What makes Self Control by Laura Branigan notable?

Self Control became one of Branigan's signature songs and reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's themes of nightlife and escapism resonated widely, making it a staple in dance clubs and earning it lasting recognition as an anthem of the era. Released on March 1, 1984, Self Control marked Laura Branigan's third studio album, following her successful 1982 hit album, Branigan. This release solidified her place in the pop music landscape of the 1980s, showcasing a shift towards a more synth-pop sound that would dominate her subsequent work.

How many songs are on Self Control?

Self Control has 3 tracks, running approximately 13 minutes.

Self Control

Laura Branigan · 1984

13 min · 3 tracks · folk rock

Synth-heavy dance beats merge with emotive vocals, creating an electrifying atmosphere of nightlife and longing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Self Control (extended version) — The extended version amplifies the driving synth lines and pulsating rhythms, enhancing the song's exploration of nightlife while providing a dance floor-ready energy.
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Self Control — The title track's blend of haunting melodies with catchy hooks perfectly encapsulates the tension between desire and caution, reflecting the album's overarching theme.
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Silent Partners — This track showcases Branigan's vocal range against a backdrop of atmospheric synths, adding depth to the album and highlighting her prowess as a pop artist.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic dance tracks with slower reflective pieces, showcasing Branigan's vocal range and production style.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a consistent energy level, maintaining a danceable beat throughout the first half.
Several tracks feature layered synths and prominent drum machines, characteristic of the 1980s dance music scene.
The title track 'Self Control' employs a dramatic shift in dynamics, contrasting softer verses with an explosive chorus.
The final three tracks slow down the tempo, introducing more reflective themes that create a sense of closure.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Branigan's place in pop music and featured a signature hit.
Career context: Released on March 1, 1984, Self Control marked Laura Branigan's third studio album, following her successful 1982 hit album, Branigan. This release solidified her place in the pop music landscape of the 1980s, showcasing a shift towards a more synth-pop sound that would dominate her subsequent work.
Stylistic neighbors: Kim Wilde· Cyndi Lauper· Belinda Carlisle