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| artist = [[Aqua (band)|Aqua]]
| artist = [[Aqua (band)|Aqua]]
| album = [[Aquarium (Aqua album)|Aquarium]]
| album = [[Aquarium (Aqua album)|Aquarium]]
| released = {{Start date|df=y|1997|4}}<ref name="waller"/>
| released = 8 April 1997
| recorded =
| studio =
| studio =
| genre =
| genre =
* [[Bubblegum pop]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.powerstation.net.nz/shows/aqua-greatest-hits-tour-oct-2014|title=Aqua Greatest Hits Tour {{!}} The Powerstation|website=www.powerstation.net.nz|access-date=9 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/columns/pop/7849063/greatest-pop-songs-1997|title = The 100 Greatest Pop Songs of 1997: Critic's Picks|magazine = [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date = 29 June 2017}}</ref>
* [[Bubblegum pop]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.powerstation.net.nz/shows/aqua-greatest-hits-tour-oct-2014|title=Aqua Greatest Hits Tour {{!}} The Powerstation|website=www.powerstation.net.nz|access-date=9 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/columns/pop/7849063/greatest-pop-songs-1997|title = The 100 Greatest Pop Songs of 1997: Critic's Picks|magazine = [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date = 29 June 2017}}</ref>
⚫
* [[dance-pop]]<ref name="Molanphy 2017">{{Cite podcast|url=https://www.slate.com/articles/podcasts/hit_parade/2017/09/the_story_of_how_the_recording_industry_made_you_pay_a_premium_for_90s_hit.html|title= The Great War Against the Single Edition|website=Hit Parade {{!}} Music History and Music Trivia|publisher=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]|last=Molanphy|first=Chris|date=September 29, 2017|access-date=July 9, 2023}}</ref><ref name="billboard500bestpopsongs"/>
* [[Europop]]<ref name="auto">{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1997/Music-Week-1997-10-04.pdf|title=Reviews: Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|date=4 October 1997|page=30|access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite magazine|first=James|last=Hyman|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1997/Music-Week-1997-09-13.pdf|title=Hot Vinyl|magazine=[[Music Week]], in RM (Dance Update Supplemental Insert)|date=13 September 1997|page=4|accessdate=19 September 2022|author-link=James Hyman}}</ref>
* [[Eurodance]]<ref name="allmusic.com"/>
* [[Eurodance]]<ref name="allmusic.com"/>
⚫
* [[dance-pop]]<ref name="Molanphy 2017">{{Cite podcast|url=https://www.slate.com/articles/podcasts/hit_parade/2017/09/the_story_of_how_the_recording_industry_made_you_pay_a_premium_for_90s_hit.html|title= The Great War Against the Single Edition|website=Hit Parade {{!}} Music History and Music Trivia|publisher=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]|last=Molanphy|first=Chris|date=September 29, 2017|access-date=July 9, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Novelty song|novelty]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Myers |first=Justin |title=EU referendum special: The biggest selling singles by European acts |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/eu-referendum-special-the-biggest-selling-singles-by-european-acts__15423/ |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=13 May 2019 |date=23 June 2016}}</ref>
* [[Novelty song|novelty]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Myers |first=Justin |title=EU referendum special: The biggest selling singles by European acts |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/eu-referendum-special-the-biggest-selling-singles-by-european-acts__15423/ |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=13 May 2019 |date=23 June 2016}}</ref>
| length = 3:16
| length = 3:16
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{{Audio sample|type=single|file=Barbie girl aqua.ogg}}
{{Audio sample|type=single|file=Barbie girl aqua.ogg}}
}}
}}
"'''Barbie Girl'''" is a song by Danish-Norwegian [[dance-pop]] group [[Aqua (band)|Aqua]]. It was released in April 1997 as the third single from the group's debut studio album, ''[[Aquarium (Aqua album)|Aquarium]]'' (1997). The song was written by band members [[Søren Rasted]], [[Claus Norreen]], [[René Dif]], and [[Lene Nystrøm]], and was produced by the former two alongside Johnny Jam and Delgado. It was written after Rasted saw an exhibit on [[kitsch]] culture in Denmark that featured [[Barbie]] dolls.<ref>{{cite book|title=Aqua: the official book.|date=1998|publisher=Back Stage Watson-Guptill|location=[S.l.]|isbn=9780823078486|page=38}}</ref><ref name="Freakytrigger">{{cite web|last=Ewing|first=Tom|title=Aqua – "Barbie Girl"|url=http://freakytrigger.co.uk/popular/2014/04/aqua-barbie-girl/|website=Freakytrigger|access-date=23 March 2017}}</ref>
"'''Barbie Girl'''" is a song by Danish-Norwegian [[dance-pop]] group [[Aqua (band)|Aqua]]. It was released in April 1997 by [[Universal Music Group|Universal]] and [[MCA Records|MCA]] as the third single from the group's debut studio album, ''[[Aquarium (Aqua album)|Aquarium]]''. The song was written by band members [[Søren Rasted]], [[Claus Norreen]], [[René Dif]], and [[Lene Nystrøm]], and was produced by the former two alongside Johnny Jam and Delgado. It was written after Rasted saw an exhibit on [[kitsch]] culture in Denmark that featured [[Barbie]] dolls.<ref>{{cite book|title=Aqua: the official book.|date=1998|publisher=Back Stage Watson-Guptill|location=[S.l.]|isbn=9780823078486|page=38}}</ref><ref name="Freakytrigger">{{cite web|last=Ewing|first=Tom|title=Aqua – "Barbie Girl"|url=http://freakytrigger.co.uk/popular/2014/04/aqua-barbie-girl/|website=Freakytrigger|access-date=23 March 2017}}</ref> The accompanying music video was directed by Danish directors [[Peder Pedersen (director)|Peder Pedersen]] and Peter Stenbæk.


The song topped the charts worldwide, particularly in European countries such as the United Kingdom, where it was a number-one hit for four weeks and remains one of the [[List of best-selling singles in the United Kingdom|best-selling singles of all time]]. It also reached number two in the group's homeland and peaked at number seven on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. It is Aqua's most popular work and was also performed as the interval act in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2001]]. Mattel accused Aqua's label of diluting the image of Barbie, leading to the controversial lawsuit ''[[Mattel, Inc. v. MCA Records, Inc.]]''. Twenty-five years later, Mattel licensed the song in the 2023 film ''[[Barbie (film)|Barbie]]'' and additionally sampled it for a new song, "[[Barbie World]]".
The song topped the charts worldwide, particularly in European countries such as the United Kingdom, where it was a number-one hit for four weeks and remains one of the [[List of best-selling singles in the United Kingdom|best-selling singles of all time]]. It also reached number two in the group's homeland and peaked at number seven on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. It is Aqua's most popular work and was also performed as the interval act in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2001]]. Mattel accused Aqua's label of diluting the image of Barbie, leading to the controversial lawsuit ''[[Mattel, Inc. v. MCA Records, Inc.]]''. Twenty-five years later, Mattel licensed the song in the 2023 film ''[[Barbie (film)|Barbie]]'' and additionally sampled it for a new song, "[[Barbie World]]". ''Billboard'' magazine ranked it among the "500 Best Pop Songs of All Time".<ref name="billboard500bestpopsongs">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-pop-songs-all-time-hits/220-aqua-barbie-girl/|title=The 500 Best Pop Songs: Staff List|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=19 October 2023|access-date=20 October 2023}}</ref>


==Background and composition==
==Background and composition==
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<!-- The information in this section is sourced elsewhere in the article -->The lyrics of the song are about [[Barbie]] and [[Ken (doll)|Ken]], the dolls made by [[Mattel]]. Both the song and its music video feature [[Lene Nystrøm]] as Barbie and [[René Dif]] as Ken. As such, the lyrics drew the ire of Barbie's corporate owners, and a lawsuit was filed by Mattel.
<!-- The information in this section is sourced elsewhere in the article -->The lyrics of the song are about [[Barbie]] and [[Ken (doll)|Ken]], the dolls made by [[Mattel]]. Both the song and its music video feature [[Lene Nystrøm]] as Barbie and [[René Dif]] as Ken. As such, the lyrics drew the ire of Barbie's corporate owners, and a lawsuit was filed by Mattel.


