Reviews (page 5 of 14)
7/10 On my first listen of this, I was almost ready to write it off as something a bit lightweight and lacking in substance, but on listening to it a second time, there is actually a lot more quality at play than one would initially assume. There’s some really interesting songwriting across the album, with plenty of structural variation, instrumental breakdowns, and even a little bit of fun with time signatures at one point. But it’s all presented with this bubble-gum pop-rock sheen that gives it a more mainstream friendly tone. I can hear big punk rock echoes across the album, and quite a few of these tracks wouldn’t have sounded out of place on a Ramones record if they had a bit more grit to the production. It’s all pretty good stuff. I suspect there are a whole bunch of bands that have been influenced by The Go-Go’s, from the Madonna and The B-52’s to Green Day and No Doubt. I’d probably almost call this proto-pop-punk in the way it takes a lot of the structure and energy of punk and twists it with a softer, more user-friendly aesthetic. I would prefer there to be a little more grit to this, as well as a little more prominence of the low end, particularly as some of the bass lines are great, but lacking a bit of body, which would really elevate it to my ears, but it’s still pretty bloody good and interesting for a record from 1981. There are a couple of lulls in places, but overall, it’s got a lot more quality than one might think, it’s really great fun, and fells like a genuine gateway album to what was to follow. Our Lips Are Sealed - This is a decent little pop-rock song. It’s got a good, chugging backbeat that gives it good drive, and there’s a good bounce to things. It doesn’t quite deliver on the hook that I was looking for, but it’s a decent little opener. How Much More - This has got great pace and a really good pop riff. It doesn’t do anything vastly interesting, but it’s a chirpy little track that does everything it sets out to. I bet this kind of thing is great fun live, there’s just so much pep to it that it’s almost impossible not to move to it. Tonite - This is a lot like an old school punk song, but presented as a girl group pop song. Yeah, it looses a bit of the grit because of that, but it also gives it an extra sheen of production and bounce that makes it interesting. Good fun. Lust To Love - The tempo for this compared to the previous tracks makes it drag a little bit. The sparse vocal led section in the middle is great though, and I do like the way the backing vocals play around the lead. This Town - Ooooh. Chuck in a bar of two why don’t you? Fantastic to hear in a pop record. This is really good. There are a lot of ideas and it never hangs around. I can’t help but wish for a little bit more grit and weight to it, but the songwriting is really fantastic. We Got The Beat - This is also good, but I fell like it could do with being a tad faster and it would be great. There’s a bit less variation to this and it leans a bit more on the surf rock motifs, but it’s not bad at all. Fading Fast - This is a bit more pedestrian. It’s just a bit more by the numbers and it doesn’t manage to land on a particularly satisfying hook. It just doesn’t quite have the substance or musical invention of some of the other tracks. Drags on a bit much too Automatic - This is a bit plodding, but there is some sonic interest in there. While I’m not a massive fan of the track, I do appreciate the attempt to do something a bit different, it just doesn’t quite connect with me. You Can’t Walk In Your Sleep (If You Can’t Sleep) - Back to something with a bit more drive to it. I like the bass line and it’s super bouncy. It’s also pretty silly, but in a really good way. There’s actually quite a bit more nuance and quality to the songwriting than one would necessarily credit it for, and it’s another one that I can’t help but move to. It’s just good fun. Skidmarks On My Heart - More good fun. It’s got a good chorus, it’s got some interesting breakdown sections and it’s got that toe-tapping pace that they seem so good at. Another great slice of fun. Can’t Stop The World - Another chirpy, punky pop number. The way the verses chug along, building up to a song-along chorus is pretty good. It’s not the most musically inventive song, but it’s more fun and another toe-tapper.
Had a very upbeat vibe but some very similar songs. Still enjoyed as a whole though. Good album cover too. Specific rating - 3.8 Fav song- we got the beat Least fav- can’t stop the world
Very fun, perfect vibe of music to put on while you're cleaning up- less helpful for editing a paper. Some of the songs were a bit similar but I never found myself getting bored of the album. Favourite song: You Can't Walk In Your Sleep (If You Can't Sleep) Least: Fading Fast
Still sounds fun, original and not dated.
Loved it, was not expecting so much dad rock. Album hit banger after banger at the start, i felt the middle of the album didn't have quite the same highs, but ended with a bang, Can't Stop the World was an awesome song. can't believe this came out two years before R.E.M's Murmer.
Fun, poppy and the perfect length so there's no chance of it wearing out its welcome.
que DIVAS. e ainda deram uma carreira pra hilary duff (eu amo o cover).
This is pretty much everything I want in an album. Tightly written upbeat pop/punk with a natural sounding recording. Short, sweet, and kick-ass fun.
Very fun
If this is new wave, maybe I don’t hate new wave as much as I thought.
