Reviews (page 10 of 14)
Not hard to pick out the singles but they are great!
I don't think I've ever heard any of this album beyond their two singles, which of course I and everybody else in the (western) world has heard ad infinitum. A fun album, and impressively cohesive, and definitely harder-edged than I'd have guessed based on their singles. I remain perplexed about how exactly this album got pigeonholed as a "cornerstone New Wave" album (but no more than having them described as pop-punk either, although I can see the surf-rock label a bit more), but that doesn't make this any less fun to listen to. And an incredibly impressive performance as a debut album. I also like it that "Fading Fast" seems like an alternate universe version of Nancy Sinatra's "These boots are made for walking", and I really enjoyed "Automatic". I was torn between a three- or four-star rating, but it feels like they deserve 4 stars for some of their unexpectedly catchy tunes, and also for how much they inspired a lot of women by being the most successful all-women band of all time. Also, what a crazy origin story (if the Wikipedia article for this album is to be believed): after seeing the Sex Pistols' final performance in 1978, Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, and Margot Olavarria decided to form a band, and "although none of them actually knew how to play instruments, they quickly learned..." Talk about paying it forward--if only the Monkees could have also gotten into that! Also hilarious that they supposedly returned the towels used in the front cover photo shoot to Macy's the next day.
I respect this more than I did when it first came out but I'm still not a fan.
Some pretty iconic hooks here, and to think that this was the Go-Go’s debut album too. This album and group melded pop and punk together nicely (call that “New Wave” I guess). You could argue that the Go-Go’s paved the way for many pop artists too, especially female-led groups. A pretty fun listening experience overall.
Fun at times but also quite forgettable
Punky pop, great
++: We Got the Beat +: Our Lips Are Sealed, How Much More, Tonite, Lust to Love, This Town, Fading Fast, Automatic, You Can't Walk in Your Sleep (If You Can't Sleep), Skidmarks on My Heart, Can't Stop The World 7,6/10
bop after bop after bop
Cool album. NU wave
Upbeat, peppy songs, good for background when concentrating, but not the kind of music I’d typically listen to.
released in the 80's but sounds like 60s music to me
Love Belinda Carlisle's voice.
It has some classics on it.
Oooo wasn't aware of this. Love it
Fun. Not sure about this being post-punk. But it's pretty good.
Oh. So that's where the soundtrack from every movie I grew up with came from.
7,21
we got the beeeeaaaattttt 58/100
5/5 Catchy lyrics, easy-on-the-ears instrumentals and harmonious vocals make this an amazing album. The guitars and bass meld so well to make some real grooves, which with quality production forms a fantastic pop-rock experience. Our Lips Are Sealed 4.5/5 How Much More 5/5 Tonite 4/5 Lust To Love 5/5 This Town 5/5 We Got The Beat 5/5 Fading Fast 5/5 Automatic 5/5 (FAV) You Can't Walk In Your Sleep (If You Can't Sleep) 5/5 Skidmarks On My Heart 4/5 (LEAST FAV) Can't Stop The World 4.5/5
I had only heard the two hits and didn’t know much about this band at all but I think this album is pretty solid. I didn't know they were punk rockers who slowed their songs down to record them or that one of them played Joan of Arc in “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.” I think they are a little derivative of Blondie but a ton of things obviously copied them so it’s hard to fault them for that. Good album.
So this was a total shocker for me. I liked this album a lot more than I thought I would. I knew of The Go-Go's of course but never really gave them a shot, just kind of wrote them off as a bubblegum pop kind of thing probably just based on We Got The Beat which I've never really cared for. But damned if this album wasn't a lot more than I expected. It's almost like punk-lite, early new wave, 80s girl rock, sappy pop all blended together. The songs are not necessarily complicated but they are well structured and super catchy and well palyed. It's sad that they basically just fizzled out. I think the production on most of this album could have been a little better but maybe that's just a result of the time and them being an all female band. I can't imagine that they were working with super great producers and engineers. It's not bad but I wish it had a little better balance in some parts and the sound was a little fuller. It's mostly kind of tinny. But still, it's a great record and I'd absolutely pick this one up if I saw it in the record store. 4.5/5 rounded up because of how great the surprise was.
The Unloveables - Crush Boyfriend Heartbreak is my favorite pop punk album ever. It will never show up on a list like this but if there is anyone out there who reads this review and liked Go-Go's - Beauty and the Beat, please check out CBH. Beauty and the Beat is as much an album of the 80's as CBH is an album of the 00's and Team Dresch/Sleater Kinney and the Riot Grrrl bands were of the 90's. I'd assumed The Unloveables were influenced by those 90's bands but I had no idea there was an early 80's album that so much effect on them. Too often, women have to "prove" their genuine interest in male-dominated spaces but I think The Go-Go's do enough just musically for it to have been obvious from the start they paid attention to rock music and were very much a part of it. Songs like We Got The Beat and Our Lips Are Sealed have a fun surf rock quality to them that proves these girls had been keyed into the music scene for a while. The musicianship is just as competent as literally any band on the radio at the time. Belinda Carlisle sings great melodies, I especially loved on Fading Fast how wistful she sounds. In saying that, there needs to be more room for female-vocals who aren't amazing singers but have all the passion required. If the public can stomach Bernard Sumner singing they can handle off-key women singers too. Belinda's voice has more than enough emotion to match both the music and the content of the lyrics. I'm glad this band existed and were successful. It's possible they could have still had the influence they did on the bands above even without the commercial success a la The Velvet Underground but this album rocks on its own. Anyways, please listen to The Unloveables.
Good one
I forgor
that was just plain fun!
its decent i suppose. not a fan of we got the beat but the album is fine overall. strong 5/10
Some good songs
Whoa! I think I willed this one into happening! I know I'm getting close to the end, so there's only so many records left. But I was thinking about The Go-Gos the other day and how I probably won't see them on this list, but that this is a great album and it should be included, so I popped it on for personal listening. Two days later here we are! Manifested it. I'm so happy it's on the list because it is such a fun album but it's also badass. The Go-Gos rock, mainly because their songs are catchy as all hell but also because they don't pull their punches and the don't fuck around. They're girls having fun but they won't take any shit. I live for it. Vacation all I ever wanted, vacation have to get away! They are singing the songs of the people. (Yes, I know that song isn't on this album, but it's such a banger it should be on all their albums). This is an early 80's pop rock staple, a must have for any record collection. Vive la Go-Gos!