A footnote on the back of the ''Aquarium'' CD case precisely stated that "The song 'Barbie Girl' is a social comment and was not created or approved by the makers of the doll."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1997/sep/06/entertainment/ca-29293|title=Mattel Protests the Image Portrayed in 'Barbie Girl'|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|last=Crowe|first=Jerry|date=6 September 1997|access-date=3 February 2019}}</ref> "Barbie Girl" is written in the [[Key (music)|key]] of [[C-sharp minor]]<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Johnny|first1=Mosegaard|last2=Claus|first2=Norreen|last3=Lene|first3=Nystrom|last4=Karsten|first4=Dahlgaard|last5=Soren|first5=Rasted|last6=Rene|first6=Dif|date=22 October 2000|title=Barbie Girl|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0027024|access-date=8 June 2021|website=Musicnotes.com}}</ref> and has a [[tempo]] of 130 beats per minute.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BPM and key for Barbie Girl by Aqua {{!}} Tempo for Barbie Girl |url=https://songbpm.com/@aqua/barbie-girl |access-date=22 August 2022 |website=Song BPM}}</ref>
A footnote on the back of the ''Aquarium'' CD case precisely stated that "The song 'Barbie Girl' is a social comment and was not created or approved by the makers of the doll."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-sep-06-ca-29293-story.html|title=Mattel Protests the Image Portrayed in 'Barbie Girl'|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|last=Crowe|first=Jerry|date=6 September 1997|access-date=3 February 2019}}</ref> "Barbie Girl" is written in the key of [[C-sharp minor]],<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Johnny|first1=Mosegaard|last2=Claus|first2=Norreen|last3=Lene|first3=Nystrom|last4=Karsten|first4=Dahlgaard|last5=Soren|first5=Rasted|last6=Rene|first6=Dif|date=22 October 2000|title=Barbie Girl|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0027024|access-date=8 June 2021|website=Musicnotes.com}}</ref> using [[major chord]]s and an upbeat tempo to create an effect Rasted calls "the plus and minus".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Frey |first1=Angelica |title='Critics wanted us to be a one-hit-wonder': back in Barbie world with Aqua |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/aug/07/one-hit-wonder-barbie-world-with-aqua |access-date=22 September 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=7 August 2023}}</ref> The song has a [[tempo]] of 130 beats per minute.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BPM and key for Barbie Girl by Aqua {{!}} Tempo for Barbie Girl |url=https://songbpm.com/@aqua/barbie-girl |access-date=22 August 2022 |website=Song BPM}}</ref>

"Barbie Girl" was released the same year as the pitch correction software [[Auto-Tune]], although it was not yet available when the song was written and recorded. Rasted said that Nystrøm naturally portrayed the high-pitched Barbie voice in the studio.<ref>https://collider.com/barbie-girl-not-in-barbie-movie/</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.looper.com/1026400/aqua-breaks-their-silence-about-barbie-girls-exclusion-from-greta-gerwigs-upcoming-film/|title=Aqua Breaks Their Silence About Barbie Girl's Exclusion From Greta Gerwig's Upcoming Film|first=Max|last=Miller|date=26 September 2022|website=Looper}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==


===Critical reception===
===Critical reception===
"Barbie Girl" received critical acclaim. [[Larry Flick]] from ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' wrote that "with her squeaky, high-pitched delivery, [[Lene Nystrøm|Lene Grawford Nystrøm]] fronts this giddy [[Dance-pop|pop/dance]] ditty as if she were Barbie, gleefully verbalizing many of the twisted things people secretly do with the doll." He noted that "at the same time, she effectively rants about the inherent [[misogyny]] of Barbie with a subversive hand", adding that René Dif is an "equally playful and biting presence, as he embodies male counterpart Ken with an amusing leer."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1997/Billboard-1997-08-16.pdf|first=Larry|last=Flick|title=Single Reviews: New & Noteworthy|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=16 August 1997|access-date=6 February 2020|page=62|author-link=Larry Flick}}</ref> Scottish ''[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]'' stated, "Love them or hate them, you have to admit Aqua's silly doll song is pure pop and the video is great, too".<ref>"Chart Slot; Top 10 Singles". ''[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]''. 9 January 1998.</ref> [[David Browne (journalist)|David Browne]] from ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' described it as a "dance-floor novelty that alludes to the secret, less-than-wholesome life of every little girl's fave doll."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=David|last=Browne|url=https://ew.com/article/1997/10/17/album-review-aquarium/|title=Album Review: 'Aquarium'|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=17 October 1997|access-date=28 February 2020|author-link=David Browne (journalist)}}</ref> Another editor, Jeremy Helligar, commented, "There must be something in that [[Northern Europe]]an water. Like recent tunes by their Swedish-pop counterparts [[Ace of Base]] and [[the Cardigans]], these Danish newcomers' frothy debut is fun, fun, fun—but oh so disposable."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Jeremy |last=Helligar |title=Barbie Girl |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=15 August 1997 |access-date=11 November 2020 |url=https://ew.com/article/1997/08/15/barbie-girl/}}</ref> British magazine ''[[Music Week]]'' gave "Barbie Girl" five out of five and named it Single of the Week, concluding, "Bleached and blonde this bouncy [[Europop]] tune may be, but dumb it isn't. Its mix of perky vocals, barbed lyrics and infectious energy has already brought it success in Scandinavia and the US. The video is irresistible."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1997/Music-Week-1997-10-04.pdf|title=Reviews: Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|date=4 October 1997|page=30|access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref>
"Barbie Girl" received critical acclaim. [[Larry Flick]] from ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' wrote that "with her squeaky, high-pitched delivery, [[Lene Nystrøm|Lene Grawford Nystrøm]] fronts this giddy [[Dance-pop|pop/dance]] ditty as if she were Barbie, gleefully verbalizing many of the twisted things people secretly do with the doll." He noted that "at the same time, she effectively rants about the inherent [[misogyny]] of Barbie with a subversive hand", adding that [[René Dif]] is an "equally playful and biting presence, as he embodies male counterpart Ken with an amusing leer."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1997/Billboard-1997-08-16.pdf|first=Larry|last=Flick|title=Single Reviews: New & Noteworthy|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=16 August 1997|access-date=6 February 2020|page=62|author-link=Larry Flick}}</ref> Scottish ''[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]'' stated, "Love them or hate them, you have to admit Aqua's silly doll song is pure pop and the video is great, too".<ref>"Chart Slot; Top 10 Singles". ''[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]''. 9 January 1998.</ref> [[David Browne (journalist)|David Browne]] from ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' described it as a "dance-floor novelty that alludes to the secret, less-than-wholesome life of every little girl's fave doll."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=David|last=Browne|url=https://ew.com/article/1997/10/17/album-review-aquarium/|title=Album Review: 'Aquarium'|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=17 October 1997|access-date=28 February 2020|author-link=David Browne (journalist)}}</ref> Another editor, Jeremy Helligar, commented, "There must be something in that [[Northern Europe]]an water. Like recent tunes by their Swedish-pop counterparts [[Ace of Base]] and [[the Cardigans]], these Danish newcomers' frothy debut is fun, fun, fun—but oh so disposable."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Jeremy |last=Helligar |title=Barbie Girl |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=15 August 1997 |access-date=11 November 2020 |url=https://ew.com/article/1997/08/15/barbie-girl/}}</ref>


A reviewer from ''[[People (magazine)|People Magazine]]'' called it "the year's best novelty record, a cartoonish anthem you'll need surgery to remove from your head."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/archive/picks-and-pans-review-aquarium-vol-48-no-18/ |title=Picks and Pans Review: Aquarium |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=3 November 1997 |access-date=13 November 2020}}</ref> [[James Hyman]] from the ''[[Record Mirror|RM]]'' Dance Update gave the song top score, declaring it as "a [[Balearic beat|Balearic]]-tinged Euro pop smash hit. The hooks are various Lene G squeaks, mainly "l'm a Barbie Girl, In the Barbie world, Life in plastic, its fantastic", while Rene Difs' frisky retorts act out the part of Ken." He added, "My niece refuses to go to bed unless the video is played several times over; I think that speaks for itself with regard to ongoing single success."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=James|last=Hyman|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1997/Music-Week-1997-09-13.pdf|title=Hot Vinyl|magazine=[[Music Week]], in RM (Dance Update Supplemental Insert)|date=13 September 1997|page=4|accessdate=19 September 2022|author-link=James Hyman}}</ref> Kevin Courtney from ''[[Irish Times]]'' also named it Single of the Week, writing, "A supreme slice of cheese which out-hums even the mighty [[Whigfield]], "Barbie Girl" is the big US hit which has [[Mattel Inc]], the makers of Barbie and Ken, in a tizzy over its naughty bits. The Scandinavian group have hit the perfect wally beat, and this awful tune is set to dominate the dance-floor and do kinky things to it. I'll get me handbag."<ref>Courtney, Kevin (17 October 1997). "Single Of The Week". ''[[Irish Times]]''.</ref>
Kevin Courtney from ''[[Irish Times]]'' named it Single of the Week, calling it "a supreme slice of cheese which out-hums even the mighty [[Whigfield]]" and saying that Aqua had "hit the perfect wally beat, and this awful tune is set to dominate the dance-floor and do kinky things to it."<ref>Courtney, Kevin (17 October 1997). "Single Of The Week". ''[[Irish Times]]''.</ref> British magazine ''[[Music Week]]'' gave the song five out of five and also named it Single of the Week, concluding, "Bleached and blonde this bouncy [[Europop]] tune may be, but dumb it isn't. Its mix of perky vocals, barbed lyrics and infectious energy has already brought it success in Scandinavia and the US. The video is irresistible."<ref name="auto"/> A reviewer from ''[[People (magazine)|People Magazine]]'' called it "the year's best novelty record, a cartoonish anthem you'll need surgery to remove from your head."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/archive/picks-and-pans-review-aquarium-vol-48-no-18/ |title=Picks and Pans Review: Aquarium |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=3 November 1997 |access-date=13 November 2020}}</ref> [[James Hyman]] from the ''[[Record Mirror|RM]]'' Dance Update gave the song top score, declaring it as "a [[Balearic beat|Balearic]]-tinged Euro pop smash hit". He added, "My niece refuses to go to bed unless the video is played several times over; I think that speaks for itself with regard to ongoing single success."<ref name="auto1"/>


