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"Call Your Girlfriend"
Single by Robyn
from the album Body Talk
Released1 April 2011 (2011-04-01)
RecordedApmamman Studios
(Stockholm, Sweden)
Genre
Length3:46
LabelKonichiwa
Songwriters
Producers
  • Klas Åhlund
  • Billboard
  • Jayce Lewis
Robyn singles chronology
"Cardiac Arrest"
(2011) 		"Call Your Girlfriend"
(2011) 		"Never Will Be Mine"
(2011)
Music video
"Call Your Girlfriend" on YouTube

"Call Your Girlfriend" is a song by Swedish recording artist Robyn, taken from her seventh studio album, Body Talk (2010). It was released as the album's second single on 1 April 2011. The song was written by Robyn, Klas Åhlund and Alexander Kronlund. Åhlund handled production, with assistance by Billboard. In the song, Robyn portrays a woman who begs her new partner to break up with an old girlfriend, and advises on how to do it gently. "Call Your Girlfriend" is an electropop ballad with synths and a buzzing rhythm.

The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised it for its lyrics and heartfelt message. The song reached number forty-three on the Sverigetopplistan chart, number eight on the Flanders Ultratip chart and number one[1] in the Pmachinery Top 30. In the United States, it reached number one on Hot Dance Club Songs, becoming Robyn's highest-peaking song on the chart. The accompanying music video was released on 2 June 2011 and features Robyn dancing alone in a warehouse. The song has been performed on the NewNowNext Awards, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, RuPaul's Drag Race, and Saturday Night Live. The song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording at the 2012 Grammy Awards.

Background and composition

[edit]
"Call Your Girlfriend"
"Call Your Girlfriend" is an electropop ballad, described as "soaringly tuneful".
Problems playing this file? See media help.

In an interview with Teen.com, Robyn said that love and life inspired her to write the song.[2] In January 2011, Robyn confirmed that it would be released as the second single from Body Talk, and that a music video for the song was in the works.[3] Originally intended for a 16 May 2011 release,[4] the single was released digitally on 1 April 2011, in Finland,[5] and three days later in Sweden.[6]

"Call Your Girlfriend" was written by Robyn, Alexander Kronlund and Klas Åhlund, with the latter producing the song. Billboard is credited as the co-producer.[7] The song is an electropop and synth-pop ballad, described as "soaringly tuneful" and "cold-blooded".[8][9] In the song, Robyn portrays a woman who is enjoying her new partner, but is concerned how this person's current girlfriend will be hurt by it.[10] As a solution, she begs her partner to break up with the girlfriend and gives tips on how to do it gently.[11] According to Scott Plagenhoef of Pitchfork, the song carries a "buzzing rhythm", synths and "a killer chord change." Plagenhoef wrote that Robyn "[is] as graceful about this role as when she plays the other points in the love triangle." He described it as "one of the most adult, thoughtful pop music breakups since the Field Mice's "Willow", but naturally without the twee-pop OGs' sense of melancholy."[12]

Reception

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Critical reception

[edit]

Ben Norman of About.com called the song "pensive pop" and said that it "demands [that] you sing along from the very beginning." He noted that the lyrics focuses on "the little bit of bad one must do to embrace the good".[11] Marc Hogan of Pitchfork called it "one of Body Talk's most inspired moments".[8] Genevieve Koski of The A.V. Club wrote that Body Talk "reaches its apex at its midpoint with 'Call Your Girlfriend,' which turns the breakup-anthem conceit on its ear in a manner that makes getting dumped seem inspiring."[13] Heather Phares of Allmusic called it a "thoughtful twist on a love triangle that finds Robyn enjoying new love while being concerned for someone hurt by it."[10] Evan Sawdey of PopMatters called it "remarkable" and "one of those rare Robyn tracks that finds a way to use its overtly commercial pop framework to tell a rather emotional, pointed relationship tale that is heads-and-shoulders above most of what’s on mainstream radio today."[14]

"Call Your Girlfriend" received its first play on BBC Radio 1 on July 4, 2011, as Scott Mills' Record of the Week. It was confirmed that it will be officially released in the UK on August 1.

