Self Control (Raf song)

"Self Control" is a song by Italian singer Raf, released in 1984. It was written by Giancarlo Bigazzi, Steve Piccolo and Raf, and arranged by Celso Valli. The track topped the charts in Italy and Switzerland, and started the explosion and dominance of Italo disco-style recordings in continental European charts during the 1980s.

"Self Control"
Single by Raf
from the album Raf
B-side	"Self Control" (Part Two) (7″) "Running Away" (12″)
Released	1984
Genre	Italo disco[1][2] Eurodisco[3]
Length	4:21 (7″) 6:08 (12″)
Label	Carrere
Songwriter(s)	Giancarlo Bigazzi Raffaele Riefoli Steve Piccolo
Producer(s)	Giancarlo Bigazzi
Raf singles chronology
"Self Control" (1984) "Change Your Mind" (1984)
Music video
"Self Control" on YouTube

That same year, "Self Control" was covered by American singer Laura Branigan, whose version reached No. 1 in countries such as Austria, Canada, Germany and Switzerland, as well as No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Both versions of the song were commercially successful across Europe during much of the summer of 1984 (at one point even swapping with one another at #1 in the Swiss charts), with Branigan's rendition becoming the most successful single of the year in Germany and Switzerland.

"Self Control" has become one of the defining songs of the 1980s, with a number of remakes recorded each year. Notable covers include Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin in 1993, a dance remake by Branigan in 2004, Royal Gigolos in 2005 and Danish dance group Infernal in 2006.

In 2024 German duo Fast Boy collabration with Italian singer Raf presents sampled (remaking) track Self Control (Renamed "Wave").

Raf version

Raf (born Raffaele Riefoli) co-wrote the song "Self Control" with Giancarlo Bigazzi and Steve Piccolo. His version of "Self Control" reached No. 1 in Italy for seven non-consecutive weeks.^[4] It also reached No. 1 in Switzerland, between runs at the top spot by Branigan's version of "Self Control", and peaked at No. 2 in Germany, No. 7 in Austria and No. 40 in France.^[5][6] Raf released an extended dance mix of the song, like Branigan, but Raf's version featured a rap (performed by two other rap vocalists), relatively rare for a white artist at the time.

He would release several more tracks in English and re-release his 1984 self-titled debut album in 1987 under the title Self Control, featuring two of these tracks. Although his English-language album and especially the singles proved to be successful in Italy and elsewhere, he began releasing his later albums in his native language, almost all of which were received better in Italy than the English-language albums; many of them charted within the top 10 in Italy.^[7]

Charts

Weekly charts Weekly chart performance for "Self Control" Chart (1984) Peak position Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[8] 7 Europe (European Top 100 Singles)[9] 4 France (SNEP)[10] 40 Italy (Musica e dischi)[4] 1 Spain (AFYVE)[11] 6 Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[5] 1 West Germany (GfK)[6] 2

Year-end charts Year-end chart performance for "Self Control" Chart (1984) Position Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[12] 10 West Germany (Official German Charts)[13] 15

Certifications

Certifications for "Self Control"

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Italy (FIMI)[14]	Gold	50,000‡
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Laura Branigan version

"Self Control"
Single by Laura Branigan
from the album Self Control
B-side	"Silent Partners"
Released	19 April 1984 (1984-04-19)[15]
Genre	Italo disco[16][17][18] dance-rock[19] synth-pop[20]
Length	4:06
Label	Atlantic
Songwriter(s)	Giancarlo Bigazzi Raffaele Riefoli Steve Piccolo
Producer(s)	Jack White Robbie Buchanan
Laura Branigan singles chronology
"How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" (1983) "Self Control" (1984) "The Lucky One" (1984)
Music video
"Self Control" on YouTube

American singer Laura Branigan covered "Self Control" in 1984. It was released as the lead single from her third studio album of the same name, released the same year.

