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D:Ream are a Northern Irish pop and dance group. They achieved a UK No. 1 hit with "Things Can Only Get Better" in 1994. Eight further top 40 hits followed, including "U R the Best Thing", "Take Me Away" and "Shoot Me with Your Love".[1] Their two 1990s studio albums both reached the UK top five.[1]

Key Information

The group had a line-up that varied in number but was centred on lead singer Peter Cunnah. The live band included keyboard player Brian Cox, who later became an academic and science broadcaster on television, although Cunnah played keyboards on studio recordings. The lesser-known Nick Shaw performed as a vocalist on various tours, covering tracks such as "Things Can Only Get Better" among other hits.

Early career

[edit]

In 1992, D:Ream released the single "U R the Best Thing", a piano-house track that did not chart, but due to a Sasha remix, it was Pete Tong's Essential Tune of 1992. "Things Can Only Get Better", released in the spring of 1993, gave the group their first chart success. "U R the Best Thing" was eventually re-released in April 1993 and became the group's second chart hit. In 1994, they were nominated for Best Dance Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards, and then for Best Single at the 1995 BRIT Awards.

The band's first album, D:Ream on Volume 1, which was promoted for almost two years, produced seven singles ("Star" and "I Like It" were issued together as a double A-side). It was the track "Things Can Only Get Better" that brought them UK success and international recognition. After supporting Take That on their tour, "Things Can Only Get Better" topped the UK Singles Chart in early 1994.[1] Originally released in early 1993, when the track reached No. 24 in the UK,[1] it was later adopted by the Labour Party as their theme for the 1997 UK general election, and consequently released for a third time, this time reaching No. 19 on the UK chart.[1] In May 2024, the same song was played during Rishi Sunak's announcement of a general election in July 2024 by Steve Bray.[2][3]

The band released two studio albums, D:Ream on Volume 1 (1992) and World (1995), ten different singles, two of which were released three times, and an official greatest hits album, The Best of D:Ream. In 1997, the group's record label issued their first compilation, The Best of D:Ream. In 2006, a second collection appeared as part of The Platinum Collection series.

When D:Ream broke through into the charts, the band's main touring line-up consisted of core members Peter Cunnah (vocalist, songwriter) and Al Mackenzie (musician). Other key performers included physicist Brian Cox, who played keyboards for several years while working towards his physics PhD before being replaced by Simon Ellis, as well as Derek Chai on bass, Alex Leam on triangle, and drummer Mark Roberts. The group also used a number of guest vocalists, such as T.J. Davis, who is featured as co-lead vocalist on "The Power (Of All the Love in the World)", one of the singles from their second album. He also provided backing vocals on many other songs.

Reunion, and split-up

[edit]

In 2008, D:Ream reformed after a chance meeting between Cunnah and Mackenzie. Their single "All Things to All Men" was released on 7 September 2009 on their own label, User Records. They released the album In Memory Of... in 2011 and also planned concert dates to follow.[4] Meanwhile, Brian Cox became a physics professor and science broadcaster who has worked on the Large Hadron Collider project.[5] In late 2010 he announced that he would provide some keyboard work for the new album, but would not be re-joining the band full-time.[6] As part of their 2012 commitments, the band played main support to Wheatus at the LeeStock Music Festival in Sudbury, Suffolk.[7]

On 23 July 2021, Cunnah and Mackenzie released a new studio album, Open Hearts Open Minds.[citation needed]

The band stated in June 2024 that they regretted the use of the song "Things Can Only Get Better" in political campaigns and would not grant permission for it to be used in future campaigns.[8]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Album title UK
[1] 		AUS
[9] 		GER
[10]
1993 D:Ream on Volume 1 5 12 69
1995 World 5 155 —
2011 In Memory Of... — — —
2021 Open Hearts Open Minds — — —
2025 Do It Anyway — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released.