7/10 punk without grievance is weird, but I like it. 8-8-2025
Instrumentals are very happy. Lyrics r pretty basic. But would listen again and especially as a pick me up or during the summer/ roadtrip!
Ten times more listenable than the previous album on this list, Madonna’s 7th album. Yes, its simple, refreshing, straightforward pop but not at all pretentious of over produced. I wouldn't listen to it again, not being 22 anymore ( the age I was when it was released) but yes, 4
Fun and interesting pop punk. The first half is great and it fades slightly on the second.
This is so much fun. Sometimes pop sometimes new wave but with the infectious spirit of punk in the song writing style. One to consider buying on vinyl. Very enjoyable 4/5
I’ve been searching for an album like this for ages. The musical diet I am fed by “the agreed canon” is very male focused, so its refreshing to get such a single heavy, uplifting new wave record that is also feminine. It’s astonishing that Beauty and the Beat is from 1981 as it sounds like acts that come from well after them. You have jangle pop guitars that I’d associate with acts from the mid-80s; harsher post-punk moments which add a nice bite to a wholesome overall production. Then, the thing that shines through this is the highly charged, overbright, overbold power pop which harkens back to the soul girl groups of a couple of decades earlier. It makes me feel so positive. I am looking forward to getting to know The Go-Go’s better!
Solid 4 and a great find!
Fun album. Would have probably had a bigger impact at the time. In retrospect, I can see how important it was for those that followed. We Got The Beat is probably my favourite track
An iconic band that helped create the sons of the 80’s. It’s a fun album and that’s all it was ever meant to be.
Shockingly enjoyed this more than I should have, poppy, pinky with some great hooks and beats.
Fun, upbeat, punchy 80s girl band - highly enjoyed! There were a few songs that were a bit redundant, which was common back then.
Great album.
1981 classic - brings back great memories of junior high and Skateland in Bismarck, ND. Also have always loved Belinda Carlisle's voice and the skill of the rest of the band.
sehr cool so zum hören im zug, gemütlich aber trotzdem belebt
Just an unpretentious fun album. Knew several of the tracks.
Great sound from the first all girl band. Loved it.
Classic
Aye, the 5 star rating system strikes again. This grew on me over a few listens, and I got used to Belinda Carlisle’s voice which was a bit irritating at first. Some nice punchy wee tunes on here which I enjoyed but don’t find particularly memorable. 3.5
Albums like this are why I keep going (almost 600 in). 100% unexpected. Solid 4 stars.
Rating this one higher for its influence more than for my personal enjoyment of it. Overall I felt a little lost realizing I had moved to the next track, but it was fun, and almost campy in sound. The bops went-went hard and those I cranked up the volume. It’s so 80s, but this soon into the decade, the Go-Gos are iconic
Rating higher for its influence. Know some of these songs through their covers more than the originals (Hilary Duff’s Our Lips Are Sealed for example, lol), so don’t have as much nostalgia for these. We Got The Beat is amazing, but can’t give 5 stars when Skidmarks On My Heart exists (horrible).
Surprisingly goes harder than I thought it would, it's not entirely bubblegum. Sort of proto-pop-punk and overall enjoyable. More nuance than I anticipated
This is pure fun. The lyrics might not stand out, but the energy and sound are fantastic. Catchy, upbeat, and just a blast to listen to from start to finish.
Actually pretty good
Fantastic 80's pop! So many hits on that album, a fun listen
Surprisingly good
Starts with a bang, but not as exciting from there. Still, it's enjoyable and I did quite like Skidmarks On My Heart...I will listen to this occasionally for the remainder of my years. No doubt
would be an easy 5 if Vacation was on this album too
"Beauty and the Beat" is the debut album by California new wave band the Go-Go's. New wave, pop rock, post-punk and surf rock are the Wiki-listed genres. Yeah, I don't know about the surf rock but everything else fits. The album was critically acclaimed and noted as one of the cornerstones of American new wave. The bandmembers included Belinda Carlisle (lead vocals), Charlotte Caffey (lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), Gina Schock (drums), Kathy Valentine (bass, backing vocals) and Jane Wiedlin (rhythm guitar, backing vocals). The album reached #1 in the US and stayed there for six weeks. Jane Wieldlin and the Specials' and Fun Boy Three's Terry Hall wrote "Our Lips Are Sealed" about their relationship and reaction to it. The drum beat, the rhythm guitar, the keyboard melody, the bass and Belinda Carlisle's vocals come in. That's how you start a song. a great bass sound, a poppy dance beat and catchy. When you say an early 80's song, this one pops to mind immediately. Fun Boy Three also recorded a version which is nowhere near the level of this version. They speed it up on "How Much More." Nice backing vocals and a catchy guitar chorus. A great deeper cut. She wants to be that girl whose shoulder that guy's head is on. "This Town" has a darker tone with a low-key guitar. It's a tongue-in-cheek song about how glamorous the LA/Hollywood life is and what's really underneath it. Side two kicks off with their other big hit "We Got the Beat." A rumbling beat and layers of guitars and bass. Another catchy song. The third single, "Automatic," is slower. An eerie guitar and an ominous bass line. Caffey rips off a guitar solo. Emotionless relationship? Emotionless sex? I don't know but the musical tone fits the stark single-phrase lyrics. The background of the Go-Go members was punk and that comes through listening to this entire album as they do a great job fusing punk/post-punk with their pop sensibilities. In a lot of the songs, the guitars have a darker post-punk edge and tone. The producers, Richard Gottehrer and Rob Freeman, did a nice job keeping the bass loud in the mix which really drives the music. The lyrics cover relationships, dancing, partying and Los Angeles. This is a really good album and more than just the two songs that you've heard. A solid recommendation.