History

Branigan's first major hit had also been co-written by Bigazzi: "Gloria" (1982) was an English-language cover of the 1979 original Italian song recorded by Umberto Tozzi. The following year, Branigan recorded another English song written over a Tozzi and Bigazzi song, "Mama", which was included on her 1983 album Branigan 2. Branigan chose two more Italian songs for her third album: the first one, "Ti Amo" with lyrics by Diane Warren once again based on the original by Tozzi and Bigazzi that had been a 1977 single for Tozzi. The second one, "Self Control", became the title track to the album and her most successful single internationally. "Self Control" was the only one of the four Italian songs recorded by Branigan that was originally composed in English, and Branigan chose to record the song as written. Also, unlike the other songs, Branigan's version was contemporaneous with that of its co-writer.

Branigan's recording was arranged by Giorgio Moroder's protégé Harold Faltermeyer with Robbie Buchanan and produced by Buchanan with Jack White in West Germany and Los Angeles. A keyboard hook in Raf's version was changed to a guitar riff for Branigan's version and a vocal break was paired with a sharper and repeated percussive element.

Composition

The song narrates the singer's slip into the world of nightlife, the allure of which has her "livin' only for the night" and deeming herself to "live among the creatures of the night". Rather than actually invoking more self-control, the singer addresses someone: "you take my self, you take my self-control". According to Bryan Buss of AllMusic, the song is about "finding sex in the seamy side of town".^[21]

Chart performance

In the United States, Branigan's cover became her third and last top 10 entry, peaking at No. 4. In Canada, the track reached No. 1 on both the pop and AC charts. Both the Raf original and Branigan's version of "Self Control" entered the German top 20 in May 1984: on 25 June, Branigan's single attained the No. 1 position, where it remained for six weeks, while Raf's version occupied the No. 2 spot.^[22]

"Self Control" also topped the charts in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Portugal, South Africa and Sweden,^{[23][24][25][26]} while reaching No. 2 in Norway,^[25] No. 3 in Ireland,^[27] No. 3 in Australia and No. 5 in the UK.^[28]

Raf's version surpassed the success of Branigan's only in his native Italy, where her single reached No. 16.^[4] The only other territory where Raf topped the charts was in Switzerland. His single debuted in the Swiss top 30 at No. 7 on 17 June, the same week Branigan's version debuted at No. 24. The following week, Raf's single climbed to No. 2. Branigan's single, however, rose to No. 1. In their third week, Raf's version supplanted Branigan's at number 1, but she regained the top spot in the fourth week and the two versions would remain there, Branigan at No. 1 and Raf at No. 2, for three more weeks.

In their seventh week on the charts, Raf fell to No. 3, below "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham!, while Branigan held at No. 1. Their eighth week on the charts saw Raf regain the No. 2 spot behind Branigan. The following week the Wham! single moved back to No. 2 and Raf fell three spaces, but Branigan held firm. In their tenth week on the charts, Wham! fell to No. 5, Raf fell two more spots, and Branigan maintained pole position.

Finally, on the week of 26 August, "Such a Shame" by Talk Talk moved Branigan out of the number-one spot, though she would remain in the top five for another three weeks. Branigan's record spent a total of 16 weeks in the Swiss top 30, including 12 weeks in the top five and eight weeks at No. 1.^[25] Branigan's version eventually became the most successful single of 1984 in both Germany and Switzerland.^[13][12]

Music video

Branigan was one of the first artists of the video era to work with an Academy Award-winning film director on a music video when William Friedkin (The French Connection, The Exorcist) directed the clip. Filmed in New Jersey and New York City, the video was produced by Fred Caruso and first aired in April 1984.^[29]

The video drew controversy, and MTV requested some edits before it could air.^[30] Entertainment Tonight aired a segment on the network's reaction to the clip, which was being played in late-night slots on other networks. Though Branigan resisted at first, her record company convinced her to allow a minor alteration and the video was aired on MTV, though by this time the single had peaked on the charts. Branigan would go on to be nominated for a 1985 American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Video Artist, losing to Cyndi Lauper.^[31]

Live performances

Branigan performed the song live in her debut on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson on 27 April 1984.^[32][33] She also promoted the song during appearances on The Merv Griffin Show, Solid Gold (12 May 1984),^[34] Dick Clark's American Bandstand (9 June 1984)^[35] and the syndicated Dick Clark television special Rock Rolls On, which she also co-hosted.