80s pop of the good variety.
Favourite track: Lust to Love.
How many parents in 1981-82 bought this album for their daughters thinking it's bubblegum pop. Instead, they opened the kids' eyes to a tidal wave of punk rock agony and irony, all wrapped up in a nice bow of Belinda Carlisle and Jane Wiedlin. Honestly, I'd never listened to the *lyrics* of Go-Go's songs before this -- I mean, "We Got The Beat" is really "You're all conformist assholes, grow up." And it's so *lesbian* in an 80's coded way. The kids got to keep this a secret I was too young myself to understand at the time -- and really didn't for 40 years. Unexpected bangers: Lust to Love, This Town, Automatic, Skidmarks on my Heart.
Glitzy, fun 80s pop. Played this while cooking dinner, was great for kitchen dancing energy.
I don’t know a ton about the go gos but I saw a cool documentary about them. Lol. I’m not a huge fan of this sound, but I remember being a kid seeing their videos on MTV. They were kinda everywhere, and their connections to other bands at the time like the Specials was cool. This album is definitely a huge departure from the yucky LA punk scene they came up in but it’s not a bad one by any stretch. They do the new wave sound pretty good but I’d argue it’s more like… power pop? Fun little pop songs you can sing along to? Gotta love it. The sound is like a cleaner garage girl group, and it’s a quick listen so there’s not much to critique. Boys, the beach, having fun with your pals? Hell yeah.
Pleasantly surprised to see this one pop up. Don't know them outside of the hits but glad to have this as an introduction. Belinda's vocals remind me of Delores from the Cranberries (Rippity pippity). The songs of heartbreak from the female perspective in pop music, very often, are from a position of submission or capitulation to a masculine, but "How Much More" is level-headed and feels realistic in its lyrics. Love the instrumentation throughout. "Lust to Love" is just a solid songwriting example. Great album beginning to end, unlike this review.
'60s girl-group pop influences delivered to your ears through the filter of late '70s LA punk. I love everything going on here. Definitely a big help in moving new wave on to the mainstream in the early '80s. Everything here is just upbeat and catchy. Hard not to have a good time listening to this.
We Got The Beat doesn't impress me as much as I thought it might, honestly. But the album on the whole is a lot of fun. And the songs are varied enough, even though they all have the same high tempo and vibe, that I'm engaged to every song throughout the album. Favorite Song(s): Our Lips are Sealed, Can't Stop the World
Which takes most of the time to think up a commentary for another average album.
This is a pop punk album. The punk influences ring out like a siren. And it's an easy 35 minutes
Jimmy neutron ahh music (and I say that meaning high praise)
its a good album. Has a few bangers and is definitely important if only for its influence.
Upbeat average 80s pop
How fun!! 🕺
My cousin used to sing “we got the beat” poorly and that’s all I could hear and I’m sorry
Some real catchy stuff, but for the most part it's elementary and repetitive.
Day 23 of listening to 1001 albums, one album at a time. The Go-Go’s is one of the pop bands you had no clue you knew until you hear them. I genuinely never knew who made We Got The Beat, turns out it was them. They also made an entire album full of bops and hits. Every song on this album gives so much energy and really radiates that new wave sound. It’s hard not to love this album, the punk attitudes with great pop instrumentals. I’ve never been more happy to listen to pop album. The Go-Go’s are officially one of my favorite pop bands. I do want to mention the album is awesome. I thought it was a painting at first because of how it looked but turns out they took that photo and then returned those towels to Macy’s. Great album.
This album is the perfect fusion of pop and punk. It’s fun and satisfying throughout. Insane that only IRS would pick them up.
I have an episodic relationship with this album. I was 12 when this album came out. I heard the singles - everywhere. And what singles they are. Our lips are sealed is an all time debut album lead off track. The bridge still gives chills. And we got the beat - does that not take you to a place even if you've never been. But I was a kid just getting my musical legs and those adolescent legs were drifting in the direction of Def Leppard. Cut to college. One of my housemates was a bass player and he was obsessed with this album. Especially the bass playing. We listened often and he was spot on. Kathy Valentine really lays an axing foundation that provides energy to the great songwriting and harmonies. Really everything works on this album. And lest we forget - 1981. How Much More is two years before REM is murmuring. Tonite, This Town, You Can't Walk..., Skidmarks. Ultimately - this album feels like a centerpiece that extends back to 60s girls groups and (just a hint of) surf guitar and well into the future as new wave was just breaking. A genuine classic and sounds even better as summer is just breaking.
Good 80's pop.
Fun
Perfection.
A Truly iconic and Wonderful Album from my Past!! Love ❤️ the Go-Go’s!!
Loved it. Made me happy from start to finish.
Blondie lite? Catchy, nice synths and bass. Nice start! Yeah this is cool. Kinda punk influenced pop (but not pop punk?) Now sounds less like Debbie et al. Reminds me of like... another girl another planet? Ramones? Joy division a tiny bit? This town is great. Nice riff and rhythm. Automatic is a bit slow but I like the build and spook. Finishes with something a little standard, but nice overall. Feels like I should have rated steely dan lower and this is a more solid 3 out of 5!
Nice and surfry, vibey. Fun to listen to. B teir
There's the hits, and not much else
Burbujeante
This was far better than I was expecting. Some slapping base and great songs.
Definitely my least favorite album I’ve checked out so far. I’m trying not to be hyperbolic, but it’s also one of the most boring albums I’ve ever listened to. Just the same shit over and over again, empty songwriting, bland surf rock instrumentals. I think my breaking point was the track “You Can’t Walk in Your Sleep (If You Can’t Sleep)”. As soon as I heard that awful title I broke. 4/10
Fun album Standout songs: This Town Automatic We got the beat
Points for being a pretty unique genre (surf-glam?) Unfortunately if you've heard the two hits you've heard the whole album
Best Song: This Town Hits: Our Lips Are Sealed, We Got The Beat Worst Song: Skidmarks On My Heart I'm not sure if I like this album or any less than Belinda Carlisle's solo work. Her voice is annoying and while Our Lips Are Sealed and This Town are not terrible, we Got the Beat is the album's big hit and it is horrible. It's mind boggling that this made the list. It feels more like they had to find a way to put in an "all-girl" rock band than this being a deserving entry. I also realized while listening to it that I like New Wave less than Psychedelic rock. Every backing track of every New Wave song sounds like every song on this album.