Enjoyable 80s yeah yeah yeahs
I've only ever heard We Got the Beat from this record, and while it is a great song, honestly it might be one of the weaker tracks. The three songs before it, Tonite, Lust to Love, and This Town are a pretty damn good run of three, with their post-punk urgency. You can also hear how influential they are, drawing a direct line to Kathleen Hanna projects like Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, and Sleater-Kinney. Dunno if I'm surprised by this album being so good, but I definitely wasn't expecting a slight post-punk vibe. Plus, I'm a sucker for some good bass, and Kathy Valentine is providing that in spades. But all the members are at peak form here. Side note: Aside from We Got the Beat, I've mostly only known them from Jane Wiedlin being on VH1 in the 2000s constantly? Don't remember much other than I think I had a crush on her, but it's weird I remember that, haha.
Beauty and the Beat is a fun, energetic album from start to finish. There’s not a bad track on the album; it’s catchy, upbeat, and confidently delivered. That said, it’s not really my kind of vibe. I can appreciate the charm and songwriting, but it doesn’t fully click with me personally. Still, a strong and undeniably enjoyable debut.
Decent
This had some classics and some songs that probably deserved to be classics. Honestly, this surprised me because I have never considered listening to The Go-Go's. These are the types of albums that I'm hoping to find more of in the 1001 list.
This albums is great! The Go-Go’s have the garage rock grime, they have the peppy pop, they’ve got the surf-rock vibes. Great energy from start to finish. Listening to this brought back good memories of a buddy I played hockey with. Anytime we won, he would insist on playing The Go-Go’s, Vaction in the locker room. Sadly, Kurtis passed away early this year so The Go-Go’s will always have a spot in my heart. RIP Kurty. 4 stars
Just a great production, with smooth lyrics.
Probably the best girls band after The Runaways. Very dynamic and full of young energy.
This was really pretty good. Go Go’s were huge when I was 10ish. I knew all the hits, but can’t say I ever listened to the whole album. Great early 80s California new wave.
Было на удивление хорошо, только я не слушаю женские группы толком
This album was decent, I thought it was quite unique and interesting as it wasn't like much other music I have listened to before. It was also interesting listening to an all Female band which I have never really listened to before.
Super fun
super super fun....can hit on some surprisingly effective punky edges even more than a lot of other new wave, and flirting with moments of darkness as well, but mostly just sweet and kickass Ramones In The Early 80s For The Girls, emphasizing the bubblegum roots with gleaming glittery Teeth. the aesthetic focus on california is also distinguishing i think, if not for total uniqueness than certainly for the quality of what it delivers. just wall to wall great songs...we got the beat made me light up in recognition immediately, but i dont know from what, surely it was in a movie montage or something!
Good times to the max!
Really fun punk album masquerading as pop genius.
Fantastic 80’s album. Great energy throughout the whole album.
Bought this when it came out. Liked it a lot then and still do. A nice debut with two monster hits that are still fun to sing along with on the radio. 3.5 rounded up to 4 because the documentary was very good.
I knew the two hits, obviously. And I kinda expected the rest of the album to be poppy filler. It’s so much more interesting than that. I loved “Tonite” and every other new-to-me song was solid. The two hits are undeniably fun but they are not what I love about this album, which is its punk insouciance. (Although I do think “we got the beat” benefits from the context of the whole album, which seems to draw out elements of that song I hadn’t focused on before.) I thought about 5 but I think it’s merely a solid 4. Also I think if I had bought this album in 1981 and then Belinda Carlisle made “heaven is a place on earth” six years later, I would have rioted.
77/100.
So poppy and upbeat
83% Best: Our Lips Are Sealed; Tonite; We Got The Beat; Fading Fast Must-Hear? Sure
Uno bueno que no conocía
Me ha gustado muchísimo y no esperaba nada de él.
A fun little collection of bops. Automatic was my favorite. Nothing life changing but it wasn't trying to be.
Fun and catchy with plenty of hooks. Better than most of the new wave crap we've had to suffer through.