==== Retrospective response ====
==== Retrospective response ====
[[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] from [[AllMusic]] called "Barbie Girl" "one of those inexplicable [[pop culture]] phenomena" and "insanely [[Catchiness|catchy]]", describing it as a "bouncy, slightly warped [[Eurodance|Euro-dance]] song that simultaneously sends up [[femininity]] and Barbie dolls."<ref name="allmusic.com">{{Cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |title=Aquarium – Aqua |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/aquarium-mw0000595470 |access-date=9 October 2016 |publisher=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> [[Insider Inc.|''Insider'']] stated that the song is "sugary sweet" and "totally catchy", viewing it as one of the best songs of the '90s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Best songs from the '90s |url=https://www.insider.com/best-songs-90s-2019 |access-date=21 March 2020 |publisher=[[Insider Inc.|Insider]]}}{{Dead link|date=May 2021|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> In an retrospective review, Pop Rescue wrote that "this song is fun, undoubtedly catchy, and bouncy, with the personas of Barbie and Ken fitting perfectly with the vocal contrast."<ref>{{cite web |date=28 August 2015 |title=Review: "Aquarium" by Aqua (CD, 1997) |url=https://poprescue.com/2015/08/28/pop-rescue-aquarium-aqua-cd-1997/ |access-date=27 March 2020 |publisher=Pop Rescue}}</ref> The song ranked number 88 in a [[VH1]] countdown, "VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders".<ref>{{cite web |title=VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders |url=https://www.listchallenges.com/vh1-the-greatest-100-greatest-one-hit-wonders |access-date=16 January 2022 |publisher=List Challenges}}</ref> In 2017, ''[[BuzzFeed]]'' listed the song at number 76 in their list of "The 101 Greatest Dance Songs of the '90s".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stopera |first1=Matt |last2=Galindo |first2=Brian |date=11 March 2017 |title=The 101 Greatest Dance Songs of the '90s |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/jump-to-the-rhythm-jump-jump-to-the-rhythm-jump |access-date=31 March 2020 |website=[[BuzzFeed]]}}</ref>
[[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] from [[AllMusic]] called "Barbie Girl" "one of those inexplicable [[pop culture]] phenomena" and "insanely [[Catchiness|catchy]]", describing it as a "bouncy, slightly warped [[Eurodance|Euro-dance]] song that simultaneously sends up [[femininity]] and Barbie dolls."<ref name="allmusic.com">{{Cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |title=Aquarium – Aqua |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/aquarium-mw0000595470 |access-date=9 October 2016 |publisher=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> [[Insider Inc.|''Insider'']] stated that the song is "sugary sweet" and "totally catchy", viewing it as one of the best songs of the 90s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Best songs from the '90s |url=https://www.insider.com/best-songs-90s-2019-4 |access-date=31 December 2023 |publisher=[[Insider Inc.|Insider]]}}</ref> In a retrospective review, Pop Rescue wrote that "this song is fun, undoubtedly catchy, and bouncy, with the personas of Barbie and Ken fitting perfectly with the vocal contrast."<ref>{{cite web |date=28 August 2015 |title=Review: "Aquarium" by Aqua (CD, 1997) |url=https://poprescue.com/2015/08/28/pop-rescue-aquarium-aqua-cd-1997/ |access-date=27 March 2020 |publisher=Pop Rescue}}</ref> The song ranked number 88 in a [[VH1]] countdown, "VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders".<ref>{{cite web |title=VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders |url=https://www.listchallenges.com/vh1-the-greatest-100-greatest-one-hit-wonders |access-date=16 January 2022 |publisher=List Challenges}}</ref> In 2017, ''[[BuzzFeed]]'' listed it at number 76 in their list of "The 101 Greatest Dance Songs of the '90s".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stopera |first1=Matt |last2=Galindo |first2=Brian |date=11 March 2017 |title=The 101 Greatest Dance Songs of the '90s |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/jump-to-the-rhythm-jump-jump-to-the-rhythm-jump |access-date=31 March 2020 |website=[[BuzzFeed]]}}</ref> In October 2023, ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' ranked "Barbie Girl" number 220 in their "500 Best Pop Songs of All Time".<ref name="billboard500bestpopsongs" /> They praised its "magic moment"; "Put on your best Ken voice — [[René Dif]], not [[Ryan Gosling]] — for every "''Come on Barbie, let's go party!''" shout-along."


===Commercial performance===
===Commercial performance===
"Barbie Girl" has sold more than eight million copies worldwide.<ref name="wwsales">{{cite web|url=http://www.sodahead.com/entertainment/aquas-barbie-girl-worst-song-of-the-90s/question-2142553/ |title=Aqua's 'Barbie Girl': Worst Song of the '90s? |website=[[SodaHead.com]] |date=7 September 2011 |access-date=11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404035423/http://www.sodahead.com/entertainment/aquas-barbie-girl-worst-song-of-the-90s/question-2142553/ |archive-date=4 April 2012}}</ref> It went on becoming a huge hit on several continents, remaining the most successful song by the band. It reached number one in more than 10 countries. In Europe, the single peaked at the top position in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, as well as on the [[Eurochart Hot 100]]. In the band's native Denmark, the song debuted and peaked at number two.<ref name="den"/> In the United Kingdom, it debuted on the [[UK Singles Chart]] at number two and reached number one the next week, on 26 October 1997.<ref name="uk">{{cite web|title="Barbie Girl", UK Singles Chart |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Untouchable |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=6 August 2009 }}</ref> It stayed at that position for four weeks and has sold 1.84&nbsp;million copies in the United Kingdom as of April 2017, making it the [[List of best-selling singles in the United Kingdom|thirteenth best-selling single in the UK]].<ref name="UK sales"/> Outside Europe, "Barbie Girl" peaked at number-one in Australia and New Zealand, number four in Canada and number seven on the US ''Billboard'' [[Hot 100]]. On the latter, it debuted at that position. It sold 82,000 copies in its first week and debuted at number five on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot Singles Sales]] chart.<ref>{{cite news |last=Eriksen |first=Jan |date=28 August 1997 |title=Ind på toppen i USA |trans-title=In at the top in the US |language=da |newspaper=[[BT (tabloid)|BT]] |location=Copenhagen}}</ref>
"Barbie Girl" has sold more than eight million copies worldwide.<ref name="wwsales">{{cite web|url=http://www.sodahead.com/entertainment/aquas-barbie-girl-worst-song-of-the-90s/question-2142553/ |title=Aqua's 'Barbie Girl': Worst Song of the '90s? |website=[[SodaHead.com]] |date=7 September 2011 |access-date=11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404035423/http://www.sodahead.com/entertainment/aquas-barbie-girl-worst-song-of-the-90s/question-2142553/ |archive-date=4 April 2012}}</ref> It went on becoming a huge hit on several continents, remaining the most successful song by the band. It reached number one in more than 10 countries. In Europe, the single peaked at the top position in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, as well as on the [[Eurochart Hot 100]]. In the band's native Denmark, the song debuted and peaked at number two.<ref name="den"/> In the United Kingdom, it debuted on the [[UK Singles Chart]] at number two and reached number one the next week, on 26 October 1997.<ref name="uk">{{cite web|title="Barbie Girl", UK Singles Chart |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Untouchable |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=6 August 2009 }}</ref> It stayed at that position for four weeks and has sold and streamed 2.4 million units in the United Kingdom as of September 2023.<ref name="BPI"/> Outside Europe, "Barbie Girl" peaked at number-one in Australia and New Zealand, number four in Canada and number seven on the US ''Billboard'' [[Hot 100]]. On the latter, it debuted at that position. It sold 82,000 copies in its first week and debuted at number five on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot Singles Sales]] chart.<ref>{{cite news |last=Eriksen |first=Jan |date=28 August 1997 |title=Ind på toppen i USA |trans-title=In at the top in the US |language=da |newspaper=[[BT (tabloid)|BT]] |location=Copenhagen}}</ref>


==Music video==
==Music video==
The accompanying [[music video]] for "Barbie Girl" was directed by Danish directors [[Peder Pedersen (director)|Peder Pedersen]] and Peter Stenbæk,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://imvdb.com/n/aqua|title=Aqua|website=IMVDb}}</ref> and depicts the band members in different scenes that a Barbie doll would be in. It has Nystrøm dressed as various Barbie dolls skulking around her swimming pool at home after Dif, dressed as Barbie's love interest Ken, accidentally pulls her arm off.<ref name="musicweek"/> The video was also the number one most requested video in the US, having shot from 30 to number one on ''[[The Box (American TV channel)|The Box]]''.<ref name="musicweek"/> Uploaded to [[YouTube]] in August 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyhrYis509A|title=Aqua – Barbie Girl|publisher=[[YouTube]]|access-date=3 August 2021}}</ref> as of February 2022, the video has more than 1 billion views.<ref name="OralHistory">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/aqua-barbie-girl-oral-history-1319069/|title='People Probably Want to Kill Us': The Oral History of Aqua's 'Barbie Girl'|last=Greene|first=Andy|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=1 April 2022|access-date=7 May 2022|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=live}}</ref>
The accompanying music video for "Barbie Girl" was directed by Danish directors [[Peder Pedersen (director)|Peder Pedersen]] and Peter Stenbæk,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://imvdb.com/n/aqua|title=Aqua|website=IMVDb}}</ref> and depicts the band members in different scenes that a Barbie doll would be in. It has Nystrøm dressed as various Barbie dolls skulking around her swimming pool at home after Dif, dressed as Barbie's love interest Ken, accidentally pulls her arm off.<ref name="musicweek"/> The video was also the number one most requested video in the US, having shot from 30 to number one on ''[[The Box (American TV channel)|The Box]]''.<ref name="musicweek"/> The video was uploaded to their official [[YouTube]] channel in August 2010 and reached 1 billion views in February 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyhrYis509A|title=Aqua – Barbie Girl|date=20 August 2010 |publisher=[[YouTube]]|access-date=3 August 2021}}</ref><ref name="OralHistory">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/aqua-barbie-girl-oral-history-1319069/|title='People Probably Want to Kill Us': The Oral History of Aqua's 'Barbie Girl'|last=Greene|first=Andy|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=1 April 2022|access-date=7 May 2022}}</ref>