Compilations

[edit]
Year Album title
1997 The Best of D:Ream
2006 The Platinum Collection
2011 Things Can Only Get Better: The Very Best of D:Ream
2023 Broken Hearts & Messed Up Minds – The Remix Album
The Best Thing

Extended plays

[edit]
Title EP details
4 Things 2 Come
  • Released: 26 October 1992
  • Label: FXU
  • Formats: 12" vinyl

Singles

[edit]
Year Title[11] Chart positions Album
UK
[1] 		UK Dance
[12] 		AUS
[9] 		BEL
(FL)
[13] 		EUR
[14] 		EDR
[15] 		GER
[16] 		IRE
[17] 		SWI
[18] 		US Dance
[19]
1992 "U R the Best Thing" 72 4 – – – – – – – – D:Ream On Vol. 1
1993 "Things Can Only Get Better" 24 1 – – – – – – – 7
"U R the Best Thing" (re-release) 19 1 – 50 62 11 – 6 – 1
"Unforgiven" 29 4 – – 65 – – – – –
"Star / I Like It" 26 2 – – 88 – – – – –
"Things Can Only Get Better" (re-release) 1 1 9 10 5 22 20 2 11 –
1994 "U R the Best Thing (Perfecto Remix)" 4 7 9 46 13 – 65 6 35 –
"Take Me Away" 18 6 52 – 60 16 – 30 – –
"Blame It on Me" 25 15 – – 74 – – – – –
1995 "Shoot Me with Your Love" 7 3 73 – 26 3 73 16 45 4 World
"Party Up the World" 20 – 122 – – – – 24 – –
"The Power (Of All the Love in the World)" 40 – 150 – – – – – – –
1997 "Things Can Only Get Better" (re-release) 19 30 – – – – – – – – The Best of
D:Ream Vol. 1
2009 "All Things to All Men" – – – – – – – – – – In Memory Of...
2010 "Drop Beatz Not Bombs" – – – – – – – – – –
2011 "Gods in the Making" – – – – – – – – – –
"Sleepy Head" – – – – – – – – – –
2014 "Things Can Only Get Better" (re-release) 66 – – – – – – – – – D:Ream On Vol. 1
2021 "Meet Me at Midnight"[20] – – – – – – – – – – Open Hearts Open Minds
"Many Hands"[21] – – – – – – – – – –
"I Used to Believe in Love"[22] – – – – – – – – – –
2022 "Pedestal"[23] – – – – – – – – – – Do It Anyway
2025 "Do It Anyway" – – – – – – – – – –
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

D Ream

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

D:Ream is a Northern Irish pop and dance duo formed in 1991 by vocalist and songwriter Peter Cunnah and producer and DJ Al Mackenzie. Centered in London after their meeting, the act blended house, pop, and rock elements, achieving breakthrough success with the single "Things Can Only Get Better", which topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks in early 1994. Their debut album, D:Ream On Volume 1 (1992), reached platinum status in the UK and propelled additional top-40 hits such as "U R The Best Thing", which peaked at number four. The band's early lineup featured keyboardist Brian Cox, later known as a physicist and broadcaster. Following a period of hiatus, D:Ream reformed in 2008, releasing further albums including In Memory Of... (2011) and maintaining activity with new material into the 2020s.

History

Formation and Early Career (1980s–1992)

, born on August 30, 1966, in Derry, , began his musical career in the late as lead guitarist for the Belfast-based rock band Tie the Boy, which secured a brief recording deal with U2's Mother Records label under manager but failed to achieve commercial success. After the band's dissolution, Cunnah relocated to , where he experimented with blending rock influences and , collaborating initially with producer Tim Hegarty from his earlier Derry band days. Meanwhile, , a Scottish DJ, emerged in London's underground scene during the late 1980s, spinning at warehouse parties before gaining prominence by organizing events at the Brain Club in in the early . Cunnah and Mackenzie met around 1991 through Mackenzie's then-wife, with Cunnah frequenting the Brain Club nights; their shared interest in fusing pop melodies with house rhythms led to the formation of D:Ream as a dance-oriented project. D:Ream debuted in with the single "U R the Best Thing," a piano-house track produced on modest home setups that initially failed to chart but gained club traction via a by DJ Sasha, earning Essential Tune status from 1's Pete Tong. The duo recruited physicist-turned-keyboardist Brian Cox for live performances, expanding the lineup while Cunnah handled primary studio keyboards and vocals. This period marked the group's transition from amateur experimentation to professional output, setting the stage for broader recognition amid the UK's burgeoning and culture.