Track listings

• 7-inch single

1. "Self Control" – 4:06
2. "Silent Partners" – 3:55

• 12-inch maxi single

1. "Self Control" (extended version) – 5:04
2. "Silent Partners" (extended version) – 4:10

Charts

Weekly charts 1984 weekly chart performance for "Self Control" Chart (1984) Peak position Argentina (CAPIF)[36] 1 Australia (Kent Music Report)[37] 3 Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[38] 1 Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[39] 3 Canada Top Singles (RPM)[40] 1 Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)[41] 1 Canada (The Record)[42] 1 Denmark (IFPI)[23] 1 Europe (European Top 100 Singles)[9] 1 Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[24] 1 France (SNEP)[43] 13 Ireland (IRMA)[27] 2 Italy (Musica e dischi)[4] 16 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[44] 7 Netherlands (Single Top 100)[45] 10 New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[46] 26 Norway (VG-lista)[47] 2 Paraguay (UPI)[48] 7 Peru (UPI)[49] 2 Portugal (AFP)[23] 1 Puerto Rico (UPI)[50] 5 South Africa (Springbok Radio)[26] 1 Spain (AFYVE)[11] 24 Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[51] 1 Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[25] 1 UK Singles (OCC)[28] 5 Uruguay (UPI)[52] 1 US Billboard Hot 100[53] 4 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[54] 5 US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[55] 2 US Cash Box Top 100 Singles[56] 5 West Germany (GfK)[57] 1 2023 weekly chart performance for "Self Control" Chart (2023) Peak position Poland (Polish Airplay Top 100)[58] 57 2024 weekly chart performance for "Self Control" Chart (2024) Peak position Lithuania Airplay (TopHit)[59] 4 Poland (Polish Airplay Top 100)[60] 61

Monthly charts 2024 monthly chart performance for "Self Control" Chart (2024) Position Lithuania Airplay (TopHit)[61] 16 Year-end charts Year-end chart performance for "Self Control" Chart (1984) Position Australia (Kent Music Report)[62] 41 Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[63] 5 Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[64] 16 Canada Top Singles (RPM)[65] 15 France (SNEP)[66] 13 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[67] 54 Netherlands (Single Top 100)[68] 92 South Africa (Springbok Radio)[69] 5 Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[12] 1 UK Singles (Gallup)[70] 30 US Billboard Hot 100[71] 20 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[72] 34 US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[73] 31 US Cash Box Top 100 Singles[74] 51 West Germany (GfK)[13] 1

Certifications

Certifications for "Self Control"

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
France (SNEP)[75]	Gold	500,000*
Germany (BVMI)[76]	Gold	500,000^
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[77]	Gold	30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[78]	Silver	250,000^
* Sales figures based on certification alone. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. ‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Re-releases

"Self Control 2004"
Single by Laura Branigan
Released	2003
Length	3:21
Label	Dance Street
Songwriter(s)	Giancarlo Bigazzi Raffaele Riefoli Steve Piccolo
Laura Branigan singles chronology
"I Believe" (1995) "Self Control 2004" (2003) "Gloria 2004" (2004)

Branigan's "Self Control" was paired with follow-up single "The Lucky One" for an "oldies series" release in the US. In the UK, a similar release paired the song with her earlier single, "Gloria". In 1992, the original single mix of "Self Control" was re-released on CD single and 12-inch vinyl by Atlantic/WEA in Germany featuring two new remixes. One of those, the Classic Summer Mix, appeared on the European greatest hits album The Very Best of Laura Branigan. In 1999, four new remixes of "Self Control" were commissioned for a South African collection called Back in Control, on Atlantic/Gallo.^[79] "Self Control '99" was released as a CD single there. In the mid-2000s, several trance music remixes featuring samples of various lengths from the 1984 Branigan original surfaced from various entities including Crooklyn Clan, Imperial Machine, and SK featuring Branigan. None of these mixes were done with Branigan's participation.

As of 2010, the Self Control album remains in print and the original version can also be heard on The Best of Branigan (1993), and in remastered versions on The Essentials: Laura Branigan (2002) and The Platinum Collection (2006).

