You're the Greatest Lover
Encyclopedia
"You're the Greatest Lover" is a single by Dutch girl group Luv'
. It was first released in July 1978 by Philips
/Phonogram Records
. It appears on the 1978 debut album With Luv'
and on compilations (Luv' Gold
, 25 Jaar Na Waldolala
, Completely In Luv'
...). It is the group's international breakthrough as it was successful in a large part of Continental Europe
and South Africa
. Luv' reached its peak with this million seller. It is often considered as the signature song
of the female pop act.
A decade later, the German subsidiary of Philips re-issued the track on a CD single. In 1993, the Dutch Top 40
hit "Megamix '93
" was backed with an Eurodance
remix of "The Greatest Lover".
, José Hoebee
and Marga Scheide
who were not satisfied by the way he developed their career. Meijer considered the name of the formation as his ownership and took the three singers to court about the use of it. Finally, in early June 1978, the ladies won the legal action and were officially allowed to be named Luv'
. Pim ter Linde became their new manager. They were ready to concentrate on their main goal: to have an international career.
After the success of "U.O.Me
" in Benelux
, Hans van Hemert
and Piet Souer
, the group's songwriters, noticed that the light pop/disco and Latin American arrangements were more appropriate than a more serious repertoire (like the trio's first singles). They composed "You're the Greatest Lover" which featured Spanish guitars. It became a big selling record as it entered the charts in a dozen countries. This track was the first of a string of international hit singles. It reached the first position in some countries in Continental Europe. It was a moderate hit in France (where it was entitled "Sing Me, Sing Me a Chanson" to adapt the French market) and succeeded in reaching the Top 20 in South Africa. A Spanish version (entitled "Eres Mi Mejor Amante") was recorded, which permitted Luv' to have a minor hit in Spain.
Because Luv' performed "You're the Greatest Lover" on two famous German TV music shows (Disco
and Musikladen
), the female pop trio became a household group in German speaking countries. The song, which sold 600.000 units in Germany
was part of the soundtrack of the fifty-fourth episode (entitled "Anschlag auf Bruno") of Derrick (TV series)
.
The track was also used over the credits of a 1979 German sex comedy film called Sunnyboy und Sugarbaby, which received significant late-night airplay in the early days of HBO under its English-language title, She's 19 and Ready
. The song was also popular behind the Iron Curtain
, especially in East Germany, Poland
and Hungary
as it was frequently aired on communist radio stations. However, records distribution was limited in the Eastern Bloc. Sales were hard to evaluate in this part of the world.
, Flanders
(Belgium
), Germany
, Switzerland
and Denmark
. It was also successful in Austria
and South Africa
and to a lesser extent in France
. Because of the good performance in the above mentioned territories, the record reached the 5th position of the Europarade (currently the Eurochart Hot 100 Singles
) which combined the weekly charts of various European countries into a single countdown.
was reformed by original member Marga Scheide
and two other vocalists to promote new recordings released by Dureco Records. At the same time, Luv's first record company, Philips, decided to repackage the old repertoire of the pop act. That's why a Mini CD single came out in Germany
only, which included three songs from the original group's back catalogue: the 1978 number one hits "You're the Greatest Lover" and Trojan Horse
as well as the disco
track Everybody's Shakin' Hands On Broadway. In 1993
, a Dance
remix was included on the CD single
version of Megamix '93
. Moreover, because of its popularity, "The Greatest Lover" was part of the track listings of Luv's main compilations (Greatest Hits, Luv' Gold
, 25 Jaar Na Waldolala
and Completely In Luv'
).
Luv'
Luv is a Dutch pop girl group that scored a string of hit records in Continental Europe as well as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1979, Luv' was "Holland's best export act" and thus received the "Conamus Export Prize"...
. It was first released in July 1978 by Philips
Philips Records
Philips Records is a record label that was founded by Dutch electronics company Philips. It was started by "Philips Phonographische Industrie" in 1950. Recordings were made with popular artists of various nationalities and also with classical artists from Germany, France and Holland. Philips also...
