"Girlfriend" is a single released by Billie in 1998, from her debut album Honey to the B. It reached number one in the United Kingdom, making her the youngest and first female solo singer to reach the top spot with her first two singles. A radio edit with additional production by Cutfather & Joe was released for the single which differs significantly from the album version. The Australian single has become one of Billie's rarest CD singles. The cover for the Australian single differs slightly, as on the UK cover it says "Includes Tin Tin Out Mix & Exclusive Track" while on the Australian cover it says "Includes Because We Want To". "Girlfriend / She Wants You" was the second single released from the Japanese edition, released almost a whole year after the previous single, "Because We Want To" was released. On the American track listing for Honey to the B, the radio mix replaces the original album version. The B-side "Love Groove" is also featured on Billie's debut album, Honey to the B.
Chart performance
"Girlfriend" was officially released in the United Kingdom on 21 September 1998. The song debuted on the UK Singles Chart on 17 October 1998 at number one. It remained on the chart for twelve weeks and was certified silver. In Ireland, the track reached number twelve on the Irish Singles Chart. "Girlfriend" debuted on the Swedish Singles Chart at number thirty-seven on 29 October 1998. The following week it peaked at number twenty-two. In Australia, "Girlfriend" debuted on the ARIA Singles Chart at number forty-nine on 6 December 1998. Five weeks later, it peaked at number thirty-five. The track debuted in New Zealand on 29 November 1998 at number three. It reached number two, its highest position, three weeks later and remained on the New Zealand Singles Chart for eighteen weeks.
Music video
The video starts in an empty warehouse where several teenage boys are skateboarding. Billie and her friends sit on a sofa, admiring them. They soon get up and sing the chorus of "Girlfriend". Another guy arrives in a truck and Billie plays a game of pool with him. The two continue spend time together until the video ends. Cutscenes of Billie and her girl friends dancing are seen during the chorus. The video uses the single version of the song rather than the original album version.
Formats and track listings
These are the formats and track listings of major single releases of "Girlfriend". International CD single