On November 30, 2011, the song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording for the 54th Grammy Awards.

Chart performance

[edit]

"Call Your Girlfriend" debuted at number forty-three on the Sverigetopplistan chart in Sweden, on the issue dated 22 April 2011.[15] On the issue dated July 2, 2011, the track peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, thus became her first single to reach the top spot of Hot Dance Club Play Chart, and also her highest peaking and most successful single there. On the issue on 18 July 2011, the song debuted at number thirty-nine in New Zealand, Robyn's fourth single in that country. It peaked at number seventeen on the issue date 15 August 2011, becoming Robyn's highest single in the country since "Show Me Love".

Music video

[edit]

The music video for "Call Your Girlfriend" was directed by Max Vitali.[16] It premiered on 2 June 2011, and features Robyn dancing alone in a soundstage.[17] The video was choreographed by Maria "Decida" Wahlberg. Robyn confirmed a video for the song alongside the single announcement in January 2011.[3] Tom Breihan of Pitchfork wrote that the video "is one long unbroken tracking shot of the Swedish pop queen dancing, singing, and looking like her heart is about to break. The only thing she has to keep her company is an elaborate lighting rig. It's a true command performance, a hall-of-fame effort from an artist at the absolute peak of her powers."[17] Tamar Anitai of MTV Buzzworthy said that "[the clip] appears to be shot, incredibly, all in one take". The writer said that has a "stripped-down approach". Anitai also wrote, "In a stark, gorgeously lit gymnasium, Robyn approaches the gym-floor-turned-dance-floor with the focus of a seasoned gymnast approaching the mat before an Olympic floor routine."[16] Jon Blistein of Billboard magazine also gave a positive review naming Robyn a "true pop star" and referring to the video as "so simple, yet nearly impossible to look away."[18]

Live performances

[edit]

Robyn performed "Call Your Girlfriend" on the 2011 NewNowNext Awards.[19] On 13 April 2011, she performed the song alongside "Dancing on My Own" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, wearing a pastel blue top and matching lipstick.[20] Robyn performed "Call Your Girlfriend" as well as fellow Body Talk single "Dancing On My Own" on the December 10th, 2011 episode of Saturday Night Live.[21]

Covers

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French Canadian singer Marie-Mai released a French version of the song titled "Sans cri ni haine" (No shouts nor hate) as a promotional single for her fourth studio album Miroir. The song peaked at number one in Quebec for 7 weeks and was released in France as well. In October 2012, the song was awarded with the Felix Award, Quebec's most important awards for the popular song of the year.

Singer-songwriter Star Anna has performed the song live, most notably on KEXP.[22]

A 2011 viral video features Saturday Night Live actor Taran Killam dancing to the song with the almost exact repetition of the same dance moves as Robyn.[23]

In October 2011, the Swedish group Erato[24] covered the song in an a cappella version using hand claps and empty butter tubs as rhythmic accompaniment in a viral YouTube video.[25]

The video, itself, was later covered by young sisters Lennon and Maisy Stella.[26] Suede guitarist Richard Oakes covered the song with his project Artmagic as the b-side to their single "Down In The River" in October 2012.[27]

In November 2012, Newspaper Editor and Blogger, Harrison Mooney, created a parody, titled "Call the Union," in response to the 2012 NHL Lockout.[28]

Minneapolis Band The New Standards released a cover version titled "Call Your Boyfriend" on their 2012 album Sunday Morning Coming Down and frequently performs the song live.[29]

British singer, Cher Lloyd, performed an acoustic cover of the song in February 2013.[30]

In May 2013, Michelle Chamuel performed the song on the fourth season of The Voice during the top 12 week.

Singer-songwriter Lucy Wainwright Roche (daughter of Loudon Wainwright III and Suzzy Roche) released an acoustic version.

Singer-songwriter John-Allison Weiss included an acoustic cover version on their 2014 EP Remember when.

Maya Rudolph and Emma Stone covered the song with "the Cups Song rhythm" on the sixth episode of NBC's Maya & Marty; 07/12/16.

