Pop Off: Steps vs S Club 7 - Part 2

[00:00:00] 12 men and women, two groups singing and dancing about love. Is it a swingers party? Nah, it is an epic pop off between two of the UK's co-ed groups S Club 7 and Steps.

[00:00:14] That's right, that's Chantel. That's Chris.

[00:00:17] And we are CCTV, the Nonstop Pop Show and we're so excited because for this very special pop off we are joined by Craig and Maddie of Can't Stop the Pop.

[00:00:28] Hi! Hi! Welcome!

[00:00:31] Wow, what an introduction. Are you describing us? No? Okay, fine.

[00:00:36] The thing is, I was gonna say that's a bit more racy than what we usually do as intros but there's quite a lot of entendre, double entendre in our TikToks and our podcasts.

[00:00:47] What was it? You said once Craig, when you were talking about Bewitched Roller Coaster, you said, Matty, you look like the right height to ride.

[00:00:54] Ooh!

[00:00:55] I was like, okay, okay. So yeah, we've said stuff like that before.

[00:01:01] Thank you for having us. We're so excited to get back into part two.

[00:01:05] Yes, welcome to the show.

[00:01:07] That's right. So, part one of this epic pop off is over at Can't Stop the Pop.

[00:01:12] So definitely go check out their channel available on all podcast platforms for that because we are starting here with round six.

[00:01:21] So, as a reminder, we're pitting Steps vs. S Club 7 single vs. single chronologically.

[00:01:30] And we're seeing who wins and we will make a case for our choices.

[00:01:35] So let's keep it going.

[00:01:37] Yes.

[00:01:37] What is round six?

[00:01:39] Okay, so round six is Better Best Forgotten vs. Natural.

[00:01:46] And fans of Rachel Stevens are not going to be happy with this one because no one voted for Natural.

[00:01:54] Wow.

[00:01:54] 4-0 to Better Best Forgotten.

[00:01:56] Explain your thoughts.

[00:01:58] I'm actually surprised by that because I know Rachel is arguably the most popular, maybe not even arguably, she is the most popular member of S Club.

[00:02:07] So I just assumed that most would kind of just vote for this since this is kind of her song.

[00:02:14] So I'm surprised, but kind of happy about it.

[00:02:19] I...

[00:02:20] So I think with Natural, Natural is a nice song.

[00:02:25] It's got a nice classical music sample.

[00:02:29] It...

[00:02:29] It...

[00:02:30] I saw Rachel at my hoopla.

[00:02:33] Um, I don't know if either of you guys were there.

[00:02:36] And, um, she...

[00:02:38] She did Natural.

[00:02:40] But it did...

[00:02:41] It just doesn't...

[00:02:42] It doesn't go off.

[00:02:43] It doesn't really do much as a song.

[00:02:46] It's kind of like, we're going to give Rachel the sexy song because she was the sexy one.

[00:02:50] And she said a lot about that recently in her press about how she was very much pushed into that.

[00:02:55] But better best forgotten is...

[00:02:59] From the noveltiness of tragedy and the balladness of heartbeat,

[00:03:05] this followed the trend that they were on of Last Thing In My Mind, One For Sorrow,

[00:03:11] of that Stock Aikman and Waterman sound.

[00:03:15] And it's just a brilliant song.

[00:03:18] That woe, woe, woe, woe hook,

[00:03:21] you just don't get much better than that in a pop song, I don't think.

[00:03:24] Oh.

[00:03:25] I mean, yeah, I...

[00:03:26] It's weird because they hated...

[00:03:27] Well, they did.

[00:03:28] Sepp's hate better best forgotten because they said that their voices were tuned up.

[00:03:33] And they do.

[00:03:34] I mean, the vocals are crazier points.

[00:03:36] They sound like chipmunks.

[00:03:39] But yeah, I just think that the single remix, it wasn't massively different,

[00:03:44] but it just gave it...

[00:03:45] Lisa got a new ad lib.

[00:03:47] She got a little better best forgotten.

[00:03:49] Best forgotten.

[00:03:50] Like, made all the difference.

[00:03:53] And yeah, I mean, I would say about natural.

[00:03:57] I think I've...

[00:03:58] Have I mentioned this on the podcast before, Matty?

[00:03:59] I'm sorry if I have.

[00:04:01] But I didn't realise, I didn't recognise the sample in natural.

[00:04:04] You didn't know?

[00:04:04] I didn't know it was a sample.

[00:04:07] And then I was watching a few years later, I was watching Sex and the City,

[00:04:09] and they play that same sample.

[00:04:13] And I was like, why are they putting natural from S Club into Sex and the City?

[00:04:19] Then I learned it was a sample.

[00:04:20] I mean, I think natural is really...

[00:04:22] It's really inventive.

[00:04:24] It's really creative, but I'll never really forgive them for not using the extra...

[00:04:28] In the music video, they had...

[00:04:30] Rachel had extra ad-libs at the end.

[00:04:32] I'm all about the ad-libs in this episode.

[00:04:34] She had extra ad-libs.

[00:04:35] They didn't even include them in the single.

[00:04:36] Like, what's the point in that?

[00:04:37] If you're going to put them in the video, put them in the song.

[00:04:40] Yeah.

[00:04:41] So, better, best forgotten.

[00:04:43] Yeah.

[00:04:43] I mean, natural isn't bad.

[00:04:46] Like, the Harper scored and the drums are funky.

[00:04:48] It was different for the group, considering what they kind of came out with.

[00:04:51] The dancing on the beach and then the waterfall, it was giving...

[00:04:54] For the video, it was giving Survivor, like, showmance visually.

[00:04:58] And I was like, okay, let's go for it.

[00:05:01] Better, best forgotten though, is more solid and it's catchy.

[00:05:04] And the hook is there and there's drama.

[00:05:06] And the instrumental, that is more obvious to me.

[00:05:09] The video was really funny.

[00:05:11] Because it's just strangeness going on.

[00:05:14] Which lets me know that they're not taking themselves too seriously.

[00:05:17] The baby blue outfits are iconic.

[00:05:18] And just as a very petty, all shade, all tea, dip the shade in the teeth, it makes you feel better.

[00:05:24] When Claire Faye and Lisa sing this song, they don't lip sync it.

[00:05:27] Um, so for me, that kind of, but also sells it.

[00:05:31] Because even now, Rachel could totally sing it, but she doesn't.

[00:05:33] And she keeps lip syncing it.

[00:05:34] And it bothers the crap out of me.

[00:05:36] Because I'm like, you can sing! Sing it!

[00:05:38] So, better, best forgotten, I think is just, it's a better song.

[00:05:42] And when I hear it live, I'm hearing the girls vocally just perform.

[00:05:45] So that also pushes it for me.

[00:05:48] Yes.

[00:05:49] Um, I agree with you.

[00:05:50] I had kind of the same notes about natural.

[00:05:52] I think it was nice to hear something, I guess, slightly more mature for S Club.

[00:05:57] A bit more sexy for them.

[00:06:00] Um, but melodically, it's not that great.

[00:06:02] Like, even when we saw it at the concert, it did, no one really responded to it at all.