2004 version

Branigan sought to reclaim her career after years away from the music industry first to take care of her ailing husband and then to mourn his loss. She re-recorded her two biggest club hits for the 20th anniversary of "Self Control" and they were released in a slew of remixes as "Gloria 2004" and "Self Control 2004". The latter track reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales chart following Branigan's sudden death from an aneurysm in August of that year.

Track listings

• CD maxi single

1. "Self Control 2004" (Mindworkers Radio Mix) – 3:21
2. "Self Control 2004" (Flip & Fill Remix) – 6:45
3. "Self Control 2004" (Mindworkers Remix) – 7:07
4. "Self Control 2004" (Force Four Remix) – 7:45
5. "Self Control 2004" (Kenny Hayes Club Mix) – 6:07
6. "Self Control 2004" (Mindworkers Instrumental) – 7:05

Charts

Chart performance for "Self Control 2004"

Chart (2004)	Peak position
US Dance Singles Sales (Billboard)[80]	10

Ricky Martin version

"Que Día Es Hoy"
Single by Ricky Martin
from the album Me Amaras
B-side	"Que Día Es Hoy" (Remix)
Released	June 14, 1993
Recorded	1992-1993
Studio	Ocean Way Recording Studios (Los Angeles, US)
Genre	Latin pop
Length	4:25
Label	CBS International Sony Music Mexico
Songwriter(s)	Giancarlo Bigazzi Steve Piccolo Raffaele Riefoli Juan Carlos Calderón Mikel Herzog
Producer(s)	Juan Carlos Calderón Mikel Herzog
Ricky Martin singles chronology
"Me Amaras" (1993) "Que Día Es Hoy" (1993) "Entre el Amor y los Halagos" (1993)
Audio
"Self Control" (audio) on YouTube

In 1993, Ricky Martin recorded a Spanish-language cover of "Self Control", titled "Que Dia Es Hoy" ("What Day Is Today"). With lyrics by producer Juan Carlos Calderón and Mikel Herzog, the song was released as single from Martin's second studio solo album, Me Amaras, in 1993. The single featured a remixed version of the track. A music video was also released. In 2008, the remixed version was included on CD and DVD, called 17.

Track listings

• Latin America promotional 12-inch single

1. "Que Dia Es Hoy (Self Control)" (Remix Extended Version) – 8:01
2. "Que Dia Es Hoy (Self Control)" (Remix Radio Version) – 4:52
3. "Que Dia Es Hoy (Self Control)" (Remix Extended Dub Version) – 6:03
4. "Que Dia Es Hoy (Self Control)" – 4:22

• Brazilian promotional CD single

1. "Que Dia Es Hoy (Self Control)" (Club Mix) – 8:01
2. "Que Dia Es Hoy (Self Control)" (Club Mix Edit) – 4:52
3. "Que Dia Es Hoy (Self Control)" (Dub Mix) – 6:03
4. "Te Quero Amor (Que Dia Es Hoy)" – 4:22

Charts

Chart performance for "Que Dia Es Hoy"

Chart (1993)	Peak position
US Hot Latin Songs (Billboard)[81]	26

Royal Gigolos version

"Self Control" / "Somebody's Watching Me"
Single by Royal Gigolos
from the album Musique Deluxe
Released	2005
Length	4:11
Label	Epic Clubland
Songwriter(s)	Giancarlo Bigazzi Raffaele Riefoli Steve Piccolo
Producer(s)	Royal Gigolos
Royal Gigolos singles chronology
"No Milk Today" (2004) "Self Control" / "Somebody's Watching Me" (2005) "Tell It to My Heart" (2006)
Music video
"Self Control" on YouTube

In 2004, German dance group Royal Gigolos recorded a cover of "Self Control" for their debut studio album, Musique Deluxe. It was released as a CD maxi single the following year, along with their cover of the 1984 Rockwell song "Somebody's Watching Me". Their version reached the top 20 in Denmark and Finland.

