Sash! hit ‘Encore Une Fois’ turns 28 this year

Music has a special way of becoming ingrained in the consciousness and culture of a society. In 1997, Sash! found this connection with the release of one of the group’s biggest hits.

Initially released as a single in 1996, Encore Une Fois also had a home on the debut Sash! album, It’s My Life. The song’s history reveals a group still trying to find its direction and a pressing plant error that may have ultimately benefited the single. While writing the track and debut album, the group was walking the line between a dance act and a pop act. This led to the creation of two versions of Encore Une Fois, the softer, original version and the Future Breeze mix. When the single was initially pressed, the Future Breeze mix was mistakenly swapped with the original, making it the first version most heard at the time. This error led to fans preferring the heavier Future Breeze mix and helped launch its initial success.

Helping to elevate the pulsing trance rhythms and production is German singer Sabine Ohmes who mainly sings in French and serves as the vocal focal point of the release. This adds to the allure and appeal of the single which would go on to chart at number one in countries throughout Europe and even top the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in the United States, remaining on the chart for 14 weeks. 28 years later, the single still hits hard and it’s impact has clearly resonated with future producers and fans.

Revisit the iconic hit from Sash! below.