In the 2016 video artwork To Me You Mean The Most by Adam Castle & Ed Twaddle, one of the artists sings along to the song. The artwork was featured in the 2017 Bloomberg New Contemporaries exhibition.

On 17 October 2018, Jade Bird debuted her cover of this song live on BBC Radio 1, playing the piano live with a string section.

In 2019, the song was covered in the episode "Chapter Fifty: American Dreams" from the third season of the television series Riverdale, performed by Camila Mendes and Vanessa Morgan.[31]

Released in Canada in 2019, the final episode of the 4-season Dino Dana series (S4.E13, "The Sound of Dinosaurs") included a set of Dino-themed covers/parodies. The song "Age of Reptiles" reworks the lyrics of this song to be about dinosaurs.

Track listing

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Credits and personnel

[edit]

Source[7]

Charts

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Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[43] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
List of release dates, showing country, formats released, and record label
Country Release date Format(s) Label
Finland[5] 1 April 2011 Digital download Konichiwa Records
Norway[44] 4 April 2011
Sweden[6]
United States[34] 10 May 2011 Digital remix EP Interscope Records
United Kingdom[33] 17 June 2011 Digital EP Island Records
Germany[32] 15 July 2011 CD single Warner Music International
Australia 28 September 2012 Digital remixes Konichiwa Records

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Call Your Girlfriend

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Call Your Girlfriend" is an song by Swedish , released as the second single from her seventh studio album, Body Talk, on April 1, 2011. The track, co-written by , Klas Åhlund, and , features lyrics in which the narrator instructs a romantic interest on how to compassionately end their current relationship to pursue a new one, blending themes of and desire in a mid-tempo beat. Produced by Klas Åhlund, it exemplifies Robyn's signature style of introspective pop with electronic elements, drawing critical acclaim for its emotional depth and innovative structure. Upon release, "Call Your Girlfriend" achieved commercial success, peaking at number one on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in July 2011 and reaching number 55 on the UK Singles Chart. The accompanying , directed by Max Vitali and released on June 2, 2011, consists of a single unbroken take of Robyn performing intricate in an empty warehouse, emphasizing themes of solitude and movement. Critics praised the for its empowering twist on breakup narratives, with outlets like highlighting its graceful strength, contributing to its enduring popularity in queer and pop culture contexts. Notable covers include a 2012 acoustic version by sisters , which gained viral attention on .

Production

Writing and recording

Robyn co-wrote "Call Your Girlfriend" with Klas Åhlund and . Recording sessions for the track took place primarily in late at Apmamman Studios in , where Robyn and Åhlund embraced a prolific and experimental approach, generating multiple songs in a short burst of creativity starting that summer. Final production touches, including mixing, were completed in early 2010, allowing the song to be featured on Body Talk Pt. 2. The production leaned heavily on electronic tools, with Åhlund, Kronlund, and using analogue synth arpeggios to craft the song's pulsating, shimmering foundation. Initial vocal layering techniques involved multi-tracked harmonies and experimental backing vocals—such as reversed elements and layered ad-libs—to build emotional intensity and texture, reflecting the track's yet danceable vibe.

Release

"Call Your Girlfriend" was released as a single on April 1, 2011, serving as the second single from Robyn's Body Talk album in the UK and Europe. Konichiwa Records, Robyn's independent label, partnered with Island Records to manage promotion and distribution in these markets, leveraging their established networks for targeted marketing efforts. The rollout featured radio premieres across European stations and early digital streaming options on platforms like , allowing immediate public access prior to wider physical formats. Recorded in 2010 as part of the Body Talk sessions, the track's single launch extended the project's momentum into 2011.

Composition and lyrics

Musical structure

"Call Your Girlfriend" follows a conventional verse-pre-chorus-chorus form typical of , with a bridge section toward the end, spanning a runtime of 3 minutes and 47 seconds. The song is composed in and maintains a steady of 125 beats per minute, contributing to its driving yet introspective feel. The instrumentation centers on layered synthesizers that create a buzzing foundation, complemented by patterns that provide a rhythmic pulse. The arrangement begins minimally with sparse synth lines and subtle percussion in the verses, gradually building tension through a flowing before reaching a more expansive and euphoric release in the chorus, marked by fuller synth banks and a "killer chord change." Robyn's vocal delivery shifts dynamically, starting with an intimate, controlled style in the verses that conveys , then escalating to a powerful, anthemic tone in the choruses to emphasize emotional intensity. This contrast enhances the song's deceptively simple structure, allowing it to unfold into greater complexity.