/Phonogram Records
Phonogram Records
Phonogram Records was started in 1962 as a joint venture between Philips Records and Deutsche Grammophon. In 1972, Phonogram was merged with Polydor Records into PolyGram....
. It appears on the 1978 debut album With Luv'
With Luv'
With Luv' is the first album by Dutch girl group Luv', released in August 1978 by Phonogram/Philips Records. It features the hit singles My Man , U.O.Me and the million-seller You're the Greatest Lover...
and on compilations (Luv' Gold
Luv' Gold
Luv' Gold is a 1993 greatest hits album by Dutch girl group Luv' which features hit singles like You're the Greatest Lover, Trojan Horse, Casanova, Ooh, Yes I Do and some album tracks from the formation's heyday ....
, 25 Jaar Na Waldolala
25 Jaar Na Waldolala
25 Jaar Na Waldolala is a compilation album of recordings by Dutch pop group Luv' released by Universal Music in the Netherlands in 2003. It features smash hits , Spanish versions of four songs, previously unreleased tracks on CD and solo recordings by José Hoebee and Marga Scheide.-History:The two...
, Completely In Luv'
Completely In Luv'
Completely In Luv' is a box set of four studio albums recorded by Dutch girl group Luv' during their heyday in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was released in April 2006 by Universal Music...
...). It is the group's international breakthrough as it was successful in a large part of Continental Europe
Continental Europe
Continental Europe, also referred to as mainland Europe or simply the Continent, is the continent of Europe, explicitly excluding European islands....
and South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. Luv' reached its peak with this million seller. It is often considered as the signature song
Signature song
A signature song is the one song that a popular and well-established singer or band is most closely identified with or best known for, even if they have had success with a variety of songs...
of the female pop act.
A decade later, the German subsidiary of Philips re-issued the track on a CD single. In 1993, the Dutch Top 40
Dutch Top 40
The Dutch Top 40 is a weekly music chart, which started as the "Veronica Top 40", because the offshore radio station Radio Veronica was the first to introduce it. It remained "The Veronica Top 40" until 1974, when the station was forced to stop broadcasting...
hit "Megamix '93
Megamix '93
"Megamix '93" is the twenty sixth single by Dutch girl group Luv' released in 1993 by Arcade Records. This Megamix is the comeback record of the original group since their 1980 single One More Little Kissie. It appears on the compilation Luv' Gold...
" was backed with an Eurodance
Eurodance
Eurodance is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the late 1980s or early 1990s primarily in Europe. It combines many elements from House, Techno, Hi-NRG and especially Italo-Disco...
remix of "The Greatest Lover".
Background
In the spring of 1978, manager Han Meijer filed a lawsuit against Patty BrardPatty Brard
Patty Brard is a famous Indo entertainer. She is a TV personality and a singer notable as a member of the girl group Luv'...
, José Hoebee
José Hoebee
José Hoebee is a Dutch pop female singer. She is part of Luv' . In late 1981, she went solo and was successful in her homeland and in the Flanders region of Belgium between 1982 and 1985...
and Marga Scheide
Marga Scheide
Marga Scheide is a Dutch former model and a singer. She is a member of the girl group Luv'....
who were not satisfied by the way he developed their career. Meijer considered the name of the formation as his ownership and took the three singers to court about the use of it. Finally, in early June 1978, the ladies won the legal action and were officially allowed to be named Luv'
Luv'
Luv is a Dutch pop girl group that scored a string of hit records in Continental Europe as well as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1979, Luv' was "Holland's best export act" and thus received the "Conamus Export Prize"...
. Pim ter Linde became their new manager. They were ready to concentrate on their main goal: to have an international career.
After the success of "U.O.Me
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...
" in Benelux
Benelux
The Benelux is an economic union in Western Europe comprising three neighbouring countries, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. These countries are located in northwestern Europe between France and Germany...