[00:06:09] It was kind of a bit of a rock in that set list.

[00:06:12] Um, but better, best forgotten, I think, melodically is actually really beautiful.

[00:06:18] I think it almost feels like it was written as a ballad or a mid tempo.

[00:06:22] And then they sped it up and turned and put this dance beat behind it.

[00:06:25] And I think they actually did perform it as a ballad, right?

[00:06:27] On like one of their tours years ago.

[00:06:30] Um, and it was like really, really beautiful.

[00:06:33] So, didn't they do that at the Christmas show or something?

[00:06:38] Uh, yes.

[00:06:39] They did it at Steps and the Christmas shows they did.

[00:06:44] Um, I, I, that's an interesting thing that you just said there.

[00:06:47] Cause I do have a theory that they're about to launch their musical.

[00:06:52] And the tagline of it is, um, take a chance on a happy ending.

[00:06:58] Ooh.

[00:06:59] And I had this theory that it might be a ballad version of it at some point, because it could

[00:07:04] be quite, you know, poignant and it's a beautifully written and constructed pop song.

[00:07:10] That's then given this Euro dance beat, big anthemic chorus.

[00:07:15] Like, it's great.

[00:07:16] I don't think it was, this was a, I don't think this was a question.

[00:07:20] You know?

[00:07:21] Okay.

[00:07:21] It was a steps might drop.

[00:07:23] Okay.

[00:07:23] Well, if it is a ballad in the musical, we'll have a nice little slice of royalties for giving

[00:07:28] them the idea.

[00:07:29] Thank you.

[00:07:29] Hey.

[00:07:30] We'll speak to Sean.

[00:07:31] Speak to Sean.

[00:07:32] Okay.

[00:07:33] So, uh, round seven choices have been made.

[00:07:37] So we've got two very different songs.

[00:07:40] We've got love's got a hold on my heart versus never had a dream come true.

[00:07:46] And three people picked love's got a hold on my heart.

[00:07:50] Only one person picked never had a dream come true.

[00:07:54] Who was never had a dream come true?

[00:07:56] Sean Tso.

[00:07:56] Okay.

[00:07:57] Okay.

[00:07:58] Okay.

[00:07:58] Okay.

[00:07:59] Okay.

[00:08:00] Listen, it was tough for me because these songs provide two different.

[00:08:04] Hmm.

[00:08:06] It's just bullied.

[00:08:08] Nothing bullied.

[00:08:09] But it's the way that is the weight of it.

[00:08:11] It was like, guys, it was tough for me.

[00:08:13] Like, it was hard.

[00:08:16] It was not, not, it was hard for two reasons.

[00:08:20] Cause they have different feelings.

[00:08:22] The songs have different vibes.

[00:08:23] Like obviously one is, um, like, oh my gosh, it's a pure love.

[00:08:28] And love's got a hold on my heart is just, I want that badly for my own life.

[00:08:32] That sweet pure.

[00:08:33] And it's like, oh my gosh, I didn't know I could feel this way.

[00:08:35] That's lovely.

[00:08:36] And the yellow and the dancing and the Claire's hat and her voice, obviously.

[00:08:39] And then you have dream come true.

[00:08:43] The hat was iconic.

[00:08:44] And it's touching.

[00:08:45] It's actually one of my faves from the group.

[00:08:47] Um, and it has like the opposite aesthetic of like the ice and the frost and the music

[00:08:51] video.

[00:08:51] And I just remember it so vividly as a young person.

[00:08:56] And my friend was with me yesterday when I was listening to both songs.

[00:08:59] And she's like, she was singing, um, love's got a hold on my heart.

[00:09:03] She was like, okay, okay.

[00:09:05] All right.

[00:09:05] But then when never had a dream come true, she was singing.

[00:09:08] She was like, why do I know this song?

[00:09:09] Why do I know this freaking song?

[00:09:11] What is going on?

[00:09:12] And I was like, you know what?

[00:09:14] It's true.

[00:09:14] I do like love's got a hold on my heart, but never had a dream come true for what it

[00:09:19] was for them trying to be mature and be, um, I guess emotive.

[00:09:24] The song is effective.

[00:09:25] And I was like, you know what?

[00:09:27] I truly hate this episode right now, but I had to make a hard decision.

[00:09:31] And my heart decision was choosing dream come true.

[00:09:34] I feel like it's a, it's a sweet song.

[00:09:36] Um, it was, wasn't too mature for what they were coming from.

[00:09:40] Um, and it's better than natural.

[00:09:41] I'm saying that right now.

[00:09:43] Um, but yeah, after that bridge and pick it up a little bit of like as a half note,

[00:09:47] whatever, but it kind of is a mild key change.

[00:09:49] Like there is, uh, emotion and catharsis in the world.

[00:09:53] And the song that I feel that, um, love's got a hold doesn't really give me.

[00:09:58] It's just constant.

[00:09:59] Just like, yeah, we're happy.

[00:10:00] Yes.

[00:10:02] But then never had a dream come true has the ebbs and flows that I would, I would prefer

[00:10:06] in a song like this one.

[00:10:08] So yeah, that's why I chose it.

[00:10:10] Hmm.

[00:10:11] Probably.

[00:10:12] Okay.

[00:10:12] So also for context, never had a dream come true is their biggest hit in the U S

[00:10:16] did hit the top 10 on the billboard.

[00:10:19] Hot 100.

[00:10:19] Yeah.

[00:10:20] So actually a lot of people do know that song here, which is interesting.

[00:10:24] And they know it more, I think than S club party and some of the other ones.

[00:10:28] Yeah.

[00:10:29] And it's all like R and B too.

[00:10:30] So that's why we like it a lot too.

[00:10:32] Yeah.

[00:10:33] Yes.

[00:10:33] Um, I definitely have a very soft spot.

[00:10:36] I mentioned in the last episode that I moved to Hong Kong summer 99 and that's when

[00:10:41] this song was released.

[00:10:43] And so this is the first step song that I had heard.

[00:10:46] Hmm.

[00:10:47] And I actually remember sitting on a couch and like seeing this music video for the first

[00:10:52] time actually, and going straight out and buying step one, which this wasn't even on,

[00:10:58] but they didn't, the CD single wasn't even out at that point.

[00:11:01] So, so yeah, I naturally have a very soft spot for love's got a hold of my heart.

[00:11:05] But even just objectively, I love the structure of it.

[00:11:09] I think it has such a great build and drama to it.

[00:11:12] I think Faye and Claire, I think this may be one of their like best vocal moments in

[00:11:17] the discography.

[00:11:18] They both sound amazing in it and they can pull it off live.

[00:11:21] And of course, Lisa's whispering is pretty iconic.

[00:11:26] There's no escape.

[00:11:27] SOS.

[00:11:29] SOS.

[00:11:30] This song would not be half as epic without that.

[00:11:33] Yeah.

[00:11:34] Yes.

[00:11:34] So I actually love this song, even objectively.

[00:11:37] I think it's just a great pop song.

[00:11:39] I think love's got a hold of my heart is the reason I, the reason why they're so different.

[00:11:44] They're two very different songs.