Track listings

• CD maxi single

1. "Self Control" (D.O.N.S. single mix) – 3:42
2. "Self Control" (single version) – 3:46
3. "Self Control" (extended version) – 5:05
4. "Self Control" (D.O.N.S. remix) – 6:18
5. "Self Control" (Swen G° remix) – 6:32
6. "Somebody's Watching Me" (single version) – 3:17
7. "Somebody's Watching Me" (extended version) – 4:27
8. "Somebody's Watching Me" (DJ Tyson club mix) – 6:36
9. "Self Control" (video)

Charts

Chart performance for "Self Control"

Chart (2005–2006)	Peak position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[82]	42
Denmark (Tracklisten)[83]	17
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[84]	14
Germany (GfK)[85]	67
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[86]	49
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[87]	90

Infernal version

"Self Control"
Single by Infernal
from the album From Paris to Berlin
Released	2006
Length	3:16 (UK radio edit) 3:40 (radio edit)
Label	Universal Central Station MRA
Songwriter(s)	Giancarlo Bigazzi Raffaele Riefoli Steve Piccolo
Producer(s)	Infernal
Infernal singles chronology
"Ten Miles" (2006) "Self Control" (2006) "I Won't Be Crying" (2007)
Music video
"Self Control" on YouTube

In 2006, Danish dance group Infernal released a cover of the song on 6 November in the UK. The song debuted in the chart at No. 61 based on downloads only. The track was also released in Australia, as a double A-side with "I Won't Be Crying", though it did not chart there. Their recording reached the top 10 in Finland and their native Denmark.

Track listings

• CD single

1. "Self Control" (Radio Edit) – 3:40
2. "From Paris to Berlin" (DJ Aligator Remix) – 6:37

• Enhanced promotional CD single

1. "Self Control" (Radio Edit) – 3:40
2. "Self Control" (Extended Version) – 6:00
3. "Self Control" (Soul Seekerz Remix) – 7:40
4. "Self Control" (Robbie Rivera Juicy Mix) – 6:14
5. "Self Control" (Europeanz Remix) – 7:09
6. "Self Control" (Weekend Wonderz Club Mix) – 6:13
7. "Self Control" (Video) – 3:48

• 12-inch single

1. "Self Control" (Soul Seekerz Remix) – 7:41
2. "Self Control" (Extended Version) – 6:00
3. "Self Control" (Robbie Rivera Juicy Mix) – 6:14

Charts

Chart performance for "Self Control"

Chart (2006)	Peak position
Denmark (Tracklisten)[88]	3
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[89]	6
Ireland (IRMA)[90]	14
UK Singles (OCC)[91]	18

Kendra Erika version

In 2018, American singer Kendra Erika released a cover of "Self Control", reaching number one on Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart.

Track listings

• The Remixes

1. "Self Control" (Dirty Werk Radio Mix) – 3:14
2. "Self Control" (Moto Blanco Radio Edit) – 3:06
3. "Self Control" (Ralphi Rosario & Erick Ibiza Radio Mix) – 3:56

Charts

Chart performance for "Self Control"

Chart (2019)	Peak position
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[92]	1

Other versions

In 2023 Dutch DJs Eelke Kleijn and Lee Cabrera released a cover of "Self Control", based less on Raf's version and more on Laura Branigan's cover.^[93]

In 2024 German duo Fast Boy remade the track for its 40th anniversary, and renamed it "Wave".^[94]

Use in media

Branigan's version of "Self Control" was featured on the Miami Vice episode "The Great McCarthy" and was featured in the fact-based 1989 TV film The Preppie Murder and a 2007 episode of the series Cold Case. In 2002, the Branigan recording was used as a track on the fictional radio station Flash FM in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City As Well Races Only For Need for Speed: Underground, and it appears on the CD collection Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Official Soundtrack Box Set, as well as numerous other hits collections. It was often used as bumper music by late night radio talk show host Art Bell when he hosted Coast to Coast AM in the 1990s. It was also featured in the opening scenes of the Knight Rider episodes "Halloween Knight" and "K.I.T.T vs K.A.R.R." In 2018, Branigan's version appeared in the episode "Descent" of FX's The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.

