Before 1995, most Eurodisco acts' definitions of success was a solitary club hit which broke through to pop radio. Full length albums by these groups often wound up in the bargain bin by the time the second single had reached the street.
Real McCoy broke out of Berlin and re-invented the playing field for those acts. With multiple top 20 hits from the debut triple platinum album Another Night, the German group seemed likely for the sophomore jinx. But rather than fall victim to a slump, the resulting album, One More Time, has established Real McCoy not only as the real deal, but a bonafide pop act which can be counted on for quality dance music.
The title track for One More Time has already broken through on the pop charts, and is likely to repeat the top 20 success of some of Real McCoy's earlier hits. This one (and the second track, "I Wanna Come (With You)" ) are hybrids between 2 Unlimited's many smashes and RM's own "Run Away". The female duet of Vanessa Mason and new member Lisa Cork play their vocals off of O'Jay's deep raspy rap and offer a stronger contrast (and greater listener interest) than your typical dance act.
While these two songs are likely to get dance floors pumping, One More Time offers a greater diversity than Another Night. The Expose'-like ballad, "Look At Me", could become a prom song for the class of 1998. The faux-reggae/synth beat of "Give A Little Love" parallels Ace of Base's "The Sign" and reappears on the final cut, on "Tonight". However, the one track most likely to be played in the late morning hours (and stays closest to Real McCoy's beginnings) is "Love Save Me". Oddly enough, this was partially written by pop-meister, Billy Steinberg, but the driving keyboards (including a pseudo-sample used to back numerous dancehall songs) ensure that with a proper remix, even fans who think Real McCoy are too "pop" will love this song.
Probably the most unusual effort is their complete re-working of the Shania Twain country smash, "(If You're Not In It For Love) I'm Outta Here." Rather than the typical Eurodisco cover, this version breathes a new life and vigor into the track and will make some people even forget there *was* an original version.
By touching the pop edges of techno and rap, Real McCoy won't win the affection of the underground clubbers - but that's not their audience. The mainstream club-goers, or even people from the 'burbs, have found (and will continue to find) Real McCoy's brand of dance music irresistible. And somehow, although none of the songs will be played into the ground by top 40 radio (see: "Another Night") Real McCoy have produced a sophomore album, One More Time, which is stronger than their debut effort.
