"Lollipop (Candyman)" is a song by Danish-Norwegian dance-pop group Aqua. It was released as the fifth overall single from their debut album, Aquarium, in Australasia, North America, and mainland Europe. However, it was not released in the United Kingdom. "Lollipop" features a prominent role for René Dif, with vocals also from main vocalist Lene. The US CD and cassette single include "Good Morning Sunshine" as the B-side.

"Lollipop (Candyman)"
Single by Aqua
from the album Aquarium
B-side"Good Morning Sunshine"
Released25 November 1997 (1997-11-25)[1]
Length3:35
LabelUniversal
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Johnny Jam
  • Delgado
  • Søren Rasted
  • Claus Norreen
Aqua singles chronology
"Doctor Jones"
(1997)
"Lollipop (Candyman)"
(1997)
"Turn Back Time"
(1998)
Music video
"Lollipop (Candyman)" on YouTube

The song failed to replicate the success of "Barbie Girl", "Doctor Jones", and "My Oh My" where it was released. In the United States, it became their second top-40 hit and last song to chart there, peaking at No. 23, until 26 years later, when the group was credited on the 2023 Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice single "Barbie World". The single reached the top 10 in Sweden and Australia, staying at number three for five consecutive weeks in the latter country.

Critical reception

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Larry Flick from Billboard described the song as a "Barbie Girl" "similar-sounding Euro-NRG ditty" and noted that "although "Lollipop" does not have such an immediate, media-friendly punch, it's ultimately just as fun and goofy as its predecessor. Sure, this is pop music at its most frivolous and disposable."[2] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report commented, "Nothing like a sugar rush, and this is yet another double dose of ear candy from Denmark's leading confectioners."[3] Pop Rescue wrote that it "is laden with pumping beats, and vocal play between René and Lene." They added that "it's quite close to Barbie Girl."[4]

Music video

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The video features the group in space, much like in the later "Cartoon Heroes", and includes a fight against aliens and a small robot saving the day.

Track listings

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Charts

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Certifications

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Certifications and sales for "Lollipop (Candyman)"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[20] Platinum 70,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Aqua – Lollipop (Candyman)". Singles Top 100.
  2. ^ "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 109, no. 43. 25 October 1997. p. 79. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  3. ^ Sholin, Dave (10 October 1997). "Gavin Picks > Singles" (PDF). Gavin Report. No. 2176. p. 78. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  4. ^ "REVIEW: "AQUARIUM" BY AQUA (CD, 1997)". Pop Rescue. 28 August 2015. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  5. ^ Lollipop (Candyman) (Scandinavian & European CD single liner notes). Aqua. Universal Records. 1998. UMD 85059.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ^ Lollipop (Candyman) (US CD single liner notes). Aqua. Universal Records. 1997. MCADS-55410.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. ^ Lollipop (Candyman) (US cassette single sleeve). Aqua. Universal Records. 1997. MCACS-55410.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. ^ Lollipop (Candyman) (US 12-inch single vinyl disc). Aqua. Universal Records. 1997. MCA12 55411.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. ^ Lollipop (Candyman) (Australian CD single liner notes). Aqua. Universal Music Australia. 1998. UMD80480.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. ^ "Aqua – Lollipop (Candyman)". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  11. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 3437." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  12. ^ "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 3434." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  13. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 15, no. 28. 11 July 1998. p. 11. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  14. ^ "Aqua – Lollipop (Candyman)" (in French). Les classement single.
  15. ^ "Classifiche". Musica e dischi (in Italian). Retrieved 27 May 2022. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Aqua".
  16. ^ "Aqua – Lollipop (Candyman)". Top 40 Singles.
  17. ^ "Aqua Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  18. ^ "Aqua Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 30 December 2021.
  19. ^ "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 1998". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
  20. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1998 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.