Breakthrough and Initial Success (1993–1994)

D:Ream's debut studio , D:Ream On Volume 1, was released on 18 October 1993 by Magnet Records. The album featured a blend of tracks, including earlier singles like "U R the Best Thing" and "—I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore," alongside new material such as the title track "Things Can Only Get Better." Initially building on modest prior releases, the album achieved commercial traction, peaking at number 5 on the and remaining in the Top 40 for 44 weeks, with sales exceeding 500,000 copies. The pivotal moment came with the and re-release of "Things Can Only Get Better" in December 1993, timed to align with the band's role as for Take That's UK tour. Originally issued in January 1993 and peaking at number 24 on the UK Singles Chart, the reworked version—overseen by bandleader —propelled the track to number 1 on 16 January 1994, where it held the top position for four consecutive weeks and amassed 11 weeks in the Top 40 overall. This success marked D:Ream's first chart-topping single, elevating their profile and driving album sales, while "" had earlier reached number 29 in 1993. The breakthrough extended into early 1994 with the re-release of "U R the Best Thing" in a Perfecto Mix version, which climbed to number 3 on the UK Singles Chart by March, further solidifying their momentum in the scene. These hits established D:Ream as a rising force in electronic music, with the album earning BPI silver certification for shipments over 100,000 units amid sustained radio play and live exposure.

Commercial Peak and Political Involvement (1994–1997)

Following the re-release of "Things Can Only Get Better" on January 16, 1994, the track ascended to the top of the UK Singles Chart, where it remained for four weeks, marking D:Ream's sole number-one single and solidifying their commercial breakthrough. This success propelled their debut album, D:Ream On Volume 1, to a peak of number five on the , with sustained presence through November 1994 driven by additional singles like "U R the Best Thing," which had earlier reached number three in 1993 but gained renewed traction. The band's exposure increased via support slots on Take That's tour, enhancing their visibility amid the era's surge. In 1995, D:Ream released their second album, , on September 18, which debuted and peaked at number five on the , matching their debut's performance despite a shift toward more polished elements. "Shoot Me With Your Love" entered the UK Singles Chart on July 8, 1995, reaching number seven, while follow-up "Party Up the World" charted in September, contributing to the album's momentum though subsequent releases underperformed relative to prior hits. By this period, the band had amassed eight top-40 UK singles overall, reflecting sustained but diminishing chart dominance amid intensifying competition in the UK dance scene. D:Ream's political entanglement emerged in 1997 when "Things Can Only Get Better" was adopted as the unofficial anthem for Tony Blair's New Labour campaign during the UK general election, featuring prominently in party political broadcasts and rallies to evoke optimism after 18 years of Conservative rule. The song's upbeat house rhythm aligned with Labour's modernizing image, playing a symbolic role in Blair's landslide victory on May 1, 1997, though the band had not initially sought or endorsed the association, which later drew retrospective criticism from members for linking their music to partisan politics. This usage inadvertently extended the track's cultural reach but coincided with the band's commercial fade, as no new material charted significantly that year, presaging their initial disbandment.

Decline and Initial Dissolution (1997–1999)

Following the release of their second studio album in , which peaked at No. 26 on the and yielded the single "Shoot Me with Your Love" reaching No. 7, D:Ream's commercial momentum slowed as subsequent singles like "The Power of Love/Love to Love You Baby" charted outside the top 20. This decline in chart performance reflected shifting tastes in the mid-1990s landscape, where the band's upbeat, sample-heavy sound faced competition from emerging genres like and . No new studio album followed until the 2000s, and by 1997, internal tensions had escalated. Creative differences between core members and —particularly over artistic direction, with Cunnah favoring a more pop-oriented evolution—culminated in the band's initial dissolution shortly after the general election on May 1, 1997. The election's use of "Things Can Only Get Better" as Labour's unofficial anthem amplified visibility but coincided with the group's fracturing, as the original lineup, including keyboardist Brian Cox, disbanded amid waning group cohesion. Cunnah later reflected on the post-election period as one where initial enthusiasm faded, contributing to the split. From 1997 to 1999, no official band activity occurred, marking a hiatus during which Cunnah pursued independent production and songwriting projects, including contributions to other artists, while Mackenzie stepped back from the spotlight. A 1997 reissue of "Things Can Only Get Better" achieved limited traction, underscoring the absence of fresh momentum. This period effectively ended D:Ream's initial run, with the duo's partnership dormant until a 2008 reunion.

