A new documentary series, Ace of Base: All That She Wants, delves into the story behind one of Sweden’s most iconic pop exports, Ace of Base. Following in the footsteps of global chart-toppers like ABBA and Roxette, the series provides an in-depth look at the band’s meteoric rise and dramatic challenges. Now available to stream on Viaplay, the Nordic and European-focused streaming platform, the documentary showcases never-before-seen home videos and fresh interviews with key players from their journey.
Ace of Base dominated the 1990s with seven Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Don’t Turn Around” and “The Sign.” Their U.S. debut album, The Sign—a reimagining of their European debut Happy Nation—reached the top of the Billboard 200 under the guidance of Arista Records. Industry legend Clive Davis, the founder of Arista, is among the many notable figures interviewed in the series. Additional perspectives come from Wyclef Jean, Nigerian-Swedish artist Dr. Alban (“It’s My Life”), members of the band’s team (manager, lawyer, A&R rep, bodyguard, and backup dancer), as well as cultural critics and industry insiders.
Ace of Base: All That She Wants goes beyond the hits, offering a “warts-and-all” account of the band’s experiences. It explores their impact on the global music scene, including paving the way for Swedish artists like Robyn and The Cardigans to break into the U.S. market. The documentary also highlights their connection to influential Swedish producers Denniz Pop and Max Martin, whose work with Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and *NSYNC transformed the sound of commercial pop music.
For a deeper dive into the band’s legacy, check out the trailer below and stream the full three-part documentary now on Viaplay. Subscriptions are available through Amazon.