==Controversies==
==Controversies==
===Mattel lawsuit===
===Mattel lawsuit===
{{Main|Mattel, Inc. v. MCA Records, Inc.}}
{{Main|Mattel, Inc. v. MCA Records, Inc.{{!}}''Mattel, Inc. v. MCA Records, Inc.''}}
In September 1997, six months after the release of the song by Aqua, Mattel, the manufacturer of the Barbie doll, sued [[MCA Records]], Aqua's North American record label. Mattel claimed that "Barbie Girl" violated their trademark and turned her into a sex object, referring to her as a "[[Dumb blonde|blonde]] [[bimbo]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1424996/19970912/story.jhtml |title=Aqua Now Faces Lawsuit Over 'Barbie Girl' |publisher=[[MTV News]] |date=12 September 1997 |access-date=8 August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070610113238/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1424996/19970912/story.jhtml |archive-date = 10 June 2007}}</ref> It alleged that the song infringed its [[copyright]]s and trademarks on the Barbie doll and that the song's lyrics had ruined the longtime popularity and reputation of their trademark and impinged on their marketing plan. Aqua and MCA Records claimed that Mattel injected their own meanings into the song's lyrics. They contested Mattel's claims and countersued for defamation after Mattel had likened MCA to a bank robber.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/01/27/scotus.barbie/ |title=Supreme Court rejects ugly fight over Barbie doll |publisher=CNN |date=27 January 2003 |access-date=8 August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070327212706/http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/01/27/scotus.barbie/ |archive-date = 27 March 2007}}</ref> The lawsuit filed by Mattel was dismissed by the lower courts, and this dismissal was upheld, though Mattel took their case up to the [[Supreme Court of the United States]], but that appeal was later rejected.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://openjurist.org/537/us/1171/mattel-inc-v-mca-records-inc-et-al | title=Mattel Inc v. MCA Records et. al | website=OpenJurist| year=2003 | volume=US | issue=537 | page=1171 }}</ref>
In September 1997, six months after the release of the song by Aqua, [[Mattel]], the toy manufacturer of the Barbie doll line, sued [[MCA Records]], Aqua's North American record label. The company claimed that "Barbie Girl" violated their trademark and turned the doll into a sex-object, and referred to her as a "[[Dumb blonde|blonde]] [[bimbo]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1424996/19970912/story.jhtml |title=Aqua Now Faces Lawsuit Over 'Barbie Girl' |publisher=[[MTV News]] |date=12 September 1997 |access-date=8 August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070610113238/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1424996/19970912/story.jhtml |archive-date = 10 June 2007}}</ref> Their case also alleged that the song infringed its [[copyright]]s and trademarks on the Barbie doll and that the lyrics had ruined the longtime popularity and reputation of their trademark, impinging on their marketing plan. Aqua and MCA Records claimed that Mattel injected their own meanings into the song's lyrics, contesting Mattel's claims and countersuing for defamation, after Mattel had likened MCA to a "bank robber".<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/01/27/scotus.barbie/ |title=Supreme Court rejects ugly fight over Barbie doll |publisher=CNN |date=27 January 2003 |access-date=8 August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070327212706/http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/01/27/scotus.barbie/ |archive-date = 27 March 2007}}</ref> The lawsuit filed by Mattel was ultimately dismissed by the lower courts, with this dismissal upheld and a [[certiorari]] petition denied by the [[Supreme Court of the United States]].<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://openjurist.org/537/us/1171/mattel-inc-v-mca-records-inc-et-al | title=Mattel Inc v. MCA Records et. al | website=OpenJurist| year=2003 | volume=US | issue=537 | page=1171 }}</ref>


In 2002, a Court of Appeals ruled the song was protected as a [[parody]]<ref>''[[Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc.]]'', {{Ussc|510|569|1994}}</ref> under the trademark doctrine of [[nominative use]] and the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution]]; the judge [[Alex Kozinski]] also threw out the defamation lawsuit that Aqua's record company filed against Mattel, concluding his ruling thus: "The parties are advised to chill."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2150432.stm |work=BBC News |title=Barbie loses battle over bimbo image |date=25 July 2002 |access-date=8 August 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070706125100/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2150432.stm| archive-date= 6 July 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> The case was dismissed.
In 2002, a [[Appellate court|Court of Appeals]] ruled that the song was protected as a [[parody]]<ref>''[[Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc.]]'', {{Ussc|510|569|1994}}</ref> under the trademark doctrine of [[nominative use]] and the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution]]; the judge [[Alex Kozinski]] also threw out the defamation lawsuit that Aqua's record company filed against Mattel, concluding his ruling thus: "The parties are advised to chill."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2150432.stm |work=BBC News |title=Barbie loses battle over bimbo image |date=25 July 2002 |access-date=8 August 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070706125100/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2150432.stm| archive-date= 6 July 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> The case was dismissed.


In 2009, Mattel released a series of advertisements and a promotional music video of the song,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Barbie Music Video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwu6NrxVVFk |publisher=[[Mattel]] |access-date=15 October 2012}}</ref> with modified lyrics, as part of a new marketing strategy brought in to revive sales.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Years Later, Mattel Embraces Barbie Girl |url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/26/years-later-mattel-embraces-barbie-girl/?pagemode=print |work=The New York Times |access-date=11 July 2010 | first=Stuart | last=Elliott | date=26 August 2009}}</ref> Despite this, the Mattel-produced film ''[[Barbie (film)|Barbie]]'' released in 2023 does not feature the original song, as stated by Ulrich Møller-Jørgensen, who manages lead singer Lene Nystrøm.<ref>{{cite web |last=Yossman |first=K.J. |date=29 April 2022 |title=Aqua's 'Barbie Girl' Song Won't Appear in the Margot Robbie 'Barbie' Movie |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/barbie-girl-movie-aqua-1235254222/ |website=Variety}}</ref> "[[Barbie World]]", a remake of the song by [[Nicki Minaj]], [[Ice Spice]] and Aqua, was later announced to be featured in the film and on [[Barbie: The Album|the film's soundtrack]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 May 2023 |title=Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice Will Unite For A 'Barbie Girl' Remake |url=https://uproxx.com/music/nicki-minaj-ice-spice-barbie-girl-aqua-remake/ |access-date=25 May 2023 |website=UPROXX}}</ref>
In 2009, as part of a marketing strategy to revive sales, Mattel released a series of advertisements and a promotional music video featuring the song, with modified lyrics.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Barbie Music Video| date=25 August 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwu6NrxVVFk |publisher=[[Mattel]] |access-date=15 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Years Later, Mattel Embraces Barbie Girl |url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/26/years-later-mattel-embraces-barbie-girl/?pagemode=print |work=The New York Times |access-date=11 July 2010 | first=Stuart | last=Elliott | date=26 August 2009}}</ref> In 2023, with the global release of the Mattel-produced film ''[[Barbie (film)|Barbie]]'' (starring [[Margot Robbie]] and [[Ryan Gosling]] as Barbie and [[Ken (doll)|Ken]]), a new song entitled "[[Barbie World]]" (performed by rappers [[Nicki Minaj]] and [[Ice Spice]]) was included on [[Barbie the Album|the film's soundtrack]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 May 2023 |title=Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice Will Unite For A 'Barbie Girl' Remake |url=https://uproxx.com/music/nicki-minaj-ice-spice-barbie-girl-aqua-remake/ |access-date=25 May 2023 |website=UPROXX}}</ref>

Mattel has since spoken positively on the song, calling it a celebration of the brand in pop culture.