Reunions and Recent Developments (2000–present)

Following the band's initial dissolution in 1997, core members and pursued separate endeavors, with Cunnah releasing solo material and serving as a support act for Take That's tours, while Mackenzie focused on DJing, record mixing, and briefly owning a . D:Ream reformed in 2008 after Cunnah and Mackenzie encountered each other by chance in a park, leading to renewed collaboration. released the single "All Things to All Men" that year, marking their return to recording. This reunion culminated in the studio album In Memory Of... in 2011, featuring original material and reworking earlier tracks. Activity remained sporadic through the , but the saw a resurgence, including the release of Open Hearts Open Minds in 2021 with new compositions such as "Meet Me at Midnight." Subsequent output included the compilation The Best Thing in 2023, a remastered edition of D:Ream On Volume 1 in 2024, the remix album Broken Hearts & Messed Up Minds in 2023, and the original-material album Do It Anyway in 2025. Live performances have increased, with the band—now featuring Cunnah, Mackenzie, and TK Davies—delivering sets of their hits alongside newer tracks. Notable appearances include their debut on 28 June 2024, where physicist Brian Cox, a former bandmate from the , joined for "Things Can Only Get Better." Touring continued into 2025, encompassing festivals such as Summer Festival and Hardwick LIVE.

Musical Style and Influences

Core Elements and Production Techniques


D:Ream's core musical elements blend with electronic and rock influences, emphasizing euphoric anthems characterized by prominent riffs, sections, layered choirs, and driving rhythms suited for club and radio play. The style fuses , , and club/ genres, often featuring feelgood themes derived from personal experiences, such as neighbor disputes inspiring tracks like "Party Up The World." Instrumentation typically includes synthesizers, samplers for live loops, and guest contributions like saxophones or , creating an energetic, crossover appeal evident in hits such as "Things Can Only Get Better," which incorporates a Rolling Stones-inspired evolved into a -heavy, -driven structure. Production techniques centered on home-based experimentation transitioning to professional studios, with using Atari 1040 STE computers running Notator or C-Lab Creator for sequencing, alongside early samplers like the (limited to 4-second samples) and synthesizers such as the and Roland SH101. Demos involved looping live performances from session musicians, applying effects like on pianos and heavy compression/EQ on kick drums to achieve punchy dance grooves, before refinement by producer Tom Frederikse at facilities like Route One Studios using Otari 24-track tape, Amek Angela mixers, and AKG 414 microphones with Teletronix LA2A compressors for vocals. Vocal production featured extensive multitracking—up to 60 singers for choruses in "Things Can Only Get Better" or 200 layers elsewhere—alongside sampling reversed vocals and effects processors like the Moog Phaser and Eventide H3000 for texture and atmosphere. This amateur-to-professional workflow, starting on small mixers and upgrading post-success to /S3200 units, enabled the band's signature shift from indie rock roots to polished, remix-friendly tracks blending songcraft with DJ-oriented elements.

