‘Music For The Dancers’ N°515 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

1 . Lulu – Better Get Ready [1999]

Released in 1999, “Better Get Ready” emerged as a bold outing on Lulu’s collaborative album, *Together.*

Charting at #19 on the UK charts, its impact blended nostalgia with effervescence, a credit to both its pop leanings and Lulu’s enduring charisma.

Trevor Horn’s production brings a polished energy to the track, with meticulous layers of instrumentation that avoid drowning the vocalist’s distinct tone.

Thematically, the song wrestles with ideas of preparation and self-assurance, delivered with an upbeat tempo that feels less like a nudge and more like a cheerful challenge to the listener.

The lyrical optimism fits snugly into the late-’90s pop cannon, where empowerment anthems became a softly competitive genre unto themselves.

Placed within cultural context, the track’s release under Universal Records aligned Lulu with an era when legacy acts sought modern relevance, balancing reverence for past successes and the chase for contemporary chart traction.

If there’s criticism to be had, it lies in its adherence to safe formulas—slick but predictable production, a catchy but somewhat unremarkable melody, and lyrics that toe the line of cliché.

Still, Lulu’s performance injects just enough personality to make it memorable, her multifaceted delivery hinting at both eagerness and steely resolve.

The song’s upbeat energy and polished charm ensured a solid reception, even if it wasn’t destined to linger as a cultural milestone.

“Better Get Ready” doesn’t revolutionize pop, but it captures a moment—Lulu in full stride, buoyed by her characteristic flair and tenacity.

More by the same : Instagram

2 . Nadia Almada – A Little Bit Of Action

Nadia Almada’s “A Little Bit of Action” appears to be more artifact than anthem, a pop-dance confection born from the fleeting fame of reality TV triumph.

Crafted during the early 2000s, when post-reality show opportunism ran rampant, this track capitalizes on Almada’s win in the UK’s “Big Brother” fifth series.

Its release through RCA Records ensured it would receive some promotional attention, although that attention likely relied more on Nadia’s personality than the song’s merits.

The single debuted at number 27 on the UK Singles Chart, proving that ephemeral fame can indeed translate into chart success—albeit for a short moment.

Musically, it leans heavily on the era’s formulaic pop-dance beats and earworm-style lyrics, designed to hook listeners but offering little depth or innovation.

The accompanying music video aligns with her public persona: bold, flashy, and unapologetically effervescent, arguably making a stronger impression than the song itself.

“A Little Bit of Action” didn’t aspire to longevity, and in truth, it didn’t need to; it served its purpose as a novelty hit tethered to Nadia’s 15 minutes of fame.

Neither groundbreaking nor terrible, the track sits comfortably within the pantheon of reality-TV-inspired pop oddities, occupying the niche reserved for harmless indulgences that reflect their moment in entertainment history.

Review >> More by the same : Twitter

3 . Outsiders – Keep This Fire Burning (w/ Amanda Wilson)

“Keep This Fire Burning” stands as a vibrant collaboration between the Dutch duo Outsiders and British vocalist Amanda Wilson, a name already familiar within electronic music circles.

Originally a Robyn creation, the track underwent a striking evolution through visual and sonic reimaginings, gaining more attention through Beverley Knight’s rendition in 2011 before Outsiders introduced their own perspective.

Wilson’s voice, often celebrated for its clarity and emotive intensity, drives the energy forward, making the production both sharp and deeply immersive.

Despite no clear ties to an album at the time, the composition became a staple in house music playlists, capitalizing on its universal themes of resilience and passion.

The 2008 release, under Spinnin’ Records, carved space within the genre while peaking at #17 on UK charts—a respectable placement for a track pushing its remix roots into broader relevance.

Its official music video, available on YouTube, amplifies the feeling of longing and perseverance, carried effortlessly by Wilson’s impressive range and presence.

Though missing hefty accolades or monumental live moments, “Keep This Fire Burning” felt timely for dance enthusiasts in search of tracks with subtle defiance and relatable emotion, wrapped in sleek production.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Twitter

4 . Gloria Gaynor – Just Keep Thinking About You

Released in 2000 on the album *I Wish You Love*, Gloria Gaynor’s “Just Keep Thinking About You” finds her pivoting from her disco foundations into a dance-pop and house-inflected sound that feels distinctly turn-of-the-millennium.