See also

• List of European number-one hits of 1984
• List of number-one singles of 1984 (Canada)
• List of number-one hits of 1984 (Germany)
• List of number-one hits of 1984 (Italy)
• List of number-one singles of the 1 980s (Switzerland)
• List of number-one dance singles of 2019 (U.S.)
• List of number-one singles and albums in Sweden

References

1. Fabbri, Franco; Plastino, Goffredo (2013). "Italo Disco". Made in Italy: Studies in Popular Music. Routledge. pp. 211–212. ISBN 978-0-4158-9976-5.
2. Levine, Nick (3 August 2010). "Sunday Girl: 'Self Control'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
3. "Laura Branigan". The Independent. 30 August 2004. Archived from the original on 23 September 2010. Retrieved 2 September 2023. The following year, her disco-slanted version of "Self Control", the Euro-disco smash by RAF, crossed from the Hi-NRG charts to the pop listings and became Branigan's biggest UK hit.
4. "Classifiche". Musica e dischi (in Italian). Retrieved 2 August 2022. Select "Singoli" in the "Tipo" field, type "Self Control" in the "Titolo" field and press "cerca".
5. "RAF – Self Control". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
6. "Offiziellecharts.de – RAF – Self Control" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
7. Bush, John. "Raf – Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
8. "RAF – Self Control" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
9. "European Top 100 Singles" (PDF). Eurotipsheet. Vol. 1, no. 23. 3 September 1984. p. 8. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
10. "RAF – Self Control" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
11. Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (in Spanish) (1st ed.). Madrid: Fundación Autor/SGAE. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
12. "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1984". hitparade.ch (in German). Retrieved 2 August 2022.
13. "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts – 1984" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
14. "Italian single certifications – Raf – Self Control" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
15. "Single Stories: Laura Branigan, SELF CONTROL". Rhino Entertainment. 30 March 2021. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
16. Jobst, Marko; Stead, Naomi (26 January 2023). Queering Architecture: Methods, Practices, Spaces, Pedagogies. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 9781350267060 – via Google Books.
17. "Laura Branigan - Self Control | Tune Of The Day | Hit Channel". 20 February 2024.
18. Byrne, Niall (24 April 2013). "Maud In Cahoots - 'Dance With Me'". Nialler9.
19. Eddy, Chuck (22 March 1997). "Working-Woman Rock from Sigmund Freud to Simon Frith". The Accidental Evolution of Rock 'n' Roll: A Misguided Tour Through Popular Music. Da Capo Press. p. 21. ISBN 0-306-80741-6.
20. Molanphy, Chris (16 September 2024). "What's 1984 Got to Do with It Edition". Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia (Podcast). Slate. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
21. Buss, Bryan. "Laura Branigan – Self Control". AllMusic. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
22. "Die offiziellen deutschen Singlecharts – 09.07.1984". charts.de (in German). Archived from the original on 28 October 2014.
23. "Top 3 in Europe" (PDF). Eurotipsheet. Vol. 1, no. 26. 24 September 1984. p. 7. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
24. Nyman, Jake (2005). Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN 951-31-2503-3.
25. "Laura Branigan – Self Control". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
26. "SA Number 1s (1969 – 1989)". The South African Rock Encyclopedia. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
27. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Self Control". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
28. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
29. "Laura Branigan – Self control". Mvdbase.com. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
30. Shawhan, Jason (2 September 2004). "Sic Transit Gloria: A fan laments the unsung loss of an '80s pop chanteuse". Nashville Scene. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
31. "12th American Music Awards (presented in 1985)". Rock on the Net. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
32. Golik, Kathy (27 April 2024). "Forty years ago today Laura made her first appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson"". Instagram. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
33. "Johnny Carson". Retrieved 27 July 2013.^{[dead link‍]}
34. "Marilyn McCoo Show 32-Guest Host Air Supply". TV.com. Archived from the original on 24 February 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
35. "Laura Branigan/ Deniece Williams (video)". TV.com. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
36. "La Opinion".
37. Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 45. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
38. "Laura Branigan – Self Control" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
39. "Laura Branigan – Self Control" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
40. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 6758." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
41. "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 6809." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
42. Lwin, Nanda (1999). Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide. Music Data Canada. ISBN 1-896594-13-1.
43. "Laura Branigan – Self Control" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
44. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 27, 1984" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
45. "Laura Branigan – Self Control" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
