Picture This (Blondie song)


"Picture This" is a song by the American rock band Blondie. It was released in the UK in 1978 as the lead single from their third album Parallel Lines. It reached number 12 in the UK, giving Blondie their third UK Top 20 hit. It also charted in various other countries but was not issued as a single in the US.

Background

"Picture This" was written by Chris Stein, Debbie Harry and Jimmy Destri. Debbie Harry wrote the lyrics while Destri and Stein each wrote portions of the music. The B-side of the single, "Fade Away And Radiate", featured Robert Fripp on guitar and was also included on the Parallel Lines album. "Picture This" was included on the international version of the band's first 'greatest hits' compilation The Best of Blondie, released in October 1981.
Music critic Arion Berger of Rolling Stone called "Picture This" "the tenderest new wave love song put to vinyl".

Music video

A music video was produced and released to promote the single, featuring a straight performance by the band. In the video, Debbie Harry wore a yellow dress created by fashion designer Stephen Sprouse.

Release history

UK 7"
  1. "Picture This" – 2:53
  2. "Fade Away And Radiate" – 3:57

    Charts