, Hans van Hemert
Hans van Hemert
Hans van Hemert is a Dutch ASCAP award winning record producer and songwriter. Mouth & MacNeal and Luv' are among the pop acts he produced...
and Piet Souer
Piet Souer
Pieter Cornelis "Piet" Souer is a Dutch music producer, songwriter and arranger. His collaboration with famous pop acts made him gain twenty two gold and platinum records, one Conamus Export Prize and one Outstanding Song Award thanks to his...
, the group's songwriters, noticed that the light pop/disco and Latin American arrangements were more appropriate than a more serious repertoire (like the trio's first singles). They composed "You're the Greatest Lover" which featured Spanish guitars. It became a big selling record as it entered the charts in a dozen countries. This track was the first of a string of international hit singles. It reached the first position in some countries in Continental Europe. It was a moderate hit in France (where it was entitled "Sing Me, Sing Me a Chanson" to adapt the French market) and succeeded in reaching the Top 20 in South Africa. A Spanish version (entitled "Eres Mi Mejor Amante") was recorded, which permitted Luv' to have a minor hit in Spain.
Because Luv' performed "You're the Greatest Lover" on two famous German TV music shows (Disco
Disco (TV series)
Disco was a pop music program that aired in Germany on the ZDF network from 1971 to 1982. It generally aired on the first Saturday of each month at 7:30PM, each show running 45 minutes. 133 shows were produced. The show was hosted by German actor and comedian Ilja Richter...
and Musikladen
Musikladen
Der Musikladen was a West German music television programme that ran from December 13, 1972 to November 29, 1984. The show continued the 1960s Beat-Club under a new name, and in turn was replaced by Extratour.-History:...
), the female pop trio became a household group in German speaking countries. The song, which sold 600.000 units in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
was part of the soundtrack of the fifty-fourth episode (entitled "Anschlag auf Bruno") of Derrick (TV series)
Derrick (TV series)
Derrick is a German TV series produced by Telenova Film und Fernsehproduktion in association with ZDF, ORF and SRG between 1974 and 1998 about Detective Chief Inspector Stephan Derrick and his loyal assistant Inspector Harry Klein , who solve murder cases in Munich and surroundings Derrick is a...
.
The track was also used over the credits of a 1979 German sex comedy film called Sunnyboy und Sugarbaby, which received significant late-night airplay in the early days of HBO under its English-language title, She's 19 and Ready
She's 19 and Ready
She's 19 and Ready is a 1979 German sex comedy film.-Plot:The story centers on a rather uninhibited young woman named Eva and her two boyfriends - Stefan and Claus . Eva needs to decide which of the two is to be her "steady"...
. The song was also popular behind the Iron Curtain
Iron Curtain
The concept of the Iron Curtain symbolized the ideological fighting and physical boundary dividing Europe into two separate areas from the end of World War II in 1945 until the end of the Cold War in 1989...
, especially in East Germany, Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
and Hungary
Hungary
Hungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
as it was frequently aired on communist radio stations. However, records distribution was limited in the Eastern Bloc. Sales were hard to evaluate in this part of the world.