[00:11:46] I love someone for me is, is it encapsulates what people thought steps were.

[00:11:51] And you know, a lot of people perhaps now understand them a bit better.

[00:11:54] At the time it was like, oh, steps, they're just happy and jolly.

[00:11:56] And they just, and that is what love's got a hold of my heart is.

[00:11:59] It's one of the happiest, sunniest.

[00:12:02] Just, it just makes me grin from ear to ear whenever I hear it.

[00:12:06] It's it's it's.

[00:12:07] I feel like the summer.

[00:12:08] I love the music.

[00:12:08] The music there is probably my favorite as well.

[00:12:11] Just, I like the, the idea that the steps, the movie, the, the, has them chasing around

[00:12:16] and the dancing on the pier and who hasn't wanted to dance on a pier between loves not

[00:12:20] having a heart.

[00:12:21] And sometimes by Britney Spears, I could just like, just, I wanted to be on a dancing on a

[00:12:25] pier as a kid.

[00:12:26] And so it just, yeah, I just, I just love it for what it is.

[00:12:30] And I think, I think never had a dream come true.

[00:12:36] I think I probably prefer have you ever as, as their, their big wintry Christmasy ballads

[00:12:43] is, I probably prefer have you ever, which uses the same formula.

[00:12:47] So that's me.

[00:12:49] I'm, I'm going to say something that's a little bit controversial.

[00:12:54] I think never had a dream come true is a really overrated song.

[00:12:59] I think this is not hating on it because it was a massive hit here as well.

[00:13:04] It is, is it's a beautiful song.

[00:13:07] I think it's a bit of a dirge and it's a bit boring.

[00:13:11] It sort of, it trudges along.

[00:13:14] It doesn't move me as a ballad in the way that some of the other escort ballads did.

[00:13:21] Are you just, you just mentioned have you ever, have you ever is amazing.

[00:13:26] Have you ever is a, is a great song.

[00:13:28] And I feel like we'll talk about that later, but I feel like that takes the formula of never had a dream come true, which correct me if I'm wrong, Craig, was this children in need in the UK two years in a row?

[00:13:40] So, so yeah, so they did children in need.

[00:13:43] So what you're saying is they released this song.

[00:13:45] It was dreadful, but it raised loads of money for, for charity.

[00:13:47] No, but, but then they did it again the next year.

[00:13:51] And it was basically they're like, they're sort of like dual songs that they did.

[00:13:56] Um, but love's got a hole in my heart.

[00:14:00] It's that thing of like it encapsulated album number two, you know, steptacular right there.

[00:14:07] Like it, this was the defining song of that record to be just like, this is who we are.

[00:14:14] We are, we are happy and sunny.

[00:14:16] But as you said, Chris, the lyrics and the verses, it's so drama.

[00:14:22] It's like high camp, like the way that it's constructed with the da da da, like all of the melody of it.

[00:14:32] And then it builds to Claire absolutely belting that chorus.

[00:14:40] It's one of the best moments live.

[00:14:42] And, um, yeah, it just encapsulates everything that steps kind of are.

[00:14:48] I love it.

[00:14:49] Sorry, Chantel.

[00:14:51] I feel like, I feel like it's like, it's like Craig said to me before we started, he was like, you and Chantel are going to argue.

[00:14:57] And you were going to clash.

[00:14:58] If I'm in his, he's like, this is going to be like the sass brigade of me and me trying to like.

[00:15:07] Oh no, not at all.

[00:15:09] I'm sassy but I'm not argumentative.

[00:15:11] So luckily.

[00:15:12] Yeah.

[00:15:13] Lovely vocals.

[00:15:14] Yeah.

[00:15:14] Lovely vocals, Joe.

[00:15:15] But Claire was wearing a cowboy hat.

[00:15:17] So it was time.

[00:15:18] Yeah, you're right.

[00:15:19] You're right.

[00:15:19] The cowboy hat.

[00:15:20] And the fake pigtails too.

[00:15:22] Yes.

[00:15:22] The weave.

[00:15:23] Yeah, there we go.

[00:15:24] The fake.

[00:15:25] Honestly, Claire in that video.

[00:15:27] Just so good.

[00:15:28] And also like, you've got the, you've got the promo image Craig on your mood board behind you.

[00:15:35] But like.

[00:15:36] Oh, I do.

[00:15:36] Yeah.

[00:15:37] Oh yeah.

[00:15:37] So it was just everything about that of like, we're going to put them in canary yellow.

[00:15:46] And it shouldn't work.

[00:15:49] But yeah, it just looks so good on camera when they've got that sort of like the height, the beautiful scenery behind them.

[00:15:58] Mm-hmm.

[00:15:59] It's great.

[00:15:59] I love it.

[00:16:00] I just like to say, as a very overweight child, I owned one of these canary yellow outfits.

[00:16:05] T-shirt and shorts.

[00:16:06] I used to wear it with pride as a very overweight child.

[00:16:10] Oh, so cute.

[00:16:10] But because of, because of this single.

[00:16:12] So cute.

[00:16:14] The impact.

[00:16:15] We love it.

[00:16:16] Listen, I hear your points.

[00:16:17] I hear your points.

[00:16:20] Are you, are you still, you said nothing's shifting, nothing's changing.

[00:16:26] We're not getting a change of vote.

[00:16:27] You know what?

[00:16:29] I am willing to change my vote because one of my votes, uh, leads into what we were talking about, which you guys were mentioning earlier.

[00:16:37] So I'm still gonna win later on.

[00:16:40] So it's okay.

[00:16:41] Oh, okay.

[00:16:43] It's fighting talk.

[00:16:44] Okay.

[00:16:45] Okay.

[00:16:46] Yeah.

[00:16:46] So I'm willing to shift.

[00:16:47] Okay.

[00:16:47] I can, I can give the honest.

[00:16:49] This is a better song.

[00:16:50] I can give the honest that.

[00:16:52] Yeah.

[00:16:52] I can give that.

[00:16:53] There we go.

[00:16:54] Da da.

[00:16:56] Wow.

[00:16:57] Oh, yeah.

[00:16:58] Yeah.

[00:16:59] Ballot.

[00:17:00] Great.

[00:17:00] Oh, Lord.

[00:17:02] Okay.

[00:17:03] So next round.

[00:17:04] So this is, I think this is where it starts getting interesting because at this point, S Club are going off in all directions with their albums, whereas Steps are just plowing on with their second album.

[00:17:13] So we are getting to the point now where things really start to get a little bit at different phases of their careers.

[00:17:19] So we've got, after the love has gone with its slightly problematic music video and don't stop moving.

[00:17:28] Mm.

[00:17:30] And again, it was 3-1 in favor of don't stop moving.

[00:17:34] Hang on.

[00:17:35] One person, one person likes after the love has gone here.

[00:17:39] Yeah, that was me.

[00:17:40] That was actually really hard for me.

[00:17:42] I actually changed my mind on this sled.

[00:17:45] I had picked don't stop moving as my like first instinct.

[00:17:47] Mm-hmm.

[00:17:48] I changed my mind too.

[00:17:50] Okay.

[00:17:51] I flipped the other way.