46. "Laura Branigan – Self Control". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
47. "Laura Branigan – Self Control". VG-lista. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
48. "Canciones más populares de Latinoamérica". La Opinión. 21 July 1984. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
49. "Las canciones más escuchadas en Latinoamérica". La Opinión (Los Angeles) (in Spanish). 13 August 1984. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
50. "Las canciones más populares en Latinoamérica". La Opinión (Los Angeles) (in Spanish). 1 October 1984. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
51. "Laura Branigan – Self Control". Singles Top 100. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
52. "Las canciones más populares en Latinoamérica". La Opinión (Los Angeles) (in Spanish). 8 October 1984. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
53. "Laura Branigan Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
54. "Laura Branigan Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
55. "Laura Branigan Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
56. "Cash Box Top 100 Singles – Week ending June 30, 1984". Cash Box. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012.
57. "Offiziellecharts.de – Laura Branigan – Self Control" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
58. "OLiS – oficjalna lista airplay" (Select week 22.04.2023–28.04.2023.) (in Polish). OLiS. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
59. "Top Radio Hits Lithuania Weekly Chart: Sep 26, 2024". TopHit. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
60. "OLiS – oficjalna lista airplay" (Select week 09.03.2024–15.03.2024.) (in Polish). OLiS. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
61. "Top Radio Hits Lithuania Monthly Chart: September 2024". TopHit. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
62. "National Top 100 Singles for 1984". Kent Music Report. No. 548. 31 December 1984. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via Imgur.
63. "Jahreshitparade Singles 1984". austriancharts.at (in German). Retrieved 2 August 2022.
64. "Jaaroverzichten 1984 – Singles" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
65. "Top 100 Singles of 1984". RPM. Vol. 41, no. 17. 5 January 1985. p. 7. ISSN 0033-7064 – via Library and Archives Canada.
66. "Top – 1984". Top-france.fr (in French). Retrieved 12 June 2014.
67. "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1984" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
68. "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1984" (in Dutch). Dutch Charts. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
69. "Top 20 Hit Singles of 1984". The South African Rock Encyclopedia. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
70. "Top 100 Singles (January 3–December 29, 1984)" (PDF). Music Week. 26 January 1985. p. 37. ISSN 0265-1548 – via World Radio History.
71. "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 1984". Billboard. Archived from the original on 25 February 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
72. "Adult Contemporary Songs – Year-End 1984". Billboard. Archived from the original on 5 March 2021. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
73. "Dance Club Songs – Year-End 1984". Billboard. Archived from the original on 3 June 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
74. "The Cash Box Year-End Charts: 1984 – Top 100 Pop Singles". Cash Box. 29 December 1984. Archived from the original on 30 September 2012.
75. "French single certifications – Laura Branigan – Self Control" (in French). InfoDisc. Select LAURA BRANIGAN and click OK. 
76. "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Laura Branigan; 'Self Control')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie.
77. "Spanish single certifications – Laura Branigan – Self Control". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
78. "British single certifications – Laura Branigan – Self Control". British Phonographic Industry. 1 September 1984. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
79. "Laura Branigan Back In Control South Africa CD album (CDLP) (139529)". Eil.com. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
80. "Laura Branigan Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
81. "Ricky Martin Chart History (Hot Latin Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
82. "Royal Gigolos – Self Control" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
83. "Royal Gigolos – Self Control". Tracklisten. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
84. "Royal Gigolos: Self Control" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
85. "Royal Gigolos – Self Control" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
86. "Royal Gigolos – Self Control" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
87. "Royal Gigolos – Self Control". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
88. "Infernal – Self Control". Tracklisten. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
89. "Infernal: Self Control" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
90. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Self Control". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
91. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
92. "Dance Club Songs – The week of January 26, 2019". Billboard. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
93. Bhanawat, Akshay (21 April 2023). "Eelke Kleijn And Lee Cabrera Turn Back Time With New Single 'Self Control'". T.H.E - Music Essentials. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
94. "Raf Celebrates 40 Years of 'Self Control' and Reflects on His Career". www.ilmessaggero.it. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 12 January 2025.