Think I'm a Go-Go's fan
It would be easy to write off this band as the token easy pop girl group inclusion, and I has that impression too. Until Lust to Love reached my ears. I went back to start with refreshed, unbiased ears, and was really impressed. Both the playing, songwriting and production is on point. And the run from track 2-7 is not easily beaten.
Fun 80’s party/dance music. Good to see a successful girl band
I like it! Female punk rock, lively for sure. Listened again and thought of the Ramones - female version. May be a stretch, but still a fun listen.
pop Breeders
Awesome debut album
Fun album, really enjoyed it! Just don't think there's really a bad song on it. One of two albums since doing this that I've actually added to my music too. REMINDS ME OF 13 GOING ON 30 😭 (one of their songs features on the soundtrack) Highlights: Our Lips Are Sealed, This Town, We Got the Beat
A fun album! Another one I think I’d enjoy more with more listens Favourites: Our Lips are Sealed, This Town
Had not heard alot of the songs on this album. Fun listen
This album is so much fun, the vocals and the harmonies are perfect. An incredible debut album! I’m not sure if any other Go-Go’s albums are on the 1001 list but I sure hope so! Fav songs: This Town, We Got The Beat, Automatic (this song was different from the others but I think it came at the right time in the album and broke it up a bit)
Great album. Wish they were still together
Fun, short and sweet. Didn't love every track but enough good tracks and it didn't overstay its welcome.
A solid, fun album. If not something I’ll come back to a lot, it’s an undeniably fun and well made album with two massive hits.
Really solid album with some good songs. Catchy and energetic. I like this one.
Solid 4/4.5, We Got the Beat is overshadowed by quite a bit here
So good! The two singles are unstoppable and "Skidmarks on My Heart" was a mixtape staple back then. I just read that Belinda Carlisle's tenure as the drummer for the Germs was cut short because she had mono - the most adorable LA punk anecdote ever!
Everybody knows the twin hits, but the strength of this album lay in its deep cuts — the icy new wave of "Automatic," the surf rock of 'Skidmarks On My Heart," the uptempo post-punk of "Tonite," the wistful "Lust to Love," etc. I find most of them more interesting than the hits, but there's really not a bad tune to be found. The band is peppy, energetic and fully in command. I'm left trying to remember why I ever parted with my copy of this LP back in the day.
I think I'm going to go on a deep Go-Go’s listening spree, heck yeah this stuff.
"Our Lips Our Sealed" is one of the all-time greatest opening-tracks-on-a-debut-album. And that bass line. Just perfect. This entire album is bouncy, happy pop-punk perfection.
The songs are all good, but they all kind of run together. Not much tempo/style change. But still, solid album.
Wow this was fun. The two singles - My Lips Are Sealed & We Got The Beat - were the highlights but there basically wasn't a bad song. Early 80s New Wave girl group, super high energy, almost a surf rock vibe going on. Loved it
I'm a sucker for poppy rock. The songs definitely start to blend together. But We Got The Beat is such a bop. Couple of weird songs (looking at you Automatic). Skidmarks on My Heart is the unexpected fave.
bangers bops love it 4.5 stars
Like
Fun and energetic
Didn’t know Belinda Carlisle was a punk
A nice change of pace (still within the rock genre of course). A varied album, a bit repetitive in lyrics but the emotion packed into them makes up for it. Very fun, 4.5 stars rounded. down. Close to 5, but lacking some of the emotional oomph for this genre - More rock :( at least it's more like pop-rock - Actually, this isn't like the rock we've heard. More like 'band music'. I'm enjoying it! - Easily 3 stars, probably needs a deeper listen to earn more - On second listen, I like it more! A little too simple, but short enough to get away with it. I would listen to this again - Honestly, lyrically reminds me of Sabrina Carpenter. Big breakups, hookups culture, dumb boys, etc
Nice listen. Fun beats.
surprised how much I liked it. I expected bland bubblegum pop but I think I had this misconception because of their femme vocals (and because We Got the Beat and Our Lips are Sealed have been used in women-focused commercials and covered by tween Disney stars). In particular on the song This Town if you replace the lead and backing vocals, it could easily be a Green Day song; YCWIYS reminds me of The Matches' Papercut Skin. The name Skidmarks on My Heart is definitely not bubblegum pop lol. Love the drama and enunciation on Automatic (a la shiver with antici..PAtion). Fav songs: This Town, Fading Fast, Automatic, You Can't Sleep Walk if You Can't Sleep (bonus: Head Over Heels which played I didn't realize the album ended)
While the Go-Gos may seem quaint or "cute", they were anything but, and the enduring quality of their music speaks to that.
This is fun and pleasant, with great songwriting. I feel like Sleater-Kinney must have listened to this a lot.
Fun bops & fun album cover
Only listened to 'We Got the Beat' before, but I've been missing out on the full album! What a bop!