Themes and interpretation

"Call Your Girlfriend" centers on the theme of empathetic , portraying the narrator as partner who guides her lover through a compassionate with his current . This narrative positions as an advisor emphasizing kindness and honesty, transforming a potentially adversarial situation into one of mutual respect and emotional maturity. The song's structure unfolds as a step-by-step manual for the , highlighting the narrator's benevolence while underscoring the inevitability of moving on. Key lyrics reinforce this theme, such as the chorus directive: "Call your girlfriend and just tell her that you're through / Say you love me, say it's true," which blends urgency with reassurance to minimize pain for all involved. This approach subverts the typical or confrontation in narratives, instead advocating for clear communication and closure. The ironic tone emerges through the song's playful yet pointed delivery, where serious relational advice is couched in pop's glossy veneer, adding layers of to the . Interpretations of the track often frame it as feminist in , challenging traditional love s that vilify the "other woman" by granting her narrative control and . By focusing on over , the disrupts norms in romantic , celebrating agency in navigating complex emotions without malice. This subversive element aligns with broader readings of Robyn's work as affirming personal convictions amid heartbreak, turning relational disruption into a danceable assertion of self.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, "Call Your Girlfriend" received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative blend of emotional depth and danceable energy, particularly within the context of Robyn's Body Talk trilogy. Pitchfork's review highlighted the track's clever , which deliver advice with an uncommon combination of strength and grace, transforming a potentially awkward scenario into a compassionate pep talk, while praising the production for its deceptively simple buzzing rhythm, layered synths, and a killer chord change that elevates the song's pop craftsmanship. NME commended the song's empowering message, describing it as "surely the most compassionate song ever written about a ," where Robyn pens a fantasy letter to her new partner's current lover, emphasizing and replay value through its infectious, euphoric crescendo that invites repeated listens. Similarly, noted its effortless execution of sexy, bolshy, and catchy pop, positioning it as a standout among the new tracks on Body Talk that showcase 's ability to infuse personal vulnerability with broad appeal and replayability. The song's reception contributed to the strong aggregate praise for Body Talk, which compiled selections from including "Call Your Girlfriend" and earned an 86/100 on based on 19 reviews, reflecting universal acclaim for Robyn's sophisticated electro-pop approach. Critics appreciated how the track's ironic guidance on gentle breakups—advising the listener to call their girlfriend and ease the pain—subtly underscores themes of emotional maturity amid romantic complexity.

Commercial performance

"Call Your Girlfriend" achieved significant success on dance-oriented charts, particularly in the United States, where it topped the chart for the week ending July 2, 2011, marking Robyn's first number-one hit on that ranking after debuting on the chart in May of that year. The track's club airplay and remixes contributed to its 13-week run on the chart, reflecting strong support from DJs and electronic music audiences. In the , the single entered the Official Singles Chart at number 88 in late July 2011 and peaked at number 55, spending a total of four weeks in the top 100. This modest performance aligned with broader European reception, where the song received radio play but did not achieve major chart breakthroughs outside of dance formats. Critical acclaim for the track's emotional depth and production helped sustain its promotional momentum across international markets. The song's enduring popularity has been evident in digital streaming platforms, with consistent plays on retrospective playlists contributing to ongoing listener engagement into the mid-2020s, though specific 2024-2025 metrics highlight steady rather than explosive growth in streams.

