Throwback of The Month – Safri Duo – Played-A-Live

For this month’s throwback, I decided to take a hike back to 2001: infancy of Internet, flip-phones, weird hairstyles and buying Dance music compilation CDs to play all day long. Many iconic melodies were forged around this time. One of them, a nearly twenty year old track named “Played-A-Live” by Electronic pair Safri Duo, has stood apart for its genuine qualities, uncommon in most other hits from that colourful era.

The Danish duo have been an underground name for many (as they are inactive lately), yet this song served as that quintessential hit that paved Eurodance’s popularity through the roof. Being specialized in Trance (although not being their main genre), this became an one-hit wonder for the alias. The most distinguishing aspects are obviously the soaring synth riffs combined with powerful and driven tribal drums, something you wouldn’t hear in other commercial peak-time hits back then. The duo being master percussionists, “Played-A-Live” became a living proof of their ingenuity, blending best of the two worlds: frenzy beat with an euphoric sound!

After acquiring a lot of admiration after release, its most unanticipated and memorable debut was in EA’s (Electronic Arts) FIFA 2003 as a soundtrack, explaining why many kids growing up in the noughties knew this in the first place. Beside this, there was many other versions released, including remixes and a “serious mix”, which happens to be a rather Techno spin on it. Its fame resurged again due to an ID premiered by Tiesto in midst of Tomorrowland 2017, crafted by the likes of NWYR (W&W’s modern Trance alias) and Willem de Roo (well-known for records like “Hyperdrive” and “Vamos A La Playa”).

“Played-A-Live” remains as an exemplary success in EDM’s history, being sold over 1,5 million copies (something that was extremely tough in pre-streaming age), and seized the first position in multiple European music charts. While its influence may not have overshadowed other classics, this continues to be a heartfelt anthem for both who reminisce fondly and discover it newly.