===Eurovision Song Contest 2001===
===Eurovision Song Contest 2001===
As the interval act during the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2001]], Aqua performed a [[Medley (music)|medley]] of their singles along with [[Percussion instrument|percussion]] ensemble [[Safri Duo]].<ref name="Decade">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=7743&_t=The+end+of+a+decade%3A+Copenhagen+2001|title=The end of a decade: Copenhagen 2001|last=Bakker|first=Sietse|date=22 December 2009|publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]|access-date=22 December 2009}}</ref> There were several complaints due to the profanity used during the performance, both at the beginning and end of "Barbie Girl".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC64YvTt19Y&t=1m53s|title=Aqua – Eurovision 2001 Performance|via=YouTube|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref>
As the interval act during the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2001]], Aqua performed a [[Medley (music)|medley]] of their singles along with [[Percussion instrument|percussion]] ensemble [[Safri Duo]].<ref name="Decade">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=7743&_t=The+end+of+a+decade%3A+Copenhagen+2001|title=The end of a decade: Copenhagen 2001|last=Bakker|first=Sietse|date=22 December 2009|publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]|access-date=22 December 2009}}</ref> There were several complaints due to the profanity used during the performance, both at the beginning and end of "Barbie Girl".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC64YvTt19Y&t=1m53s|title=Aqua – Eurovision 2001 Performance|date=5 November 2012 |via=YouTube|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref>


==Track listings==
==Track listings==
Line 87: Line 89:
# "Barbie Girl" (extended version) – 5:14
# "Barbie Girl" (extended version) – 5:14
# "Barbie Girl" (Perky Park club mix) – 6:13
# "Barbie Girl" (Perky Park club mix) – 6:13
# "Barbie Girl" (Spikes Anatomically Correct dub) – 7:55
# "Barbie Girl" (Spike's Anatomically Correct dub) – 7:55


* '''UK CD2'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Barbie Girl|others=Aqua|year=1997|type=UK CD2 liner notes|publisher=Universal Records|id=UMDX 80413}}</ref>
* '''UK CD2'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Barbie Girl|others=Aqua|year=1997|type=UK CD2 liner notes|publisher=Universal Records|id=UMDX 80413}}</ref>
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| 4
| 4
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Iceland ([[Íslenski listinn]] Topp 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timarit.is/files/12653253.pdf#navpanes=1&view=FitH|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (26.06.1997 – 02.07.1997)|publisher=Dagblaðið Vísir – Tónlist|access-date=5 February 2018|language=is}}</ref>
! scope="row"| Iceland ([[Íslenski listinn]] Topp 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timarit.is/files/12653253.pdf#navpanes=1&view=FitH|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (26.06.1997 – 02.07.1997)|publisher=Dagblaðið Vísir – Tónlist|access-date=5 February 2018|language=is|archive-date=25 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190625023757/http://timarit.is/files/12653253.pdf#navpanes=1&view=FitH|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 15
| 15
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|-
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! scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=1997 |title=Billboard Top 100 – 1997 |access-date=28 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611194337/http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=1997 |archive-date=11 June 2009}}</ref>
! scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=1997 |title=Billboard Top 100 – 1997 |access-date=28 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611194337/http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=1997 |archive-date=11 June 2009}}</ref>
| 94
| 94
|-
! scope="row"| US Maxi-Singles Sales (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Year in Music 1997: Hot Dance Maxi-Singles Sales |magazine=Billboard |volume=109 |issue=52 |page=YE-45 |date=27 December 1997}}</ref>
| 37
|-
! scope="row"| US Rhythmic Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Best of '97: Rhythmic Top 40 Singles |magazine=[[Airplay Monitor]] |volume=5 |issue=52 |page=42 |date=26 December 1997}}</ref>
| 62
|-
! scope="row"| US Top 40/Mainstream (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Best of '97: Top 40/Mainstream Singles |magazine=Airplay Monitor |volume=5 |issue=52 |page=38 |date=26 December 1997}}</ref>
| 74
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Aqua|title=Barbie|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1997|certyear=1997|access-date=20 November 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Aqua|title=Barbie|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1997|certyear=1997|access-date=20 November 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|type=single|nocert=true|salesamount=100,000|relyear=1998|salesref=<ref name="la stampa">{{cite web|url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,6/articleid,0532_08_1998_0473_0106_7226250/|title=Barbie dalle mille vite|date=30 January 1998|publisher=[[la Stampa]]|access-date=9 March 2022}}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|type=single|nocert=true|salesamount=100,000|relyear=1998|salesref=<ref name="la stampa">{{cite web|url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,6/articleid,0532_08_1998_0473_0106_7226250/|title=Barbie dalle mille vite|date=30 January 1998|publisher=[[la Stampa]]|access-date=9 March 2022}}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Aqua|title=Barbie Girl|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=1997|certyear=2021|note=sales since 2009|access-date=17 May 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Aqua|title=Barbie Girl|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1997|certyear=2024|id=11893|note=sales since 2009|access-date=8 January 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Netherlands|artist=Aqua|title=Barbie Girl|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1997|certyear=1997|access-date=20 November 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Netherlands|artist=Aqua|title=Barbie Girl|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1997|certyear=1997|access-date=20 November 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|relyear=1997|relmonth=05|certyear=1997|type=single|award=Platinum|id=3785|access-date=20 November 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|relyear=1997|relmonth=05|certyear=1997|type=single|award=Platinum|id=3785|access-date=20 November 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Norway|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=1997|certyear=1999|nosales=true|access-date=15 May 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Norway|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=1997|certyear=1999|nosales=true|access-date=15 May 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry |region=Spain|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1997|certyear=2024|artist=Aqua|title=Barbie Girl|accessdate=29 April 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|certyear=1998|relyear=1997|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|access-date=20 November 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|certyear=1998|relyear=1997|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|access-date=20 November 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|certyear=1997|relyear=1997|type=single|award=Platinum|access-date=20 November 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|certyear=1997|relyear=1997|type=single|award=Platinum|access-date=20 November 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=1998|certyear=2013|salesamount=1,840,000|salesref=<ref name="UK sales">{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/5-random-chart-facts-of-the-week-that-will-make-you-go-whoa__18716/|title=5 random chart facts of the week that will make you go "whoa"|last=Myers|first=Justin|date=7 April 2017|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=7 April 2017}}</ref>|id=711-1607-1}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|type=single|award=Platinum|number=4|relyear=2004|certyear=2023|id=711-1607-1|access-date=24 September 2023|refname="BPI"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=1998|certyear=2023|access-date=6 July 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=1997|certyear=2023|access-date=6 July 2023}}
{{Certification Table Summary}}
{{Certification Table Summary}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Worldwide|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|type=single|nocert=true|salesamount=8,000,000|relyear=1998|salesref=<ref name="wwsales"/>|access-date=2 December 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Worldwide|title=Barbie Girl|artist=Aqua|type=single|nocert=true|salesamount=8,000,000|salesref=<ref name="wwsales"/>|access-date=2 December 2021}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}


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|-
|-
! scope="row"| Denmark
! scope="row"| Denmark
| April 1997
| 8 April 1997
| rowspan="2"| CD
| rowspan="2"| CD
| rowspan="2"| [[Universal Music Group|Universal]]
| rowspan="2"| [[Universal Music Group|Universal]]
Line 373: Line 385:


==Cover versions and parodies==
==Cover versions and parodies==
The song has been covered by several artists over the years. [[Alternative metal]] band [[Faith No More]] covered the song live in 1997 during their ''[[Album of the Year (Faith No More album)|Album of the Year]]'' tour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.faithnomorefollowers.com/2019/02/faith-no-more-comprehensive-list-of.html|title=FAITH NO MORE a comprehensive list of COVERS and AD LIBS|date=4 February 2019 }}</ref> Identical twin sisters Amanda and Samantha Marchant, better known as [[Samanda]], released their cover of the song on 8 October 2007, and it entered the UK Singles Chart at number 26.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/3356/samanda/|title=Samanda {{!}} full Official Chart history|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=3 February 2019}}</ref> [[Girls' Generation]]'s [[Jessica Jung]] covered this song as her solo performance during the first Asian concert tour ''[[Into the New World (concert)|Girls' Generation 1st Asia Tour: Into the New World]]''. The Swedish artist [[:sv:Loke (artist)|Loke Nyberg]] did a new version of this song for the Swedish radio show [[:sv:Morgonpasset|''Morgonpasset'']]. He interprets the song as criticism of today's beauty ideals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid%3D3328%26artikel%3D4481128 |title=Loke tvättar Aquas Barbie girl! – Morgonpasset helg |access-date=30 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010115425/http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=3328&artikel=4481128 |archive-date=10 October 2012}}</ref> In 2013, [[Ludacris]] sampled the song in his single "[[Party Girls]]" featuring [[Wiz Khalifa]], [[Jeremih]] and [[Cashmere Cat]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://djbooth.net/songs/ludacris-party-girls|title=Ludacris ft. Jeremih & Wiz Khalifa – Party Girls|first=Richard|last=Spadine|website=DJBooth|date=12 February 2018 }}</ref> In 2016, [[Caramell]]a Girls released a version called "Candy Girl" on [[iTunes]],<ref>Candy Girl – Single https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/candy-girl-single/id1070886422</ref> as well as a YouTube music video.<ref>Caramella Girls – Candy Girl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQxiDLW2g9c</ref> The most recent rendition of the song was recorded by [[Ice Spice]] and [[Nicki Minaj]], accompanied by Aqua, titled "[[Barbie World]]". The track was released as the fourth single on the official ''[[Barbie (film)|Barbie]]'' soundtrack ''[[Barbie: The Album]]'' in June 2023, ahead of the film's release on 21 July 2023.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice Revive Aqua's Hit With 'Barbie World'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/nicki-minaj-ice-spice-barbie-world-1234776659/|access-date=23 June 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=23 June 2023 }}</ref>
The song has been covered by several artists over the years. [[Alternative metal]] band [[Faith No More]] covered the song live in 1997 during their ''[[Album of the Year (Faith No More album)|Album of the Year]]'' tour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.faithnomorefollowers.com/2019/02/faith-no-more-comprehensive-list-of.html|title=FAITH NO MORE a comprehensive list of COVERS and AD LIBS|date=4 February 2019 }}</ref> Identical twin sisters Amanda and Samantha Marchant, better known as [[Samanda]], released their cover of the song on 8 October 2007, and it entered the UK Singles Chart at number 26.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/3356/samanda/|title=Samanda {{!}} full Official Chart history|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=3 February 2019}}</ref> [[Girls' Generation]]'s [[Jessica Jung]] covered this song as her solo performance during the first Asian concert tour ''[[Into the New World (concert)|Girls' Generation 1st Asia Tour: Into the New World]]''. The Swedish artist [[:sv:Loke (artist)|Loke Nyberg]] did a new version of this song for the Swedish radio show [[:sv:Morgonpasset|''Morgonpasset'']]. He interprets the song as criticism of today's beauty ideals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid%3D3328%26artikel%3D4481128 |title=Loke tvättar Aquas Barbie girl! – Morgonpasset helg |access-date=30 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010115425/http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=3328&artikel=4481128 |archive-date=10 October 2012}}</ref> In 2013, [[Ludacris]] sampled the song in his single "[[Party Girls]]" featuring [[Wiz Khalifa]], [[Jeremih]] and [[Cashmere Cat]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://djbooth.net/songs/ludacris-party-girls|title=Ludacris ft. Jeremih & Wiz Khalifa – Party Girls|first=Richard|last=Spadine|website=DJBooth|date=12 February 2018 }}</ref> In 2016, [[Caramell]]a Girls released a version called "Candy Girl" on [[iTunes]],<ref>Candy Girl – Single https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/candy-girl-single/id1070886422</ref> as well as a YouTube music video.<ref>Caramella Girls – Candy Girl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQxiDLW2g9c</ref> The most recent rendition of the song was recorded by [[Ice Spice]] and [[Nicki Minaj]], accompanied by Aqua, titled "[[Barbie World]]". The track was released as the fourth single on the official ''[[Barbie (film)|Barbie]]'' soundtrack ''[[Barbie the Album]]'' in June 2023, ahead of the film's release on 21 July 2023.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice Revive Aqua's Hit With 'Barbie World'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/nicki-minaj-ice-spice-barbie-world-1234776659/|access-date=23 June 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=23 June 2023 }}</ref>