Music video

Development

Robyn envisioned the music video for "Call Your Girlfriend" as a dance-centric production to mirror the song's energetic yet introspective vibe, emphasizing physical movement as a core element of the visual . She collaborated with Maria "Decida" Wahlberg, who served as both choreographer and stylist, after an initial meeting where they discussed integrating dance into the Body Talk era's aesthetic. Directed by Max Vitali, the video was filmed in a single continuous take to preserve the performance's immediacy and sync with the track's escalating tension. The crew, including choreographer Wahlberg, focused on capturing Robyn's routine in a minimalist space, allowing the to foreground the song's emotional arc. Post-production involved selecting and refining the optimal take to align the movements precisely with the song's rhythmic build, ensuring the video's flow enhanced its dance-floor . The video was released on June 2, 2011, aligning with the single's promotion and amplifying its impact.

Synopsis and analysis

The music video for "Call Your Girlfriend," directed by Max Vitali, presents in a single-take , dancing energetically through a vast, vacant warehouse in . This minimalist setting amplifies her synchronized movements to the song's pulsing rhythm, symbolizing emotional liberation as she claims the space with fluid, improvisational flair that conveys release from relational constraints. Key scenes highlight Robyn's solo unfolding continuously, with dramatic shifts—ranging from stark whites to vibrant colors—marking the track's builds and drops, while reflective surfaces in the warehouse occasionally capture fragmented glimpses of her form, mirroring the introspective turmoil of shifting affections. These elements, combined with her expressive gestures like sharp isolations and expansive reaches, represent the push-pull dynamics of relationships, where guidance and separation intertwine. The video's structure ties briefly to the ' theme of empathetic break-ups by visualizing personal agency amid emotional complexity. Critics have praised how the visuals enhance the song's ironic empowerment, transforming a narrative of romantic maneuvering into a triumphant display of autonomy through dance; as one review notes, the performance's raw energy “seriously give new meaning to ‘dancing on my own,’” underscoring Robyn's ability to embody vulnerability as strength in an otherwise sparse production. This approach has been lauded for its profound contrast, where joyous physicality liberates the bittersweet undertones.

Promotion

Live performances

"Call Your Girlfriend" debuted in Robyn's live repertoire during the Body Talk Tour in late 2010, with early performances at Swedish venues including the Berns in on December 14, 2010, where it was integrated into the setlist alongside full drawing from the song's routines. The track became a fixture of the tour, performed in over 70% of shows across 2010 and 2011, often closing the main set before encores and emphasizing its dance-heavy arrangement with synchronized movements by and her backing dancers. In 2011, it featured prominently at Swedish events such as the Skellefteå Festival on July 1, where delivered an energetic rendition highlighting the song's empowering lyrics and pulsating beat. The song's live presentation evolved during the Body Talk Tour, with variations including extended breakdowns and audience interaction, as seen in festival sets like Melt! Festival in on July 15, 2011, where the choreography was adapted for outdoor stages. Television appearances further showcased the track, such as its U.S. debut on on December 10, 2011, featuring the signature video-inspired sequences in a minimalist studio setting. In recent years, "Call Your Girlfriend" has continued to appear in 's sets amid renewed interest from the Body Talk era, including performances during the 2019 Honey Tour at venues like the Fox Theater in Oakland on February 26, 2019. As of 2025, marking the 15th anniversary of Body Talk, the song has gained traction in fan-curated playlists and anniversary retrospectives, boosting streams and live demand, including a guest appearance at in on July 31, 2025, where joined for a , though no new solo tour dates have been announced.