Track listing and release
Philips/Phonogram licensed the rights for Luv's records to various labels around the world.1978 Original release: 7" Vinyl
- "You're the Greatest Lover" - 2:50
- "Everybody's Shaking Hands On Broadway" - 3:27
| Countries | Year | Label | Catalog number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands Netherlands The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders... /Belgium Belgium Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many... /Spain Spain Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula... /New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga... /Norway Norway Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million... |
1978 | Philips Philips Records Philips Records is a record label that was founded by Dutch electronics company Philips. It was started by "Philips Phonographische Industrie" in 1950. Recordings were made with popular artists of various nationalities and also with classical artists from Germany, France and Holland. Philips also... /Phonogram Records Phonogram Records Phonogram Records was started in 1962 as a joint venture between Philips Records and Deutsche Grammophon. In 1972, Phonogram was merged with Polydor Records into PolyGram.... |
6012828 |
| France France The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... |
1978 | Philips Philips Records Philips Records is a record label that was founded by Dutch electronics company Philips. It was started by "Philips Phonographische Industrie" in 1950. Recordings were made with popular artists of various nationalities and also with classical artists from Germany, France and Holland. Philips also... /Phonogram Records Phonogram Records Phonogram Records was started in 1962 as a joint venture between Philips Records and Deutsche Grammophon. In 1972, Phonogram was merged with Polydor Records into PolyGram.... |
6173627 |
| Germany Germany Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate... |
1978 | Carrere Records | 2044122 |
| Italy Italy Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and... |
1978 | Carrere Records | CAR OO1 |
| UK | 1978 | Carrere Records/EMI EMI The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major... |
EMI 2888 |
| Poland Poland Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north... |
1978 | Tonpress | 735 |
| Canada Canada Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean... |
1978 | Mercury Records Mercury Records Mercury Records is a record label operating as a standalone company in the UK and as part of the Island Def Jam Motown Music Group in the US; both are subsidiaries of Universal Music Group. There is also a Mercury Records in Australia, which is a local artist and repertoire division of Universal... |
M-76005 |
| South Africa South Africa The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans... |
1978 | Philips Philips Records Philips Records is a record label that was founded by Dutch electronics company Philips. It was started by "Philips Phonographische Industrie" in 1950. Recordings were made with popular artists of various nationalities and also with classical artists from Germany, France and Holland. Philips also... /Phonogram Records Phonogram Records Phonogram Records was started in 1962 as a joint venture between Philips Records and Deutsche Grammophon. In 1972, Phonogram was merged with Polydor Records into PolyGram.... |
TOS 1192 |
| Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
1978 | Carrere Records | SFL 2374 |
| Turkey Turkey Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe... |
1978 | West | W 29 |
| Brazil Brazil Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people... |
1979 | Philips Philips Records Philips Records is a record label that was founded by Dutch electronics company Philips. It was started by "Philips Phonographische Industrie" in 1950. Recordings were made with popular artists of various nationalities and also with classical artists from Germany, France and Holland. Philips also... /Phonogram Records Phonogram Records Phonogram Records was started in 1962 as a joint venture between Philips Records and Deutsche Grammophon. In 1972, Phonogram was merged with Polydor Records into PolyGram.... |
6012898 |
1989 Re-issue: Mini CD single
- "You're the Greatest Lover"
- "Everybody's Shaking Hands On Broadway"
- "Trojan HorseTrojan Horse (Luv' song)"Trojan Horse" is the fifth single by Dutch girl group Luv', released in the autumn of 1978 by Philips/Phonogram Records. This million seller appears on the German version of the 1978 debut album, With Luv' and was a successful hit record in a large part of Continental Europe, South Africa and New...
"
| Country | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Germany Germany Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate... |
1989 | Philips Records Philips Records Philips Records is a record label that was founded by Dutch electronics company Philips. It was started by "Philips Phonographische Industrie" in 1950. Recordings were made with popular artists of various nationalities and also with classical artists from Germany, France and Holland. Philips also... |
Cover versions
- In 1978, Ulla Norden covered the song in German as "Wir Sind Verrückt (Wir Beide)".
- In 1979, Jonathan KingJonathan KingJonathan King is an English singer, songwriter, impresario and record producer. He is also the author of three novels, Bible Two and The Booker Prize Winner , and Beware the Monkey Man , and an autobiography, 65 My Life So Far .King first came to prominence as an...
recorded a cover version of Luv's hit that peaked at #67 on the UK Singles Charts. - Disco Light Orchestra from Germany performed an instrumental version for their LP Disco Sensation in 1979.
- James LastJames LastJames Last is a German composer and big band leader. His "happy music" made his numerous albums best-sellers in Germany and the United Kingdom. His composition, "Happy Heart", became an international success in interpretations by Andy Williams and Petula Clark...
orchestra performed an instrumental version on his album "New Non Stop Dancing 79". - Teenage singer Eini covered the song (entitled Vetonaula) in Finnish in 1979".