Key Influences and Evolution

D:Ream's sound drew heavily from the euphoric of the early London club scene, which profoundly shaped frontman Peter Cunnah's approach after his move from Derry. Key elements included chugging bass lines, soaring strings, funky guitar riffs, and prominent jangly motifs, as heard in tracks like "The Geek Who Rules the World." Specific influences encompassed -driven house anthems such as Gat Decor's "Passion," which contributed to the genre's evolution toward uplifting, riff-based structures. Broader inspirations included Prince's "Purple Rain" for its layered recording complexity and ' rhythmic drive, initially manifesting in guitar-led demos that later pivoted to and arrangements. The band's style evolved from club-oriented tracks in their 1992 debut phase, exemplified by "U R The Best Thing," which targeted energetic club environments with sampled live and punchy electronic production. By their 1993–1994 breakthrough, such as in "Things Can Only Get Better," the sound shifted toward euphoric hybrids, incorporating multi-tracked vocals (up to 60 layers in the chorus) and for broader pop appeal, attracting audiences beyond dance floors through catchy hooks and live-energy sets. Their 1995 album Inscape emphasized enhanced songwriting and live instrumentation, reducing reliance on sequencing in favor of vocal layering and guest pianists like . Post-dissolution reunions from 2008 onward marked a return to prolific output, surpassing their productivity with instinct-driven compositions blending house roots and matured themes of power and human connection. The 2025 album Do It Anyway, released on August 8 via Chrysalis, refined this trajectory through organic collaboration—starting with Cunnah's voice memos and refined by —yielding 12 tracks that preserved "magic" via breaks for fresh perspectives while echoing early house rhythms in a more reflective context. This evolution maintained core piano-house euphoria but incorporated subtle soulful undertones and industry critiques, diverging from the tighter, commercially title-driven writing of their initial era.

Band Members

Core and Current Members

D:Ream is centered on the duo of and , who formed the group's creative core upon its inception in 1991 and remain its primary members as of 2025. , the and primary songwriter, handles vocals and multiple instruments, driving the band's songwriting and performance focus. contributes as the , DJ, and production partner, shaping the electronic and dance elements central to their sound. The pair's partnership originated from their collaboration in Derry, , where they met through local scenes and began producing tracks together before achieving commercial success. Their reunion in solidified this duo structure for subsequent releases and tours, including the 2025 album Do It Anyway. For live performances, they occasionally incorporate additional musicians such as TK Davies on guitar, but the core remains Cunnah and Mackenzie. This streamlined lineup has enabled consistent output, with the duo handling most studio and creative responsibilities.

Former Members and Notable Departures

, co-founder and primary collaborator with , served as DJ and producer for D:Ream's debut album D:Ream On Volume 1 (1993), contributing to hits like "Things Can Only Get Better." He departed the group prior to the recording of the follow-up album (1995), reportedly due to creative differences that emerged amid rising success and internal tensions. Mackenzie's exit marked a pivotal shift, as Cunnah handled production solo for , which underperformed commercially and commercially accelerated the band's decline toward dissolution in 1997. Brian Cox joined as live keyboardist in 1993, supporting the band's transition from studio project to touring act during their peak popularity. He remained until 1997, departing to complete a doctorate in physics at the , prioritizing academic pursuits over music. Cox's subsequent career as a physicist and science broadcaster, including documentaries, elevated his profile far beyond the band's orbit, though his contributions to D:Ream's live performances in the mid-1990s were integral to their stage energy. Additional live personnel, such as vocalist T.K. Davies (also known as TJ Davis), featured on tracks like "The Power (Of All The Love In The World)" but were not core studio members; their involvement waned with the band's inactivity post-1997, though Davies has rejoined for select reunion performances. These departures collectively reflected the project's evolution from a duo-led electronic outfit to sporadic reunions, with Cunnah as the constant figure.

Discography

Studio Albums

D:Ream's debut studio album, D:Ream On Volume 1, was released on 18 1993 by in the . The album blended house, pop, and synth elements, peaking at number 4 on the and featuring singles such as "U R the Best Thing," which reached number 6. It sold over 200,000 copies in the , contributing to the band's early commercial success. The second studio album, World, followed on 18 September 1995, also via . Recorded amid the band's rising profile, it included the number 1 single "Things Can Only Get Better" and reached number 5 on the . The album emphasized upbeat with optimistic lyrics, reflecting the era's culture influences, though it marked a shift toward more polished production. After a hiatus, the band issued In Memory Of... on 7 March 2011 through their independent label Userecords. This self-produced effort featured 10 tracks exploring electronic and , with singles like "All Things to All Men," but received limited commercial distribution and no major chart entry. Open Hearts Open Minds, released on 23 July 2021 via the band's platform, comprised 10 original tracks emphasizing feel-good electronic pop. Produced by core members and , it addressed themes of resilience and connection, aligning with post-reunion creative independence. The latest studio , Do It Anyway, their fifth, appeared on 18 July 2025, described by the band as a "feel good blend of pop-electronic ." Self-released and available in and vinyl formats, it continues the duo's evolution toward accessible without major label backing.

