I Touch Myself

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For the T-Boz song, see Touch Myself.

"I Touch Myself"
Single by Divinyls
from the album diVINYLS
B-side"Follow Through"
Written1990
Released19 November 1990 (1990-11-19)
StudioGroove Masters (Santa Monica, California)
Genre
Length3:44
LabelVirgin
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Divinyls singles chronology
"Punxsie"
(1988) 		"I Touch Myself"
(1990) 		"Love School"
(1991)
Music video
"I Touch Myself" on YouTube

"I Touch Myself" is a song recorded by Australian rock band Divinyls. It was written by the songwriting team of Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg along with Christine Amphlett and Mark McEntee of the Divinyls.[3] It was released in November 1990 by Virgin as the lead single from the band's fourth album, diVINYLS (1991), and deals with the subjects of eroticism and female masturbation.[4] The single achieved success, reaching No. 1 in Australia and No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In January 2018, Australian network Triple M ranked the song at No. 60 in its list of the "most Australian" songs of all time.[5] In 2023, Billboard magazine ranked it among the "500 Best Pop Songs of All Time".[6]

Composition and recording[edit]

Chrissy Amphlett and Mark McEntee wrote the song in 1990 with the songwriting team of Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg (who had also written songs such as "I'll Stand by You", "Like a Virgin", "Eternal Flame", "True Colors" and "So Emotional"). Steinberg had written the first verse and the chorus lyric for "I Touch Myself" and Amphlett liked it immediately. The next day, McEntee, Steinberg, Kelly and Amphlett wrote the remainder of the song despite the fact that Steinberg and Kelly rarely collaborated with others.

The song was recorded to two-inch tape, making it difficult to edit. After much experimentation, the writers devised an unusual song structure with the bridge placed after the first chorus.[7] It is written in the key of F major.[8]

"It was also written in a heartfelt way, touching yourself in a heartfelt way. But I like double entendres, so... It didn't worry me at all, because I really liked it but the musicians were shocked. The musicians freaked, and they were really worried for me. I don't think they are now; I think they've come to terms with it."

—Chrissy Amphlett talking about the song.[9]

Promotion and chart performance[edit]

In Australia, "I Touch Myself" was released on 19 November 1990 on 7-inch and cassette,[10] and the CD single was released on 3 December 1990.[11] The single debuted at No. 77 on 2 December 1990.[12] On its tenth week on the chart, the song reached No. 1, replacing Vanilla Ice's debut single "Ice Ice Baby",[13] and stayed there for another week. The single was certified platinum in Australia.

"I Touch Myself" debuted on the UK Singles Chart at No. 69 and on its eighth week it peaked at No. 10, spending a total of twelve weeks in the chart.[14] When released in the United States, the song caused a minor controversy. However, it managed to reach the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 4,[15] and at No. 2 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart[16] after receiving extensive play on modern rock radio. Divinyls are considered a one-hit wonder in the U.S., as "I Touch Myself" was their only American top-40 hit.

Critical reception[edit]

Alex Henderson from AllMusic described the song as "infectious,"[17] while editor Adrian Zupp called it a "lascivious headline-grabber."[18] A reviewer from Billboard stated that it's a "modern rock smash," noting lead singer Christina Amphlett's video appearance as "eye-catching."[19] James Muretich from Calgary Herald joked, "One gathers she's not talking about scratching her nose".[20] Everett True from Melody Maker commented, "Yes, it is about what you think. It's a song about female obsession, gratification, frustration and masturbation which, apparently, Mike Read played on Round Table and then got extremely embarrassed by. He shouldn't have done. It's a song about giving, and giving as much as you can: tantalising, without being titillating. Musically, it's straight-down-the-line mid-American rock (Bangles, Go-Go's). I'm rather fond of it, to tell the truth."[21] Magazine Music & Media wrote that "it will stay in your mind for the rest of the week."[22] Alan Jones from Music Week commented, "'I Touch Myself' has already been a number one single in their native Australia, and is now in the US Top 10. It won't do that well here, but its loose, post-punk execution and killer hook add up to a hit."[23] Caroline Sullivan from Smash Hits called it "one of pop's finer nanoseconds" in her review of the DiVINYLS album.[24]

