Throughout 2001, Balan wrote and recorded O-Zone's second album, "Number 1". Four Romanian record labels offered the band a deal. O-Zone elected Cat Music and their album was released in 2002 by the label. Much to Balan's disappointment, the album did not become an instant commercial success. However, O-Zone won Best Music Video Award at the MTV Romania Music Awards in 2002 for their single "Numai tu". The album's second single, "Despre Tine", was more experimental, driven by the singer's goal of working in styles of music, which were completely different to those dictating the Romanian music industry at that time. The song became a commercial success and reached number one on Romania Airplay Top 100, where it stayed for seventeen consecutive weeks. The next year, O-Zone won two more MTV Romania Music Awards, for Best Song and Best Dance. The band was also nominated for Best Romanian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards.