Rednex Cotton Eye Joe Album

: A follow-up single that mirrored the success of its predecessor in Europe. "Wish You Were Here"

If you are a collector looking for the authentic , you must search for Sex & Violins (Jive Records / ZYX Music). Look for the cover featuring a cartoon hillbilly holding a woman on a chain (a cover that has aged poorly and was changed for later reissues).

The monster. Originally a 19th-century folk standard, Rednex sped it up, added a four-on-the-floor beat, and created a literal dance floor virus. The lyrics make zero sense (Where did he come from? Where did he go?), but the energy is undeniable.

: A departure from their dance style, this was a successful ballad.

Here is the central irony of the . Most people who bought Sex & Violins expected 10 variations of "Cotton Eye Joe." Instead, they got a diverse, schizophrenic record that swings between frantic Eurodance and sincere country balladry.

In 2024, "Cotton Eye Joe" enjoys a second life as a meme. It is the song that clears a dance floor ironically or fills it unironically at a sports game. But the album Sex & Violins deserves a deeper look for three reasons:

If you are looking for physical copies, Sex & Violins and various "Cotton Eye Joe" maxi-singles are available through several retailers:

Harsh. AllMusic gave it 2 out of 5 stars, calling it "novelty act fodder." Rolling Stone ignored it entirely. However, public reception was different. The album went Platinum in Sweden, Gold in Australia, and sold over 1 million copies in Germany alone.