Produced by Joey Moskowitz and Terry Burrus, the track pulses with a club-ready rhythm, blending Gaynor’s time-tested vocal finesse with a sleek, electronic sheen designed for sweaty dance floors.

It’s the sort of track that could easily soundtrack a night of escapism under neon lights, driven by themes of persistence and longing that align with the songwriter’s knack for anthemic resilience.

Where this song stands apart is in its ability to bridge Gaynor’s disco legacy—still indelibly tied to “I Will Survive”—to a new generation acclimated to house beats and modern production techniques.

The song’s prominence on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, where it snagged a #1 spot in 2001, wasn’t purely by accident; it reflects not just her enduring fanbase but also the universality of her storytelling.

The accompanying music video, steeped in visual cues ripped straight from the late 90s and early 2000s playbook, underscores the scene’s embrace of extravagance and Gaynor’s ability to maintain relevance in shifting musical tides.

This wasn’t a reinvention as much as it was a timely nudge—a reminder of her versatility and persistence in an industry eager to move on from one sound to the next.

Achieving a modest #17 on the U.S. dance charts upon its 2002 re-release, the track nevertheless frames Gaynor as a seasoned artist unwilling to simply revisit past triumphs, instead choosing to reassert her place in a genre constantly evolving around her.

Featured on the 2003 album “I wish you love”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

5 . Dave Armstrong & Redroche – Love Has Gone (w/ H Boogie)

Released in 2007, “Love Has Gone” by Dave Armstrong & Redroche featuring H Boogie threads together house music beats with a 1970s shimmer, thanks to its prominent sampling of Eddie Kendricks’ “He’s a Friend.”

The track balances disco nostalgia with modern electronic polish, showcasing a production style that feels both retrospective and forward-looking.

H Boogie’s vocals infuse the song with emotional texture, contrasting its lively rhythm with a lyrical focus on heartbreak and resilience.

Though it sidesteps overt innovation, the song’s upbeat energy resonated strongly in European clubs and gained traction on UK dance charts, peaking at #11.

Its inclusion in DJ playlists and Ministry of Sound compilations propelled it further, embedding it within the cultural milieu of late-2000s dance music.

The accompanying video leans into a party atmosphere, aligning its visuals with the accessible hedonism of its sound, but without attempting any deeper artistic statement.

While rooted in familiar tropes, it carves its space as a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both disco enthusiasts and house fans alike.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Wikipedia

6 . Rachel Stevens – More More More

Rachel Stevens’ “More More More,” a 2004 cover of Andrea True Connection’s 1976 disco anthem, offers a slick reinvention of a classic. As part of the re-release of Stevens’ debut album *Funky Dory*, the song carved a space for itself in the UK pop landscape by blending retro charm with early 2000s polish.

Produced by Anders Bagge and Arnthor Birgisson, the track brought the glitz and glamor of disco to a modern audience. In theory, it should have just been another nostalgia-fueled cash grab, but Stevens’ poised delivery and the track’s glossy production elevated it to something memorable—if not groundbreaking.

It doesn’t hurt that the song was a marketer’s dream, finding a second life as the soundtrack for British retailer DFS advertisements. Whether it’s a testament to the song’s catchiness or its relentless exposure, it climbed to number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, marking a significant success for Stevens’ solo career.

The accompanying video leans heavily into vintage aesthetics, drenching Stevens in shimmering outfits and chic backdrops. While it doesn’t shatter any creative boundaries, the visual presentation captures the playful yet sultry mood the track exudes, staying loyal to its disco roots.

What’s intriguing—and perhaps where the track stumbles—is its commitment to excess without giving listeners a deeper emotional hook. It’s fun, no doubt, but skating on the surface of disco bravado might leave some longing for substance beneath the sparkle. That said, at a moment in pop history when lighthearted escapism often trumped depth, the song hit its mark.

By updating Andrea True’s ode to hedonistic pleasure for a new generation, Stevens doesn’t rewrite history but taps into an ongoing love affair with retro indulgence. “More More More” works best as a time capsule: a polished, shiny relic of early 2000s pop preoccupied with looking back while keeping one stiletto-heeled foot firmly in the present.