Rock muy básico de minitas. Bastante choto, poco que rescatar.
Ok
Our Lips Are Sealed How Much More Tonite We Got the Beat Upbeat catchy lines. This whole album puts me in a good mood. It’s kind of hard to describe. Their voices and the melody’s of the music just fill the room with a summer feel good vibe.
5/31/24. Great, fun album! Really good new wave/punk-ish sound. I definitely hear their sound in newer all-girl bands.
Album de pop promedio, not my thing, pero tiene un par de temas lindos 5/10 TF: This Town/Automatic
Muy buen disco, sólido. 8/10 Our lips are sealed
Pop normalito
Þetta var mjög fín plata þótt ég muni merkja hana sem meðalplötu. Það er líklegast bara af því að hún er það gleymanleg að ég mun aldrei setja hana aftur á nema að andinn komi skyndilega yfir mig og ég muni eftir þeim. Það var sem sagt ekkert að þessu annað en að ég mun gleyma þeim fljótt.
I've always loved this album!
thought it was a very good classic
A great debut album that holds up very well.
Not much to say about this album. Not a fan of new wave or punk, so this one doesn't really land for me. Some of the slower tracks are good, and it makes me wish the album had more of them. Top tracks: Just to Love, Fading Fast
Quite nice pop but not very inspiring and vocals with a thin voice
Meh
was fun and fresh YYM
This is cracking good fun. And who, but who, could not love a track called "Skidmarks on my heart"?
Pure pop perfection
Incredible post punk example of how the rule was there were no rules.
Holy shit I love this. Who knew how mature bubblegum pop could be. There's great diversity, and keeps things simultaneously interesting and light hearted without ever feeling cheesy or annoying.
Exactly my kinda music
Our lips are sealed because a nuclear eat worm in my head for three days after listening to this album. I couldn't get to sleep because it just kept repeating in my head. I'll give it a 3
The Go-Go's played at my college back in the early 90s. Honestly, I would have rather had seen the Bangles, they always seemed more rock to me. But the problem is that if you listen to their hits and not to the deeper cuts, you realize that the band was doing more than just doing "pop" songs. Songs like "This Town" had a bit of a punk feel to it, with one or two extra beats thrown in, which is interesting. I liked "Lust to Love", too. All in all, there was a lot to the album I dug, and not just the two "big" hits. The few songs I did not care for: "Tonite". It just kept reminding me of The Ramones' "I Just Want To Have Something To Do" (to-naht. Tooo-naaahhhht...). "Skidmarks On My Heart" (ew) and "How Much More" which just felt like a poor follow-up song to the first track on the album, "Our Lips Are Sealed." I enjoyed this album, even most of the deep cuts. It made me respect the band a bit more than I did even way back from college. So I'll give it a 3.6, which rounds it up to a 4.
There were some great new wave bands, with a little bit of synth, pop-punk, or post-punk sprinkled on top of their rock. I did not realize The Go-Go's were one of those bands. But this is a solid album, particularly side one. Not as good as Blondie or the Cars, but I hear them in cool all girl bands that have come since - Sleater Kinney and the Beaches are two that come immediately to mind. The lyrics are a bit poppy, but there's a little bit of bite to them every now and then. And the songs are catchy as hell. Not just the two big (big!) singles (Our Lips are Sealed, We Got the Beat) but also How Much More (maybe my favorite), Tonite, Lust to Love, and Can't Stop the World. Probably a 3.5 but I'm giving them a bump, if for nothing else that they were a female group who did it all themselves (songwriting, composition, playing) in a time when male music execs wanted their hands all over everything (not sure how much that has changed).
Pretty much bubble-gum pop, but it's all good. Our Lips are Sealed and We Got the Beat are classics, deservedly so (especially Our Lips are Sealed - great song). Other standouts include How Much More, Automatic (my favorite of the more "dramatic" songs), Can't Stop the World. Worst named song AND lyrics with the most dragged-out metaphor - Skidmarks on my Heart.
I likely haven’t listened to this album since the mid 80’s. Belinda Carlisle can flat out sing. It’s a pretty short album and I was honestly bummed when it was over.
At first very syrupy sweet, but has a harder edge that creeps through. I kid you not, there is a lot of similarity between some of these songs and The Offspring, Green Day, and Nirvana in chords and melody, which took me by surprise.
What a fun album. God I love the basslines in throughout the whole runtime. Awesome vocals that really fit the tone and backing instruments. I still prefer the Fun Boy Three version of “Our Lips are Sealed” but I think is the more successful version. Bunch of great songs on here. 9/10
Não conheço. Gostei do título e da capa Sonoridade excelente. Muito gostoso de ouvir, ouvi inteiro sem nenhum esforço. Com certeza vou ouvir novamente.
love the Go-Go's although they sound kind of cheesy these days. Belinda Carlisle is always fun and carries the vocals well.
"widely considered the most successful all-female rock band of all time" - strong for them, although it makes one consider the disparities in the constitutions of successful rock bands. Nonetheless we recognize their groundbreaking initiative.
Exceeded my expectations. Definitively 80s
More than just the hits.
Primera escucha de esta banda. La voz me recuerda a Kathleen Hanna, con sonidos más Blondies, más The B-52's. Banda subidora de energías, bailable. Buenísimo primer trabajo. Muy sólido en la música y en las voces.
Obviously recognized a couple songs. Overall not terrible, but seemed a bit dated.
