The Cardigans - Lovefool

What this video is

Released in August 1996 as the lead single from The Cardigans' third studio album First Band on the Moon, 'Lovefool' became a defining crossover moment for Scandinavian alternative pop in the US market. Its international breakthrough was catalysed by its inclusion in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet (1996), after which it peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart (re-release, 1997) and number two on the US…

Why it matters

A canonical example of 1990s Scandinavian indie-pop achieving global mainstream penetration. The track's ABBA-esque melodic construction and ironic emotional register established a template for European alt-pop crossover acts. Ranked by Pitchfork, Slant, Billboard, and others among the definitive…

The director

Los Angeles-born photographer and commercial director. Directed music videos for artists including Jewel and The Cardigans. Twice nominated for Director of the Year at MTV and Billboard Music Video Producer Awards. Known for a cinematic visual style across…