Covers and usage in media

The song has been covered by numerous artists since its release, particularly indie performers in the years following 2011. Canadian Nicole released an acoustic cover in 2011, emphasizing the track's emotional vulnerability through stripped-down vocals and guitar. In 2012, sibling duo delivered rendition that gained viral attention on , highlighting the song's harmonious potential with youthful harmonies. Other notable indie interpretations include Lucy Wainwright Roche's folk-infused version in 2013 and LA ' 2023 cover, which reimagined it with dreamy elements. Swedish artist Jackie Mere performed a cover live at the 2024 awards. Remixes of the original have also proliferated, expanding its electronic dance appeal. The remix, released in 2011, introduced beats while preserving 's directive , becoming a staple in club sets. Swedish Kaskade's remix that same year added grooves, contributing to its rotation in EDM playlists. In media, "Call Your Girlfriend" has appeared in television and performance contexts, often underscoring themes of romantic transition. It was performed as a cover by characters Toni Topaz () and () in the 2019 Riverdale episode "Chapter Fifty: ," where it dramatized a tense dynamic at a . Comedians and famously recreated the song's choreography on butter tubs during a 2016 appearance on , blending humor with the track's iconic dance moves. The song has been a popular choice for lip-sync battles on , notably in a 2020 episode that celebrated its empowering narrative for queer audiences. More recently, in 2024, it was included in ' "A ," curated as a modern anthem for complex relationships alongside tracks by artists like and . While direct samples of "Call Your Girlfriend" are rare, its structure and themes have influenced pop breakup anthems, particularly in blending synth-driven production with candid emotional advice. Ariana Grande's 2024 single "We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)" draws parallels in its elements and relational maneuvering, evoking the song's "juddering synths" as a stylistic nod. Similarly, Rina Sawayama's 2020 album channels Robyn's approach to thematically dense pop bangers, using "Call Your Girlfriend" as a blueprint for euphoric yet heartbreaking dance tracks.

Credits and personnel

Songwriters and producers

"Call Your Girlfriend" was co-written by (Robin Miriam Carlsson), Klas Åhlund, and , with Carlsson serving as the lead writer and performer on the track. The song's composition reflects a collaborative effort registered through performing rights organizations such as BMI and ASCAP, attributing lyrical and musical credits to these three contributors. Production was led by Klas Åhlund, who handled programming, all instrumentation—including guitar elements—and overall production duties, with (the Montreal-based producer Mathieu Jomphe-Lépine) credited as co-producer for additional programming and instrumentation. This partnership contributed to the track's sound, earning a Grammy for Best Dance Recording in 2012.

Additional musicians

The recording of "Call Your Girlfriend" relies entirely on the contributions of its primary production team, with no additional session musicians or backing vocalists credited. All instruments and programming were handled by co-producer and producer Klas Åhlund, who constructed the track's synth-driven soundscape without external players. No uncredited contributions from other musicians have been documented in official releases.

Track listings and formats

Digital and physical releases

"Call Your Girlfriend" was first released as a digital download in the on June 19, 2011, through Group, available as a five-track file package containing the original version of the song (3:47) along with remixes by Feed Me (4:55), (5:38), & Ned Shepard (5:36), and Azari & III (4:41). The single was also offered as a digital bundle via Embassy of Music, including six files—a (3:31), version (3:38), and remixes by (5:38), Azari & III (4:41), & Ned Shepard (5:37), and Feed Me (4:56)—plus a WMV file (3:34), available on platforms like and shortly after the launch as part of the Body Talk Pt. 2 promotion in 2011. No digital booklet was included with these downloads, though the format emphasized high-fidelity audio. In physical formats, the single saw limited CD releases primarily in . A standard was issued in , , and on July 15, 2011, by Embassy of Music and Konichiwa Records, featuring the (3:31) and Kaskade remix (5:38). Promotional copies, distributed as singles, appeared in multiple regions including the , , , , , and during early 2011 to support radio play; these varied, with some containing the (3:31) and others the album version (3:47), typically without B-sides. No 7-inch vinyl edition was produced for the original single. Regional variations were evident in distribution: the focused on digital exclusivity through major platforms, while received physical CD pressings for retail and promotion, reflecting Robyn's stronger physical market presence there during the 2011 rollout. In the , availability leaned toward digital downloads via , mirroring the model but without unique bundles.
FormatRegionLabelYearTracklist
Digital (WAV, 5 files) Group20111. "Call Your Girlfriend" – 3:47
2. "Call Your Girlfriend (Feed Me Remix)" – 4:55
3. "Call Your Girlfriend ( Remix)" – 5:38
4. "Call Your Girlfriend ( & Ned Shepard Remix)" – 5:36
5. "Call Your Girlfriend (Azari & III Remix)" – 4:41
Digital (MP3 + WMV, 7 files)Embassy of Music20111. "Call Your Girlfriend ()" – 3:31
2. "Call Your Girlfriend ( Version)" – 3:38
3. "Call Your Girlfriend ( Remix)" – 5:38
4. "Call Your Girlfriend (Azari & III Remix)" – 4:41
5. "Call Your Girlfriend ( & Ned Remix)" – 5:37
6. "Call Your Girlfriend (Feed Me Remix)" – 4:56
7. "Call Your Girlfriend (Video)" – 3:34
CD SingleGermany, Austria, SwitzerlandEmbassy of Music / Konichiwa Records20111. "Call Your Girlfriend ()" – 3:31
2. "Call Your Girlfriend ( Remix)" – 5:38
CDr Single (Promo)Various (e.g., Denmark)Various (e.g., Music Denmark)20111. "Call Your Girlfriend ()" – 3:31