Compilation and Live Albums

D:Ream's initial compilation, The Best of D:Ream Volume 1, appeared on 19 May 1997 via New State Music, drawing 12 tracks primarily from the studio albums D:Ream On Volume 1 (1993) and World (1995), such as the number-one single "Things Can Only Get Better" and "U R the Best Thing". This release marked the label's effort to consolidate the duo's early commercial successes amid their initial disbandment phase. Subsequent compilations expanded on this format. The Platinum Collection followed in 2006, offering a curated selection of remastered hits aimed at collectors. In 2011, Things Can Only Get Better: The Very Best of D:Ream was issued on 1 July, encompassing 18 tracks across two discs, including re-released singles and B-sides to reflect the band's enduring appeal. More recently, Broken Hearts & Messed Up Minds – The Remix Album emerged in 2023, compiling remixed versions of tracks from later works like Open Hearts Open Minds (2021), emphasizing electronic reinterpretations over original mixes. D:Ream has produced no official live albums, with available discographies confirming a focus on studio and remix outputs rather than concert recordings.

Singles and Extended Plays

D:Ream's singles primarily emerged in the early 1990s, blending house, pop, and dance elements, with several attaining notable commercial success in the UK. The track "Things Can Only Get Better," initially issued in late 1993 and re-promoted in early 1994 following tour support from Take That, ascended to number one on the UK Singles Chart on January 8, 1994, maintaining the position for four weeks. Subsequent releases included "U R the Best Thing," first appearing in 1992 on the Rhythm King label before wider distribution, and "Shoot Me with Your Love" in 1995, both contributing to the band's string of top 40 entries alongside tracks like "Take Me Away." These singles underscored D:Ream's chart trajectory, with "Shoot Me with Your Love" debuting on July 8, 1995. In terms of extended plays, D:Ream issued the "4 Things 2 Come EP" on October 26, 1992, via the FXU label in 12-inch vinyl format, marking an early foray into extended formats. More recently, following reunions, the group released the "I Used to Believe in Love EP" on October 8, 2021, available digitally. Additional contemporary output includes the single "Do It Anyway" on July 18, 2025, via .
TitleRelease YearUK Peak Position
Things Can Only Get Better1993/19941
Shoot Me with Your Love1995Top 40

Legacy and Impact

Commercial Achievements and Chart Performance

D:Ream's primary commercial success occurred in the during the mid-1990s, driven by singles that capitalized on the era's club and radio airplay. Their signature track, "Things Can Only Get Better," originally released in 1993, re-entered the charts in early 1994 following support slots on Take That's tour; it topped the UK Singles Chart for four consecutive weeks from January 16 to February 13, accumulating 18 weeks on the chart overall, including a brief 2014 re-entry. The single also peaked at number nine on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, spending 22 weeks in the top 50, and reached number seven on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart. The band amassed 12 UK top 40 singles, with three reaching the top 10: "Things Can Only Get Better" at number one, "U R the Best Thing" at number three, and "Shoot Me with Your Love" at number seven. Other notable entries included "Take Me Away" and "Word of Mouth Silence," contributing to 52 cumulative weeks in the UK top 40 across their releases. Internationally, chart impact was modest, with limited penetration beyond and occasional dance chart success in the . Their debut , D:Ream On Volume 1 (1993), peaked at number five on the , sustained by the hit single's momentum, and earned platinum certification from the (BPI) for shipments exceeding 300,000 units. The follow-up, (1995), charted lower at number 25 and received silver certification for 60,000 units, reflecting diminished sales amid shifting trends. No comprehensive global sales figures are publicly detailed, but UK dominance accounted for the bulk of their achievements, with compilations like The Best of D:Ream (1997) later boosting catalog streams and reissues.
ReleaseUK Peak PositionCertification (BPI)
D:Ream On Volume 1 (1993)5Platinum (300,000+)
World (1995)25Silver (60,000)