Girly summer bops. What's not to like?
Fun, upbeat, pop-punk. Really enjoyable. Favorites: How Much More, Tonite, This Town
How Much More of this is there? I was Fading Fast until I heard this. I have the Lust to Love this album.
Classic 80s band!!!!
Better than expected
Album 781 of 1089 The Go-Go's - Beauty And The Beat (1981) Rating : 3.5 / 5 Always loved the hits and the rest isn't bad, either. Good album.
Sophomore year in college this album came out. Every girl I knew loved this album and it was a great conversation starter and usually paid off. Brought back good memories listening today.
Fun! Vey 80s! Go ladies! Not the most musically complex or wowing album, but definitely deserves a spot on this list of must-hear albums.
Long time listener, first time caller.. I've heard the singles a bazillion times and expected the rest of the album to be carried by those tunes. I was pleasantly surprised with this album
That was surprisingly fun!
Joyful new wave album by all girls band The Go-Go's suppose it was influential to the rest of the acts of the decade and Green Day a decade later. Loved it.
Great poppy new wave
Great classic pop rock that you can still hear the influence of on a lot of modern indie rock
Better than anticipated!
Just some really fun pop rock. Would love to be a woman in '81 just gettin turnt up with my bitches to this record. 7.5/10
Pretty good. Skidmarks on my heart is a very interesting song title. The song is still catchy though.
I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. I of course knew We Got the Beat and Our Lips Are Sealed going in, and I expected that the rest of this album would be more of the same flavor, but not as good (and hence not singles), but I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of flavor and unexpectedly funky chord progressions and even some odd time in at least one song. The production quality was also excellent. I was bopping along the entire time and ended up listening twice because I enjoyed it so much. I don't love Belinda Carlisle's vocal flavor (although she is a great talent technically) after about 3 or 4 songs, so I'm giving it four stars.
liked songs: most of them Very good new wave stuff. 3.75
This is a simple and catchy 'new wave' album, and for what it is, I honestly surprised that a liked that much, because, from what I had to heard from this list of this genre, I usually dislike it. But this is a very consistent album, and kind of fun. Not more to say than it is great.
This was a surprising bop. Good fun old fashioned 80s girl pop and I loved it! Our lips are sealed was so much fun and the album just kept that vibe the whole way through!
Pretended I was in montages while listening to most of this album. That is not a bad thing
I knew a lot more of these songs than I initially thought I did. This is a really great album. Everything here is really catchy while maintaining the rhythmic baselines and drumming as expected of new wave. The guitar solo on Skidmarks On My Heart is really great. Favorites were Our Lips Are Sealed, Lust To Love, We Got The Beat, Fading Fast, and Skidmarks on My Heart.
love 🩷
Sounds like an early pop punk record. Really fun vibes. I thought it was really good and my wife enjoyed it too.
Fun listen, catchy pop songs with a punky element.
Our Lips Are Sealed 4.1 How Much More 3.4 Tonite 3.5 Lust to Love 3.7 This Town 3.6 We Got the Beat 4 Fading Fast 3.6 Automatic 3.4 You Can't Walk in Your Sleep (If You Can't Sleep) 3.2 Skidmarks on My Heart 3.4 Can't Stop the World 3.4 Score: 3.572727273
A fun one! A good consistent energy and tons of solid hooks throughout. Can start to all sound a bit the same but probably ends before it becomes too much. 7/10
vibes
Tonite and Lust To Love are standouts. I enjoyed this album and think that I will like it more with more listens. A less angry Sleater-Kinney?
I was surprised to see it described as New Wave instead of pop, because I thought NW would be more experimental and electronic sounds (plus I thought of their hits as pop songs).
New wave but all-female. LETS GOOOOO
Jesus, what a monster in my college years. Every girl wanted to be a Go-Go, and the boys just followed the girls. This was not in my wheelhouse at the time, but not gonna lie, I listened. Five seconds into Our Lips Are Sealed, my wife is up and dancing. She apparently saw these gals open up for the Police in the 80's. Damn! A different era, a better time.
Pure cheesey album. I really enjoyed it lmao Somehow I knew most of these songs? Bangers 4 ⭐️
Upbeat girls rock enjoyed it
Super fun New Wave. A great listen front to back, more than just the singles.
A first time listen. Very enjoyable.
Really enjoyable. Catchy, bright, great guitar lines - slightly surfer rock. Can see they clearly influenced the likes of Lush.
It was interesting to listen girl band group. Definitely sounds like music from the eighties, sound like Spice Girls a little bit. Not that I don't like female artists, on the contrary, but it isn't really my music style, but if I had to relisten to the album, it'll be a pleasure. While you're ridin, during some holidays, it would be good to listen that type of music genre.
Solid album with some excellent bangers.
It was fun!
Essential 80s listening.
