A Trip Down Memory Lane: Boyzone’s Timeless Classic, “No Matter What”

Boyzone’s Timeless Anthem

When it comes to 90s pop, few groups can claim quite the same impact as Irish boyband, Boyzone. Formed in 1993, the group originally consisted of members Keith Duffy, Stephen Gately, Mikey Graham, Ronan Keating, and Shane Lynch. Over the years, the band has experienced the highs and lows of the music industry, including tragic loss and reunions.

The 1998 chart-topping hit, “No Matter What,” is undeniably one of Boyzone’s most cherished songs. Penned by iconic composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and famous lyricist Jim Steinman, the song showcases heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals that instantly resonated with fans all over the world. Originally featured in Webber’s musical, Whistle Down the Wind, the song took on a life of its own as Boyzone’s rendition became the anthem of unconditional love.

The success of “No Matter What” is evident from its numerous accolades. The single reached the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart and held that position for three weeks. It also earned a BRIT Award nomination for Best British Single and an Ivor Novello Award for Best Selling UK Single. The song’s influence spread far beyond the UK, as it topped the charts in several countries and achieved multi-platinum status globally.

However, Boyzone has faced its fair share of criticism. Detractors have accused the group of relying too heavily on cover songs and not bringing enough originality to their music. While it’s true that some of their most well-known hits are covers, such as “Words” by the Bee Gees and “Father and Son” by Cat Stevens, it’s difficult to deny the charm and charisma that the group brought to these classics. It’s also worth noting that “No Matter What” is an original song, proving the band’s ability to create their own hits.

In 2009, the music world mourned the loss of Boyzone member, Stephen Gately, who tragically passed away at the age of 33. The band paid tribute to their late bandmate with their emotional song, “Gave It All Away.” In 2018, after a six-year hiatus, Boyzone returned with their final album, “Thank You & Goodnight,” and embarked on a farewell tour to bring their journey to a close.

Love them or criticize them, there’s no denying that Boyzone has left an indelible mark on the world of pop music – and “No Matter What” remains a timeless testament to their enduring appeal.

Charting the Journey of a Timeless Classic

Released on August 3, 1998, “No Matter What” took the world by storm as it showcased Boyzone’s astounding talent and versatility. The track received rave reviews, and it quickly climbed the charts, solidifying the band’s place in the music industry.

Upon its release, “No Matter What” debuted at the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart. It remained at the coveted position for a total of three weeks, making it one of the band’s most successful singles. The track continued to ride the wave of success, eventually peaking at number two on the Irish Singles Chart, just shy of the top spot.

Boyzone’s chart-topping hit didn’t stop there, as it spread its wings to conquer international charts as well. “No Matter What” reached number one in Australia, where it remained for eight consecutive weeks. In New Zealand, the song peaked at number two, while it held the number five spot in the competitive Canadian RPM Top Singles chart. Over in Europe, the song was a massive success, enjoying top ten positions in countries such as Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

Overall, “No Matter What” spent an impressive 76 weeks in various charts across the globe. It was certified Platinum in the UK for selling over 600,000 copies and achieved Gold status in several other countries, including Australia, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Despite its massive success in most regions, the song didn’t fare as well in the United States. “No Matter What” peaked at a modest number 12 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart but failed to make a significant impact on the Billboard Hot 100.

Regardless of the song’s varying success across different regions, “No Matter What” remains a significant milestone in Boyzone’s career. The band’s passionate performance and the song’s heartfelt lyrics resonated with fans worldwide, making it an unforgettable classic that still holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Diving Deep into the Heartfelt Lyrics

The lyrics of “No Matter What” by Boyzone convey a powerful message about the unwavering strength of love and belief. Released in 1998, the song struck a chord with listeners in a time filled with uncertainty and change. As we approached the new millennium, the world was grappling with the rapid advancements in technology, social and political shifts, and the fear of the unknown that came with Y2K.

In this context, the lyrics of “No Matter What” offer a sense of reassurance and hope. They emphasize the importance of holding on to one’s beliefs and love, no matter the obstacles or adversities faced. The song’s lyrics serve as a reminder that love and belief can act as a guiding light, helping individuals navigate through the turbulence of life and find their way back to what truly matters.

The song also touches on themes of resilience, self-worth, and the power of faith. The singer asserts that they cannot be anything other than who they are, and regardless of what others may say or do, their love and belief persist. This message encourages listeners to embrace their own truths and stand firm in their convictions.

In an era marked by change and uncertainty, “No Matter What” offered solace and inspiration to millions. The song’s heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with listeners to this day, providing a timeless reminder of the power of love, faith, and self-belief.

A Visual Journey Through Time: The “No Matter What” Music Video

The music video for “No Matter What” truly encapsulates the essence of Boyzone during their prime, showcasing not only their vocal talents but also their undeniable charm. Directed by British director Nigel Dick, who has worked with the likes of Britney Spears and Guns N’ Roses, the video was released in August 1998 and immediately became a hit alongside the song itself.

