Another Level: The Sophisticated Sound of British R&B in the 90s
Another Level
From: London, United Kingdom
Members: Mark Baron, Dane Bowers, Bobak Kianoush, Wayne Williams
Years active: 1997–2000
Famous for: Smooth R&B harmonies and the #1 hit 'Freak Me'
Biggest hit: “Freak Me”
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The Story of Another Level
Another Level emerged in 1997 as the UK's answer to the smooth, adult-oriented R&B sounds coming from the United States. Formed by Dane Bowers, Mark Baron, Bobak Kianoush, and Wayne Williams, the group was the flagship act for Northwestside Records, a sub-label of BMG. Unlike the bubblegum pop acts of the era, Another Level focused on soulful vocal arrangements and a sophisticated street-style image that appealed to both teen audiences and older music fans.
Their debut single, "Be Alone No More," featuring American rapper Jay-Z, immediately established them as a serious force in the industry, reaching the UK Top 10. However, it was their cover of Silk's "Freak Me" in 1998 that truly catapulted them to superstardom, spending one week at number one on the UK Singles Chart and becoming one of the most iconic slow jams of the decade. Their self-titled debut album was certified Platinum, supported by further hits like "Guess I Was a Fool" and "Summertime."
In 1999, they released their second and final studio album, Nexus. This era saw them leaning further into a pop-R&B crossover sound, highlighted by the massive hit "From the Heart," which served as the theme song for the blockbuster film Notting Hill. Despite their consistent chart success and sold-out tours alongside artists like Janet Jackson, internal tensions and the desire for individual growth led the group to disband in 2000.
Post-disbandment, Dane Bowers pursued a high-profile solo career and famously collaborated with Victoria Beckham. In 2013, there was a significant attempt to reunite the band for the ITV2 documentary The Big Reunion, but Wayne Williams and Mark Baron declined to participate. Bowers eventually joined the "supergroup" 5th Story for the show. Today, Another Level is remembered as one of the few British boybands that successfully masterminded an authentic R&B sound during the peak of the 90s pop explosion.
Discography
Studio Albums
Another Level (1998) - UK #13 (Platinum)
Nexus (1999) - UK #7 (Gold)Essential Singles
“Be Alone No More” (1998)
“Freak Me” (1998) - UK #1
“Guess I Was a Fool” (1998)
“From the Heart” (1999)
“Summertime” (1999)
“Bomb Diggy” (1999)
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Follow the Members
Dane Bowers: Instagram | Twitter/X
Bobak Kianoush: Instagram
Listen to Another Level on Spotify
Watch "Freak Me" Official Video
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