2013 Controversial Pop Song Climbed to No. 1 in 14 Countries Despite Restriction

Rolling Stone once named it “the worst song of this or any other year.” But maybe Robin Thicke had the last laugh with “Blurred Lines.”

After all, the star-studded track had a 12-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent a whopping 48 on the coveted chart.

Monday, June 22 marks 13 years since “Blurred Lines” began its reign despite the critical dismay (such as the above-mentioned blaring headline courtesy of Rolling Stone). In addition to the mixed reviews, Thicke, 49, even released a music video for his single that features models Emily Ratajkowski, Jessi M’Bengue and Elle Evans completely topless.

Said “unrated” version was removed from YouTube for violating the site’s terms of service regarding nudity, though it was later restored — but flagged as inappropriate. The topless “Blurred Lines” edition reportedly peaked at No. 1 in 14 countries.

Check out the music video featuring the models covered up below.

Rapper T.I. and singer/producer Pharrell Williams are both featured in “Blurred Lines,” whose legacy is unfortunately overshadowed both by the lawsuit the song’s performers have been embroiled in with the Marvin Gaye estate — who (successfully) posited that “Blurred Lines” infringed upon Gaye’s ’70s chart-topper “Got to Give it Up” — and by the murky waters its subject matter has treaded in, per Billboard.

The lyrics have suggested to listeners underlying notions of sexual consent and objectification of women, while others argued that it was just a catchy reworking of the Gaye classic. Nevertheless, the lyrics to “Blurred Lines” — as well as the song’s controversial music video — were endlessly interpreted.

These days, Thicke serves as a panelist on The Masked Singer, whose upcoming 15th season will now be produced by Eureka Productions, the Fremantle-owned company behind shows including The Floor, Farmer Wants a Wife and Netflix’s The Mole. The move marks a significant shift for the franchise, which had been produced internally by Fox Entertainment Studios in recent years.