Een simpel, fun pop-rock album. Het is een beetje jammer dat deze meteen na het Blondie album komt, ik denk dat ik m anders meer had gewaardeerd. Nu vind ik het nog steeds een vermakelijk album, maar niet heel veel meer dan dat. Het is leuk, het is vermakelijk, de muziek is vrolijk en er staan een paar hits op. Gewoon een lekker album, het hoeft niet altijd heel veel meer te zijn! FAVO: Our lips are sealed, Lust to love, We got the beat, Fading Fast
ti trasporta direttamente nel magico mondo degli anni 80 e vabbè le vibes dance mi gasano troppo
Sempre avuto un debole per Belinda, fossi nato in quegli anni mi sarei sicuramente innamorato perso di lei. P.s. lei è più famosa da solista (Heaven is a place on earth)
Ok, carino, dai. Le girls mi stanno simpatiche.
Speravo davvero mi parlasse di più perché ci sono così poche donne nella lista, ma ahimè. Comunque mi fa troppo ridere che la loro descrizione su spotify sia “saranno anche state donne ma si drogavano tanto quanto i rocker uomini”
Rather excellent for a debut album.
unlistenable bubblegum trite. a body composed seemingly as a vehicle to justify the perfectly sandwiched we got the beat, which itself is washed out by the soulless homogeneity of each song.
Aahhh, it's just fun and energetic pop New Wave. "Bops," as the kids these days might put it. It's really not any more complicated than that. Sure, I can understand why people might find their voices annoying or grating, but if you don't crazy when "We Got The Beat" starts... Well, I don't even know what to tell yah.
Kinda standard new wave for the most part, but Our Lips Are Sealed and We Got The Beat do bump it up in the rating.
That’s a super fun 4. Ultimately, I think it just suffers from being a little too same-y and a little too repetitive to justify a 5 off a first listen, but this is an album made for car rides, concerts, and good times; repetition should be damned with this one. It’s got good vocals that are occasionally reminiscent of David Byrne and Talking Heads, great instrumentation that feels very R.E.M.-esque at times, and ultimately, the vibes are just overwhelmingly fun. I feel good with giving this one a 4; it could bump up to a 5 if some of the other songs just hit right, but the whole album is a treat to listen to.
I don't know why, but this album feels like summer
Ponderous 80s bubblegum pop dross.
Quite the debut and a milestone in terms of gender, playing and writing. Short and sweet 3 minute pop songs, including the fabulous "Our lips are sealed" (worthy of stars in its own right), built according to a decidedly punk ethos. Not sure The Go-Gos have truly been given the credit they deserve.
I love Cecile. Fun, poppy new wave.
This album is quite good. It's better than the last album I reviewed. "Lust to Love" is my favourite off "Beauty and the Beat". The album maintained its quality from start to finish. The Go-Go's were ahead of their time when this came out. 4 stars for this album.
This was good, I liked it. More than just one hit.
It’s upbeat and fun! It kinda sounds like how Phoebe Buffay thinks she sounds like. I don’t think I’d listen to this unprompted.
Up beat, fun
Nice and jangly and 80s. Loved the drums! I’ve only ever listened to their singles so it was good to learn their music is solid beyond those.
Blind album, know the artist and the hits. I totally hear the Sex Pistols influence when I read that they met at one of their shows. Super cool. The album was a fantastic listen, but the 2nd half let off the gas a little so unfortunately not a 5.
Great musicians need more like them.
Positiv overraskelse! Our Lips Are Sealed var i ret høj rotation på mine 80'er playlister i gymnasiet, men har aldrig hørt albummet. Catchy poprock med new wave og Phil Spector-girlbands-inspirationer! Lige noget for mig! stor 3'er!
Kom med ret lave forventninger, men havde det sjovt! Super catchy!
God kvindergy!
Good album, but their sounds all sound similar. High 3
It's good but too 80s sounding.
good fun pop
Average pop from the 80s. Ok but nothing more.
Mediocre.
I admit they are not normally in my wheelhouse but you can’t go wrong with the Go-Go’s, super catchy, poppy fun. This album is solid start to finish.
It’s fine? Production sounded good for the early 80s. Music is catchy enough - reminded me of the B-52s and early REM with the guitar sound and the surf inspired solos/flourishes. None of the lyrics really grabbed my attention. Overall, it’s similar to the ABBA album Arrival. It’s not bad, wouldn’t mind if these songs came up on shuffle, but I won’t be searching this one out for repeat listening.
I had never listened to an album all the way through from the Go-Go's before today. I had certainly heard "Our Lips Are Sealed" and "We Got the Beat" before and those were certainly a fine listen and were highlights on the album but I think the songs that stuck out for me were "Tonite" and "You Can't Walk in You Sleep (If You Can't Sleep)" as they had a little more depth to me and weren't quite as "poppy". I would think the Go-Go's must have a been a really fun live show!
Go-Gos were a great punk/new-wave band out of LA. This was a huge breakout for them, and they became the Queens of Pop. Belinda was and is a star. Glad they're still somewhat together.
Such a goddang good time! Love the Go-Go's. Never listened to the whole thing but this album rocks!
Fun, pure fun.
Textbook how to have fun with writing an album
This album has no skips? The vocal quality of the singer is enchanting and the songs are catchy and upbeat. Even the songs that aren't as pop centric are still engaging and entertaining to listen to. Reminiscent of surf rock that would become popular in the 2010s.
I never really got into the Go-Go's. I knew their radio hits and didn't mind them but wasn't really interested in them beyond that. After getting more into post-punk over the last year, I think I'm able to appreciate this album a lot more than I otherwise would have. It's definitely on the poppier side of things, but there are clear post-punk influences all over this album. A lot of it sounds like Three Imaginary Boys-era The Cure mixed with surf rock. "How Much More" sounds influenced by New Order, and "Lust for Love" and "Automatic" have a clear Siouxsie and the Banshees influence (and that guitar solo on the former is very Robert Smith). They kind of feel like a more radio friendly version of All About Eve. This album is pretty fun. It's got good musicianship and vocals, with really good harmonies. A lot of the songs do start to sound the same, but I think some of that is just par for the genre. 4/5 - I'd probably give it a 4.5 if I could. It's not quite perfect, but it's close, and it's a lot of fun. For a debut album, it's pretty impressive. And it's nice to see an all-female band on the list.