[00:17:53] So as I was listening to both of them though, I was kind of like, okay, which one do I want to listen to again?

[00:17:59] And it was actually after the love has gone.

[00:18:02] And it's hard.

[00:18:03] I think this one was clearly like meant to be a one for sorrow part two, just kind of with the general vibe.

[00:18:09] That was clearly the brief that was given by the label or by management or however they were doing it at the time.

[00:18:18] But I think it does differentiate from it enough.

[00:18:21] Like it's a very delicate verse.

[00:18:24] And then the chorus is this huge belting moment.

[00:18:27] The build of it is very dramatic.

[00:18:29] And the lyrics are actually really beautifully written.

[00:18:34] And so I think this song has actually grown on me more and more as I've gotten older.

[00:18:38] And when they finally added it and performed it on the What the Future Holds tour with that kind of like 50s thing going,

[00:18:46] I loved that version.

[00:18:48] And that ended up being one of my favorite moments on that tour.

[00:18:51] So this song has just grown for me.

[00:18:54] And so it was very hard for me to not pick it as much as I do love Don't Stop Moving.

[00:19:00] But yeah, I think I have a soft spot for After the Love is Gone.

[00:19:03] For me, when I think of After the Love is Gone, I think of Earth, Wind and Fire.

[00:19:06] And I think I will always do that.

[00:19:08] This song, this song for me, maybe because I'm not so in debt, I'm still not really super into all the steps to soccer.

[00:19:17] Like we've done the reviews, but for some reason, this one does not come to my mind.

[00:19:21] And I don't think it will stay in my brain.

[00:19:23] It's not a bad song, but it's not as strong as the ones we discussed prior.

[00:19:27] And the video was giving me how can I make this stop?

[00:19:32] That was the video was like all that was going on.

[00:19:35] I mean, at the time in the 2000s, that whole like, you know, fusion was popular.

[00:19:40] So I'll let it go.

[00:19:41] It's not a huge deal right now.

[00:19:42] The song is not bad at all.

[00:19:44] But again, it just doesn't stand out in my mind.

[00:19:45] I just think that the Earth, Wind and Fire title is just going to stay there.

[00:19:48] The melody just sticks in my head.

[00:19:49] So this one didn't do that for me with Don't Stop Moving.

[00:19:53] There's a vocoder talk box moment.

[00:19:56] Bradley and Joe singing together.

[00:19:58] Speaking of that friend that was visiting yesterday, she was like, oh, the black one sings.

[00:20:02] I'm like, girl, stop.

[00:20:03] So it's just like, it's.

[00:20:06] Fuck it.

[00:20:07] I was in tears.

[00:20:08] So I was just like, girl, come on.

[00:20:10] She goes, no, actually, that's really good.

[00:20:11] Okay. Yeah.

[00:20:12] She was getting into it.

[00:20:13] So I think having both Joe and Bradley singing together, you're singing about dancing and having a good time in the club and having that dynamic between the two of them makes it even more entertaining.

[00:20:23] The song is really fun and has a disco vibe.

[00:20:27] And for me, the melody is just stronger for me to like latch on to.

[00:20:30] And it's a fun video to watch.

[00:20:32] They just wind around because not just because of nostalgia, because I remember hearing it and being like, oh, the damn song is good.

[00:20:37] And I wish I wrote it.

[00:20:38] And when I do things like that, then I'm like, okay, this is the song.

[00:20:43] This is a good song.

[00:20:43] Or, or like, at least I like the song, right?

[00:20:45] Maybe it's not a good song, but at least I like it.

[00:20:48] So, but yeah, so this one, Don't Stop Woman takes it for sure.

[00:20:52] Let me just say in defense of the after the love is gone video as an as the Asian person here.

[00:20:58] Um, actually living in Hong Kong, I think this actually helped in their promo.

[00:21:05] They capitalize on the fact that Lisa is like an eighth Chinese or something, or maybe a quarter.

[00:21:10] I think it's her granddad is Chinese.

[00:21:13] I think that's the, that's the relation.

[00:21:15] They did utilize that in their promotional materials in Hong Kong.

[00:21:21] And people actually loved that they were referencing all of this.

[00:21:24] So no one really took offense at the time.

[00:21:26] I can see why it'd be very problematic now, but I am not personally offended.

[00:21:33] That's valid.

[00:21:33] I mean, yeah, I would say I don't think anyone has ever turned around and said in hindsight, they shouldn't, that that video is, is problematic.

[00:21:42] But I don't, I think, I don't think they would make that video the quite the same way they did now.

[00:21:49] Whereas I think if they had their time over, they probably do all the other videos, maybe not heartbeat for other reasons, the same, but I don't think they would do after the love has gone the same.

[00:21:58] That's fair.

[00:21:59] And I also think just the whole, the whole, the fact that they, they made it, that's that sound.

[00:22:06] And why I did, I, I, I, it's so, so random.

[00:22:11] Why did they pick that sound?

[00:22:13] And because it's a debt, because it's a direct ABBA reference to, it is basically, they try to do a slightly Asian twinged version of I Have a Dream.

[00:22:23] It is the, it is, sorry, it's the musical.

[00:22:26] It's very similar.

[00:22:28] That bum bum bum, ba da ba da ba da ba da.

[00:22:32] It's once, if you've listened to them side by side, it is the same brief.

[00:22:36] And you mentioned one for sorrow.

[00:22:39] It was the label going, okay, well, you did that with the winner takes it all.

[00:22:43] We'd like you to do an amped up version of I Have a Dream.

[00:22:48] And they did that with After the Love is Gone.

[00:22:51] Um, I, the thing is, is that yesterday we can all say, you know, sure, we should have would have caught it in hindsight in terms of whatever the video.

[00:22:58] But I do think, I don't think they did anything with any sort of bad intentions.

[00:23:04] And also it was filmed at Universal Studios.

[00:23:07] So they filmed it like in a, within like a movie set environment.

[00:23:12] And it was supposed to be like, for anyone that doesn't know the video, it's like a kind of a Hong Kong thriller.

[00:23:17] And they're like, you know, there's, I think they definitely use the, utilize this idea of Lisa, you know, with her Chinese grandfather.

[00:23:26] But my sort of big statement that I will say is, After the Love is Gone is actually the better song.

[00:23:37] Don't Stop Moving is the better record.

[00:23:41] In the UK, Don't Stop Moving moved S Club, S Club 7 from being like, I never had a dream come true.

[00:23:51] Who did really great things for their credibility in terms of having a number one single that was a big charity song.

[00:23:56] And then they had quite a substantial break, I believe Craig, if you're going to look at the dates.

[00:24:02] And then they came out with Don't Stop Moving to kind of push the third album.

[00:24:08] And it gave them a level of credibility and to use the word lightly of being cool.

[00:24:16] S Club 7 was suddenly cool to like in a way that Steps hadn't.

[00:24:25] Chronologically, Craig had this come after Deeper Shade of Blue.

[00:24:30] It had, hadn't it?

[00:24:31] Yes, it had.

[00:24:33] Yes.

[00:24:34] But Don't Stop Moving did it in a very, they really were.