Music video[edit]

The song's accompanying music video, directed by Michael Bay, was nominated for three MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year.[25]

Impact and legacy[edit]

In January 2018, Australian network Triple M ranked the song at No. 60 in its list of the "most Australian" songs of all time.[5] In October 2023, Billboard magazine ranked "I Touch Myself" at No. 326 in their "500 Best Pop Songs of All Time" list.[6]

I Touch Myself Project[edit]

The I Touch Myself Project was launched in 2014, 12 months after Amphlett's death from breast cancer. Amphlett wanted "I Touch Myself" to be adapted as a global anthem for breast health. The project was created in her honour with its mission to create educational forums to promote self-examination.[26]

In June 2014, Connie Mitchell, Deborah Conway, Kate Ceberano, Katie Noonan, Little Pattie, Megan Washington, Olivia Newton-John, Sarah Blasko, Sarah McLeod and Suze DeMarchi released a version of "I Touch Myself", with each providing her own interpretation and distinct style to the song.[27] This version, credited to the I Touch Myself Project, peaked at No. 72 on the ARIA chart.[28]

In 2016, the I Touch Myself Project partnered with Berlei to create the Chrissy Bra, which reminds women to examine their breasts for anomalies when dressing, and a Chrissy Post-Surgery Bra, designed specifically for women who have undergone breast-cancer surgery.[29]

In 2018, Serena Williams recorded "I Touch Myself" and posted her version on Instagram. It became Instagram's most retweeted post, most widely discussed campaign and most watched video during International Breast Cancer Awareness Month.[30]

Track listings[edit]

  1. "I Touch Myself"
  2. "Follow Through"
  1. "I Touch Myself"
  2. "Follow Through"
  3. "I Touch Myself" (alternate version)

Charts[edit]

Certifications[edit]

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[48] Platinum 70,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[49] Silver 200,000‡

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history[edit]

Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Australia 19 November 1990
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • cassette
 Virgin [10]
3 December 1990 CD [11]
United Kingdom 29 April 1991
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
 [50]
7 May 1991 7-inch vinyl postcard pack [51]

Cover versions[edit]

Usage in other media[edit]

The song has been featured in the 1997 comedy film Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, as a cover version by Scala & Kolacny Brothers during the first episode of the second season of Sex Education[56] and in the Friends episode "The One Where Monica Sings."

References[edit]