- Irish pop group Gina, Dale Haze and the ChampionsGina, Dale Haze and the ChampionsGina, Dale Haze and the Champions were an Irish pop group who formed in 1973 and remained a successful Chart act for the next two decades. They were one of the most popular club acts in Ireland, playing on the showband circuit until their split in 1992...
had a top 10 hit with this song on the Irish Charts in 1979. - In 1980, British group Brotherhood of ManBrotherhood of ManBrotherhood of Man are a British pop group who achieved success in the 1970s, most notably by winning the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest with "Save Your Kisses for Me"....
recorded a version of the song for their Good FortuneGood Fortune (album)Good Fortune is the ninth album by British pop group Brotherhood of Man. The album was recorded on manager Tony Hiller's label, Dazzle Records in 1980, but went unreleased in the UK. The album did get a release however in Australia on RCA Records...
album. - East German sister duet, Die Molly Sisters, sang a German version entitled He, hallo, du bist ein Mann geworden.
- The Hallmond All Stars orchestra performed an instrumental version on the compilation Night Fever Hammond Hit Parade released in the UK in 1996.
- In 1999, Kristina BachKristina BachKristina Bach is a German "Schlager" singer, lyricist and music producer. Bach is noted for her 3 ½-octave vocal range.-Biography:...
sang a SchlagerSchlagerSchlager music is a style of popular music prevalent in Central and Northern Europe and the Balkans and also in France and Poland. In Portugal, it was adapted and became pimba music...
version (entitled Hey, ich such' hier nicht den größten Lover). - In 2000, a dance music oriented cover by LoonaLoonaMarie-Jose van der Kolk also known by her stage names Loona and Carisma, is a Dutch singer, songwriter and dancer. She is most noted for her collaboration with DJ Sammy, and performing as a duo under the stage name of DJ Sammy feat. Carisma...
renamed Latino Lover was a Top 10 hit single in German speaking countries (#6 and gold single (250 000 units sold) in Germany, #9 in Austria and #6 in Switerzland). - German industrial band Massiv in MenschMassiv In MenschMassiv in Mensch is a German industrial musical duo made up of Daniel Logemann and Mirco Osterthun . They have been signed to Artoffact since 2001. When they play live, they use additional support from Anna-Maria Straatmann and Dirk Brunken...
recorded an electro version in 2004. - In 2005, the version of The Greatest Lover by Flemish dance group Swoop peaked at #25 on the UltratopUltratopUltratop is an organization which generates and publishes the official record charts in Belgium, and it is also the name of most of those charts...
singles charts in Flanders.
Charts & certifications
"You're the Greatest Lover" was a #1 hit single in the NetherlandsNetherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, Flanders
Flanders
Flanders is the community of the Flemings but also one of the institutions in Belgium, and a geographical region located in parts of present-day Belgium, France and the Netherlands. "Flanders" can also refer to the northern part of Belgium that contains Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp...
(Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
), Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
and Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
. It was also successful in Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
and South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
and to a lesser extent in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. Because of the good performance in the above mentioned territories, the record reached the 5th position of the Europarade (currently the Eurochart Hot 100 Singles
Eurochart Hot 100 Singles
The European Hot 100 Singles has been compiled by Billboard and Music & Media magazine since March, 1984. The chart is based on national singles sales charts in 15 European countries: Austria, Belgium , Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden,...
) which combined the weekly charts of various European countries into a single countdown.