Great hit singles
8/10 A breath of fresh air. Good music, good vocals, good harmonies. Just good. Best: We Got the Beat
Extremely 80s. Fun female fronted pop. They’re playing Coachella and honestly pretty excited to see their set.
This is exactly what happens when an all-female punk band goes pop (and it's great). 8.9/10 Best Tracks: "Our Lips are Sealed" "How Much More" "We Got the Beat"
Really liked this. Got some 60s vibes, got some punky vibes. Weirdly reminded me of the manic street preachers in parts.
This album brings back many early teenage memories. Although it is a little too pop for me to have in heavy rotation, it is always a fun listen. It also paved the way for many female-fronted bands. "Our Lips Are Sealed" has always been a standout.
Und immer wieder ein Push nach vorne. Großartig!
big david dobrik vibes
Peak 80s pop-rock
Rating: 7.5/10 Punk without distortion, so many fun riffs and songs.
Listened before Favourite tracks: Our Lips Are Sealed, We Got The Beat, Skidmarks On My Heart
Enjoyable listen. Nothing earth-shattering though.
## In-Depth Review of *Beauty and the Beat* by The Go-Go's The Go-Go's debut album, *Beauty and the Beat*, released on July 14, 1981, is a landmark in music history. It not only defined the sound of early '80s new wave but also broke significant barriers as the first album by an all-female band to top the *Billboard* 200 while writing and performing their own material. Below is a detailed analysis of its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with its pros and cons. --- ### **Lyrics** The lyrics on *Beauty and the Beat* strike a balance between playful irreverence and emotional depth. Tracks like "Our Lips Are Sealed" and "We Got the Beat" showcase a carefree, youthful exuberance that resonated with audiences worldwide. These songs capture themes of secrecy, fun, and rebellion with catchy simplicity. For example, "Our Lips Are Sealed," co-written by Jane Wiedlin and Terry Hall of The Specials, uses cryptic yet relatable lines to explore themes of gossip and resilience[1][3]. On the other hand, deeper cuts like "Lust to Love" and "How Much More" delve into more personal territory. "Lust to Love" examines the emotional fallout of a casual relationship turned serious, while "How Much More" portrays jealousy and longing with raw vulnerability[4]. The lyrics throughout the album are relatable without being overly sentimental, making them accessible to a wide audience. --- ### **Music** Musically, *Beauty and the Beat* blends elements of punk rock, pop, and '60s girl-group harmonies into a cohesive new wave sound. The album's opening track, "Our Lips Are Sealed," features jangly guitars and a buoyant rhythm that set the tone for the record. "We Got the Beat," with its driving bassline and infectious drumbeat, became an anthem for youthful energy[1][2]. The Go-Go's also showcase their punk roots in faster-paced tracks like "Skidmarks on My Heart" and "You Can’t Walk in Your Sleep (If You Can’t Sleep)," which feature crunchy guitars and energetic drumming reminiscent of their earlier live performances[2]. Meanwhile, slower songs like "Fading Fast" highlight Charlotte Caffey's melodic sensibilities and provide emotional contrast. Each band member contributes distinctively: Belinda Carlisle’s charismatic vocals carry both sass and sincerity; Gina Schock’s precise drumming drives the rhythm; Kathy Valentine’s basslines add depth; and Caffey and Wiedlin’s guitar interplay creates rich textures[2]. --- ### **Production** Produced by Richard Gottehrer (known for his work with Blondie) and Rob Freeman, *Beauty and the Beat* has a polished yet vibrant sound. However, this production style was initially controversial within the band. Bassist Kathy Valentine later remarked that the album sounded too “clean” compared to their rawer live performances[5]. While this sheen may have alienated some purists, it undoubtedly helped make the album more radio-friendly. The production emphasizes tight arrangements and crisp instrumentation. Songs like "Tonight" benefit from layered harmonies, while tracks like "Automatic" use minimalist arrangements to create a hypnotic atmosphere[3][4]. Despite some compromises in capturing their live energy, the production ultimately enhances the album’s accessibility without diluting its edge. --- ### **Themes** Thematically, *Beauty and the Beat* captures both the carefree spirit of Los Angeles youth culture and deeper emotional struggles. Songs like "This Town" offer a satirical take on Hollywood glamour, juxtaposing its allure with its darker underbelly: “Discarded stars/Like worn-out cars/Litter the streets of this town”[1]. This duality reflects the band’s ability to critique their environment while celebrating it. Other tracks explore universal themes such as heartbreak ("Fading Fast"), unrequited love ("How Much More"), and empowerment ("Can’t Stop the World"). The Go-Go's soften punk’s defiance with relatable narratives that resonate across gender lines[4]. --- ### **Influence** *Beauty and the Beat* is widely regarded as one of the cornerstone albums of American new wave music. Its success shattered gender stereotypes in rock music by proving that an all-female band could achieve commercial dominance without compromising artistic integrity[1][3]. The album’s influence extends beyond music. It inspired countless young women to pursue careers in rock at a time when female representation in the genre was scarce. Its blend of punk attitude with pop sensibility paved the way for future acts like The Bangles and later Riot Grrrl bands[4]. Additionally, songs like "We Got the Beat" became cultural touchstones, appearing in films like *Fast Times at Ridgemont High*[1]. --- ### **Pros** 1. **Catchy Songwriting**: Nearly every track is memorable, with hooks that stick long after listening. 