"Follow the Rules'" is a song recorded by Italian electronic music group Livin' Joy featuring American singer Tameko Star (a.k.a. Doris Diggs). It was released in 1996 by MCA as the third single from the group's only album, Don't Stop Movin (1996). The song, written by Star with producer brothers Visnadi, was the follow-up to "Don't Stop Movin'", which had been a number-one hit in Italy. The new single peaked at number three on the Italian singles chart, number nine in the UK and number twelve in Finland. It can be described as an anthemic dance track based around the message of following your dreams and making them come true. In style it was similar to its predecessor, but with a heavier piano house/organ sound.
Critical reception
A reviewer from Music Week rated the song four out of five, describing it as "another storming anthem", that "will be another biggie and rouse interest in the album".[1] In a retrospective review, Pop Rescue noted that the song "has some delicious Italia House piano over a great dance beat", complimenting it as "a positive uplifting track".[2] Damien Mendis from the Record Mirror Dance Update" praised it, giving the song five out of five. He added that "now Tameko Star, Visnadi and DJ Vioni are set to repeat that success [of "Don't Stop Movin'"] with another smash — and a possible number one? All their trademark elements are present to ensure maximum familiarity — in no less than nine mixes too. if you fancy a Classic Def moment then check Satoshi Tomiie's mixes. They stay very close to the original with enough juice to play in slightly less commercial clubs. Pure unashamed perfect pop dance. Love it."[3]
Chart performance
Proving to be a moderate success for Livin' Joy across Europe, the single was a top 10 hit in Italy, where it hit number three, and in the UK. On the UK Singles Chart, it managed to stay in the sales charts for five weeks after entering and peaking at number nine in mid-October 1996. Additionally, "Follow the Rules" reached number twelve in Finland, number sixteen in Scotland, number 28 in Ireland and number 29 in Sweden. On the Eurochart Hot 100, it peaked at number 27 in November 1996. Outside Europe, the single was successful in Israel, peaking at number eight and it also charted in Australia, reaching number 73.
Airplay
In the UK, "Follow the Rules" received more than 500 plays a week on mainstream radio at its peak and around 45 regional radio stations were giving it support. After the success of "Dreamer" and "Don't Stop Movin'", radio stations were keen to play the track. On Capital Radio, it was the most popular of the three songs, while Atlantic 252 couldn't get enough of it, spinning it 54 times in the week it dropped out of the Top 40. Dance station Galaxy was playing it 50 times a week at the end of October and start of November 1996, while Radio One gave it between 15-18 plays per week, balancing out a guitar-led playlist. Lead vocalist Tameko Star also benefited from television exposure and her performance on the Smash Hits Poll Winners' Party helped bring the act out to a wider audience.[4]
Track listing
12" single, UK
"Follow the Rules" (Original Mix) — 3:51
"Follow the Rules" (Extended Under Mix) — 5:47
"Follow the Rules" (Do the Right Mix) — 5:33
"Follow the Rules" (Satoshi Tomiie's Transatlantic Club Mix) — 9:36
"Follow the Rules" (Light Piano Mix) — 3:15
CD single, UK
"Follow the Rules" (Radio Mix) — 3:06
"Follow the Rules" (Original Mix) — 3:51
"Follow the Rules" (Transatlantic Club Mix) — 9:36
^Mendis, Damien (28 September 1996). "Hot Vinyl"(PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). p. 11. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
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