Remix versions

Several official remixes of Robyn's "Call Your Girlfriend" were produced to accompany the single's promotion, altering the original track's for different formats and audiences. The shortens the to 3:31, trimming elements from the original 3:47 version to suit commercial airplay while preserving the core arrangement and lyrical delivery. Among the extended mixes, the Feed Me runs for 4:56, incorporating dubstep-influenced beats and electronic drops that extend the runtime and add layered percussion beyond the original's minimalistic production. Similarly, the extends to 5:38, featuring elements with enhanced basslines and atmospheric builds that amplify the track's emotional intensity. Other notable remixes include the Azari & III (4:41), with funky electronic grooves, and the & Ned Shepard (5:37), emphasizing club-oriented builds. These remixes were released digitally as part of the "Call Your Girlfriend (es)" EP on May 10, 2011, via Konichiwa Records and Interscope. The original track appeared on the 2010 compilation album Body Talk, which consolidated material from the Body Talk trilogy of EPs, but the remixes were not included in that edition and instead supported the single's U.S. release in 2011.

Chart performance and certifications

Weekly and year-end charts

"Call Your Girlfriend" achieved moderate commercial success on international charts following its release as a single in April 2011. In the United States, the track debuted on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart dated May 28, 2011, at number 47 and climbed to number one on the chart dated July 9, 2011, marking Robyn's first leader on that tally. It spent a total of 13 weeks on the chart. The song did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 but performed well on component charts, peaking at number six on the Hot Singles Sales ranking. Internationally, "Call Your Girlfriend" reached number 55 on the UK Singles Chart, where it charted for four weeks in July and August 2011. In 's home country of , it peaked at number 43 on the singles chart and spent eight weeks in the top 60. The song also peaked at number 8 on Belgium's () Ultratip chart and number 17 on the singles chart.
Chart (2011)Peak position
Belgium (Ultratip Flanders)8
(Recorded Music NZ)17
US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs1
US Billboard Hot Singles Sales6
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)43
UK Singles (OCC)55
The track did not appear prominently on year-end charts in 2011, though it contributed to Robyn's visibility on Billboard's year-end Dance/Electronic Albums tally via its parent album Body Talk. In recent years, the song has seen renewed interest through streaming platforms, with consistent daily streams on exceeding 18,000 in select markets as of 2024, reflecting its enduring appeal in playlists and viral contexts.