2. **Genre Fusion**: The seamless blend of punk energy with pop melodies makes it accessible yet edgy. 3. **Cultural Impact**: As a groundbreaking album by an all-female band, it holds historical significance. 4. **Timeless Appeal**: Decades later, songs like "Our Lips Are Sealed" still feel fresh. 5. **Band Chemistry**: Each member's contributions shine individually while enhancing the collective sound. --- ### **Cons** 1. **Polished Production**: Some fans feel that the glossy production detracts from their rawer live energy. 2. **Lack of Depth in Some Tracks**: While most songs are strong, tracks like "Skidmarks on My Heart" lean heavily on humor at the expense of substance. 3. **Uneven Tone**: The juxtaposition of lighthearted songs with more introspective ones can feel jarring at times. 4. **Limited Evolution**: Critics have noted that subsequent albums struggled to match or expand upon this debut’s success[3]. --- ### **Conclusion** *Beauty and the Beat* is more than just a debut album; it’s a cultural milestone that redefined what an all-female rock band could achieve. Its infectious melodies, sharp lyrics, and groundbreaking impact make it an enduring classic in American new wave music. While not without its flaws—such as overly polished production—it remains an essential listen for anyone interested in '80s music or feminist milestones in rock history.
Band und Album waren mir völlig unbekannt, aber ich fands wirklich gut :)
New Wave ist mein Guilty Pleasure
Very catchy Californian pop. Never even heard of them before.
Much better than I thought it was gonna be! More punk and less pop than I expected. I enjoyed it and unlike some other albums on this list it didn't drag on forever.
If the 80s sounded more like this, I'd be more of a fan of the rest of the decade. I like this though!
Feel good new wave pop done really well, could be argued it’s a bit samey but not too much for me, standouts for me is most of the album but especially automatic, Tonite and the final two songs. 7/10
S nice power pop record with cool Melodies. Also the voices are awesome.
Songs i knew: 0 Songs i liked: most of them Loved the energy on this one, more of this please. Mid 4.
where was this album in my life when I needed it most
Chad ladies.
Some great hits on here!
Some songs are a little silly, but God the hits were important to me.
cheerful 80s new wave, but sang by a girl group. make me think of the bad old 60s. but becuse it's new wave and it sound great to a certain degree, 4/5.
Loved it!
Lively tunes
Pretty cool
so fun!!!!!! beach beach beach
This was such a fun and fresh album. Just wow, these four ladies rocked it honestly. Weirdly sounded like a happier Cranberries lol. We Got The Beat is definitely a favourite unsurprised it's the single, and an iconic song. Introduced me to someone I'm gonna follow so, excited for the next album tomorrow! Some of the songs sounded similar but I think it just added to the charm, it felt fresh and fun at the very least. Fave Songs: - How Much More - Lust To Love - We Got The Beat - Fading Fast - Skidmarks On My Heart - Can't Stop The World
a super fun high energy pop-punk album that has some classic punk/new wave pop bangers that were quintessential to the 80s punk wave
I love this album! If you want to “feel” the 80’s, then the music that these ladies crafted will take you there.
really good
Lovely sound, feels like the birth of a lot of modern girl bands. Really peppy and catchy. Easy 4.
Great 80s pop rock.
I love it. I recently had a nostalgia trip through Best Coast and the thru-line there is obvious. Can’t give it a 5/5 because I don’t think it’s like… mind blowing but I think it’s poppy and fun and surprisingly fresh even now.
Great album and fun first time listen.
Fun, great beats Lost a little interest in the middle towards the end
Classic 80s album. Great songs
Aggressively upbeat
Pretty enjoyable. Had an oh its that song moment.
Like Blondie but I was paying less attention
Sure this might not be incredibly innovative or influential, but its perfection. I always ask, " does this record accomplish what the band set out to d" and its a resounding YES here
They got the beat
This is an absolute classic album that I believe is still underrated, as far as the general public remembering and continuing to laud and give it its praises. The level of brilliant pop and new wave on this record and consistency is not found in most other new wave and 80's pop albums. There are several 5-star songs on this album, but I don't think every song is at that level, and I think that brings it down a bit. However, as I said, this is a classic and deserves to be on this list, for sure.
They just made great songs. The album started to drag a bit in the back half, but still solid.
