Music has a unique ability to tap into our deepest emotions and transport us to another time and place. From love and heartbreak to joy and celebration, music provides a soundtrack for every aspect of life. One common theme that has emerged in popular music over the years is the phone call, a device that has been used in countless songs to express a wide range of emotions and experiences.
In this list, we have compiled 16 songs about phone calls that explore the joys, frustrations, and complexities of communication in the modern world. From classic hits by artists like Blondie and Prince to more recent chart-toppers by Maroon 5 and Carly Rae Jepsen, these songs offer a glimpse into the universal experiences that come with picking up the phone.
Whether you are looking for a fun and catchy pop song to sing along to or a soulful ballad that speaks to the heart, these tracks are sure to keep you hanging on. So dial up your favorite streaming service, grab your phone, and settle in for a musical journey through the ups and downs of the phone call.
1.Hung Up – Madonna
“Hung Up” is an upbeat, dance-pop track by the iconic pop superstar Madonna. Released in 2005 as the lead single from her album “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” the song features a sample from the 1979 hit “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” by ABBA. The song is about the feeling of being consumed by the music and the energy of the dance floor, with Madonna singing about being “hung up” on the beat and losing herself in the moment. The infectious chorus and pulsating beat make “Hung Up” an irresistible dance anthem that is still beloved by fans and played in clubs and parties around the world.
2.Telephone Line – Electric Light Orchestra
“Telephone Line” is a 1977 hit song by the British rock band Electric Light Orchestra. The track begins with a dreamy, atmospheric intro that gives way to a catchy, upbeat melody and lush, symphonic instrumentation, featuring the band’s signature blend of rock, pop, and classical influences. Lyrically, the song tells the story of a man trying to reach his love interest on the phone, but encountering various obstacles and frustrations along the way. With its soaring harmonies, inventive arrangements, and memorable chorus, “Telephone Line” has become one of ELO’s most enduring and beloved songs, earning a place in the pantheon of classic rock hits.
3.Memphis, Tennessee – The Beatles
“Memphis, Tennessee” is a classic rock and roll song by The Beatles, originally released in 1963 on their album “Please Please Me.” The track is a cover of a Chuck Berry song and features a catchy, driving rhythm and memorable guitar riffs that highlight the band’s early rock influences. The lyrics tell the story of a man trying to track down his estranged daughter in Memphis, Tennessee, and the sense of longing and urgency in the singer’s voice adds an emotional depth to the otherwise upbeat tune. With its infectious energy and timeless rock and roll sound, “Memphis, Tennessee” remains a fan favorite and a beloved part of The Beatles’ extensive catalog.
4.Payphone – Maroon 5 ft. Wiz Khalifa
“Payphone” is a pop-rock song by the American band Maroon 5 featuring rapper Wiz Khalifa. Released in 2012 as the lead single from their album “Overexposed,” the song has a catchy, upbeat melody and features Adam Levine’s distinctive vocals over a driving beat and a blend of guitar and electronic instrumentation. The lyrics tell the story of a broken relationship, with Levine lamenting the loss of his love and expressing a desire to reconnect with her through a payphone. Wiz Khalifa adds a memorable verse with his characteristic flow, adding a hip-hop edge to the song. With its radio-friendly sound and relatable lyrics, “Payphone” was a commercial success and remains a popular track in Maroon 5’s discography.
5.How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore? – Prince
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfVW6UkK5Vw.
“How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore?” is a soulful and emotional ballad by the legendary musician Prince. Originally released in 1982 as a B-side to his hit single “1999,” the song features Prince’s soulful, powerful vocals and sparse, minimalist piano and organ accompaniment. The lyrics express a sense of longing and confusion, with Prince wondering why his lover has stopped calling him and questioning if their love was ever real. With its raw, stripped-down sound and powerful vocal performance, “How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore?” has become a classic and enduring representation of Prince’s raw talent and emotional depth as a musician.
6.Star 69 – R.E.M.
“Star 69” is a high-energy, hard-rocking song by the American band R.E.M. The track was released in 1994 on their album “Monster,” and features a driving beat, chugging guitar riffs, and Michael Stipe’s signature vocals, which alternate between melodic singing and more aggressive spoken-word passages. The lyrics are enigmatic and surreal, with Stipe singing about “automatic eye” and “lizard brain” and making cryptic references to technology and communication. With its intense sound and cryptic lyrics, “Star 69” is a standout track on “Monster” and a fan favorite that showcases R.E.M.’s ability to push boundaries and experiment with their sound
7.Talk to Me Baby – Elmore James
“Talk to Me Baby” is a classic blues song by the American musician Elmore James. Originally released in 1959, the track features James’ signature slide guitar playing, backed by a driving rhythm section and soulful vocals. The lyrics express a sense of yearning and desperation, with James pleading with his lover to communicate with him and share her thoughts and feelings. With its raw, emotional sound and evocative lyrics, “Talk to Me Baby” has become a beloved classic of the blues genre, showcasing James’ virtuosity as a guitarist and his ability to convey deep emotions through his music.
