This year marks the 20th anniversary of Eric Prydz's iconic track, "Call on Me," a song that revolutionized dance music with its catchy beats and memorable visuals. Released in 2004, Prydz's hit takes its inspiration from Steve Winwood's 1982 classic, "Valerie," which forms the backbone of the track's infectious melody.
"Call on Me" stands out not only for its musical ingenuity but also for its provocative music video. Directed by Huse Monfaradi, the video showcases an aerobics class featuring dancers in 1980s-inspired outfits, led by Deanne Berry. The suggestive choreography and vibrant aesthetics drew significant attention, becoming a hallmark of the early 2000s dance scene. The video, filmed at the Laban Dance Centre in London, was compared to a scene from the 1985 film "Perfect," starring John Travolta and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Despite its success, it garnered mixed reviews; NME ranked it among the 50 Worst Music Videos Ever while Vice Media declared it the Sexiest Music Video of All Time. The track's commercial performance was equally impressive, topping the UK Singles Chart during a period of low CD single sales—setting a record for the lowest number of singles sold to achieve a number one position. At its peak, "Call on Me" sold over 335,000 copies in the UK and became the fourth biggest-selling single of 2004.
It also achieved number-one spots in Germany and Ireland, and reached number two in Australia. In response to the overwhelming success of the video, Ministry of Sound later released a feature-length DVD, "Pump It Up: The Ultimate Dance Workout," showcasing the aerobics routines from the video. Additionally, the video became the highest-downloaded music video in Australia at the time, further cementing its place in music history.
Eric Prydz's "Call on Me" remains a defining moment in dance music, reflecting both the innovative spirit of its era and the lasting impact of its visual and musical elements.