Eu gostei mto, mulheres no comando Ouvi o álbum 2x e ainda ouvi músicas delas. Meu fav até agora
Massa
It's good. Easy listen, I love my lips are sealed and the Terry hall background, ended up having a Fun boy Three listen afterwards and it was very nice, it's nice to listen to a sing and really know what it's about. I really like tonight, this town and fading fast, though not enough for any of them to get a like. It was nice easy listening and has been added to the library however.
3 - For me, the obvious stand out is Our Lips Are Sealed, with We Got The Beat still being a classic, but lesser in my opinion. The rest kinda just feels like filler, but I was surprised by the sound that Automatic brought to the album. Those hits are carrying this rating, and Automatic solidifies it as a three.
Here we go go again.
I got this for my 11th birthday, it was the first record I got that wasn’t for the family. I loved this one, probably listened to it 200 times. A cool all girl band was so empowering for an 11 year old girl who played the drums. Its still a great record.
Bit of 80s fun. Few choons I knew.
In my eyes, this album has only two flaws: 1. Choosing to name a song “Skidmarks On My Heart.” (Even though it’s one of my favorite songs here.) 2. Not being able to time travel and including “Vacation,” which I now know is unfortunately on their second album. If it had been on here, though, I’d have rated this 6 stars. I just adore bratty cheerleader punk, and Beauty and the Beat is the blueprint for that entire aesthetic. Crazy that I haven’t heard this before. New favorite album, and a perfect Warm Weather Record™️.
I didn't expect this sound!
Early girlpop
This was fun
Favourite: You Can’t Walk in Your Sleep (If You Can’t Sleep)
very enjoyable fav = lust to love
Didn’t know what to expect. I kind of thought they were pop, but this is rock! I love female singing voices and the music is super fun. Great album.
Curious, specific and really satisfying vocal melodies that float around the classic new wave jangle-y guitars. A whole bunch of very enjoyable songs.
sounds thin. beats are straight ahead. vocals layered and nuanced.
A fun album that is worth more than the two hits off it. There were a few less played songs that I will definitely return for
Love the Go-Go’s but I’ve always hated we got the beat
This was a really good album and I really enjoyed it.
This is very much my era, and although I wouldn't have listened to it at the time there's enough that's familiar about the new wave sound to make me smile. And to enjoy the record. Yeah it's pretty straight down the line. There's nothing musically that innovative here - even for the time. But it's enjoyable.
I enjoyed it but track quality is variable. Skid marks on my heart is a jam
Standout-You Cant Walk In Your Sleep
Неожиданно норм. Альбом сдает к концу, но в целом слушается это все приятно. Лучшая песня - How Much More.
The Go-Go's are just fun to listen to.
Who knew that the rest of the album is actually BETTER than “We Got The Beat?” The more you know!
Not my jive, has a great beat and a couple iconic songs but overall I don’t think I’d use it for self enjoyment.
After listening to Beauty And The Beat, I gotta say, i was really surprised with how good this album turned out to be. The songs felt very catchy and fun and the singing was good and never really got annoying for me. The songs may have had a bit of a samey feel to them but none of them were bad since they all kept the vibe i liked about this album. This is definitely a great 80s new wave album that anyone who loves that style can easily get into. Best Song: Our Lips Are Sealed Worst Song: Tonite
This album was pretty cool, although I feel like I have far less of an idea of what New Wave music is than I did a couple of years ago. Still, regardless of the genre, the harmonies are great, and they have very fun songs. The album flew by really fast, and I was kinda sad when it was done 4/5
Classic Album and can be considered a one hit wonder album. 4 stars Helps that my wife was singing the beat last weekend...
I know "Our Lips are Sealed" so well through Nouvelle Vague cover albums, and I love hearing their original forms.
Iconic high energy 80s sound. I like the bright, energetic punk vibe but vocals can get a bit annoying. Their hits (Our Lips are Sealed, We've Got the Beat) are good, but I've heard them so many times in movies, on the radio, and on every 1980s playlist that they've become a bit stale. Did like Automatic and You Can't Walk in Your Sleep (If You Can't Sleep). "Can't stop the world, so why let it stop you" 2/5
Fun album. Reminds of the 80’s fun music and when MTV played music videos.
Cause ALLLLLLL I neeeeeed, is a beauty and a beeeaaaaaat This album is sweet, tight, punchy, and fun. I can see this having inspired all sorts of projects and genres that came after it, everything from Sleater-Kinney to No Doubt.
Surprisingly very enjoyable. They are very consistent tracks, probably not too technical but very tight and high energy. Probably what I would have aspired to when I was still in a band. Classic New Wave in a good way.
This was a really fun album. I liked it.
It’s pretty rare to find an all-female band, especially on this list. And it’s unfortunately even more rare to find an all-female band that found real success. And yet, even when they do, I can go my entire life without ever hearing of them. Case in point with the Go-Go’s. We Got the Beat sounds vaguely familiar so maybe I’ve heard their music before, but the band itself was totally new to me. And here I am learning this is the most successful all-female band ever? And that this was one of the most successful debut records ever on release? Shows how little I really know. This is also labeled as a very foundational record in the history of American new wave music. And I can definitely hear it. It came out early on in the decade, and just about every good aspect of the genre can be found here. Also what was it with these punk sub genre bands having really great drummers back in the day? Joy Division was the same way. This is a short and sweet debut album that makes the most of the brief time it lasts. And these ladies knew how to write catchy and fun pop hits. It’s always a good feeling finding a really strong group of female songwriters. Because nowadays, and maybe even more so back then, they are few and far between. Rating: 7/10
boring punk
A very fun album from a very specific era.
catchy as hell
Just irresistible. Those backing vocals have a soothing effect behind the spikiness that is their hallmark.
probably my favorite album from the 80s that I have listened to as part of this project. We got the beat! 3.5/5
This was really awesome! Enjoyed it a lot.
