You know that song.
Even if you think you don't, you do. That "da-da-da-da" hook starts, and suddenly you’re back in a 1999 roller rink or stuck in the backseat of a car while the local pop station plays the same five tracks on loop. Ann Lee 2 Times wasn't just a song; it was a bizarre, infectious phenomenon that basically defined the tail end of the Eurodance era.
But here’s the thing: most people have no idea who Ann Lee actually is. Or that she’s currently having a massive "second life" in 2026 thanks to a weird mix of TikTok nostalgia and a high-budget Hollywood biopic.
Honestly, the story of Annerley Gordon—the woman behind the name—is way more interesting than just a catchy beat. She wasn't some manufactured pop puppet. She was a Sheffield-born songwriter who moved to Italy and basically became the ghostwriter for the entire 90s dance scene.
Ann Lee 2 Times: More Than a One-Hit Wonder?
Let’s be real. In the US, people mostly remember her for that one track.
In Europe? Different story.
"2 Times" hit number one in Denmark and Flanders. It peaked at number two in the UK. By the time it reached North America, it was already a certified club anthem. But Annerley Gordon wasn't a newcomer when the track dropped in late 1998. She had been grinding in the Italian music industry for a decade.
Ever heard "The Rhythm of the Night" by Corona?
Yeah, she helped write that.
She co-wrote hits for Whigfield. She provided vocals for dozens of projects under aliases like Lolita, Annalise, and DJ Space'C. Basically, if you danced to a song with a heavy Italian synth line in the 90s, there’s a decent chance Annerley had her hands on it.
The 2026 Renaissance: Amanda Seyfried and Shakers
The reason everyone is Googling Ann Lee 2 Times right now isn't just because of a 90s throwback. It’s because of The Testament of Ann Lee.
This is where it gets confusing for some.
There are actually two famous Ann Lees. One is the Eurodance singer. The other is the 18th-century religious leader who founded the Shakers. In a wild twist of marketing or perhaps just cosmic irony, the new biopic starring Amanda Seyfried—which just hit theaters this January—has sent search traffic for both women through the roof.
Mona Fastvold’s film isn't about Eurodance. It’s a gritty, "quasi-musical" about the religious prophet Mother Ann Lee.
But here is the kicker:
The film uses "2 Times" in a dream sequence.
It’s a bold, slightly insane creative choice that blends 18th-century asceticism with 90s pop. It’s the kind of thing that makes people pull out their phones in the middle of a theater to figure out why a Shaker prophet is suddenly vibing to a techno beat.
Why the Song "2 Times" Still Works
Technically, the song is simple.
Some critics back in the day called it "giddy" or "line-dancing for the techno market." They weren't wrong. But that’s why it stuck. The structure is built on a repetition that mimics a heartbeat.
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- The Hook: It’s phonetically easy. "Two times, three times."
- The Tempo: 126 BPM. Perfect for walking, running, or mindless dancing.
- The Mystery: The lyrics are actually kinda nonsensical if you look at them closely.
Annerley once mentioned in an interview with Muzikxpress that the music video was inspired by Peter Gabriel’s "Sledgehammer." If you watch it now, you can see that stop-motion influence. It’s her waking up in a hut, playing with a doll, taking a bath. It’s weirdly domestic for a club track.
The "Ghost Singer" Rumors
In the 90s, Eurodance was notorious for using "pretty faces" to lip-sync over session singers.
Look at Milli Vanilli. Look at Black Box.
Because Ann Lee (Annerley Gordon) had such a distinct, high-register voice, people often accused her of being the "real" voice behind other acts. Specifically Whigfield. While Sannie Carlson (the face of Whigfield) was the one on stage, the vocal similarity to Annerley was so striking it caused a minor scandal in the UK press.
Annerley has always been pretty chill about it. She’s a professional. She knows how the "Italian Factory" worked back then. You’d go in, record five tracks under five different names, and hope one of them bought you a house in Italy.
Which it did.
She still lives in Italy today, in a house she describes as a "wreck" that she rebuilt herself. She took a long break from the industry after her son was born in 2005, but she never really stopped.
How to Experience Ann Lee Today
If you’re looking to dive back into the world of Ann Lee 2 Times, you’ve got options that didn't exist a few years ago.
First, there’s the 2023 remaster. Energy Production put out a 4K version of the original music video that makes those 90s colors pop in a way that feels almost modern. Then there are the remixes. Dimitri Vegas and Steve Aoki dropped a version recently that brings it into the EDM era, though honestly, the original’s "thin" 90s production is part of its charm.
Actionable Ways to Use the "Ann Lee" Vibe:
- The Workout Playlist: "2 Times" is a "cadence" song. If you’re a runner, it’s almost perfectly timed for a steady-state jog.
- The Biopic Context: If you're going to see The Testament of Ann Lee, don't expect a pop concert. Expect a heavy, beautifully shot drama about religious freedom, but keep your ears open for that 90s Easter egg.
- The TikTok Effect: If you're a creator, the "Two Times" dance challenge is cycling back. The shuffle community has basically claimed this song as their own.
Ann Lee might have started as a name on a white-label vinyl in an Italian warehouse, but she’s ended up as a permanent fixture of pop culture. Whether you're there for the 18th-century history or the 20th-century bassline, she’s impossible to ignore.
The best way to stay updated on her current tours and festival appearances—since she still performs at 90s throwback events—is to follow her Instagram (@annerleymusic). She’s active, she’s authentic, and she still hits those high notes.
Don't forget to check the official "2 Times" 2023 Remaster on YouTube to see the stop-motion visuals in high definition.