Twilight Zone (2 Unlimited song)
"Twilight Zone" is a 1992 song recorded by Dutch Eurodance band 2 Unlimited. It was the second single released from their debut album, Get Ready! (1992). The UK release of the single was the first 2 Unlimited single to include the vocals of Anita Doth, as they had not been featured on their debut hit "Get Ready for This". However, Ray Slijngaard's raps were once again removed. The instrumental "Rave" version of the track sounds different from the original "Not Enough" version, with a more Hi-NRG style with more bass and added cowbells . The single scored chart success in many European countries and topped the chart in the Netherlands. "Twilight Zone" was the second single in a row to just miss out on the top spot in the UK again, peaking at number two. It was 2 Unlimited's biggest hit on the US Dance chart, reaching number five. The single won an award in the category for "Best Techno 12-inch Single" on the 1993 WMC International Dance Music Awards. Producer Jean-Paul De Coster told in an interview, "The new single Twilight Zone is even more accessible than its predecessor [Get  Ready for This]. We call it 'happy house'. In fact, it all comes from the same origins. Just like rock 'n' roll, this music always evoluates." Critical reception. Victoria Thieberger from "The Age" wrote, "The track is propelled by a high-tech beat and dramatic changes in melody and attitude that make it sound like three songs tacked together, punctuated by an occasional "whoo!"" rap in the vocal mix "gives it a harder edge, providing a central focus for the variations that spin around it. The end result is an entertaining dance track of more than average complexity and a  decided lyrical development from "Get Ready For This"." Larry Flick from "Billboard" deemed it "a swirling techno rave that is etched with sweet and tuneful pop/NRG nuances. Tough enough to please hardcore punters, though mainstreamers will find track palatable as well." James Hamilton from "Music Week"'s "RM" Dance Update stated that Stock & Waterman's "Belgian" act "returns with another synth stabbed simplistic Mecca-aimed raver, jerkily galloping through". Sian Pattenden from "Smash Hits" viewed it as "an averagely bouncy rave tune." Chart performance. "Twilight Zone" was very successful on the charts across several continents. In Europe, it peaked  at number-one in Finland and the Netherlands. Additionally, it made it to the Top 10 also in Austria, Belgium, Greece (number two), Ireland, Portugal, Spain (number three), Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as on the Eurochart Hot 100 and MTV's European Top 20. In the UK, "Twilight Zone" peaked at number two in its third week on the UK Singles Chart, on February 2, 1992. It was held off reaching the top spot by Wet Wet Wet's "Goodnight Girl". On the UK Dance Singles Chart, it hit number four. Outside Europe, the single reached number -one on the "RPM" Dance/Urban chart and number 15 on the "RPM" Top Singles chart in Canada, number five on the "Billboard" Hot Dance Club Play chart and number 49 on the "Billboard" Hot 100. In Australia, it went to number eleven. Music video. The accompanying music video for "Twilight Zone" was directed by British director David Betteridge. He had previously directed the video for the band's first hit, "Get Ready for This". "Twilight Zone" was later published on 2 Unlimited's official YouTube channel in July 2014. The video has amassed more than 7,6 million views as  of November 2021. Appearances. The song has become a staple of National Hockey League teams, as many of them play an instrumental loop of the song during games. Its popularity in the NHL may have been inspired by Ray Slijngaard wearing a Los Angeles Kings hoodie in the music video. It has also been used in NHL 11's "EA Trax" soundtrack. The song's B4 Za Beat Mix (2:15) was included on "Dancemania"'s "Speed 5" and "Speed Best 2001". The song appeared on "Witch", the third episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", playing for a cheerleading hopeful whose  hands spontaneously combusted in the middle of her tryout. The song was remixed as "Techno Syndrome" by the Immortals, the main theme of the "Mortal Kombat" franchise. Immortals members Olivier Adams and Maurice Engelen have claimed the resemblance to be a coincidence, and that no legal action was taken. Millennium Remixes. Following the bleak success of the "No Limit" single came the "Twilight Zone (Millennium Remixes)". It had the same success as its predecessor, although the remixes were more commercial and radio-friendly. It received good airplay in Europe but had very little success in the charts. Twilight Zone (2