I had a really great time listening to this one, what a little boogie
A very surprising listen. Good 4/5
At least two iconic songs in this one, mainly from commercials. A fun, high energy album. 4* Highlights: our lips are sealed, we got the beat
On the whole it’s forgettable songs. That said, it’s dated well. 3.25/5
1. our lipz are zealed - 1 2. houu much more - 1 3. tonight - 1.5 4. luzt to love - 1.5 5. thiz touun - 1 6. uue got the beat - 1.5 7. fading fazt - 1.5 8. automatic - 1 9. you cant uualk - 0 10. zkidmarkz - 1 11. ztop the uuorld - 0
Not epic, still beautiful
Fun girl band out of the 90’s. Made it big with a couple of good songs.
This was pretty good. i preferred the foret half of the album.
Love this pop-punk gem
I like the Go Go's never really listened to them before though. Just what ever was played on the radio. 4 stars.
Great album. Full of energy. Uplifting and easy to listen to.
Takie w tle do posłuchania popik 3/5
What do you get when you take an awesome post-punk all female band that crosses over to the pop charts with an album with monster singles that change the direction of pop music? Yeah, other than Banarama no early 80s female group could do this. 4/5
Infectious fun, and it brought a lot more women out on the New Wave dance floor
Bit of a struggle. Sacked of half way
Absolutely not my style
INXS opened for them on this tour
💖 we got the beat 🗣️ 8️⃣
This was a blast to listen to! I didn’t thing I knew The Go-Go’s but it turns out a handful of the songs I was familiar with. From top to bottom this is all killer stuff. Can’t wait to dive in again. 5/5
This feels like ABBA meets Surfing Bird. And I was ok with this.
i've wanted to listen to this one for years and have never gotten around to it. i can safely say now that it's sort of exactly how i expected it. no surprises here. really fun, catchy tunes with a surf rock edge to them. there were some fun moments on here that i didn't expect, some really cool non-standard chord changes and some cool time signature moments, but overall, nothing that super blew me away. it still was a lot of fun. good stuff!
Go-Go's - Beauty and the Beat Debut album by the Go-Go's. Released in July of 1981 and reached number on Billboard's Top LP's & Tape charts in March of 1982. Biggest hits: Our lips are Sealed and We Got the Beat One of my favorite bands from the 80s and the starting point for one Belinda Carlisle and Bill & Ted's own Joan of Arc, Jane Wiedlin. True rock band from the 80s. 5/5
Indicative of the era that it’s from. A very fun album.
There are a couple really good ones here. Most of it didn't grab me though.
Pretty good album. Really enjoyed it, hard for me to go past 3/5 though.
Decent jangle pop that barely treads above water. Wasn't a fan of the first two tracks, but Tonite and Lust to Love have some pretty solid hooks that locked me in for the rest of the record. Not going back to it but not mad I gave it a shot.
For some reason I've never heard of these. The album starts with so much promise, with catchy and upbeat songs.... Then after track 4 it becomes a drag as they really slow the pace down. It ends better though. I also didn't know this is the band that launched Belinda Carlisle sooo
About as perfect as pop gets! I listened to this album on vinyl so much during the pandemic!
Not terrible, just not that interesting and kinda forgettable
Couple hits, nice blend. Very 80’s.
I found this album surprisingly good. I was engaged the entire listen and it brightened my day. I really needed it.
It was fun, but nothing amazing. Go-Go's will always be super catchy.
4 really good album. Just put me in good mood. Kinda like pop punk meets new-wave
One of the BEST 80s LPs!
Great but I still like fun boy three's version of our lips are sealed
Post punk girl band with all the ingredients. This album should be a 'must listen' just for the song "Our Lips are Sealed'. Almost a perfect pop song.
Our Lips are Sealed is such an anthem!
Eh. Even we got the beat isn't a song I really like. Vacation is a good one but it's not on this album. The lead singer actually reminds of Carrie Brownstein from Sleater-Kinney. I know this is a subjective review as there is nothing on face value wrong with the band but the songs are just kind of boring to me. I'm sure they're a fun show/good band but not my favorite new wave band.
Nunca había escuchado algo de esta banda y no soy muy fan del new wave, así que no encontré este álbum particularmente disfrutable. Quizás en su época haya sido transgresor, lo que le añadiría a su calidad de "clásico de nuestra época", según otros comentaristas que lo califican así. La música es energética y animada, como se espera del género, los instrumentos están bien tocados y los estribillos son pegajosos. Algunos pasajes remiten constantemente a otras cosas que he escuchado antes de los B-52's. La mezcla es agradable y funciona bien con mis monitores de escritorio. Los bajos están balanceados y los agudos no son demasiado estridentes. La tarola es prominente, pero no llega a ser desagradable. El único tema que encontré sorprendente durante mi primera escucha ha sido "Automatic" que tiene una vibra más sombría por cómo juega con los silencios y el arpegio que sirve de base para toda la canción. El álbum se sostiene bien pasan los temas, y podría decir que incluso mejora hacia el final. Tanto las letras como la música no exigen demasiado intelectualmente, lo que hace de este álbum un buen álbum para escuchar mientras se realiza alguna otra actividad.
Good new wave album, pretty strong songs throughout
Diving into "Beauty and the Beat" by The Go-Go's was like expecting a fizzy pop soda and getting a craft cocktail instead—surprising, with an unexpected kick. Sure, the hits "Our Lips Are Sealed" and "We Got the Beat" are the glossy, front-of-house attractions, but it's in the dimly lit backroom where the album really mixes its magic. Tracks like "Lust to Love" and "This Town" strut with a punk-infused confidence that whispers, "Yeah, we can rock out, but we choose to bop." Discovering The Go-Go's punk roots was like finding out your favorite librarian used to be in a biker gang—shocking, yet it explains the edge behind those glasses. This album teases with that edge, offering glimpses of a grittier past that makes the pop sheen all the more intriguing. In all, "Beauty and the Beat" is an enjoyable jaunt through a pop soundscape dotted with punk pebbles. While I appreciate the craftsmanship and the history, it's not quite the album I'd have on repeat. It's like a fun first date that doesn't quite lead to a second—you're glad for the experience, but you're not rushing to relive it. Solid 3 stars for an album that dances confidently in its contradictions, even if it doesn't entirely sweep me off my feet.