Cultural and Political Resonance

The song "Things Can Only Get Better," released by D:Ream in 1993 and reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart in January 1994, became indelibly linked to British politics through its adoption as the unofficial anthem of Tony Blair's Labour Party during the 1997 campaign. Labour's strategists, including , selected the track for its optimistic lyrics and upbeat rhythm, featuring it prominently in party political broadcasts and having Blair enter rally stages to its strains, which amplified its association with promises of renewal after 18 years of Conservative governance. The song's use contributed to Labour's on May 1, 1997, securing 418 seats and a 179-seat , symbolizing a generational shift toward "" modernism amid widespread public fatigue with John Major's administration. Culturally, the track encapsulated Britpop-era optimism and accessibility, influencing subsequent political campaigns by demonstrating music's role in mobilizing voter sentiment, though its euphoric tone later clashed with post-election realities like and controversies. In 2024, during the UK general election announcement by Prime Minister on May 22, anti-government protesters broadcast the song near , invoking ironic nostalgia for Blair's era amid contemporary discontent, which propelled it back into the charts at number 77. D:Ream members and have since expressed regret over the song's politicization, citing disillusionment with Blair's legacy, particularly the 2003 , and explicitly banned Labour from reusing it in the 2024 campaign on , stating "never again" to protect the track's original intent as a feel-good hit rather than a partisan emblem. This stance underscores a broader tension in the band's resonance: while the 1997 linkage enduringly tied D:Ream to pivotal political optimism, it also highlighted risks of artistic co-optation, with the group emphasizing their non-partisan social in lyrics addressing everyday struggles over explicit .

