“Self Control” (1984) by Laura Branigan
Am I the only one who thinks this is her best song? I know a lot of people who say Gloria and/or Solitaire are better. I couldn’t disagree more.
Self Control is pure 80s pop-rock, with a lot of edge, and her vocals sound incredible. But it’s not only 80s Classic, it’s a song that still sounds great today. Some 80s songs sound dated and awful today, but this is one of those that sounds great still, and makes you wanna sing along. The lyrics are a lot of fun too!
This is a true classic. Gloria isn’t.
| by Anonymous | reply 24 | November 15, 2020 1:51 AM
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Thanks, OP--I haven't watched that video in 36 years...
And it's pure, unapologetic, stylish 1980s CAMP. The masked dancers writhing around on miles of Reynolds Wrap is just one highlight.
Branigan should have had a longer career. Her voice had balls, and she was pretty. I wonder what (if anything) "Self Control" would sound like in a much more stripped down, acoustic arrangement.
| by Anonymous | reply 1 | September 9, 2020 9:35 PM
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It is her best. Spanish Eddie is a close second.
| by Anonymous | reply 2 | September 9, 2020 9:41 PM
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We always referred to this as Elf Control.
| by Anonymous | reply 3 | September 9, 2020 9:49 PM
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William Friedkin directed the video.
| by Anonymous | reply 4 | September 9, 2020 9:52 PM
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You are NOT, OP. This is my absolute favorite Laura Branigan song. The others don’t even come close.
| by Anonymous | reply 5 | September 9, 2020 9:59 PM
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This is definitely her best song.
| by Anonymous | reply 6 | September 9, 2020 10:13 PM
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Certain songs from the 80’s take me straight back. The feeling can be intense. This is one of the songs that does that for me.
| by Anonymous | reply 8 | September 9, 2020 10:48 PM
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Actually, it's a cover of this Italian hit from the same year. Which, in Europe, was just as popular as Laura's version.
| by Anonymous | reply 9 | September 9, 2020 10:50 PM
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Gloria's MO was covering European artists. Gloria was another cover from an Italian artist.
| by Anonymous | reply 10 | September 9, 2020 11:57 PM
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No Laura’s version was more popular throughout Europe. Check your chart data bitch.
| by Anonymous | reply 11 | September 10, 2020 2:29 AM
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Laura’s version was much bigger.
| by Anonymous | reply 12 | September 11, 2020 12:00 AM
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It's easily her best song and it has aged the best as a production.
| by Anonymous | reply 13 | September 12, 2020 3:29 AM
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It’s a great song and video
| by Anonymous | reply 14 | November 15, 2020 12:58 AM
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Laura only had four hits. Gloria and Self Control were the two biggies. Solitaire and How Am I Supposed To Live Without You were moderate hits. Yet, she's a DL icon.
| by Anonymous | reply 15 | November 15, 2020 1:05 AM
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She was really big for awhile in the 80s. I'm old enough to remember Gloria and that song was HUGE. You heard it everywhere for a long time.
| by Anonymous | reply 16 | November 15, 2020 1:07 AM
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Self Control is definitely her best song, followed by Gloria.
| by Anonymous | reply 17 | November 15, 2020 1:09 AM
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Very sexy lady.
[quote] Laura only had four hits.
Five
| by Anonymous | reply 18 | November 15, 2020 1:11 AM
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Self Control is not only Laura's best song, it's also one of the best songs of the '80s in my opinion.
And I still love the fact that William Friedkin, director of The Exorcist and CRUISING, directed the video.
| by Anonymous | reply 19 | November 15, 2020 1:12 AM
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It's a good song. However, gayboys couldn't shake their asses to it in NYC dance clubs. They could to "Gloria" and so that song became a bigger hit on the club scene.
| by Anonymous | reply 20 | November 15, 2020 1:15 AM
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I’ve always liked Moonlight on Water, though it wasn’t really a hit.
| by Anonymous | reply 21 | November 15, 2020 1:16 AM
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Was the Madame Alexander doll in the video raped?
| by Anonymous | reply 22 | November 15, 2020 1:17 AM
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