[00:24:37] A very different way.

[00:24:38] Like Playground.

[00:24:39] We were both at school at the time.

[00:24:41] Suddenly, like you could talk, people liked, the cool kids liked S Club 7.

[00:24:46] Even when Steps did Deeper Shade of Blue, the cool kids didn't like Steps.

[00:24:50] But people came out and were like, I like S Club 7.

[00:24:53] And it was not embarrassing.

[00:24:55] You were also going to talk about Deeper Shade of Blue was the end of their second album campaign,

[00:24:59] was this was essentially without, without kind of not including Never Had A Dream Country,

[00:25:04] which is on albums two and three.

[00:25:06] This was, this is the third album.

[00:25:08] We're going to push this as a massive summer song.

[00:25:11] And it was just absolutely massive.

[00:25:14] And it's just a brilliant disco song.

[00:25:17] This is their most iconic song.

[00:25:19] I think this is S Club 7's best.

[00:25:22] I think Reach is up there, but this is their defining song.

[00:25:26] Especially for a UK audience.

[00:25:29] Yeah.

[00:25:29] And I'll just say the reason I picked it is, it is one of those songs you could almost say

[00:25:32] I'd never want to hear it again in my life.

[00:25:34] And they're attacked, but I think I don't, don't overthink it.

[00:25:37] Once it comes on, as soon as you hear that robotic,

[00:25:40] don't stop moving and just goes and it just grabs you.

[00:25:44] And I think that really sets it apart.

[00:25:46] I would still listen to it, not out of choice, but if it came on, I would enjoy it.

[00:25:51] Whereas there are other songs where I would just be scrambling to turn it off.

[00:25:54] Not this one.

[00:25:55] That's why I picked it.

[00:25:57] Okay.

[00:25:57] Makes sense.

[00:25:58] I mean, like I said, this one, I kept going back in 14 to 2, so I can be convinced on this one.

[00:26:02] I will say though, also don't stop moving definitely defined like the pop sound for the next couple of years.

[00:26:08] Oh my gosh.

[00:26:09] There were just so many songs that tried to replicate even H and Claire, like DJ,

[00:26:13] was literally a don't stop moving copy.

[00:26:16] It's the same song.

[00:26:16] So yeah, I understand like its impact.

[00:26:19] So yes, I'll let this one go.

[00:26:22] It was tough.

[00:26:24] That was tough for me.

[00:26:25] That was hard.

[00:26:26] That was hard.

[00:26:28] It was tough.

[00:26:30] It was emotional.

[00:26:31] Okay, so round nine, you're gonna have to make your cases here because we've got Say You'll Be Mine versus Have You Ever and it's a 50-50 split.

[00:26:45] Wait a second.

[00:26:46] So two very, very different songs.

[00:26:50] Yeah, it's tough.

[00:26:51] Who wants to state their case?

[00:26:54] Craig, you go.

[00:26:56] You go.

[00:26:56] Well, you'll know what I voted for.

[00:26:57] I know what yours is.

[00:26:58] Yeah, mine is Say You'll Be Mine.

[00:26:59] I'm unmoved on it.

[00:27:01] It's my favorite step song by a country mile.

[00:27:03] I love it.

[00:27:04] I adore it.

[00:27:05] I'm so glad they've started performing it again.

[00:27:08] It really sounds like Pete Waterman trying to create a Swede pop-sap song.

[00:27:14] And I love it for that.

[00:27:15] And I think it does really well.

[00:27:16] And they have the verses that the middle eight and there's the breakdown middle eight.

[00:27:21] They all sing.

[00:27:23] It's got video where Lee's got spunk hanging from his ear.

[00:27:28] It's just, it's like what is not to love about Say You'll Be Mine.

[00:27:33] This is, yeah, that's it.

[00:27:36] Wow.

[00:27:37] I was also the Say You'll Be Mine vote, but this is actually another one that I actually switched.

[00:27:41] I had Have You Ever at first and then I switched it kind of again.

[00:27:46] Because I think in Steps discography, Say You'll Be Mine actually has a really great spot.

[00:27:51] And I think it is kind of in line with what you're saying, Craig, because it's a bit more relaxed.

[00:27:55] It's not as Euro dance as some of the stuff we've been hearing so far and some of the stuff that they've released later on.

[00:28:02] But it's not too Swedish in the sense, and like here and now, and kind of the buzz stuff, it's not too Swedish.

[00:28:09] So it kind of sits in a really nice spot.

[00:28:12] And the melody is nice.

[00:28:13] I also love the vocal distribution with, like you've, it's not just kind of one at a time.

[00:28:19] It's also you get duos and you get trios and you kind of get like a really nice mix of all of that.

[00:28:24] And yeah, the music video is pretty iconic.

[00:28:27] Have You Ever is not.

[00:28:29] But Have You Ever, I agree with you in that it is probably my favorite S Club ballad.

[00:28:35] I think, I think it is very beautiful, but Say You'll Be Mine is also up there for me in Steps discography.

[00:28:43] Okay, okay.

[00:28:44] Well, for me, I think the video for Say You'll Be Mine is amazing.

[00:28:47] Like I haven't seen two of a few movies, like two of them lampooned in the video, but the scenes are so iconic that I instantly knew.

[00:28:56] The song, I could be wrong, but for me, I hear like a little Ace of Bassiness in the terms of like the cadence and the ways delivered.

[00:29:05] But yeah, I'm not sure if it's like, not a complete copy, but I think whatever was happening in the pop soundscape, it was, it felt a little like this is a trend right now.

[00:29:16] We're going to hop on it, which is normal. It happens in pop.

[00:29:18] But I think it was almost just like, oh, come on, especially coming from the previous single, you know, for me.

[00:29:25] And I think I didn't know the song well enough for me to actually like latch onto it.

[00:29:30] And I kept listening to it over and over again, watch the video, watch it without the video.

[00:29:33] And I was like, okay, have you ever on the other hand? I know.

[00:29:36] S Club's team really managed to get US children to learn their music.

[00:29:41] And I can admit that the multiple distribution is not as good as Steps.

[00:29:45] Absolutely not. But I'm still very much touched by it.

[00:29:48] And like Maddie was saying before, I think it is better than Never Had a Dream Come True.

[00:29:54] I mean, granted, I took a lyric from Never Had a Dream Come True and put it on my songs, which also aided in my vote.

[00:30:00] But with that, you ever.

[00:30:03] This one I always listen to and think, oh, my God, it's so sad because it's just like, no, I've never had that happen to me.

[00:30:08] I was like, oh, my God, I will never make that mistake.

[00:30:10] Like this one makes me think it's pensive and it's mature.

[00:30:14] So I appreciate it. And like I said, even though the vocal distribution is not as fair, Jo took it home.

[00:30:20] She did what she had to do with it. I love the mix on it, too. It's so smooth.

[00:30:23] And again, I think because it's R&B tinged, it just feels a little bit more soulful as well.

[00:30:28] So it also kind of ropes me in. So that's my reason.

[00:30:33] Yeah.

[00:30:34] Well, S Club were on a home run at this point in the UK charts.