There are also many parodies of the song, including a parody called "Ugly Girl", with an unverified author (often wrongly credited to [["Weird Al" Yankovic]], Adam Henderson, or [[Jack Off Jill]]). German duo [[Lynne & Tessa]] made a lip-synched Internet video of the song in 2006, and on British Indian [[sketch comedy]] show ''[[Goodness Gracious Me (TV & radio)|Goodness Gracious Me]]'', where a version titled "Punjabi Girl" was featured in the [[BBC Radio 4|radio]] series and later on [[BBC2|television]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p044wpxc|title=BBC Asian Network – Mim Shaikh, Asifa Lahore, "I'm a Punjabi girl, in a Punjabi world"|date=11 August 2016 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> In 2012, the song was parodied in an Australian [[lamb and mutton|lamb]] [[advertising campaign]], relying on the Australian use of the term "barbie" to refer to the outdoor [[barbecue]] popularly held in Australia. The advertisement starred [[Melissa Tkautz]] and [[Sam Kekovich]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Eat Lamb This Australia Day|website=[[YouTube]]|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/LambAustraliaDay|access-date=10 January 2012}}</ref> In 2014, the song was used in the ''[[South Park]]'' episode "[[Cock Magic]]". [[Ava Max]] recorded a version with new lyrics, titled "Not Your Barbie Girl", in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ava Max is on top of the charts and feeling top of the world |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/lifestyle/culture/ava-max-is-on-top-of-the-charts-and-feeling-top-of-the-world-897342.html |access-date=11 September 2019 |work=Irish Examiner |date=14 January 2019 }}</ref>
There are also many parodies of the song, including a parody called "Ugly Girl", with an unverified author (often wrongly credited to [["Weird Al" Yankovic]], Adam Henderson, or [[Jack Off Jill]]) {{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}. German duo [[Lynne & Tessa]] made a lip-synched Internet video of the song in 2006, and on British Indian [[sketch comedy]] show ''[[Goodness Gracious Me (TV & radio)|Goodness Gracious Me]]'', where a version titled "Punjabi Girl" was featured in the [[BBC Radio 4|radio]] series and later on [[BBC2|television]], performed by [[Asifa Lahore]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p044wpxc|title=BBC Asian Network – Mim Shaikh, Asifa Lahore, "I'm a Punjabi girl, in a Punjabi world"|date=11 August 2016 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> In 2012, the song was parodied in an Australian [[lamb and mutton|lamb]] [[advertising campaign]], relying on the Australian use of the term "barbie" to refer to the outdoor [[barbecue]] popularly held in Australia. The advertisement starred [[Melissa Tkautz]] and [[Sam Kekovich]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Eat Lamb This Australia Day|website=[[YouTube]]|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/LambAustraliaDay|access-date=10 January 2012}}</ref> In 2014, the song was used in the ''[[South Park]]'' episode "[[Cock Magic]]". [[Ava Max]] recorded a version with new lyrics, titled "[[Not Your Barbie Girl]]", in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ava Max is on top of the charts and feeling top of the world |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/lifestyle/culture/ava-max-is-on-top-of-the-charts-and-feeling-top-of-the-world-897342.html |access-date=11 September 2019 |work=Irish Examiner |date=14 January 2019 }}</ref>


===Kelly Key version===
===Kelly Key version===
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In 2005, Brazilian recording artist [[Kelly Key]] recorded a version in Portuguese for her third studio album ''[[Kelly Key (2005 album)|Kelly Key]]''.<ref>{{cite web |date=12 July 2014 |title=Kelly Key participa de quadro do programa Zorra Total |trans-title=Kelly Key participates in the program Zorra Total |url=http://www.ofuxico.com.br/noticias-sobre-famosos/kelly-key-participa-de-quadro-do-programa-zorra-total/2006/03/25-23433.html |work=OFuxico |language=pt-BR}}</ref> The version was released as second single on 15 August 2005.<ref name=release/> Key said she loved the song and wanted to do a version for honor: "I really like this song since I heard. I wanted to record without thinking about whether my fans will like it or not".<ref name=univ>{{cite web|url=http://www.universomusical.com.br/materia.asp?mt=sim&cod=po&id=571|title=De olho no prazo de validade|publisher=Universo Musical|access-date=8 August 2007|archive-date=28 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328065948/http://www.universomusical.com.br/materia.asp?mt=sim&cod=po&id=571|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2005, Brazilian recording artist [[Kelly Key]] recorded a version in Portuguese for her third studio album ''[[Kelly Key (2005 album)|Kelly Key]]'',<ref>{{cite web |date=12 July 2014 |title=Kelly Key participa de quadro do programa Zorra Total |trans-title=Kelly Key participates in the program Zorra Total |url=http://www.ofuxico.com.br/noticias-sobre-famosos/kelly-key-participa-de-quadro-do-programa-zorra-total/2006/03/25-23433.html |work=OFuxico |language=pt-BR}}</ref> which was released as the album's second single on August 15, 2005.<ref name=release/> Key said she loved the song and wanted to cover it as a tribute to the original, stating: "I've loved this song ever since I heard it. I made a point of recording it, without worrying about whether it was for my audience or not."<ref name=univ>{{cite web|url=http://www.universomusical.com.br/materia.asp?mt=sim&cod=po&id=571|title=De olho no prazo de validade|publisher=Universo Musical|access-date=8 August 2007|archive-date=28 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328065948/http://www.universomusical.com.br/materia.asp?mt=sim&cod=po&id=571|url-status=dead}}</ref>


The song received generally negative reviews from music critics. Vinícius Versiani Durães of IMHO said that that version was funny and a future success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://humblelord.blogspot.com.br/2005/08/bomba-novo-sucesso-da-kelly-key.html |title=Bomba! "Novo" sucesso da Kelly Key |work=IMHO |date=8 August 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125130240/http://humblelord.blogspot.com.br/2005/08/bomba-novo-sucesso-da-kelly-key.html |archive-date=25 January 2016}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=This source is a blog and does not meet WP:RS|date=April 2015}} Marcos Paulo Bin of Universo Musical commented that the song was really different from previous releases – known for explicit lyrics – but was positive and said the version was good.<ref name=univ/> Rodrigo Ortega of Pilula Pop said "Barbie Girl" was sensational, funny, and chose it as the best song of the album. He also said that Key was wrong to have released "Escuta Aqui Rapaz" as her first single, because "the song was boring", but "Barbie Girl" saved the era.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pilulapop.com.br/retro/receituario.php?id=54|title=Sim, ela teve a audácia|work=Pílula Pop|access-date=8 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924073316/http://www.pilulapop.com.br/retro/receituario.php?id=54|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Carlos Eduardo Lima of Scream & Yell was negative and said the song was "childish, silly, boring" and killed Kelly Key as a sex-symbol.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lima |first=Carlos Eduardo |title=Estou preocupado com Kelly Key |url=http://screamyell.com.br/outros/cel23.htm |access-date=8 August 2007 |work=Scream and Yell |language=pt-BR}}</ref>
''Barbie Girl'' received generally negative reviews from music critics. Vinícius Versiani Durães of IMHO felt it was humorous and would later become a hit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://humblelord.blogspot.com.br/2005/08/bomba-novo-sucesso-da-kelly-key.html |title=Bomba! "Novo" sucesso da Kelly Key |work=IMHO |date=8 August 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125130240/http://humblelord.blogspot.com.br/2005/08/bomba-novo-sucesso-da-kelly-key.html |archive-date=25 January 2016}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=This source is a blog and does not meet WP:RS|date=April 2015}} Marcos Paulo Bin of Universo Musical commented that the song was significantly different from her previous releases, which were known for explicit lyrics, but ultimately give it a positive review.<ref name=univ/> Rodrigo Ortega of Pilula Pop said ''Barbie Girl'' was sensational and funny, calling it the best song on the alnum. He also stated that Key should have released ''Escuta Aqui Rapaz'' as her first single because "the song was boring", but "Barbie Girl" saved the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pilulapop.com.br/retro/receituario.php?id=54|title=Sim, ela teve a audácia|work=Pílula Pop|access-date=8 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924073316/http://www.pilulapop.com.br/retro/receituario.php?id=54|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Carlos Eduardo Lima of Scream & Yell said the song was "childish, silly and boring" and killed Kelly Key's status as a sex symbol.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lima |first=Carlos Eduardo |title=Estou preocupado com Kelly Key |url=http://screamyell.com.br/outros/cel23.htm |access-date=8 August 2007 |work=Scream and Yell |language=pt-BR}}</ref>


