Millions; that’s the number of streams Tobtok and Oliver Nelson amassed in the past years; the two Swedish producers have collaborated to rework The Flirtations’ “Nothing But A Heartache,” one of their all-time favorite songs. The original was released in 1968 and peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 before being rediscovered and elevated to classic status as a Northern Soul song. The Swedish duet was asked to create a new version while Decca’s A&R team searched the vaults for the original recording. The industrious producers got to work, eager to maintain the original’s enchantment while modernizing it for a new audience of listeners. The stunning vocal talents of The Flirtations shine through, and the result is an uplifting, soulful dance tune set to rule the airwaves as we close out the summer.
The artists: Tobtok, Oliver Nelson & The Flirtations
Tobtok, also With his productions and remixes for artists like Joel Corry, Robin Schulz, and Karen Harding, to name a few, Tobias Karlsson has amassed more than 600 million streams worldwide. His original songs include “Fast Car,” which has achieved double platinum status in Australia, and “New Levels,” which was named BBC Radio 1’s “Tune of the Week.” With high-profile remixes for artists like NEIKED, Ella Henderson, Kesha, Joel Corry, and most recently Donna Summer, Oliver Nelson broke the 400 million streaming mark globally. The in-demand producer collaborated with chart-topper Kygo on ‘Riding Shotgun’ and last year, saw his infectious bootleg of The Wombats ‘Greek Tragedy’ go viral on TikTok. Oliver Nelson and Tobtok were both found and signed by Perfect Havoc, the independent label responsible for Joel Corry’s enormous success.
With a long history and a back library bursting with classic songs and unheard gems, including “Nothing But A Heartache,” Decca Records is a well-liked label. The Flirtations continue to perform and record after releasing two albums on Decca in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The group have enjoyed highlights and successes around the world, touring with Sir Tom Jones, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops and more, appearing twice on Top of the Pops, and performing at Wembley Stadium, as well as enjoying multiple chart hits. It appears that “Nothing But A Heartache” will once again be rediscovered and adored by later generations of music enthusiasts.
Tobtok and Oliver Nelson use the song’s catchy chorus as the major hook, putting The Flirtations’ vocals front and center with gorgeous horns and strings that bring to mind The Supremes and Martha & The Vandellas of classic 1960s soul. This sun-drenched groove is hard to resist with thumping house beats and a breakdown that will pack the dance floor.
Nothing But A Heartache is out now via Perfect Havoc