Is this where American Pop-Punk comes from? It leans a little more towards the Pop side than the acts that would pop up in the mainstream with this sound in the next decade, but everything’s there; the unpolished vocals, the surf-inspired leads. Take the riff to Lust To Love, it could totally be a prototype to various Offspring riffs, The Kids Aren’t Alright comes immediately to mind. It’s a shame that The Go-Go’s didn’t seem to follow through on the promise of Beaty and the Beat, and that their influence didn’t seem to last in the mainstream, because as much as I enjoy the album, it is unpolished, the songwriting could do with a little push to be truly great. Imagine what a Led Zep II level follow-up could have done for female-lead Rock music in the 80’s. But then there’s no point speculating, and what we have in Beauty and the Beat is a fun and infectious little New Wave masterpiece
Solides Musikalbum, was einen in die 1980iger zurückholt. Auch heute noch stimmige Radiomusik.
Finally, something that isn't British MEN. #womenpower #californiagirls. Unrelated, when I saw the album title I immediately thought Justin Beiber. Favourites: our lips are sealed, tonite, and we got the beat. 4/5 because its not British men and the songs were all pretty good
Day 13 without a female band. I had almost forgotten what women sounded like. Lots of fun, good vibes and I liked the singing. Not a super coherent album IMO, but still good (especially after the white man arc). Favourites: Fading Fast, Can't Stop The World. 4/5
I think the generator was listening to me because we finally got something that isn't British rock! This album was great, I loved the vibes and all songs were very pleasant to listen to. Favourites were Our Lips Are Sealed, How Much More, Tonite, Lust To Love, This Town, Fading Fast (!), Automatic, and You Can't Walk In Your Sleep (basically majority of the album). Pretty great album to end the week on, this was at least a high 4 for sure "Despite becoming America's darlings, the Go-Go's lived the wild life of rockers, swallowing as many pills and taking as much cocaine as possible, trashing hotel rooms, and just generally being bad." Yay women
Pretty good
What a great pop album, bangers front to back
I enjoyed this. I was a little unclear as to how to describe the genre, but it was still good. I probably won’t relisten to this album too much. I think there was some Cyndi Lauper inspiration here but maybe a bit more rock.
The only thing I knew about The Go-Go's before listening was "We Got The Beat," which rips harder than I remember. I think I'd only heard shitty covers of it as a kid. This is a solid album, I'd venture to call it proto-pop punk. I can hear this thing's fingerprints on Riot Grrl bands like Sleater Kinney and Last Import. It's lean and catchy and performed well. I feel like I'd enjoy it more upon revisiting, even. Highlights: Our Lips Are Sealed, Lust To Love, We Got The Beat
The Go-Go’s debut album came out the summer before my senior your in college, and made quite a splash. I had the 45 of “Our Lips Are Sealed”, and at least 1/2 the album got regular play around campus. But this isn’t deep and meaningful stuff. It’s power pop / early 80’s new wave. Just plain fun. The “all girl band” thing was a big marketing point at the time. And I can see where some folks would be attracted to that. But for me, I just appreciated the music, and I was big on the whole genre. Solid pop-rock songs, all competently played and produced. It’s got the hooks, it’s got a great sound, good clean fun. The whole first side is great, and side 2 picks up solidly with “We Got The Beat”. But it falls off a bit after that, but still worthy. A great disc to have play in the summer of your youth, or when you want to relieve those happy days. 4/5
Expected the hits to be the only good thing about this album, but was surprised by how much I liked the rest of it. Helped that the lyrics seemed more derisive and sardonic than the rest of the sound.
March 24, 2024 HL: The 2 big hits (u know the ones), “Automatic”, “This Town”, “You Can’t Walk in Your Sleep”, & “Tonite” New wave classic
Sondly good.
La new wave estadounidense inicia con el álbum de debut de las Go-Go's la era del pop elegante, brillante y jovial al otro lado del Atlántico. El primer tema del disco, el bailable "Our Lips Are Sealed", ya fue un gran éxito como sencillo, y cabe destacar en la misma línea el exuberante "We Got the Beat", un chorro de optimismo efeverscente. Pop alegre y pegadizo que personalmente me gusta en especial en canciones como "Lust to Love o "How Much More".
Fun album. Definitely want to cover Fading Fast
Rating: 7/10. Solid, in rotation for genre. Might recommend, probably won't. Genre: Rock Energetic. I know "We Got The Beat." Consistent energy and song quality.
Beauty And The Beat is a fun 80s new wave/girl punk album. There are some highlights, but it also somehow feels a little forgettable outside of key songs like "We Got The Beat" and "This Town". Best Songs: Our Lips Are Sealed, This Town, We Got The Beat, You Can't Walk In Your Sleep Worst Songs: Lust To Love, Skidmarks On My Heart
Our Lips Are Sealed is a certified banger but the rest of the album leaves a lot to be desired.
Some decent production and music in it but suffers from being very 1 paced. 2.5.
Really uninteresting
Not my cup of tea , outwith the hits
a really cool (debut!) album by some really cool women. loved it
Fun 80’s tunes
Poppy 80’s album
Their voices are kinda annoying, but I liked it
Bouncy 80's girl rock.
Such an amazing album
This is called new wave but it's really bubblegum pop.
This wasn’t bad but Im not that into the go gos.
Great band, great album. Definitive girls band of the 80s. Love it. It's really a 4+ not *quite* a 5.
Better than I was expecting.
#157. I was worried this album was going to be annoying, but it wasn't that bad. Very upbeat poppy new wave kind of thing, pretty decent for the most part. 3/5: fun Song added to playlist: Our Lips Are Sealed I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
This album is a nostalgia trip for me. It takes me back to playing Little League. This might be the 1st time I've listened to this album all the way through.
Quite good.
Upbeat, fun, delish!
The whole album is a vibe, bop after bop. The Go-Gos have such an immediately identifiable sound, which I love, but it's a tad one-note (to my ears at least) after long enough
Like a middle aged music critic I found myself nostalgic for guitar driven pop music. All the songs are kind of the same and various degrees of catchiness. Our lips are sealed holds up
4.2 I had to take my time on this one and give it a few more listens. I though it was great initially and still do. This Town could have been an absolute burner but the chorus is a bit repetitive,
Fun album.
This is pure 80's perfection.
Not bad
Enjoyable. Would definitely listen again.