The music video for "Barbie Girl" was recorded on 17 and 18 August 2005. It was directed by Ricardo Vereza, Bidu Madio, Rentz and Mauricio Eça.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pseudonerds.com/2013_05_01_archive.html|title=5 Recriações Musicais Genuinamente Brasileiras|work=Pseudo Nerds|date=12 July 2014|access-date=16 April 2015|archive-date=17 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417032736/http://www.pseudonerds.com/2013_05_01_archive.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the video, released on 30 August, Kelly plays a determined and [[Feminism|feminist]] woman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://musicasim.blogs.sapo.pt/arquivo/2005_05.html |title=KELLY KEY – New ALBUM IS COMING |work=Musica Sim |date=12 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710025958/http://musicasim.blogs.sapo.pt/arquivo/2005_05.html |archive-date=10 July 2011}}</ref>
The music video for "Barbie Girl" was directed by Ricardo Vereza, Bidu Madio, Rentz and Mauricio Eça. It was filmed on August 17 and August 18, later premiering on August 30.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pseudonerds.com/2013_05_01_archive.html|title=5 Recriações Musicais Genuinamente Brasileiras|work=Pseudo Nerds|date=12 July 2014|access-date=16 April 2015|archive-date=17 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417032736/http://www.pseudonerds.com/2013_05_01_archive.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The video features Key playing a determined and [[Feminism|feminist]] woman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://musicasim.blogs.sapo.pt/arquivo/2005_05.html |title=KELLY KEY – New ALBUM IS COMING |work=Musica Sim |date=12 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710025958/http://musicasim.blogs.sapo.pt/arquivo/2005_05.html |archive-date=10 July 2011}}</ref>


This song is internationally notable to be wrongly attributed to Czech model Dominika Myslivcová as she uploaded a video on YouTube lip-synching to this song and later it became a [[viral video]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entretenimento.newsevoce.com.br/felipe/conheca-dominika-myslivcova-a-barbie-girl-do-youtube/ |title=Conheça Dominika Myslivcová, a Barbie Girl do Youtube! |work=News e você |date=17 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418000838/http://entretenimento.newsevoce.com.br/felipe/conheca-dominika-myslivcova-a-barbie-girl-do-youtube/ |archive-date=18 April 2015}}</ref>
A [[YouTube]] video of Czech model Dominika Myslivcová lip syncing to the song became a [[viral video]] worldwide. Due to its success, it has often been wrongly attributed to Myslivcová.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entretenimento.newsevoce.com.br/felipe/conheca-dominika-myslivcova-a-barbie-girl-do-youtube/ |title=Conheça Dominika Myslivcová, a Barbie Girl do Youtube! |work=News e você |date=17 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418000838/http://entretenimento.newsevoce.com.br/felipe/conheca-dominika-myslivcova-a-barbie-girl-do-youtube/ |archive-date=18 April 2015}}</ref>


====Track listing====
====Track listing====
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Latest revision as of 02:28, 6 November 2024

"Barbie Girl"
Single by Aqua
from the album Aquarium
Released8 April 1997
Genre
Length3:16
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Johnny Jam
  • Delgado
  • Søren Rasted
  • Claus Norreen
Aqua singles chronology
"My Oh My"
(1997) 		"Barbie Girl"
(1997) 		"Doctor Jones"
(1997)
Music video
"Barbie Girl" on YouTube
Audio sample

"Barbie Girl" is a song by Danish-Norwegian dance-pop group Aqua. It was released in April 1997 by Universal and MCA as the third single from the group's debut studio album, Aquarium. The song was written by band members Søren Rasted, Claus Norreen, René Dif, and Lene Nystrøm, and was produced by the former two alongside Johnny Jam and Delgado. It was written after Rasted saw an exhibit on kitsch culture in Denmark that featured Barbie dolls.[9][10] The accompanying music video was directed by Danish directors Peder Pedersen and Peter Stenbæk.

The song topped the charts worldwide, particularly in European countries such as the United Kingdom, where it was a number-one hit for four weeks and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time. It also reached number two in the group's homeland and peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100. It is Aqua's most popular work and was also performed as the interval act in the Eurovision Song Contest 2001. Mattel accused Aqua's label of diluting the image of Barbie, leading to the controversial lawsuit Mattel, Inc. v. MCA Records, Inc.. Twenty-five years later, Mattel licensed the song in the 2023 film Barbie and additionally sampled it for a new song, "Barbie World". Billboard magazine ranked it among the "500 Best Pop Songs of All Time".[4]

Background and composition

[edit]

Rene came up with the original lyric 'Come on Barbie, Let's go party!' and we wanted to put voices to the dolls and imagine what they would say to each other.

—Lene Nystrøm talking to Music Week about the song[11]

The lyrics of the song are about Barbie and Ken, the dolls made by Mattel. Both the song and its music video feature Lene Nystrøm as Barbie and René Dif as Ken. As such, the lyrics drew the ire of Barbie's corporate owners, and a lawsuit was filed by Mattel.

A footnote on the back of the Aquarium CD case precisely stated that "The song 'Barbie Girl' is a social comment and was not created or approved by the makers of the doll."[12] "Barbie Girl" is written in the key of C-sharp minor,[13] using major chords and an upbeat tempo to create an effect Rasted calls "the plus and minus".[14] The song has a tempo of 130 beats per minute.[15]

"Barbie Girl" was released the same year as the pitch correction software Auto-Tune, although it was not yet available when the song was written and recorded. Rasted said that Nystrøm naturally portrayed the high-pitched Barbie voice in the studio.[16][17]

Reception

[edit]

Critical reception

[edit]

"Barbie Girl" received critical acclaim. Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that "with her squeaky, high-pitched delivery, Lene Grawford Nystrøm fronts this giddy pop/dance ditty as if she were Barbie, gleefully verbalizing many of the twisted things people secretly do with the doll." He noted that "at the same time, she effectively rants about the inherent misogyny of Barbie with a subversive hand", adding that René Dif is an "equally playful and biting presence, as he embodies male counterpart Ken with an amusing leer."[18] Scottish Daily Record stated, "Love them or hate them, you have to admit Aqua's silly doll song is pure pop and the video is great, too".[19] David Browne from Entertainment Weekly described it as a "dance-floor novelty that alludes to the secret, less-than-wholesome life of every little girl's fave doll."[20] Another editor, Jeremy Helligar, commented, "There must be something in that Northern European water. Like recent tunes by their Swedish-pop counterparts Ace of Base and the Cardigans, these Danish newcomers' frothy debut is fun, fun, fun—but oh so disposable."[21]

Kevin Courtney from Irish Times named it Single of the Week, calling it "a supreme slice of cheese which out-hums even the mighty Whigfield" and saying that Aqua had "hit the perfect wally beat, and this awful tune is set to dominate the dance-floor and do kinky things to it."[22] British magazine Music Week gave the song five out of five and also named it Single of the Week, concluding, "Bleached and blonde this bouncy Europop tune may be, but dumb it isn't. Its mix of perky vocals, barbed lyrics and infectious energy has already brought it success in Scandinavia and the US. The video is irresistible."[5] A reviewer from People Magazine called it "the year's best novelty record, a cartoonish anthem you'll need surgery to remove from your head."[23] James Hyman from the RM Dance Update gave the song top score, declaring it as "a Balearic-tinged Euro pop smash hit". He added, "My niece refuses to go to bed unless the video is played several times over; I think that speaks for itself with regard to ongoing single success."[6]

Retrospective response

[edit]

Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic called "Barbie Girl" "one of those inexplicable pop culture phenomena" and "insanely catchy", describing it as a "bouncy, slightly warped Euro-dance song that simultaneously sends up femininity and Barbie dolls."[7] Insider stated that the song is "sugary sweet" and "totally catchy", viewing it as one of the best songs of the 90s.[24] In a retrospective review, Pop Rescue wrote that "this song is fun, undoubtedly catchy, and bouncy, with the personas of Barbie and Ken fitting perfectly with the vocal contrast."[25] The song ranked number 88 in a VH1 countdown, "VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders".[26] In 2017, BuzzFeed listed it at number 76 in their list of "The 101 Greatest Dance Songs of the '90s".[27] In October 2023, Billboard ranked "Barbie Girl" number 220 in their "500 Best Pop Songs of All Time".[4] They praised its "magic moment"; "Put on your best Ken voice — René Dif, not Ryan Gosling — for every "Come on Barbie, let's go party!" shout-along."