8.As Soon as I Hang Up the Phone – Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn
“As Soon as I Hang Up the Phone” is a classic country duet by the iconic duo of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. Released in 1974, the song features Twitty and Lynn trading verses and harmonizing over a simple but heartfelt melody, with lyrics that tell the story of a couple trying to keep their love alive despite the challenges of distance and separation. The song’s emotional power lies in the sincerity and vulnerability of the performances, with Twitty and Lynn capturing the yearning and longing of the song’s lyrics and creating a powerful and timeless expression of love and devotion.
9.Long Distance Call – Muddy Waters
“Long Distance Call” is a classic blues song by the American musician Muddy Waters, originally released in 1951. The track features Waters’ signature slide guitar playing and deep, soulful vocals, backed by a tight rhythm section that provides a steady and propulsive beat. The lyrics tell the story of a man calling his lover from a distant location and expressing his desire to return home and be with her. With its raw, emotional sound and evocative lyrics, “Long Distance Call” has become a beloved classic of the blues genre, showcasing Waters’ talent as a songwriter and performer and his ability to convey deep emotions through his music.
10.Hanging on a Telephone – Blondie
“Hanging on the Telephone” is a high-energy, punk-inspired song by the American band Blondie. Originally released in 1978, the track features a driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and Debbie Harry’s distinctive vocals, which alternate between melodic singing and more urgent, edgy delivery. The lyrics express a sense of desperation and longing, with Harry singing about trying to reach a lover who is not answering the phone. With its energetic sound and memorable hook, “Hanging on the Telephone” is a standout track in Blondie’s discography and a classic of the new wave and punk rock genres.
11.Your Wire’s Been Tapped – Pigmeat Markham
“Your Wire’s Been Tapped” is a humorous and playful novelty song by the American comedian and entertainer Pigmeat Markham. Originally released in 1961, the track features Markham’s distinctive voice and delivery, backed by a swinging jazz band that provides a lively and infectious beat. The lyrics tell the story of a man who discovers that his phone line has been tapped, and proceeds to prank the eavesdropper with a series of humorous and absurd conversations. With its playful humor and catchy musical accompaniment, “Your Wire’s Been Tapped” has become a beloved classic of the comedy and novelty music genres, showcasing Markham’s talent as a performer and entertainer.
12.Wrong Humber Again – Aaron Neville
“Wrong Number Again” is a soulful and introspective ballad by the American R&B singer Aaron Neville. Originally released in 1985, the track features Neville’s signature falsetto vocals, backed by a lush and atmospheric musical arrangement that includes gentle piano chords and soaring strings. The lyrics express a sense of loneliness and longing, with Neville singing about repeatedly calling a disconnected phone number in the hopes of reconnecting with a lost love. With its evocative sound and poignant lyrics, “Wrong Number Again” has become a beloved classic of the soul and R&B genres, showcasing Neville’s ability to convey deep emotions and create a powerful and moving musical experience.
13.Der Telefon Anruf – Kraftwerk
“Der Telefon Anruf” (translated as “The Telephone Call”) is an electro-pop song by the German band Kraftwerk. Originally released in 1987, the track features the band’s signature electronic sound, with driving synthesizers and robotic vocals creating a hypnotic and futuristic atmosphere. The lyrics express a sense of anticipation and desire, with the narrator waiting for a phone call from a lover and imagining the conversation they will have. With its distinctive sound and evocative lyrics, “Der Telefon Anruf” has become a standout track in Kraftwerk’s discography, showcasing the band’s pioneering use of technology and their ability to create a unique and memorable musical experience.
14.Le Jeu Du Téléphone – Natacha Snitkine
“Le Jeu Du Téléphone” is a playful and upbeat French children’s song performed by Natacha Snitkine. Released in 1979, the track features Snitkine’s lively and cheerful vocals, backed by a bouncy and infectious musical arrangement that includes accordion, guitar, and percussion. The lyrics describe a game of “telephone” (also known as “Chinese whispers”), in which a message is whispered from one person to the next, often with humorous results. With its catchy melody and fun, interactive theme, “Le Jeu Du Téléphone” has become a beloved classic in French children’s music, encouraging creativity, communication, and imagination.
15.Call Me – Blondie
“Call Me” is a classic 1980s pop song by the American band Blondie, written by Italian composer Giorgio Moroder and Blondie’s lead singer Debbie Harry. The track features a driving electronic beat, catchy guitar riffs, and Harry’s distinctive vocals, which alternate between a sultry, seductive delivery and more urgent, edgy singing. The lyrics express a sense of longing and desire, with Harry singing about wanting to be called by a lover who is away. With its energetic sound and memorable hook, “Call Me” has become an iconic track in the new wave and pop genres, showcasing Blondie’s talent for creating catchy, irresistible hits.
16.Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
“Call Me Maybe” is an infectious and upbeat pop song by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen. Released in 2012, the track features a catchy melody, driving beat, and Jepsen’s sweet and innocent vocals. The lyrics describe a chance encounter with a potential love interest, with Jepsen singing about wanting the person to call her and start a relationship. With its fun and playful theme, “Call Me Maybe” has become a pop culture phenomenon, inspiring countless covers, parodies, and viral videos. The song showcases Jepsen’s talent for creating irresistible hooks and crafting infectious, feel-good pop music that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