[00:30:39] Like this was their third UK number one in a run of I've never had a dream come true, then don't stop moving and a miss.

[00:30:45] And it really did cement them with that Sunshine album as the iconic group of the time, because where this when this was coming out, correct me if I'm wrong, Craig, in terms of the time frame.

[00:30:58] But like steps were at the tail end of their career at this point, whereas S Club were at their peak.

[00:31:07] And I feel like Have You Ever is such a beautifully constructed song.

[00:31:13] You could strip away all the production and it's actually really lovely melody.

[00:31:18] I love the fact that the chorus starts off really sort of slow, but then builds with different lyrics layering on top.

[00:31:29] I think it's just brilliantly produced. It's their best ballad.

[00:31:33] And it is always a difficult choice for me to pick an S Club song over a steps song.

[00:31:40] But I think that Say You'll Be Mine is a very well written song.

[00:31:48] I don't think it is a brilliantly produced steps record.

[00:31:52] And I think there is a reason why they have left it off their live performances for a very long time.

[00:32:00] The only times recently is that they put it into the Christmas one because it wasn't in the Ultimate Tour.

[00:32:06] They put it into the summer 2018 shows, Summer of Steps.

[00:32:13] They put it in two verses. That was it.

[00:32:18] Because it wasn't a part of a dance floor.

[00:32:20] They finally started adding it in again because I feel like fans do like it.

[00:32:24] But I think the best version of Say You'll Be Mine, if you want to check it out on all streaming,

[00:32:30] there's a version called the Matt Pop Remix, which it basically 80s-ifies it.

[00:32:37] It makes it sound like early Kylie and early Stock Apeman and Waterman in its production.

[00:32:43] And I kind of sometimes wish that that had been like a version that had been released.

[00:32:47] But yeah, I think Have You Ever is better.

[00:32:51] Like, so take it to Deadlock.

[00:32:53] Yeah, take Deadlock.

[00:32:55] Public vote. Tell us what you think.

[00:32:57] Okay.

[00:32:58] Well, you just mentioned Stock Apeman and Waterman.

[00:33:01] Funny that because round 10, our final one for this episode,

[00:33:07] is The Other Devil You Know versus You.

[00:33:13] And three people voted for Better The Devil You Know.

[00:33:17] And one person voted for you.

[00:33:20] I think that might have been me.

[00:33:22] Ooh.

[00:33:23] I think I voted for you.

[00:33:25] I almost did.

[00:33:26] Did anyone else?

[00:33:27] No, I think it was me.

[00:33:28] I almost did. No, I almost did.

[00:33:30] We could have gone to Deadlock.

[00:33:31] So close.

[00:33:32] Darling, I know. I'm sorry.

[00:33:35] I know.

[00:33:36] Why'd you pick it?

[00:33:38] Oh, I, so the album version, not interested.

[00:33:42] Put it in the bin.

[00:33:43] But I love the fact that they, they didn't,

[00:33:46] they did a radio edit and then they did some.

[00:33:48] They redistributed all the vocals.

[00:33:51] So you get Rachel Stevens sort of doing lead,

[00:33:54] but she's got John doing that really theatrical verse.

[00:33:59] And then you've got Bradley and he does the ad libs.

[00:34:02] And I'm just going to say in the video,

[00:34:04] he is so hot when he comes out from under the car.

[00:34:08] Rachel Stevens is literally like,

[00:34:09] she's patching her eyes are like on stalks.

[00:34:11] Like, I just, I think it, if it hadn't remixed it,

[00:34:15] I wouldn't like it.

[00:34:16] But I think the remix really saves it.

[00:34:19] And I, I just think better the devil you know.

[00:34:22] I like it.

[00:34:24] But, but Kylie's version,

[00:34:26] I would always pick Kylie's version and Kylie's version.

[00:34:29] When Steps did better the devil, you know,

[00:34:30] Kylie was in this sort of wilderness period

[00:34:33] and it made sense for them to cover it.

[00:34:35] But now I just think their version is completely superfluous.

[00:34:39] It's just, it's not needed.

[00:34:40] So yeah, I, I've gone for you.

[00:34:44] Ooh.

[00:34:45] Okay.

[00:34:46] Good points.

[00:34:46] Okay.

[00:34:47] So good points, but I'd say.

[00:34:52] But after a,

[00:34:54] after a run of three songs,

[00:34:57] which really upped S Club's credibility,

[00:34:59] I think this was a poor man's attempt to recreate Reach.

[00:35:05] And in a way that didn't fit in the run of singles

[00:35:08] they'd been doing.

[00:35:09] Like,

[00:35:09] I don't know why they didn't pick one of the more

[00:35:12] disco influenced songs from the album.

[00:35:15] I really have never understood why this was picked as a single,

[00:35:18] even though the remix is better.

[00:35:19] I think it falls a little bit more in the slightly naff,

[00:35:23] um,

[00:35:25] pop song bin.

[00:35:27] I,

[00:35:29] controversially,

[00:35:30] I disagree with you there,

[00:35:32] Craig,

[00:35:32] that I think Steps' version of Better the Devil is superfluous.

[00:35:35] I would go so far as to say,

[00:35:38] as,

[00:35:38] as a hardcore lifelong Kylie fan,

[00:35:41] um,

[00:35:42] I saw her recently at Hyde Park.

[00:35:43] This song,

[00:35:44] I think is just as iconic for Steps as it is for Kylie.

[00:35:50] For a certain age group anyway.

[00:35:52] I think now,

[00:35:54] as you've said,

[00:35:54] Kylie is a legend.

[00:35:56] For the past 20 years,

[00:35:58] she's established herself as this sort of legacy artist.

[00:36:01] And Better the Devil You Know is one of her earlier,

[00:36:04] earlier songs.

[00:36:05] Whereas at the time,

[00:36:06] as you say,

[00:36:06] she was in that deconstruction wilderness era,

[00:36:09] she was coming out of it,

[00:36:10] and she was just about to come back with light years.

[00:36:13] And,

[00:36:14] it,

[00:36:15] it made so much sense.

[00:36:16] It made so much sense for them to give her the Miss Song.

[00:36:19] And I do think Steps' version,

[00:36:22] production-wise,

[00:36:23] is so different.

[00:36:25] It's so much more Eurodance.

[00:36:28] Whereas Kylie's version was a direct reference to the early 90s,

[00:36:33] sort of rave culture thing.

[00:36:36] Her third album,

[00:36:37] Rhythm of Love,

[00:36:37] there's all these influences with the hard pianos.

[00:36:40] Whereas Steps' is like an explosion of Europop.

[00:36:44] And,

[00:36:45] and I love it.

[00:36:46] I think it's,

[00:36:47] and it always goes down well live.

[00:36:49] No matter what.

[00:36:50] Okay.

[00:36:50] So I will,

[00:36:51] I will just say quickly,

[00:36:52] but just in defense of S Club 7,

[00:36:54] I will say this is the point probably in their career where they were

[00:36:57] fighting against the,

[00:37:00] the Miami 7,

[00:37:01] LA 7,

[00:37:02] Hollywood 7 pattern,

[00:37:03] because that defined their first two albums until Never Had A Dream Come

[00:37:07] True.

