Claire Richards from Steps new album out today

Steps: Still Grooving After 26 Years

In a world without Steps, something would be amiss. This iconic British pop group has been etching its vibrant mark on the music scene for an impressive 26 years. While they’re currently taking a break to explore individual projects, such as Claire Richards’ new album, “Euphoria,” fans continue to be captivated by the magic Steps brings to the stage.

Steps star Claire Richards wants the band to use AI to help make their next LP as “any kind of intelligence would be helpful”.

Throughout the late 90s and early 00s, this Brit-pop sensation dominated the charts with their infectious melodies and memorable lyrics. Comprising the talented quintet of Claire, Lee Latchford-Evans, Lisa Scott-Lee, Faye Tozer, and Ian ‘H’ Watkins, Steps effortlessly won the hearts of fans across the UK.

However, Claire Richards, a versatile artist who recently amazed us all as “Knitting” on The Masked Singer, isn’t entirely convinced that their spectacular success could be replicated in today’s music industry. She even confessed that the group once yearned to alter their image.

The Quest for Coolness

“When we were younger, we wished we were a bit cooler or a bit more like All Saints or something,” Claire revealed adding ““We’ve no solid plans for anything”.

It’s an interesting revelation, considering Steps’ timeless appeal. The group’s popularity has transcended generations, with new and old fans alike continuing to groove to their tunes. But what makes Claire doubt their prospects in today’s music landscape?

A Changing Musical Landscape

Claire Richards, now 46, is on the brink of releasing her second solo album, “Euphoria.” She faces a music promotion landscape that early Steps never had to grapple with.

“When we started, there were so many TV shows where you could perform your music, and they just don’t exist anymore,” she explained.

The once-ubiquitous platforms like “Top of the Pops,” “SMTV,” Saturday morning kids’ TV shows, and even “Blue Peter” have faded into the annals of television history. Claire emphasized, “Every [new] single we would go and perform on that show.”

This shift in the media landscape has transformed music promotion. In today’s world, it’s less about performing and more about talking. Claire noted that some of these TV shows only feature artists who are considered part of the “cool gang.” This raises a pertinent question: does a group like Steps, with their distinctive style, fit into this cool category?

Coolness vs. Success

Regardless of their coolness quotient, Steps achieved remarkable success during their heyday. They secured an astonishing 14 consecutive top-five chart hits, including two number-one hits. Their impressive journey also included touring with the pop princess herself, Britney Spears.

Claire argues that Steps is a “very visual” group known for their extravagant performances. For instance, they wowed audiences with their rainbow and tiny shorts extravaganza at Brighton Pride. Claire recalls that every time the group performed on TV, there was a noticeable surge in record sales as both new and existing fans got swept up in the Steps experience.

She mused, “I think without the TV that we had back in the day, I’m not entirely sure we would have done as well – maybe [but] I don’t know.”

The Magic of Steps

Fortunately, the band had “Top of the Pops” to showcase their latest hits and, as a result, Claire no longer wishes they were more like All Saints.

Claire believes that there’s a sense of escapism in their music. People can leave their worries behind when they attend a Steps concert or listen to their albums. It’s a safe space where everybody is welcome, nobody is judged, and there’s no need to apologize for being oneself.

As Claire humorously puts it, “We’re not [anyone else] and actually, that’s fine.”

Claire’s New Album: “Euphoria”

In the midst of all this reflection on Steps’ journey and their place in today’s music world, Claire Richards is preparing to launch her new solo album, “Euphoria.” This album promises to be a treat for fans eagerly awaiting new music from one of the voices behind the beloved pop group.

With this album, Claire continues to demonstrate her versatility as an artist. It’s another exciting chapter in her musical career, one that will surely delight her dedicated fan base.

In conclusion, while Claire Richards may have reservations about whether Steps would thrive in today’s music industry, their enduring popularity and unique appeal prove that great music is, indeed, timeless. Steps’ ability to provide a safe space for fans to escape into their music remains a cherished aspect of their legacy. Whether on stage as Steps or in her solo endeavors, Claire Richards continues to captivate audiences with her incredible talent. So, as Claire’s new album “Euphoria” hits the airwaves, we can rest assured that the magic of Steps lives on, and Claire’s music will continue to resonate with fans, old and new, for years to come.

Track listing:

Euphoria
Song For The Lonely
No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) w/ Delta Goodrem
So Emotional
I Surrender
Summer Night City w/ Andy Bell
This Time I Know It’s For Real
Never Trust A Stranger
Gloria
Never Knew Love Like This Before
Love Is A Battlefield
Xanadu
Goodbye To Love
I Surrender (7th Heaven Remix Edit)
No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) [Steve Anderson Extended Disco Mix] w/ Delta Goodrem
Never Knew Love Like This Before (Mastercuts Extended Mix)
Song For The Lonely (7th Heaven Remix Edit)
So Emotional (Le Flex Poolside Remix)
Euphoria (Orchestral Mix)

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Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

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