Nothing Like the Rain

"Nothing Like the Rain" is a song recorded by Belgian/Dutch Eurodance band 2 Unlimited. It was released in June 1995 as the fourth and final single from their third album, Real Things (1994). The song was written by co-producers Phil Wilde and Peter Bauwens with Michael Leahy. In the US, it was released as a double A-side with the European hit single "Here I Go". It peaked within the top 20 in at least four countries, and was also the first single by 2 Unlimited that was a pop ballad. The single was not released in the UK. Its music video was directed by Nigel Simpkiss, who had previously directed several videos for the group.

Critical reception

Simon Price from Melody Maker viewed the song as "one uncharacteristic tear-soaked slowie". In a retrospective review, Pop Rescue complimented it as "brilliant", describing it as "a slow, gentle, beautiful ballad, and it really gives Anita the room to show off her vocals." Mark Sutherland from Smash Hits wrote that "the slow smoochy ballad (yes ballad!)" is "a potential top ten record".

Chart performance

"Nothing Like the Rain" was a moderate success on the charts in Europe, entering the top 10 in the band's native Netherlands, peaking at number six. Additionally, it entered the top 20 in Finland (18), Norway (17) and Spain (14), while it reached the top 30 in Belgium (23). On the Eurochart Hot 100, the single peaked at number 68. It was the first 2 Unlimited single to not receive a UK release, and did not chart on the UK Singles Chart. Outside Europe, "Nothing Like the Rain" peaked at number 134 in Australia.

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Nothing Like the Rain" was directed by Nigel Simpkiss and was released in the UK in June 1995. It features Anita and Ray performing in front of or behind raining water. Other shots are made in a swimming pool. Simpkiss also directed the music videos for "Let the Beat Control Your Body", "The Real Thing" and "Here I Go". "Nothing Like the Rain" was later made available on 2 Unlimited's official YouTube channel in 2014.

Ballads

2 Unlimited included ballads at the end of their three first studio albums:

• "Desire" and "Eternally Yours" on Get Ready!
• "Where Are You Now" and "Shelter for a Rainy Day" on No Limits
• "Nothing Like the Rain" on Real Things (the only ballad the band released as a single)

Track listings

• 7" single

1. "Nothing Like the Rain" (Airplay Edit) (3:59)
2. "Nothing Like the Rain" (Rainy Edit) (3:43)

• 12" single maxi

1. "Nothing Like the Rain" (Rainy Remix) (5:49)
2. "Nothing Like the Rain" (Rainy Edit) (3:43)
3. "No Limit" (X-Out '95) (5:59)

• CD single

1. "Nothing Like the Rain" (Airplay Edit) (3:59)
2. "Nothing Like the Rain" (Rainy Edit) (3:43)

• CD maxi

1. "Nothing Like the Rain" (Airplay Edit) (3:59)
2. "Nothing Like the Rain" (Rainy Edit) (3:43)
3. "Nothing Like the Rain" (Rainy Remix) (5:49)
4. "No Limit" (X-Out '95) (5:59)

Charts

Weekly charts

Template:Singlechart

Chart (1995)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)	134
Belgium (Ultratop Flanders)	23
Belgium (Ultratop Wallonia)	29
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)	68
Europe (European Dance Radio)	4
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)	18
Netherlands (MegaCharts)	8
Norway (VG-lista)	17
Spain (AFYVE)	14

Year-end charts

Chart (1995)	Position
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)	61
Netherlands (Single Top 100)	83

External links

• A-Lyric: an explanation of "Nothing Like the Rain" lyrics by the lyricist.