[00:37:08] And the reason You was released is because it was the theme tune from,

[00:37:10] from Hollywood 7.

[00:37:12] It was,

[00:37:12] it was supposed to be released instead of Have You Ever.

[00:37:16] And so,

[00:37:17] yes,

[00:37:17] it is.

[00:37:17] It came at a point in their career where they were,

[00:37:19] trying to peel away from that formula,

[00:37:21] but the label and their management,

[00:37:23] I suspect was still really intent on making them do that.

[00:37:27] I accept your points.

[00:37:28] Oh,

[00:37:29] I accept your points.

[00:37:30] But,

[00:37:31] but I'm sorry.

[00:37:33] I'm just,

[00:37:33] I'm thinking about Bradley in the video.

[00:37:34] I'm so sorry.

[00:37:35] Oh,

[00:37:36] you know,

[00:37:37] you know,

[00:37:38] the video was great.

[00:37:39] That retro futurism was great.

[00:37:41] And,

[00:37:41] and,

[00:37:42] and,

[00:37:42] and Joe being trifling.

[00:37:44] It was hysterical.

[00:37:46] Can you imagine doing a thing?

[00:37:47] And then someone comes and sings a pre hook and snatches your man.

[00:37:50] All three of them.

[00:37:51] Um,

[00:37:51] that's ridiculous,

[00:37:53] honey.

[00:37:54] Okay.

[00:37:54] Um,

[00:37:55] but yeah,

[00:37:55] you know,

[00:37:56] you is,

[00:37:57] is cute,

[00:37:58] but not like super like sugary cute.

[00:38:00] Um,

[00:38:01] I mean,

[00:38:01] cute,

[00:38:01] like the way it makes me feel.

[00:38:02] Um,

[00:38:03] I got to find a better word,

[00:38:04] but it's definitely bright.

[00:38:06] Um,

[00:38:06] and it's like a refined version of how they started,

[00:38:09] which I appreciate.

[00:38:10] Um,

[00:38:11] I think with the Kylie,

[00:38:14] uh,

[00:38:14] better,

[00:38:15] the W no,

[00:38:15] I love the diva house of it all.

[00:38:18] And I,

[00:38:18] and I get what you're saying,

[00:38:19] Maddie,

[00:38:20] in terms of like,

[00:38:21] Oh yeah,

[00:38:21] this is really good.

[00:38:22] But then Seth was able to,

[00:38:24] you know,

[00:38:25] give it a,

[00:38:25] not a facelift,

[00:38:26] but put it their own face onto it and add extras,

[00:38:29] just textures.

[00:38:31] Um,

[00:38:32] and I think that's what did it for me.

[00:38:33] Cause I went back to Kylie's and I was like,

[00:38:36] I'm going to pick you.

[00:38:37] Watch me pick you.

[00:38:38] And then I listened and I was like,

[00:38:40] you know,

[00:38:40] uh,

[00:38:41] somebody cooked here,

[00:38:43] somebody cooked here.

[00:38:44] And I,

[00:38:45] like,

[00:38:45] dang it.

[00:38:46] I gotta,

[00:38:46] I gotta let steps have it because it's,

[00:38:48] it's one thing to do a cover and then just kind of just copy the whole diva house and

[00:38:52] follow the trend.

[00:38:52] Like I feel with the,

[00:38:53] the prior song,

[00:38:55] uh,

[00:38:55] say it would be mine.

[00:38:56] But then with this one,

[00:38:57] they did the cover.

[00:38:59] They made it steptacular,

[00:39:01] if you will.

[00:39:02] And I love how now they've been performing it in tandem with Vogue on the tour.

[00:39:07] So shout out to Steve Anderson.

[00:39:08] Again,

[00:39:08] we had an interview with him.

[00:39:10] So make sure you guys check out our episode on that on CCTV.

[00:39:13] Pops.

[00:39:13] I like to do plugs.

[00:39:14] Um,

[00:39:15] but yeah,

[00:39:15] so it's really good.

[00:39:16] It's really good.

[00:39:17] Exactly.

[00:39:18] So the song has been able to develop itself and grow.

[00:39:21] And then even after seeing you live,

[00:39:23] I was just like,

[00:39:25] okay,

[00:39:25] even though I feel for it,

[00:39:26] even though I'm like,

[00:39:27] oh my gosh,

[00:39:27] the video,

[00:39:28] everything about it just brings me good,

[00:39:29] good feelings.

[00:39:30] I think the growth,

[00:39:32] I think the growth,

[00:39:32] um,

[00:39:33] of better the devil,

[00:39:34] you know,

[00:39:34] from when it,

[00:39:35] where it came from through the years has been stronger of a growth,

[00:39:39] um,

[00:39:39] than you just for me.

[00:39:41] Yeah.

[00:39:42] Yeah.

[00:39:43] I don't have that much to add,

[00:39:44] honestly,

[00:39:45] on both of your points.

[00:39:50] Um,

[00:39:50] because I think it actually suits them perfectly.

[00:39:54] Um,

[00:39:55] the way they utilize the boys voices to do kind of the vocoder kind of woes and the backing vocals and stuff.

[00:40:01] I think,

[00:40:02] I think all three girls sound great.

[00:40:04] It's kind of right in kind of the perfect kind of part of their voices for all three.

[00:40:09] And I feel like the chorus just sounds,

[00:40:12] I don't know.

[00:40:13] It's,

[00:40:13] it's,

[00:40:14] it's,

[00:40:14] it's kind of more joyful in a way.

[00:40:16] I think Kylie's was a little more playful.

[00:40:18] Um,

[00:40:20] Steps is,

[00:40:20] it's just kind of more joyful.

[00:40:22] And I love that.

[00:40:24] I think you is fine.

[00:40:25] I think when you listen to S club's discography,

[00:40:28] it kind of just blends in with the other kind of Motown-y.

[00:40:31] It doesn't really stand out on its own that much.

[00:40:34] I do think it's maybe their best music video.

[00:40:37] Uh,

[00:40:38] but as a song,

[00:40:39] it's not my fave.

[00:40:41] So yeah,

[00:40:42] I gave it to better the devil for this one.

[00:40:46] It's still my pop music wish.

[00:40:49] And I think it's their wish as well,

[00:40:51] that one day Steps and Kylie will perform this together.

[00:40:56] They've said,

[00:40:57] because they've been asked in multiple interviews,

[00:40:59] they were like,

[00:41:00] if you could duet with anyone else,

[00:41:02] who would it be?

[00:41:03] And they kind of don't really ever say anyone.

[00:41:04] They're like,

[00:41:05] because we're a group,

[00:41:06] we don't need to do a duet.

[00:41:07] And then Claire said,

[00:41:09] but if there was an anniversary performance in which that one day we could perform,

[00:41:15] better the devil,

[00:41:15] you know,

[00:41:16] like maybe 30th anniversary tour,

[00:41:19] maybe there'll be a one-off performance.

[00:41:21] I don't know.

[00:41:22] Cause I just,

[00:41:22] I just feel like,

[00:41:24] God,

[00:41:25] the gays would combust.

