Is it possible for a global pop phenomenon to reach a higher level of prominence? If the phenomenon in question is Ace of Base, the answer is a resounding, unequivocal "yes!" On their masterfully crafted, hotly anticipated third album, Cruel Summer, the charming Swedish quartet offers a collection of deliciously sweet confections that will delight their vast legion of loyalists --- while also attracting ardent new disciples to the fold.

With the act's inspired interpretation of Bananarama's "Cruel Summer," as the first single, the album springs into world consciousness on an appropriately vibrant and sunny note. Teamed with the acclaimed production team of Cutfather & Joe, Ace of Base deftly widens the creative scope of the '80s-era anthem by revising it with a firm '90s-style funk beat and a swirl of ear-tickling harmonies that deepen the song's chorus. Fans of the original classic recording will be thrilled by the musical update, as well as enjoy the inherently faithful hand with which Ace of Base treats the material.

Although "Cruel Summer" introduces the album with a tone of warm familiarity, the project ultimately blossoms into a formidable showcase for the group's notable growth as tunesmiths in their own right.

"We've added some new things," says group member Jonas, who crafted the material for the album with siblings Jenny and Linn Berggren, along with their cohort Ulf Ekberg. "But we haven't changed our basic technique. I've always believed that you shouldn't change your winning team." Adds Ulf, "We were aware of the pressure, but tried to put it out of our minds. We were all writing from the heart."

The bouncy "Donnie" stands out for its playful retro-pop flair, while "Whenever You Need Me" is fueled by the buoyant reggae-pop swagger that has become Ace of Base's signature. The true centerpiece of the album, however, is the glorious title track, a powerful ballad with a sprawling, cinematic keyboard arrangement and heart-tugging lyrics. The tune is brought to vivid life with stately vocals and tight instrumentation that's destined to heighten their already well-respected performance skills.

Given the high regard in which they're held, it's hard to believe that Ace of Base have only been together as a group for five years. Within that brief timespace, the Gothenberg, Sweden quartet have earned a much-deserved place in pop music history.

Their debut album The Sign, has sold over 9 million copies in the U.S. to date. It includes the million-selling single "All That She Wants," which stayed at No. 3 on Billboard's Hot 100 for over three months. The group eventually owned the top spot on that chart with the title cut, another million-seller that was followed by the certified-gold smash "Don't Turn Around." Needless to say, consumers and critics alike couldn't get enough of the group's method of combining reggae-kissed dance beats with pure-pop hooks and Abba-esque vocals, as the act was subsequently honored with three Grammy nominations, two American Music Awards, and two Billboard Music Awards.

Out to prove they weren't a flash in the pan, Ace of Base followed that set with the platinum The Bridge --- on which they explored intriguing new musical territory while retaining the vibe that The Sign made monumental. It spawned another radio and club staple in the form of "It's A Beautiful Life." "It's always nice to have different tempos, different moods," Jonas says. Although he was the primary songwriter on The Sign, the rest of the act has become more integral to the creative process. "We knew that we could write songs. It was a natural thing," says Jenny, while Linn adds, "I had done some songs before we even had a record contract, and I've always taken a small part in the production. As a matter of fact, "All That She Wants" was originally in a major key. When I heard it the first time, I said, You have to do it in minor, and then it will be fabulous." The group still possesses the same enthusiasm that first brought them together in 1990, when keyboardists Ulf and Jonas began collaborating in a local rehearsal/recording studio where they had been working on separate projects. At first, they experimented with darker, more aggressive tracks inspired by the likes of Ministry and Front 242. It was only after enlisting Jenny and Linn to sing that they began to develop the unique musical blend that would become Ace of Base's signature sound.

After signing with Mega Records, a Danish independent label, the group released their first single, "Wheel of Fortune," which opened doors for them across Europe, and set the stage for the runaway success of "All That She Wants," " which took the band completely by surprise. "I never thought it would do so well," says Jonas. "I don't think anybody did. We felt that it would be a hit in Scandinavia, but I ever expected it to work in Europe, or especially the States."

But it was. And the group has not stopped building its massive audience since. The wheels of Ace Of Base have never stopped spinning --- and that suits the act just fine. Their workaholic tendencies are coupled with a savvy business sense and a creative dexterity that will carry them even farther than they've already gone.