Self Control

Album: Self Control (1984)
Charted: 5 4
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Songfacts®:

  • This song was first released in 1983 by the Italian composer and singer Raf (Raffaele Riefoli), who wrote it with Giancarlo Bigazzi and Steve Piccolo. His version was a low-tempo ballad with disco-techno-pop features, and was an early use of synthesizers.

    Branigan's breakout hit was "Gloria" in 1982, which is also based on an Italian pop song co-written by Bigazzi.
  • In 2006, the Spanish singer Soraya Arnelas released a version on her album Ochenta's (Eighty's). Also in 2006, the Danish dance group Infernal recorded this song. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Joan - Alcarras, Spain, for above 2
  • The song is about a girl whose life is dedicated to her exciting nightlife, where she tends to lose control.
  • Harold Faltermeier of "Axel F" fame did the arrangement and played the synthesizer on this track.
  • The video was filmed in New Jersey and New York City and directed by William Friedkin (The French Connection, The Exorcist). Branigan was one of the first artists of the video era to work with an Academy Award-winning film director. She recalled to The Associated Press: "It was a real experience. He's a great film director. We worked very hard on it."

    "The song was about losing your self-control to the night or to someone," Branigan added. "We had a man representing the night, wearing a mask. There were all these great dancers wearing masks by Willa Shalit. There's a shot where the man comes into my bedroom, taking me into the night. He appears and disappears. MTV didn't play it. They said it was risqué. It was played in Europe and everywhere else. I didn't think it was bad at all."
  • A party band plays this and "Some Guys Have All The Luck" in the 1984 Miami Vice episode "The Great McCarthy."

Comments: 16

  • Joe from CaliforniaGreat song and actors. Laura was so beautiful and talented.
  • Jrgrocks from Limaunlike this song was covered, I think this version is the best ever.
  • Boomy from LondonThis sounds just like "Modern Talking" which came out later, wow!
  • Purple from Sri LankaI really really want to know the name of the man behind the white mask
  • Amy Holley from Alabama But who is the masked guy? It's not Russell Clark. Who is he? What else has he done in the entertainment industry? I would really like to know.
  • Aaron from MexicoBelieve it or not, Ricky Martin covered this song years before he became an international star (in 1993). The song was titled "Qué Día Es Hoy" ("What day is it?") and the translation has nothing to do with the original; it talks about so confused in love that doesn't even know what day it is.
  • Serena from SomersetWhat was the name of the masked man wearing the red gloves and long black coat near the end of the song ?
  • Robert from Indiana Barry from Sauquoit, NY is wrong, Laura Branigan wasn't 47 when she passed away she was 52.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn June 9th 1984, Laura Branigan performed "Self Control" on the ABC-TV program 'American Bandstand'...
    Eight weeks earlier on April 8th, 1984 it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #63; and on June 24th it peaked at #4 (for 2 weeks) and spent 19 weeks on the Top 100 (and for 6 of those 19 weeks it as on the Top 10)...
    It reached #1 in Austria and Germany...
    On the same 'Bandstand' show she sang "Satisfaction", it peaked at #24 on Billboard's U.S. Dance chart...
    Between 1982 and 1990 she had thirteen Top 100 records; three made the Top 10 with "Gloria" being her biggest hit, it reached #2 for 3 weeks on November 21st, 1982...
    Sadly, Ms. Branigan passed away on August 26th, 2004 at the young age of 47 (undiagnosed cerebral aneurysm)...
    May she R.I.P.
  • Don from B G, KyThe video to this song had edited before MTV would play it. MTV thought it was too sexy for broadcast.
  • Paul from Kennewick, WaSelf Control could have been written about me,since it describes me totally-I have always been my best at night, and no one except for my girl friend has ever understood me for it. I find safety in the dark, having been the victim of years of child abuse. I survived,and thrive as the sun begins to go down...RIP Laura-I will always honor and love you for your contribution to my journey toward finding myself and my place in the world.
  • Paula from Laredo, TxShe should have had a longer career.
    Today's so-called singers are all flash and no substance.
    Too bad.
  • Reza from Shiraz, Iranshe is dead oh my god she was one of my most favorites when i was a highschoolboy
  • Kelley from 95060, CaHer death was shame. I felt very badly. she was wonderful, and a very skilled vocalist.
  • Anand Paul from Kollam, Indiaself control is the best song i have heard. i loved that song in the 80s and it will be forever my favourite.i used to hear it every day for years. i came to know of her death just a few days back.i wonder why she didnt become very successful with the beautiful,touching voice and charming face. i am really saddened by her death. she was also a very good human being. i hope she is in heaven singing and making even the angels jealous........
    - anand paul, kollam, India
  • Anand Paul from Kollam, Indiaself control is the best song i have heard. i loved that song in the 80s and i used to hear it every day for years. i came to know of her death just a few days back.i wonder why she didnt become very successful with the beautiful,touching voice and charming face. i am really saddened by her death. she was also a very good human being. i hope she is in heaven singing and making even the angels jealous........
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