Cruel Summer

Cruel Summer is a 1998 album by Swedish pop group Ace of Base, released as the band's third album in North America on July 14, 1998 and in Japan on August 25, 1998 by Arista Records. Though Flowers sold four million copies in Europe, Asia, and Africa following its release in June 1998, Arista Records decided to release a different version of the album in the North America and Japan, retitled Cruel Summer. This version of the album featured the new track "Everytime It Rains" and many new versions of songs that were first featured on Flowers. As executive producer, Clive Davis enlisted collaborators including production team Cutfather & Joe and songwriter Billy Steinberg. While primarily a pop album, Cruel Summer explores the genres of euro disco, motown, and dance.
Cruel Summer received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who complimented its production and viewed it as a superior version of Flowers. Despite this, the album was not a success and failed to crack the top 100 of the Billboard 200, peaking at number 101. The project was promoted with a series of live television performances which received minimal participation from band member Linn Berggren. Two singles were released from the album, one which became an international success. Its titular lead single "Cruel Summer" peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold. The second and final single, "Whenever You're Near Me" received little promotion and peaked at number 76.