted number one spot on both the radio and dance charts in the group’s native Sweden, and enjoyed robust chart performances elsewhere, reaching number seven in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and number nine in the Netherlands. While its UK chart performance was more modest, peaking at number 67, the song enjoyed a remarkable run of 32 weeks on the Eurochart, ultimately climbing to number 29.
The visual accompaniment to “Obsession” further cemented its place in pop culture history. Two distinct versions of the music video were released, both portraying the band in a setting that appears to be a mental institution, a choice that underscored the song’s themes of intense, perhaps even unsettling, devotion. The initial 1991 version featured La Camilla, but following her departure from the group, she was replaced by Michaela Dornonville de la Cour in the subsequent 1992 iteration. These videos, known for their flamboyant aesthetics and subtly disturbing imagery, remain a testament to Army of Lovers’ unique artistic vision.
“Obsession” was a cornerstone of “Massive Luxury Overdose,” an album that proved to be a commercial triumph for Army of Lovers, selling an impressive 250,000 copies in Germany alone. Alongside other major hits like “Crucified” and “Ride the Bullet,” “Obsession” played a crucial role in solidifying Army of Lovers’ reputation as a prominent force in European dance-pop throughout the 1990s, leaving an indelible mark on the era’s musical landscape.