Critical Reception and Criticisms

D:Ream's debut album D:Ream On Volume 1 () garnered positive notices for its blend of upbeat , featuring prominent pianos, strong vocals, and infectious rhythms that captured the early club scene energy. The record's singles, including "U R the Best Thing," contributed to its commercial appeal, with reviewers highlighting its catchy, feel-good accessibility suitable for mainstream audiences. However, the band's signature hit "Things Can Only Get Better" (1994) elicited mixed responses from critics, who praised its chart-topping optimism but faulted it for representing a sanitized, "safe" evolution from the raw culture of the early toward more conservative house-tinged pop, effectively signaling the "death of the dancefloor" ethos. The follow-up album (1995) underperformed commercially and received less enthusiasm, with frontman later attributing its shortcomings to creative exhaustion after expending prime ideas on the debut. Criticisms of D:Ream often center on perceptions of the group as a in international markets, despite achieving eight additional top 40 singles beyond their number one. More pointedly, band members have voiced regret over the song's politicization, particularly its adoption as Tony Blair's 1997 Labour campaign anthem, which Cunnah described as turning an apolitical track into a symbol of unfulfilled promises, leading to a firm ban on future use by the party. This association has tainted the band's legacy for some, overshadowing musical output with hindsight disillusionment toward Blair-era policies.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/artist/37227-DReam
  2. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/d-ream-0bc0c79c-c471-471f-8967-6e5c04cdc0d9
  3. https://number1sblog.com/2023/10/25/701-things-can-only-get-better-by-dream/
  4. https://www.soundonsound.com/people/peter-cunnah-d-ream
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  6. https://www.last.fm/music/D:Ream/%2Bwiki
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  8. https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dCQKsTjB762AhtIACbAQA
  9. https://www.hotpress.com/music/dont-dream-its-over-2870476
  10. https://ra.co/dj/almackenzie/biography
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  12. https://www.musicradar.com/news/d-ream-classic-album
  13. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/nine-songs-dream
  14. https://www.songwritingmagazine.co.uk/interviews/things-can-only-get-better-d-ream
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  16. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240626-d-reams-unlikely-pop-song-that-became-a-defining-british-political-anthem
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  20. https://www.newstatemusic.com/dream-2/
  21. http://www.onthisdayinpop.com/2025/06/dream-dream-world-1995.html
  22. https://poprescue.com/2014/12/05/pop-rescue-world-d-ream-cd-1995/
  23. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/d-ream-party-up-the-world/
  24. https://www.theaudiodb.com/artist/113167-D%253AReam
  25. https://theboar.org/2024/06/things-can-only-get-better-significance/
  26. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jun/01/things-can-only-get-better-group-ban-labour-from-using-song
  27. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/60352/dream/
  28. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/sunak-things-can-only-get-better-dream-labour-b2550071.html
  29. https://www.eonmusic.co.uk/d-ream-peter-cunnah-eonmusic-interview-may-2021.html
  30. https://www.discogs.com/release/596194-DReam-Things-Can-Only-Get-Better
  31. https://www.houseofsolo.com/from-raves-to-reflection-dream-return-with-do-it-anyway/
  32. https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1487162/pete-cunnah-d-ream-hit-new-album-open-hearts-open-minds
  33. https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a180800/dream-reunion-happened-by-chance/
  34. https://talkaboutpopmusic.com/2019/11/16/where-are-they-now-dream/
  35. https://www.classicpopmag.com/news/dream-unveil-brand-new-song-meet-me-at-midnight/
  36. https://www.classicpopmag.com/news/dream-return-with-first-material-in-a-decade/
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPqzTPEraBY
  38. https://www.industryliveagency.com/dream
  39. https://news.sky.com/story/brian-cox-reunites-with-d-ream-for-things-can-only-get-better-at-glastonbury-13160620
  40. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/dream-5bd6cf50.html
  41. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/d-ream-mn0000543352
  42. https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/jun/05/how-we-made-d-ream-things-can-only-get-better-tony-blair-election-alistair-campbell-
  43. https://15questions.net/interview/dream-share-their-creative-process/
  44. https://www.facebook.com/d.ream.co.uk/
  45. https://xsnoize.com/dream-return-with-new-album-do-it-anyway-and-unveil-new-track-the-geek-who-rules-the-world/
  46. https://www.instagram.com/d_ream_music/?hl=en
  47. https://singleminded.com/playlist/dream-the-best-thing/
  48. https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/national/24339596.d-ream-band-whose-song-played-rishi-sunaks-election-speech/
  49. https://www.discogs.com/master/72525-DReam-Dream-On-Vol-1
  50. https://www.discogs.com/release/2803583-DReam-In-Memory-Of
  51. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/d_ream/in-memory-of.p/
  52. https://dream18.bandcamp.com/album/open-hearts-open-minds
  53. https://dream18.bandcamp.com/album/do-it-anyway
  54. https://www.facebook.com/d.ream.co.uk/videos/dream-are-back-do-it-anyway-the-5th-studio-album-is-here-stream-it-now-or-own-it/24201786489479026/
  55. https://www.discogs.com/release/2532865-DReam-The-Best-Of-DReam-Vol-1
  56. https://music.apple.com/us/album/best-of-d-ream/1364068455
  57. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/d_ream
  58. https://www.discogs.com/release/3706989-DReam-Things-Can-Only-Get-Better-The-Very-Best-Of
  59. https://www.facebook.com/Power98SG/posts/on-this-day-in-1994-dream-had-their-first-uk-no1-single-with-things-can-only-get/1279978673042584/
  60. https://www.tunefind.com/artist/d:ream
  61. https://dream18.bandcamp.com/album/i-used-to-believe-in-love-ep
  62. https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/interpreter/d-ream/355021
  63. https://news.sky.com/story/general-election-why-was-things-can-only-get-better-playing-during-rishi-sunaks-statement-13141643
  64. https://www.theirishworld.com/living-the-dream-5/
  65. https://poprescue.com/2015/09/11/pop-rescue-on-vol-1-by-d-ream-cd-1994/
  66. https://popular-number1s.com/2012/09/21/dream-things-can-only-get-better/
  67. https://www.xsnoize.com/interview-dreams-pete-cunnah-on-new-compilation-the-best-thing/
  68. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/dream-star-peter-cunnah-reveals-extravagant-spending-and-regrets-hit-track-being-politicised/a488383018.html
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