MIldly entertaining but ultimately forgettable.
It feels excessively mean giving this album 3 stars, because it's anything but mediocre. I didn't think I would ever be in a situation where I was awarding 4 stars to an all-girl pop-punk band, but here we are. I was vaguely aware of the Go Go's, but hadn't actually heard any of their material before, or even realised that their lead singer was Belinda Carlisle. I recognised "Our Lips are Sealed", but only by the lyrics. A little research showed that this was a song co-written with Terry Hall, which helped to explain how I had heard a different version.
Take me back to my teen years! Excellent album
A pretty homogeneous new wave album with some frankly ridiculous lyrics. It is quite fun though, not too bad at all, just if you’ve heard We’ve Got the Beat you’ve basically heard the whole thing
meh again
Fun listening in the background, but nothing to really bite my teeth into.
I’m surprised that there isn’t a lot of cheese here, just a really solid album. The new wave sound can get repetitive after a bit, but this is still a fun and cute record to listen to. Cool!
Grupo de Belinda Carlise.
Now this is how you do an '80s pop masterpiece. Vocals that are actually good. Melodies that are actually catchy. Instrumentation that has character - I love the surf rock overtones in it. Most of all, I love how they don't take themselves too seriously. One of the most charming surprises I had from this list.
The best songs on the album are the ones that WERE NOT the hits on the radio. Great album.
Very impressed
80's new wave pop. I knew about the Go-Go's and have heard this album before. It's pretty well-crafted pop - solid up-tempo beat, catchy melodies, traditional pop themes. I like their sound and applaud them for being a self-directed all-girl band in a rock'n'roll world dominated by men, but I don't think they stand out from the general pop background for any other reason.
Best album so far. Every song was good and 2 or 3 classics
I'm not familiar with this album at all. Excited for something really new. Definitely in my wheelhouse, 80s pop is really great. Wow, okay, I recognize some of these hits, and I really love some of these tracks. Songs I like but didn't know it was them: "Our Lips Are Sealed", "We Got the Beat". Definitely an album and band I will be revisiting. A few down moments that didn't quite hold my attention, but overall a fun listen! 3/5
Our lips are sealed is one of the greatest singles. The rest is fine. Not awful. Just not as brilliant as ‘lips’.
I needed this after crosby stills and nash - fun pop light antidote. fun candy floss. some fun but nothing stunning - nice to hear Belinda Carlisles voice on a few.... how is this essential listening. to document the pop of the era, the first big girl band in a while? does that mean Bananarama will be here too?
I’ve always been a big fan of girl groups. I loved the two hit singles off this album. I actually thought the album was a bit limp at the time, but, on reflection, it sounds okay. Interesting the Belinda Carlisle only has one co-writing credit on the album. Also interesting that The Specials’ Terry Hall co-wrote Our Lips Are Sealed (better known these daze as Alex The Seal). He and Weidlin were an item at the time they wrote it. (Hall sadly died of pancreatic cancer in 2022). It is one of the 80’s great pop anthems. We Got The Beat was an even more successful single & it certainly was different in style to the other - it was rockier I guess. I enjoyed listening to the rest of the album, but nothing jumped out at me like the two songs this band will always be remembered for.
I guess I bought into the mainstream view that this album was two great singles and filler. But I don't recall that I ever sat down and listened to the whole thing through. So today I did, three times in a row. First time through I thought "this is pretty good", second time "this is really good", third time "I'm loving this." It's energetic pop, played with verve and enthusiasm, with good melodies and harmonies, and you can certainly dance to it (which is always a big tick in my book). Lots of hooks, upbeat and a fun attitude. The singles are really, really great. When I DJ parties, Our Lips Are Sealed is a pretty great way to get women out on the dance floor. And once they are out on the floor, they tend to keep dancing. Women dancing are the life and soul of any party, and they love this track. It's got that mixture of pop, girl group, surf, and a little bit punk inspired that became the template for lots of bands over the next decade (especially female fronted bands). An obvious example from my home town (Sydney) are the Skolars, but I'm sure I could name a bunch more local acts if I tried. The Go Go's secret weapon on this record is Kathy Valentine, whose bass playing really anchors the songs. And she wrote Can't Stop the World, which is a pretty great song. Look, I'm generally a bit tired of Dimery's male-centric list. It is refreshing to hear a bunch of women tearing it up, so I'm giving this 3.5 stars, rounding up.
Never really did the Go-Go's, but one has to admit there are some songs here that are just now part of the cultural psyche. Good hooks. Legendary bandmates.
divertide, una all-female band!! pensaba que la unica mujer en el new wave era la de blondie
Wow. Pop-rock ochentero de mujeres!!! y Belinda Carlisle! No tenía idea gracias 1001 álbumes
They were a pretty good pop band, when the all girl stuff was popular. Their music appealed to 70s teens.
Loved the Go-Go's!
not bad but still kinda boring
Fun
It's like some kind of new wave or something! A lot of really good classic power pop songs from one of the greatest bands to ever do it. Like all of the songs were good but a few were definitely weaker than the others. I had a good time listening to this album, but the sound got a little old by the end. Classic for sure. Might revisit eventually.
Insignificante
Never heared of them before. Somehow the sound reminds me on "The Bangles" which I like. Musically a blast. Fun to listen to although the vocals are not my favorite. A tricky 3,5-stars-rating turned into a 4 by the cover-artwork.
Lots of great 80s sound. Much more than the hits you knew.
meh
I did not expect to recognize half of the album. They have so many iconic songs!
Better than I remember
Not my jam
Not much to say about this.
Fantastic....really the best of the Go-Go's!
2/5. A whole album of songs that sounds like we got the beat is too much for me.
Fun, catchy, punky little album. Much more rockin' than their biggest hits would suggest. Standout songs: How Much More, Tonite, This Town
So jolly, love it!
Certainly held my attention but I hoped for a little bit more variety.
A fun burst of energetic, guitar driven new wave era punk with a healthy dose of pop sensibility. I rather enjoyed the more frenetic songs and some tastefully executed guitar interplay.
80s girly pop. Straight up my alley, I was singing along.
An enjoyable album to listen to