Featured on the 2004 album “Funky Dory”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Instagram

7 . Micky Modelle, Jessy – Over You

“Over You” pairs the remix tact of Northern Irish DJ Micky Modelle with Belgian vocalist Jessy De Smet, resulting in a Eurodance-infused track that hit clubs and charts across Europe in 2007.

Strikingly, this is not a standalone work—it reimagines Jessy’s earlier piece, “How Long (Point of No Return),” from her 2005 album “Rain,” lending it an extra layer of déjà vu for those familiar with the original.

The pulsating beats and Jessy’s commanding vocal delivery create a mix engineered for neon-drenched dancefloors and late-night playlists, complemented by its predictably kinetic music video.

While it peaked modestly at No. 13 in Ireland, the song enjoyed significant airplay in clubs and on niche dance radio stations, solidifying its regional popularity.

On the surface, it’s a dance track about heartbreak—a familiar subject—but the dynamic production injects it with hints of defiance, nodding to resilience amid emotional turbulence.

If anything, “Over You” radiates Micky Modelle’s instinct for reinvention, situating 2000s club culture squarely at the crossroads of emotional sincerity and pulsing hedonism, with Jessy’s voice as the unmistakable centerpiece.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Instagram

8 . Goldfrapp – Ooh La La

Goldfrapp’s “Ooh La La” struts confidently onto the stage with a glittering blend of 1970s glam-rock swagger and sleek electro-pop aesthetics that feel both timeless and futuristic.

Released in 2005 as the lead single from the *Supernature* album, the track unapologetically leans into sensuality, fueled by Alison Goldfrapp’s sultry vocals layered over hypnotic synth drives and pulsating basslines.

The production, meticulously handled by Alison and Will Gregory, creates an irresistible friction between retro homage and modern precision—a cocktail that made its way to No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and firmly secured the top spot on the UK Dance Chart.

While many songs of its ilk stumble into overindulgence, “Ooh La La” keeps its composure, radiating both confidence and calculated restraint, making it a mainstay of Goldfrapp’s catalog long after its release.

The accompanying music video, a shimmering fever dream directed by Dawn Shadforth, reinforces the track’s hedonistic allure with visuals that are as polished and audacious as the song itself.

Goldfrapp’s ability to channel themes of seduction and empowerment without lapsing into clichés underscores their knack for crafting pop that feels both accessible and unapologetically eccentric at once.

It’s no surprise the song found its way into high-profile performances and countless TV soundtracks, where its magnetic pull continues to reverberate, even years later.

Featured on the 2005 album “Supernature”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

9 . Booty Luv – Some Kinda Rush

“Some Kinda Rush” by Booty Luv crackles with the frenetic energy of late-2000s electro-house, distilling the genre’s club-driven high into a polished three-minute burst.

Co-written by the duo’s vocalists Nadia Shepherd and Cherise Roberts alongside Carl Ryden and Darryl Watts, the track secures its footing in dance-pop’s seamless fusion of emotion and rhythm.

Released as the fourth single from their album *Boogie 2Nite* under the Hed Kandi label in 2007, it didn’t quite scale the heights of its predecessors but still managed a respectable #19 on the UK Singles Chart.

The song’s production, spearheaded by Seamus Haji, leans heavily into sharp beats and euphoric keyboard progressions—elements constructed with an unapologetic lean toward dancefloor appeal.

Its music video mirrors this intention, pairing kinetic visuals with the duo’s suave presence, a nod to the late-night glamour that embodies the club scene.

Lyrically, the song thrives on simplicity, channeling themes of freedom and abandon while making no bones about its purpose: get the body moving and keep it there.

The song became a mainstay in dance compilations and late-2000s club playlists, despite falling short of a cultural phenomenon.

Performance-wise, Booty Luv gave fans enthusiastic renditions of the song during festivals and televised events, capping off their ability to translate the track’s studio sheen into stage-ready energy.

For all its infectious pulse and tightly-coiled execution, the track’s modest chart peak underscores the fleeting nature of even the catchiest dance anthems in a crowded marketplace.

Still, “Some Kinda Rush” finds itself positioned as a slice of that era’s club zeitgeist—momentary, electric, and unrelentingly driven by rhythm over reflection.