Commercial performance

[edit]

"Barbie Girl" has sold more than eight million copies worldwide.[28] It went on becoming a huge hit on several continents, remaining the most successful song by the band. It reached number one in more than 10 countries. In Europe, the single peaked at the top position in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, as well as on the Eurochart Hot 100. In the band's native Denmark, the song debuted and peaked at number two.[29] In the United Kingdom, it debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number two and reached number one the next week, on 26 October 1997.[30] It stayed at that position for four weeks and has sold and streamed 2.4 million units in the United Kingdom as of September 2023.[31] Outside Europe, "Barbie Girl" peaked at number-one in Australia and New Zealand, number four in Canada and number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100. On the latter, it debuted at that position. It sold 82,000 copies in its first week and debuted at number five on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart.[32]

Music video

[edit]

The accompanying music video for "Barbie Girl" was directed by Danish directors Peder Pedersen and Peter Stenbæk,[33] and depicts the band members in different scenes that a Barbie doll would be in. It has Nystrøm dressed as various Barbie dolls skulking around her swimming pool at home after Dif, dressed as Barbie's love interest Ken, accidentally pulls her arm off.[11] The video was also the number one most requested video in the US, having shot from 30 to number one on The Box.[11] The video was uploaded to their official YouTube channel in August 2010 and reached 1 billion views in February 2022.[34][35]

Controversies

[edit]

Mattel lawsuit

[edit]
Main article: Mattel, Inc. v. MCA Records, Inc.

In September 1997, six months after the release of the song by Aqua, Mattel, the toy manufacturer of the Barbie doll line, sued MCA Records, Aqua's North American record label. The company claimed that "Barbie Girl" violated their trademark and turned the doll into a sex-object, and referred to her as a "blonde bimbo".[36] Their case also alleged that the song infringed its copyrights and trademarks on the Barbie doll and that the lyrics had ruined the longtime popularity and reputation of their trademark, impinging on their marketing plan. Aqua and MCA Records claimed that Mattel injected their own meanings into the song's lyrics, contesting Mattel's claims and countersuing for defamation, after Mattel had likened MCA to a "bank robber".[37] The lawsuit filed by Mattel was ultimately dismissed by the lower courts, with this dismissal upheld and a certiorari petition denied by the Supreme Court of the United States.[38]

In 2002, a Court of Appeals ruled that the song was protected as a parody[39] under the trademark doctrine of nominative use and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution; the judge Alex Kozinski also threw out the defamation lawsuit that Aqua's record company filed against Mattel, concluding his ruling thus: "The parties are advised to chill."[40] The case was dismissed.

In 2009, as part of a marketing strategy to revive sales, Mattel released a series of advertisements and a promotional music video featuring the song, with modified lyrics.[41][42] In 2023, with the global release of the Mattel-produced film Barbie (starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken), a new song entitled "Barbie World" (performed by rappers Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice) was included on the film's soundtrack.[43]

Eurovision Song Contest 2001

[edit]

As the interval act during the Eurovision Song Contest 2001, Aqua performed a medley of their singles along with percussion ensemble Safri Duo.[44] There were several complaints due to the profanity used during the performance, both at the beginning and end of "Barbie Girl".[45]

Track listings

[edit]

Credits

[edit]

Credits are adapted from liner notes of the "Barbie Girl" CD single and Aquarium.[46][55]

  • Written by Claus Norreen, Lene Nystrøm, René Dif, and Søren Rasted
  • Performed by Norreen, Rasted
  • Vocals by Nystrøm, Dif
  • Hair and make-up by Fjodor Øxenhave
  • Styling by Aqua, Bjarne Lindgreen
  • Artwork by Peter Stenbæk
  • Photo by Robin Skoldborg
  • Produced, arranged, and mixed by Norreen, Jam, Delgado, Rasted

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Certifications and sales for "Barbie Girl"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[113] 3× Platinum 210,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria)[114] Platinum 50,000*
Belgium (BEA)[115] 4× Platinum 200,000*
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[116] Platinum 90,000‡
France (SNEP)[117] Diamond 750,000*
Germany (BVMI)[118] Platinum 500,000^
Italy — 100,000[119]
Italy (FIMI)[120]
sales since 2009 		Platinum 100,000‡
Netherlands (NVPI)[121] Platinum 75,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[122] Platinum 10,000*
Norway (IFPI Norway)[123] 2× Platinum  
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[124] Platinum 60,000‡
Sweden (GLF)[125] 3× Platinum 90,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[126] Platinum 50,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[31] 4× Platinum 2,400,000‡
United States (RIAA)[127] 3× Platinum 3,000,000‡
Summaries
Worldwide — 8,000,000[28]

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

Release history

[edit]
Release dates for "Barbie Girl"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref(s).
Denmark 8 April 1997 CD Universal [128]
Europe 14 May 1997 [129]
United States 12 August 1997
MCA [130]
19 August 1997
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
 [128][131]
Japan 21 August 1997 CD Universal [132]
United Kingdom 13 October 1997
  • CD
  • cassette
 [131][133]

Cover versions and parodies

[edit]

The song has been covered by several artists over the years. Alternative metal band Faith No More covered the song live in 1997 during their Album of the Year tour.[134] Identical twin sisters Amanda and Samantha Marchant, better known as Samanda, released their cover of the song on 8 October 2007, and it entered the UK Singles Chart at number 26.[135] Girls' Generation's Jessica Jung covered this song as her solo performance during the first Asian concert tour Girls' Generation 1st Asia Tour: Into the New World. The Swedish artist Loke Nyberg did a new version of this song for the Swedish radio show Morgonpasset. He interprets the song as criticism of today's beauty ideals.[136] In 2013, Ludacris sampled the song in his single "Party Girls" featuring Wiz Khalifa, Jeremih and Cashmere Cat.[137] In 2016, Caramella Girls released a version called "Candy Girl" on iTunes,[138] as well as a YouTube music video.[139] The most recent rendition of the song was recorded by Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj, accompanied by Aqua, titled "Barbie World". The track was released as the fourth single on the official Barbie soundtrack Barbie the Album in June 2023, ahead of the film's release on 21 July 2023.[140]

There are also many parodies of the song, including a parody called "Ugly Girl", with an unverified author (often wrongly credited to "Weird Al" Yankovic, Adam Henderson, or Jack Off Jill) [citation needed]. German duo Lynne & Tessa made a lip-synched Internet video of the song in 2006, and on British Indian sketch comedy show Goodness Gracious Me, where a version titled "Punjabi Girl" was featured in the radio series and later on television, performed by Asifa Lahore.[141] In 2012, the song was parodied in an Australian lamb advertising campaign, relying on the Australian use of the term "barbie" to refer to the outdoor barbecue popularly held in Australia. The advertisement starred Melissa Tkautz and Sam Kekovich.[142] In 2014, the song was used in the South Park episode "Cock Magic". Ava Max recorded a version with new lyrics, titled "Not Your Barbie Girl", in 2018.[143]

Kelly Key version

[edit]
"Barbie Girl"
Single by Kelly Key
from the album Kelly Key
Released15 August 2005[144]
Recorded2004
Length3:19
LabelWarner
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)DJ Cuca
Kelly Key singles chronology
"Escuta Aqui Rapaz"
(2005) 		"Barbie Girl"
(2005) 		"Papinho"
(2005)

In 2005, Brazilian recording artist Kelly Key recorded a version in Portuguese for her third studio album Kelly Key,[145] which was released as the album's second single on August 15, 2005.[144] Key said she loved the song and wanted to cover it as a tribute to the original, stating: "I've loved this song ever since I heard it. I made a point of recording it, without worrying about whether it was for my audience or not."[146]

Barbie Girl received generally negative reviews from music critics. Vinícius Versiani Durães of IMHO felt it was humorous and would later become a hit.[147][better source needed] Marcos Paulo Bin of Universo Musical commented that the song was significantly different from her previous releases, which were known for explicit lyrics, but ultimately give it a positive review.[146] Rodrigo Ortega of Pilula Pop said Barbie Girl was sensational and funny, calling it the best song on the alnum. He also stated that Key should have released Escuta Aqui Rapaz as her first single because "the song was boring", but "Barbie Girl" saved the album.[148] Carlos Eduardo Lima of Scream & Yell said the song was "childish, silly and boring" and killed Kelly Key's status as a sex symbol.[149]

The music video for "Barbie Girl" was directed by Ricardo Vereza, Bidu Madio, Rentz and Mauricio Eça. It was filmed on August 17 and August 18, later premiering on August 30.[150] The video features Key playing a determined and feminist woman.[151]

A YouTube video of Czech model Dominika Myslivcová lip syncing to the song became a viral video worldwide. Due to its success, it has often been wrongly attributed to Myslivcová.[152]

Track listing

[edit]
  1. "Barbie Girl" – 3:20
  2. "Barbie Girl" (Cuca Mix) – 5:12
  3. "Barbie Girl" (Music video) – 3:23

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format Label
Brazil 15 August 2005 Mainstream radio[144] Warner Music

References in media

[edit]

Environmental movements, like Fridays for Future, when trying to bring attention to the heavy amounts of plastic thrown by humans into the seas, have referred the song lyrics in their slogans with the words "Life in plastic is not fantastic".[153]

In 2022, British singer Tom Aspaul named his album Life in Plastic after a line from the song.[154]

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[edit]
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[edit]
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