The video was shot predominantly in black and white, giving it a timeless feel that complements the powerful ballad. Set in a derelict warehouse, the video features the band members performing the song in various locations throughout the building. This setting not only adds to the dramatic nature of the song but also reflects the lyrics, which touch upon themes of overcoming adversity and staying strong through difficult times.

The music video production reportedly took place in London and featured a relatively modest budget, given the band’s success at that time. The production team made use of available natural lighting and minimalistic cinematography, allowing the focus to remain on Boyzone’s performance and the song’s message. The simplicity of the music video’s visuals highlights the band’s raw talent and the emotional depth of the lyrics, without the need for extravagant sets or special effects.

A notable artistic approach in the “No Matter What” music video is the interspersed footage of the band members interacting with each other and candidly laughing, hinting at their strong bond and camaraderie behind the scenes. These moments humanize the band members by showcasing their genuine personalities and contribute to the music video’s endearing appeal.

In the absence of an official behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of “No Matter What,” fans took it upon themselves to create tributes and unofficial music videos to celebrate the song’s success. YouTube is filled with heartfelt fan-made videos, highlighting the song’s significance to the Boyzone fandom and its enduring impact on popular culture. The music video’s timeless nature, coupled with the band’s emotional performance, ensures that “No Matter What” continues to be a beloved classic in the world of pop music.

The Maestro Behind “No Matter What”

The genius composer responsible for the timeless classic “No Matter What” by Boyzone is none other than Andrew Lloyd Webber. This prolific British composer has an illustrious career spanning over five decades, with an impressive range of musicals and hit songs under his belt. Webber initially composed “No Matter What” for his musical “Whistle Down the Wind” before it was picked up by Boyzone and transformed into a chart-topping sensation. Apart from this, Webber is well-known for his work on iconic stage musicals such as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Cats,” “Evita,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” His unparalleled genius has garnered him numerous awards, including multiple Tonys, Grammys, and an Academy Award, cementing his status as a true titan in the world of music composition.

Accolades, Appearances, and Cover Versions

“No Matter What” has certainly made its mark within the music industry, as evidenced by the numerous awards and accolades the song has received over time. Released as the third single from Boyzone’s third studio album “Where We Belong” in 1998, the track immediately gained recognition for its heartwarming message and powerful melody. One of the most notable awards it received was the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically in 1999.

The song’s popularity didn’t end there; it has also made a few appearances in various forms of media. “No Matter What” was featured in the 1999 romantic comedy “Notting Hill”, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. The song’s emotional resonance and the story’s theme of overcoming obstacles to find love made it the perfect addition to the movie’s soundtrack.

Over the years, “No Matter What” has also served as a source of inspiration for many artists who have produced their own renditions of the song. One notable cover version is by the English musical theatre group Collabro, who included their interpretation on their 2014 debut album “Stars”. Another remarkable rendition comes from the German metal band Van Canto, who infused their signature a cappella style with heavy metal instrumentation in their 2010 album “Tribe of Force”.

The song’s timeless appeal, coupled with its significant awards and appearances, has solidified its status as a classic ballad that continues to resonate with listeners to this day. It’s surely a testament to the enduring talents of Boyzone and the impact their music has had on the industry for over two decades.

Diving into the Musical Structure

“No Matter What” is an exceptional ballad that showcases the musical prowess of Boyzone, with a perfect blend of melody, harmony, and rhythm. The song is written in the key of A major, which is known for its brightness and optimistic tone, making it a fitting choice for a feel-good anthem.

The song begins with a beautiful piano intro, followed by an arpeggio guitar pattern that sets the stage for the verse. The chord progression throughout the verse is relatively simple, following a I-IV-V-VI pattern (A-D-E-F#m). This progression creates a sense of stability and familiarity, which allows the listener to easily follow the melody without getting lost in complex harmonies.

The pre-chorus offers a slight change in the chord structure, moving to a IV-IIIb-VIb pattern (D-C#m-F#m), which injects a touch of tension and anticipation before resolving back to the familiar I-IV-V-VI pattern in the chorus. This combination of chords gives the song its signature uplifting quality, as the listener is taken on a journey of emotions.

Tempo-wise, “No Matter What” sits comfortably at 80 beats per minute (BPM). This moderate tempo allows the listener to fully immerse themselves in the song’s heartfelt lyrics and soaring melodies without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The slower tempo also gives the song a more intimate and personal feel, which is perfectly suited to the ballad style.

The arrangement of “No Matter What” is heavily influenced by pop and soft rock, featuring a blend of acoustic and electric instruments. The verses are driven by a combination of piano and acoustic guitar, while the choruses introduce electric guitar and percussion elements that add depth and power to the song. The vocal harmonies are a prominent feature of the track, with each member of Boyzone contributing their unique timbre to create a rich and dynamic sound.

Throughout the song, we can also appreciate the use of various dynamics to emphasize certain phrases and emotions. The verses are generally softer and more introspective, while the choruses and bridge build in intensity, culminating in the powerful final chorus. This dynamic contrast adds another layer of emotional depth to the song, making it a standout track in Boyzone’s discography.