U.O.Me (Theme from Waldolala)

U.O.Me is the third single by Dutch girl group Luv', released in early 1978 by Philips Records. It appears on the 1978 debut album, With Luv' and is considered as Luv's real breakthrough in Benelux. This record is also credited as U.O.Me (You Owe Me), U.O.Me (Welcome to Waldolala) or U.O.Me (Theme from Waldolala).

"U.O.Me"
Single by Luv'
from the album With Luv'
B-side"Hang On"
ReleasedFebruary 1978
Recorded1977/1978
GenreDisco, Pop
Length2:55
LabelPhilips Records/Phonogram Records (Benelux, German speaking countries, France)
Songwriter(s)Hans van Hemert & Piet Souer (as Janschen & Janschens)
Producer(s)Hans van Hemert
Luv' singles chronology
"Dream, Dream"
(1977)		 "'U.O.Me'"
(1978)		 "You're the Greatest Lover"
(1978)

Background

Record producer Hans van Hemert was commissioned by VPRO (a Dutch TV channel) to write the theme song for a TV series, Het is weer zo laat (a.k.a. Waldolala).[1] With the help from Piet Souer, he composed "U.O.Me (Welcome To Waldolala)" which was recorded by Luv'. The group's appearance on this TV show was a good publicity stunt. U.O.Me was considered as Luv's first real mainstream success. Its Disco-Carnival sound changes from the pop arrangements of the two previous singles (My Man and Dream, Dream). This track is inspired by "A far l'amore comincia tu", the 1977 European hit of Raffaella Carrà.

Track listing and release

7" Vinyl [2]

  • a. "U.O.Me"
  • b. "Hang On"
Country Year Label Catalog
Netherlands/Germany/Belgium/Philippines/ 1978 Philips/Phonogram Records 6012783
France 1978 Philips/Phonogram Records 6173625

Cover versions
  • As Luv' enjoyed success with U.O.Me, studio formation Conquistador (also produced by Hans van Hemert and Piet Souer) recorded an instrumental version of this song.[3]
  • Schlager singer Peter Petrel recorded a German cover version entitled Wer Hat Hier Denn Wohl Wen Verführt in 1978.[4]
  • Finnish girl group Mirumaru performed the track as Sun Vain Oon[5] in their language in 1978.
  • Dutch act De Vedettes recorded their version of Luv's breakthrough hit to support the Dutch national football team (the famous Oranjes) at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This cover was entitled "Oh! Wat Een Mooie Goal!" (Oh! What a beautiful goal!)[6] and peaked at #39 on the Netherlands' Single Top 100[7] in July 2010.

Chart performance

Because of Luv's exposure on the Waldolala TV show, the song became an instant hit in the Netherlands and Flanders and reached the singles Top 5 in both countries. It sold 150.000 copies in Benelux. In the Top 100 of best sold singles in 1978 in the Netherlands, the song reached the #10 position[8]

Charts and certifications
Charts (1978) Peak
position		 Certification (If any)
Europarade (currently Eurochart Hot 100 Singles) 5
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 3 Platinum [9]
Netherlands (Nationale Hitparade, currently Mega Top 50) 3
Belgium/Flanders (BRT Top 30) 2

Chart sources

References
  1. Details about TV series "Het is weer zo laat"
  2. Release information on Discogs.com website Accessed: February 12, 2011
  3. Information about "U.O.Me" by Conquistador
  4. Peter Petrel's discography
  5. Track listing of the album "Sun Vain Oon" by Finnish band Mirumaru Accessed: October 17, 2010
  6. Video of De Vedettes on Youtube Accessed: October 17, 2010
  7. Peak position of De Vedettes on Dutch Single Top 100 Accessed: October 17, 2010
  8. The Top 100 of 1978, based on sales, compiled by Intomart BV, commissioned by Buma/Stemra: http://www.dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=1978&cat=s
  9. Gold and platinum certifications given by the Dutch recording industry association
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