Certifications and sales

In the United States, the track earned official status from the RIAA on April 17, 2019, for combined sales and streaming equivalents of 500,000 units.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/master/338913-Robyn-Call-Your-Girlfriend
  2. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/269403/all
  3. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/robyn/call-your-girlfriend
  4. https://www.discogs.com/release/2562177-Robyn-Body-Talk
  5. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/12054-call-your-girlfriend/
  6. https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-dance-chart-upstarts-robyn-tritonal-oliver-smith/
  7. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/33000/robyn/
  8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv644ipg2Ss
  9. https://www.autostraddle.com/the-utopian-queer-promise-of-robyns-call-your-girlfriend/
  10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_aJHJdCHAo
  11. https://www.clashmusic.com/features/we-were-very-self-indulgent-how-robyn-re-shaped-modern-pop-with-body-talk/
  12. https://www.popjustice.com/articles/robyn-talks-body-talk/
  13. https://medium.com/@conradduncan96/a-conversation-with-klas-ahlund-on-robyns-body-talk-179959840760
  14. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/robyn/call-your-girlfriend/
  15. https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/robyn/call-your-girlfriend
  16. https://tunebat.com/Info/Call-Your-Girlfriend-Robyn/2sCoROOlNQyFpRQEe6A5lv
  17. https://musicstax.com/track/call-your-girlfriend/4zMRCvpzghKCN8jlfSjtT1
  18. https://onboardphilosophy.wordpress.com/2013/04/19/pop-song-analysis-robyn-call-your-girlfriend/
  19. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/sep/28/how-robyn-transformed-pop-music-honey
  20. https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/the-100-best-singles-of-the-2010s/
  21. https://www.npr.org/2017/07/24/538387823/turning-the-tables-150-greatest-albums-made-by-women
  22. https://www.nme.com/features/nmes-greatest-songs-of-the-decade-the-2010s-2583527
  23. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/nov/25/robyn-body-talk-cd-review
  24. https://www.metacritic.com/music/body-talk/robyn
  25. https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs/2011-07-02/
  26. https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs/2011-07-30/
  27. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/6UE7nl9mha6s8z0wFQFIZ2.html
  28. https://www.spin.com/2013/01/robyn-decida-stylist-choreographer-timberlands-jody-watley-stockholm/
  29. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/music-videos-choreography-iconic-pop-dance-routines-8467302/
  30. https://kpfusion.com/2011/06/09/video-robyn-call-your-girlfriend-get-the-look/
  31. https://www.stereogum.com/718222/robyn-call-your-girlfriend-video/news/
  32. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2013/03/44699/best-dancing-music-videos
  33. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/robyn-stuns-in-new-call-your-girlfriend-video-470877/
  34. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/robyn/2010/berns-stockholm-sweden-23d2882f.html
  35. https://guestpectacular.com/artists/robyn/events/68599/song/call-your-girlfriend
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKyRhHXRrsE
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE7-iVlmurk
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlB1f6Vc2uY
  39. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/robyn/2019/fox-theater-oakland-ca-5b92ff60.html
  40. https://www.ticketmaster.com/robyn-tickets/artist/793727
  41. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/gracie-abrams-robyn-dancing-on-my-own-lollapalooza-1236035326/
  42. https://www.whosampled.com/Lucy-Wainwright-Roche/Call-Your-Girlfriend/
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egEBeG2gsac
  44. https://www.whosampled.com/Robyn/Call-Your-Girlfriend/
  45. https://open.spotify.com/track/3x1ACzzvCV60ZmXIKfui8X
  46. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-news/emma-stone-maya-rudolph-perform-910617/
  47. https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/robyn-call-your-girlfriend-lip-sync-herstory-9330904/
  48. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/19/arts/music/amplifier-newsletter-love-triangles-sabrina-carpenter.html
  49. https://keepitgoinglouder.com/2022/01/07/notable-albums-of-2020-2021-and-what-they-say-about-us-i-mean-me/
  50. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/132420/all
  51. https://genius.com/Robyn-call-your-girlfriend-lyrics
  52. https://www.discogs.com/release/2587223-Robyn-Body-Talk
  53. https://www.grammy.com/artists/robyn/9886
  54. https://musicbrainz.org/release/c0139551-3730-427c-919b-b87d20ee26aa
  55. https://www.discogs.com/release/3009993-Robyn-Call-Your-Girlfriend
  56. https://www.discogs.com/release/3493112-Robyn-Call-Your-Girlfriend
  57. https://www.discogs.com/release/3003266-Robyn-Call-Your-Girlfriend
  58. https://www.discogs.com/release/12786357-Robyn-Call-Your-Girlfriend
  59. https://www.allmusic.com/album/call-your-girlfriend-remixes-mw0002155720
  60. https://www.discogs.com/release/2892294-Robyn-Call-Your-Girlfriend-Remixes
  61. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=Call+Your+Girlfriend+by+Robyn&id=133466
  62. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20110814/7501/
  63. https://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Robyn&titel=Call+Your+Girlfriend&cat=s
  64. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Robyn&ti=Call+Your+Girlfriend
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