Watch the original 1978 music video to see the iconic robot performance that defined the space disco era:
: The Official Music Video famously features Jackson performing alongside a literal robot. Automatic Lover (Original)
: While it sounds like a lighthearted pop song, many fans interpret the lyrics—"See me, feel me, hear me, love me, touch me"—as a satirical or even lonely commentary on the "cold and unappealing" nature of automated affection. Chart Success and Legacy Watch the original 1978 music video to see
: The song features robotic backing vocals provided by Jimmy McShane , who later became famous as the frontman of Baltimora ("Tarzan Boy"). The track was a massive international hit, reaching
The track was a massive international hit, reaching and #5 in West Germany. It was so popular in Brazil that the local media even created their own "version" of Dee D. Jackson to satisfy public demand. Years later, the German project Real McCoy released a Eurodance cover titled "Automatic Lover (Call for Love)" in 1994, bringing the melody to a new generation.
: Released as part of her debut album, Cosmic Curves , "Automatic Lover" capitalized on the global obsession with space exploration following Star Wars .