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Divinyls – “I Touch Myself” (1990)
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Genre: Sexy Pop-Rock with a Side of Subtle Shouting
If you’ve ever wanted to tell the entire world you’re into yourself—like, really into yourself—but with an Aussie accent and a jangly guitar riff behind you, "I Touch Myself" is your anthem.
Released in 1990, this song boldly launched a thousand awkward glances across car radios, shopping centre PAs, and family BBQs. It’s essentially a public service announcement for private pleasure. The late, great Chrissy Amphlett croons with the kind of sultry conviction that makes you wonder whether she’s flirting with you or challenging you to a fight. Possibly both.
Musically, it’s a classic pop-rock banger dressed in leather and smirking. The guitars chug along with a no-nonsense energy, while the chorus barrels in like a drunk confession that somehow made it onto Top of the Pops. It’s catchy. Dangerously catchy. You’ll find yourself humming it at work and immediately questioning your life choices.
Lyrically, it’s… well, it’s not subtle. There’s no poetic metaphor here—no “my flower blooms in solitude” kind of vibe. Just straight-up: “I touch myself.” A line that makes 13-year-olds giggle, adults pretend not to hear, and cool uncles nod in silent respect.
What’s genuinely impressive is how it flipped the script. At a time when most female-fronted pop-rock was still toeing the line between “empowered” and “palatable,” Amphlett smashed that line with a riding crop and lit a cigarette on its ashes. It’s one of the few songs where the chorus feels like both a dare and a declaration.
Final Verdict:
"I Touch Myself" is a bold, brash, unashamed celebration of self-love with a riff you can strut to and a chorus you probably shouldn’t sing in front of your boss—but will anyway. And honestly? That’s kind of the point.
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