  1. ^ Johnson, Howard (30 June 2016). "The 10 Sexiest Rock Songs Ever". Classic Rock. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  2. ^ Gawne, Holley (17 October 2021). "Check out 14 of the most iconic Aussie pub rock songs". Tone Deaf. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  3. ^ Wiser, Carl. "Billy Steinberg: Songwriter Interviews".
  4. ^ Surnow, Rose (22 April 2013). "Masturbation Pioneer and "I Touch Myself Singer," Divinyls' Chrissy Amphlett, Dead at 53". Cosmopolitan. Hearst Corporation. Retrieved 26 August 2013.
  5. ^ a b "Here Are The Songs That Made Triple M's 'Ozzest 100'". Musicfeeds. 27 January 2018. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
  6. ^ a b "The 500 Best Pop Songs: Staff List". Billboard. 19 October 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  7. ^ "I Touch Myself Songfacts". Retrieved 14 February 2007.
  8. ^ Divinyls "I Touch Myself" Sheet Music musicnotes.com
  9. ^ Considine, J.D. (1991). "Interview with Divinyls". The Baltimore Sun. – via The Windsor Star. (26 June 1991).
  10. ^ a b "New Release Summary > Product Available from: 19/11/90 (from The ARIA Report Issue No. 45)". ARIA. Retrieved 23 September 2016 – via Imgur.
  11. ^ a b "New Release Summary > Product Available from: 03/12/90 (from The ARIA Report Issue No. 47)". ARIA. Retrieved 23 September 2016 – via Imgur.
  12. ^ "The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart – Week Ending 02 Dec 1990 (61–100)". ARIA. Retrieved 23 September 2016 – via Imgur.com.
  13. ^ "The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart – Week Ending 03 Feb 1991 (1–60)". ARIA. Retrieved 23 September 2016 – via Imgur.com.
  14. ^ a b "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  15. ^ a b "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. 18 May 1991. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  16. ^ a b "Alternative Airplay". Billboard. 23 March 1991. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  17. ^ Henderson, Alex. "The Divinyls – Divinyls". AllMusic. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  18. ^ Zupp, Adrian. "The Divinyls – Make You Happy 1981-1993". AllMusic. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  19. ^ "Album Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. 2 March 1991. p. 76. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  20. ^ Muretich, James (17 February 1991). "Recent Releases". Calgary Herald.
  21. ^ True, Everett (4 May 1991). "Singles". Melody Maker. p. 33. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  22. ^ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. 9 February 1991. p. 12. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  23. ^ Jones, Alan (4 May 1991). "Mainstream: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. p. 20. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  24. ^ Sullivan, Caroline (24 July 1991). "Reviews: LPs". Smash Hits. No. 330. p. 46. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  25. ^ ET Canada Staff (20 December 2014). "Music Videos Directed By Michael Bay". Entertainment Tonight Canada. Retrieved 17 August 2020.[permanent dead link]
  26. ^ "2014". I Touch Myself Project. 2014. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  27. ^ "The Artists". I Touch Myself Project. Archived from the original on 22 October 2014. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  28. ^ "Chart Watch". 5 July 2014. Archived from the original on 15 May 2021. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  29. ^ "2016". I Touch Myself Project. 2016. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  30. ^ "2018". I Touch Myself Project. 2018. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  31. ^ I Touch Myself (Australian 7-inch single sleeve). Divinyls. Virgin Records. 1990. VOZ 094.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  32. ^ I Touch Myself (Australian cassette single sleeve). Divinyls. Virgin Records. 1990. VOZC 094.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  33. ^ I Touch Myself (Japanese mini-CD single liner notes). Divinyls. Virgin Records. 1991. VJDP-10155.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  34. ^ I Touch Myself (Australian CD single liner notes). Divinyls. Virgin Records. 1990. VOZCD094.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  35. ^ I Touch Myself (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Divinyls. Virgin America. 1991. VUST 36.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  36. ^ I Touch Myself (UK CD single liner notes). Divinyls. Virgin America. 1991. VUSCD 36, 663 984.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  37. ^ "Divivyls – I Touch Myself". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  38. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 1540." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  39. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 8, no. 27. 9 July 1991. p. 45. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
  40. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – I Touch Myself". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  41. ^ "Divivyls – I Touch Myself". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  42. ^ "Mainstream Rock Airplay". Billboard. 13 April 1991. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  43. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Singles for 1991". ARIA. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  44. ^ "RPM 100 Hit Tracks of 1991". RPM. Retrieved 26 October 2018 – via Library and Archives Canada.
  45. ^ "1991 Top 100 Singles". Music Week. 11 January 1992. p. 20.
  46. ^ "Billboard Top 100 – 1991". Archived from the original on 7 July 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
  47. ^ "The Year in Music 1991: Top Modern Rock Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 103, no. 51. 21 December 1991. p. YE-41.
  48. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1991 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  49. ^ "British single certifications – Divinyls – I Touch Myself". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  50. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 27 April 1991. p. 23.
  51. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 4 May 1991. p. 31.
  52. ^ "Fast Forward - Divinyls - Touch Myself". YouTube. 3 June 2007. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  53. ^ Polka Your Eyes Out, archived from the original on 21 December 2021, retrieved 15 November 2019
  54. ^ "Official Charts > FHM High Street Honeys". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
  55. ^ "Hottest 100 2019". Triple J. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  56. ^ Caruso, Nick (18 January 2020). "Sex Education Season 2 Premiere Recap: Hands-On Experience Helps Otis Get Back in Business". TVLine. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
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