"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.
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
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
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.
^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)
^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)
^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)
^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)
^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)