AFTER eight years in the wilderness, 90s pop-dance outfit Aqua are back.

Known for hit singles such as Barbie Girl and Doctor Jones, their 19-track (yes 19) Greatest Hits album is in shops now, having reached number one in the band’s native Denmark, although somehow I can’t see them repeating that in the rest of Europe.

Inspired by fellow Scandinavians such as Abba and Ace of Base, this is bubble gum pop at its best, or worst, depending on your point of view.

Personally I would sooner listen to the sound of a drill or a vacuum cleaner on a Sunday morning than be tormented by this garbage.

Aqua emerged from the rear end of the Spice Girls/New Labour age and somebody - I’d like to meet who - has decided this year would be a good time to make a comeback.

Greatest hits albums have been coming thick and fast – perhaps recession-weary musicians need a few bob too – and Aqua have obviously decided it was their turn to jump on the bandwagon.

To be fair to Lene, Rene and co, Aqua’s Greatest Hits features three new tracks, My Mamma Said, Live Fast – Die Young and the album’s opening track Back To The 80s.

But the album drags and at 19 tracks is too long.

What is undeniable about Aqua's songs is their catchiness, but I mean more in the sense of catching a nasty cold.

Aqua: The Greatest Hits is out now.