Flowers (Ace of Base album)

Flowers is the third studio album by Swedish pop group Ace of Base. It was released on June 15, 1998, in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Due to differing opinions on the album's direction, a modified version, titled Cruel Summer, was released in North America on July 14, 1998.

Flowers represents a departure from the group's earlier Eurodance sound, incorporating more reggae, Latin, and pop influences. It features the singles "Life Is a Flower," "Cruel Summer" (which was released as a single on both versions, albeit in different mixes), "Always Have, Always Will," and "Travel to Romantis".

The album was well-received in Europe, reaching platinum status in several countries. However, its performance in North America was comparatively weaker, leading to the creation of Cruel Summer with the goal of better appealing to the American market. Cruel Summer features a different track listing, including several new songs and remixes, with a stronger emphasis on the pop sound associated with the group’s earlier work.

The Flowers album is notable for its more mature and experimental sound compared to Ace of Base's previous albums, showcasing the band's versatility and willingness to explore different musical genres.