[00:41:26] Like,

[00:41:27] I don't actually think I,

[00:41:28] I don't think I'd still be here.

[00:41:30] I think it would be like,

[00:41:31] good night,

[00:41:32] sayonara,

[00:41:33] goodbye.

[00:41:34] Hasn't Kylie like shaded them though?

[00:41:37] Hasn't Kylie been like,

[00:41:38] I don't like their version.

[00:41:38] Or she said something like shady about it.

[00:41:40] Like back in the day.

[00:41:41] Yeah,

[00:41:41] she did.

[00:41:41] She did.

[00:41:42] Yeah.

[00:41:43] I think back in the day.

[00:41:46] Yeah.

[00:41:46] I think they asked her,

[00:41:47] I think it was an interview on SMTV or CD UK.

[00:41:51] And they basically sat down,

[00:41:52] they plonked down and said,

[00:41:53] have you seen Stetsy's version of your song?

[00:41:55] And she was just like,

[00:41:56] well,

[00:41:57] it's good that a new,

[00:41:58] a new generation of fans are hearing it.

[00:42:00] And it,

[00:42:00] that was it.

[00:42:01] That,

[00:42:01] that was basically it.

[00:42:02] You know what?

[00:42:03] I don't blame her.

[00:42:04] Cause I like the Diva House version.

[00:42:05] I just,

[00:42:05] I do think Steps elevated it for them,

[00:42:08] but I do prefer Kylie's version.

[00:42:09] Just saying.

[00:42:10] So Kylie.

[00:42:11] I prefer Kylie's version.

[00:42:12] Like Kylie's version is fantastic.

[00:42:15] Like,

[00:42:15] as you say,

[00:42:16] you know,

[00:42:17] as a lead single off Rhythm of Love,

[00:42:19] which is.

[00:42:20] Yeah.

[00:42:20] From her original,

[00:42:22] like four albums.

[00:42:23] That is,

[00:42:23] that's the one.

[00:42:24] That's the one that is the iconic moving into the nineties.

[00:42:28] Sort of vibe.

[00:42:30] But.

[00:42:31] Yeah.

[00:42:31] I,

[00:42:32] I don't think Kylie would shade them.

[00:42:35] Like she's so far too nice for that.

[00:42:38] That was definitely a product of like that late nineties,

[00:42:43] early two thousands journalism of like pushing someone to be just like,

[00:42:47] what do you think of this song?

[00:42:48] And also she was in a weird era.

[00:42:51] She was in a weird era at that time where she wasn't really very.

[00:42:56] Um,

[00:42:57] positive in her reflection of her early pop music.

[00:42:59] It took her to sort of like come back to it.

[00:43:03] Um,

[00:43:04] yeah.

[00:43:05] Right.

[00:43:06] What are the scores,

[00:43:07] Craig?

[00:43:08] Yeah.

[00:43:08] Okay.

[00:43:08] Right.

[00:43:09] I,

[00:43:09] I have been keeping,

[00:43:10] I have been keeping tally somewhere.

[00:43:12] So we currently now,

[00:43:14] other than our deadlocks,

[00:43:16] we currently have four,

[00:43:18] three to steps.

[00:43:20] There you go.

[00:43:21] I think that's right.

[00:43:22] Yeah.

[00:43:23] Yeah.

[00:43:24] That's right.

[00:43:25] That's right.

[00:43:25] We had one,

[00:43:26] we had one deadlock this,

[00:43:27] this episode.

[00:43:28] So we're going to need to take it to the public vote.

[00:43:32] The polls will be on our socials.

[00:43:34] Take it.

[00:43:35] Come up.

[00:43:35] Yes.

[00:43:36] If you have made it this far,

[00:43:38] be sure to drop your comments.

[00:43:41] Let us know what songs take these rounds for you and be nice,

[00:43:44] be civil or not.

[00:43:45] Either way,

[00:43:46] engage in the conversation.

[00:43:47] We'll be there watching you all.

[00:43:50] Yeah.

[00:43:50] Or not,

[00:43:51] you know,

[00:43:51] but yes,

[00:43:53] this,

[00:43:54] this has been round six through 10.

[00:43:58] 10 of our epic pop off between steps and S club collective.

[00:44:03] Who's to say that?

[00:44:05] There you go.

[00:44:05] S club collective.

[00:44:06] S club collective.

[00:44:08] What's the maths of them together?

[00:44:13] S club 15 is something.

[00:44:15] Definitely stay tuned to both of our shows because parts three and four are coming.

[00:44:21] And we will now be adding S club juniors into the mix as well.

[00:44:24] Once S club seven runs out of singles.

[00:44:26] So stay tuned.

[00:44:29] But yes,

[00:44:29] in the meantime,

[00:44:30] thank you,

[00:44:31] Maddie and Craig.

[00:44:31] We're so excited that we were able to do this with you.

[00:44:34] Thank you so much for joining us.

[00:44:37] Yes.

[00:44:37] Do you want to plug yourself one more time for our listeners and viewers?

[00:44:41] Oh,

[00:44:42] you go first,

[00:44:43] Craig.

[00:44:43] Go on.

[00:44:43] Okay.

[00:44:44] Let me,

[00:44:44] let me go through all my little socials.

[00:44:46] Okay.

[00:44:46] So,

[00:44:47] uh,

[00:44:47] you can follow can't stop the pop on social media.

[00:44:50] So I am at can't stop pop on X and can't stop underscore the pop on Instagram and TikTok.

[00:44:57] Cause we love consistency.

[00:44:58] We also have a YouTube channel,

[00:45:00] which is at can't stop the pop.

[00:45:03] Um,

[00:45:04] we are also on TikTok on can't stop the pop podcast,

[00:45:08] where essentially we have one TikTok in which that we discuss things in our,

[00:45:14] in our podcast format.

[00:45:15] And we talk about random different songs.

[00:45:17] And then we also have the can't stop on the score,

[00:45:20] the pop TikTok,

[00:45:21] which is about the website and different reviews and different sort of like nostalgic things that we've got there.

[00:45:27] So it's a,

[00:45:27] the whole brand is all up on there.

[00:45:29] Lots of Sabrina,

[00:45:30] the teenage witch.

[00:45:31] If you're into Sabrina,

[00:45:32] the teenage witch,

[00:45:32] there's lots of Sabrina,

[00:45:33] the teenage witch on there.

[00:45:34] Just saying.

[00:45:36] Go ahead.

[00:45:37] Amazing.

[00:45:38] There we go.

[00:45:39] All right.

[00:45:40] We are also,

[00:45:41] of course,

[00:45:41] available on odd podcast platforms and make sure to,

[00:45:45] check us out,

[00:45:46] leave a comment,

[00:45:47] DM us as well as CCTV pops to tell us your thoughts on all these pop walls.

[00:45:51] And you can join us on patrion.com and subscribe and follow us because we have some really fun episodes and more guests coming on to the show.

[00:45:59] Until next time,

[00:46:01] that's Chris.

[00:46:02] That's Chantel with Craig and Maddie.

[00:46:04] And we're signing off from CCTV,

[00:46:06] the nonstop pop show.