Which British girl group released the 1983 single “Cruel Summer”?

Bananarama released the 1983 single “Cruel Summer.” The British trio recorded the song during the period when they were developing their early pop and new-wave sound, and it appeared on the group’s second studio album, Bananarama.

The song was written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward and Steve Jolley, with Tony Swain and Jolley producing it. Its tense lyrics and prominent bass line contrasted with the upbeat image often associated with summer pop songs.

Bananarama’s recording reached number eight in the United Kingdom. It became even more widely known through a 1984 cover by the American band Bananarama? No—the later famous cover was by American group Ace of Base, whose 1998 version reached the US top ten. This distinction matters because “Cruel Summer” is frequently associated with Ace of Base even though Bananarama released the original hit.