| Chart (1978) | Peak position |
Certification (If any) |
|---|---|---|
| Austria (Austriancharts.com) | 2 | |
| Belgium/Flanders (BRT Top 30/Radio 2 Top 30) | 1 | Gold |
| Denmark (BT Hitlisten) | 1 | |
| Europarade (currently Eurochart Hot 100 Singles Eurochart Hot 100 Singles The European Hot 100 Singles has been compiled by Billboard and Music & Media magazine since March, 1984. The chart is based on national singles sales charts in 15 European countries: Austria, Belgium , Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden,... ) |
5 | |
| France (Hit Parade RTL) | 37 | |
| Germany (Musikmarkt/Media Control) | 1 | Gold |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Dutch Top 40 The Dutch Top 40 is a weekly music chart, which started as the "Veronica Top 40", because the offshore radio station Radio Veronica was the first to introduce it. It remained "The Veronica Top 40" until 1974, when the station was forced to stop broadcasting... ) |
1 | Platinum |
| Netherlands (Nationale Hitparade (currently Single Top 100 Mega Single Top 100 The Single Top 100 is a Dutch chart, based on official physical single sales and legal downloads and composed by MegaCharts. It is one of the three official charts, the other two being the Dutch Top 40 and the Mega Top 50. The difference is that these charts also include airplay data.The list is... ) |
1 | |
| South Africa (www.rock.co.za) | 15 | |
| Switzerland (Swisscharts.com) | 1 |
1989 reissue, appearance on compilations and 1993 remix
In 1989, Luv'Luv'
Luv is a Dutch pop girl group that scored a string of hit records in Continental Europe as well as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1979, Luv' was "Holland's best export act" and thus received the "Conamus Export Prize"...
was reformed by original member Marga Scheide
Marga Scheide
Marga Scheide is a Dutch former model and a singer. She is a member of the girl group Luv'....
and two other vocalists to promote new recordings released by Dureco Records. At the same time, Luv's first record company, Philips, decided to repackage the old repertoire of the pop act. That's why a Mini CD single came out in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
only, which included three songs from the original group's back catalogue: the 1978 number one hits "You're the Greatest Lover" and Trojan Horse
Trojan Horse (Luv' song)
"Trojan Horse" is the fifth single by Dutch girl group Luv', released in the autumn of 1978 by Philips/Phonogram Records. This million seller appears on the German version of the 1978 debut album, With Luv' and was a successful hit record in a large part of Continental Europe, South Africa and New...
as well as the disco
Disco
Disco is a genre of dance music. Disco acts charted high during the mid-1970s, and the genre's popularity peaked during the late 1970s. It had its roots in clubs that catered to African American, gay, psychedelic, and other communities in New York City and Philadelphia during the late 1960s and...
track Everybody's Shakin' Hands On Broadway. In 1993
1993 in music
This is a summary of significant events in music in 1993.-January–February:*January 8 – The U.S. Postal Service issues an Elvis Presley stamp. The design was voted on in February 1992....
, a Dance
Dance music
Dance music is music composed specifically to facilitate or accompany dancing. It can be either a whole musical piece or part of a larger musical arrangement...
remix was included on the CD single
CD single
A CD single is a music single in the form of a standard size Compact Disc, not to be confused with the 3-inch CD single, which uses a smaller form factor. The format was introduced in the mid-1980s, but did not gain its place in the market until the early 1990s...
version of Megamix '93
Megamix '93
"Megamix '93" is the twenty sixth single by Dutch girl group Luv' released in 1993 by Arcade Records. This Megamix is the comeback record of the original group since their 1980 single One More Little Kissie. It appears on the compilation Luv' Gold...
. Moreover, because of its popularity, "The Greatest Lover" was part of the track listings of Luv's main compilations (Greatest Hits, Luv' Gold
Luv' Gold
Luv' Gold is a 1993 greatest hits album by Dutch girl group Luv' which features hit singles like You're the Greatest Lover, Trojan Horse, Casanova, Ooh, Yes I Do and some album tracks from the formation's heyday ....
, 25 Jaar Na Waldolala
25 Jaar Na Waldolala
25 Jaar Na Waldolala is a compilation album of recordings by Dutch pop group Luv' released by Universal Music in the Netherlands in 2003. It features smash hits , Spanish versions of four songs, previously unreleased tracks on CD and solo recordings by José Hoebee and Marga Scheide.-History:The two...
and Completely In Luv'
Completely In Luv'
Completely In Luv' is a box set of four studio albums recorded by Dutch girl group Luv' during their heyday in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was released in April 2006 by Universal Music...
).