Featured on the 2007 album “Boogie 2nite”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

10 . Emma Bunton – Maybe

Released in October 2003 as part of her sophomore album “Free Me,” Emma Bunton’s “Maybe” feels like a polished time capsule zipped shut in a Sixties lounge bar.

The track, with its brassy instrumentation and swingy cadence, channels an era where mod fashion and playful flirtation ruled the airwaves.

Written alongside Yvan Cassar and Yak Bondy, the song serves as a deliberate exercise in nostalgia, reimagined through the lens of early 2000s pop gloss.

Bunton’s breathy, almost whimsical delivery adds a layer of cheeky humor, as if winking at the audience while spinning retro tropes into modern pop sensibilities.

The music video complements this aesthetic, with Harvey & Carolyn’s direction bathing Bunton in synchronized choreography and minimalist sets, all steeped in vibrant mod style.

Commercially, “Maybe” struck a chord, peaking at number six on the UK Singles Chart and securing her status as more than just another former Spice Girl dabbling in solo work.

The track’s energy transcended borders, earning slots in Ireland, Italy, and Belgium charts, reflecting its broader European appeal.

Live performances carried the same meticulous charm—each step, note, and glance seemed calibrated to wink at nostalgia without drowning in it.

“Maybe” stands out not simply as a hit single, but as an artifact of Bunton confidently carving a niche; playful, self-aware, and distinctively hers.

Featured on the 2004 album “Free Me”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Instagram

11 . Hermes House Band – Live Is Life

Originally recorded by Opus in 1984, “Live Is Life” finds an energetic new incarnation in the hands of the Hermes House Band, a group known for injecting a raucous party vibe into legacy hits.

Released on their 2003 album “The Album,” this version trades the original’s rockier sensibilities for a more buoyant, crowd-pleasing aesthetic tailored for European pop audiences.

The track slid into Top 10 slots in the French and Dutch charts, helped along by the band’s penchant for turning concerts into confetti-strewn celebrations of unity and joy—it’s less about sophistication and more about ensuring the beer flows and everyone’s singing along.

Its popularity was hardly accidental, with the song’s music video and live renditions doubling down on the band’s smile-or-go-home ethos: imagine conga lines of uninhibited revelers who maybe sang a little too loudly on the chorus.

Credit is due to producer Pierre Wacheux, who polished up the jangle of the original and infused it with thick layers of revelry perfect for sporting events or student parties where subtlety is a banned substance.

If Opus’ “Live Is Life” extolled the existential joy of living in the moment, the Hermes House Band turns that moment into an après-ski bender, complete with questionable karaoke moments and shameless fist-pumping energy.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

12 . Kelly Osbourne – Papa Don’t Preach

Kelly Osbourne’s take on “Papa Don’t Preach,” originally made famous by Madonna in 1986, is less a reinvention and more a defiant nod to her rock-infused persona.

Released in 2002 as part of her debut album “Shut Up,” this cover pivots the song’s polished pop roots into gritty, punk-inspired territory, a move reflecting Osbourne’s broader brand of rebellious energy.

Produced by Ric Wake, the track operates within the realm of rock-pop but carries a distinctly edgier aesthetic, aligning itself with Osbourne’s public image at the time.

Its accompanying music video, helmed by Jonas Åkerlund, injects a layer of visual boldness, blending a punk-rock ambience with old-school drama—a fitting backdrop for the song’s themes of defiance and autonomy.

While the single climbed to No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart and charted modestly at No. 27 in Australia, its real triumph lay in elevating Kelly’s visibility as more than just a participant in her family’s reality TV circus.

Vocally, Osbourne’s rendition swaps Madonna’s clean delivery for a raspy, almost sneering tone, an approach that underscores the emotional rawness of a young woman standing firm against societal pressures.

This is rebellion packaged in a way that feels more street-level squabble than grandiose anthem, a distinction that works both for and against it, depending on one’s nostalgia for the original.

The track’s success might not have sparked a seismic shift, but it cemented its place as a momentary snapshot of early 2000s pop culture, teetering on the edge of punk authenticity and mainstream accessibility.

Featured on the 2002 album “The Osbourne Family Album soundtrack”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Instagram