Israelism

"Israelism" is a song recorded by Swedish group Army of Lovers and released in March 1993 as the first single from their third album, The Gods of Earth and Heaven (1993). The song was a top 10 hit in Belgium, Finland, Israel and Sweden. It combines the Jewish folk song "Hevenu Shalom Aleichem" with Eurodance-beats and also includes additional lyrics written by Alexander Bard, Anders Wollbeck, Jean-Pierre Barda, Michaela de la Cour and Dominika Peczynski.

Not to be confused with Zionism or British Israelism.
"Israelism"
Single by Army of Lovers
from the album The Gods of Earth and Heaven
B-side"Israelism" (Dub Version)
ReleasedMarch 1993
Genre
Length3:20
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Army of Lovers singles chronology
"Judgment Day"
(1992)		 "Israelism"
(1993)		 "La Plage de Saint Tropez"
(1993)
Music video
"Israelism" on YouTube

When released, "Israelism" was presented like this,

"Israelism", the first single from the forthcoming album "The Gods Of Earth And Heaven" incorporates elements from five traditional Jewish folk hymns in an updated arrangement. "Israelism" is intended as an anthem for young people around the world, proving there is much pride and joy to be found in Jewish lifestyle. The song should be seen as a powerful statement against racism and bigotry in Europe today.[1]

Critical reception

In their review of The Gods of Earth and Heaven, Swedish newspaper Göteborgsposten viewed the song as a "controversial tribute to Jewish culture", stating that it is "yet another hit."[2] Tony Cross from Smash Hits gave "Israelism" three out of five, calling it a "goose-stepping number". He added that "they've gone back to the formula of amateur dramatics, big chants, quirky keyboards and barmy blokes."[3]

Chart performance

"Israelism" was a sizeable hit in several European countries and remains one of the band's biggest hits to date. In their native Sweden, the song charted for 4 weeks, peaking at number ten. It was also a top 10 hit in Belgium and Finland, peaking at number nine and five, and a top 20 hit in Denmark and Norway. In Germany and Switzerland, it was a top 40 hit. On the Eurochart Hot 100, the single peaked at number 48 in May 1993. It didn't chart on the UK Singles Chart in the UK. Outside Europe, "Israelism" was a top 10 hit in Israel.

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Israelism" was directed by Swedish director Fredrik Boklund.[4] He also directed the other music videos for Army of Lovers.

Single track listing
  • 7" single
  1. "Israelism" – 3:20
  2. "Israelism" (Dub Version) – 3:13
  • 12" maxi-single
  1. "Israelism" (Radio Edit) – 3:20
  2. "Israelism" (Goldcalfhorahhorror Mix) – 6:54
  3. "Israelism" (Kibbutznikblitzkrieg Mix) – 6:32
  4. "Israelism" (Très Camp David Mix) – 3:13
  • CD single
  1. "Israelism" (Radio Edit) – 3:20
  2. "Israelism" (Dub Version) – 3:13

Charts

References
  1. "Army Of Lovers - Israelism" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10, no. 18. 1 May 1993. p. 9. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  2. "Army Of Lovers The Gods Of Earth And Heaven". Göteborgsposten.
  3. Cross, Tony (26 May 1993). "New Singles". Smash Hits. p. 47. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  4. "Army of Lovers: Israelism (1993)". IMDb. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  5. "Army of Lovers – Israelism" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  6. Danish Singles Chart. 14 May 1993.
  7. "Eurochart Hot 100" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10, no. 18. 1 May 1993. p. 23. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  8. "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10, no. 18. 1 May 1993. p. 24. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  9. "Army of Lovers – Israelism" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  10. "Army of Lovers – Israelism". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  11. "Army of Lovers – Israelism". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  12. "Jaaroverzichten 1993" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
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