Didn’t realize I knew a couple of these songs, and enjoyed them
wow this RIPS still not a fan of we got the beat but the energy throughout this whole thing utterly rules. will be coming back
Its fun. Simple, but they have a whole defined sound and it's pretty catchy and energetic and fun.
Yess finally a fun one
Super enjoyable.
Really fun, enjoyed a lot
Finally an album with female artists!
Easy 9/10. Just a fantastic album I will be returning to constantly. Already loved "We Got the Beat," and "My Lips are Sealed," but tracks like "Skidmarks on my Heart" and "Lust to Love" are new favorites that I never heard of before today. Also, I just want to shout-out the fact that it's an all woman band. Women rule the world and are the best to ever do it <3
Let's Go-Go und ballere mir die volli Ladig 80er Punk fadegrad in Schnabel! Ayyy ich und d 80er Jahr Punk/Post-Punk/Synthpop Szene wäred absolut besti Fründ*inne gsi (natürlich nach eu mini herzige). Für so Musig isch d front row bi Konzert erfunde worde. (krass das früener Konzert immer erst bide zweite reihe ahgfange hend). Ufjedefall sind d Go-Go-Punkerinne en grosse Spass gsi und au de Album-Name git fetti Pluspünkt. Wenn er mich sueched, ich bin de wo im Mosh pit ufd fressi bechund. Vier ellboge in Solarplexus und hasta la vista!
‚Neu, erfrischend, schwungvoll‘ The neduziner post, 27.01.2025 Wake me up, before you ? ? Sehr überrascht wurde vum sound aber fritig morge bett home office, mit dem sound us de böxli, isch e cheibe-chogge spass gsi. Mis herz hed wäred dem album beat-beats. Fritig morge im bett und d sunne shine-shines. Ihlüte vum wucheend, it come-comes Elon & donald chönted sich e schiebe abschniede vum bandname und entli go-go, oder verpiss-verpiss 4 glänzendi einhörner für das album-album
1978 trafen sich 5 Girls, die sich nicht kannten und kein Instrument spielen konnten und präsentieren 3 Jahre später dieses Album. Es ist witzig, wavig und weiblich. Ich kannte die Vand nicht und bin begeistert und werde das Album Wiederhören. Manchmal muss man auch mal was machen und nicht zu viel nachdenken. Mein Topsong ist „Lust To Love“. Gelungen sind aber auch „Fading Fast“ oder „Automatic“
Fun
How did a not know about an all girl punk band from the early 80s from LA?! Madness. Loved it!!
I’ve always like the Go-Go’s played on the radio and Carlisle’s voice. This is the first complete album of theirs that I listened to and rather enjoyed it.
Surprisingly good didn’t know a lot about them but the lead singer had a solid voice
Really nice, liked her voice and the lyrics they were better than I was expecting from an early 80's pop album. The album was more than just the two hits which is always nice to see. Sounded really good, not terribly long, very nice.
usually I don't really care for Belinda Carlisle's voice, but on this album it works. tracks were short, guitar driven, & enjoyed the listen.
3/4
Actually loved this and didn’t think I would. It’s a solid 80s pop album that is so close to being a glam metal album. I mean if you had put a shredder behind this it would’ve been right at home with bands like Poison or Queensryche or Ray. Funnily enough I think the two singles while mainstream hits are two of the weakest tracks on the album.
+Our Lips Are Sealed, How Much More, We Got The Beat
3.5 - Generally a fun sound, fairly consistent quality, but no real stand-out tracks to me (except Got the Beat which is easily my least favorite - and the only one I'd heard before) and occasionally the lyrics detract.
Fun, upbeat, familiar!
Just fun. Nothing serious, fun pop music then bop along to. A great early 80's album to show the direction music was heading. Some good familiar songs here and there, and the ones I've never heard of are still pretty good. 4.5
Big fan of 70s/80s new wave/pop punk. I’ve listened to the Go-Go’s before, and I still appreciate their influence. Good, fun, upbeat rock that’s unapologetically authentic. Women fucking rock.
On the first song, I really thought they were saying "Alex I see you" which creeped me out. This album breaks the stereotype of the 80s new wave pop album. Lust to Love is low-key punk? The fact that this album came out in early 1980s and yet boring 80s pop still dominated the decade baffles me.
A perfectly solid album with several upbeat, high-energy bangers.
listening to this immediately after jamc's darklands was such a relief. what a vibrant, stark contrast to whatever the fuck that other album was. this is bursting with youthful enthusiasm! i adore how upbeat the tracks are & how all the elements fit together to cohere into a universe of tight, intentional syncopation. good stuff!
Pretty good 4/5
Really enjoyed this, was different than a lot of other stuff here. Felt like new wave and punk with the all girl band really managed to make it feel fresh. Listened to this quite a few times to figure out which part i really liked. Favourite song was probably "Our Lips are Sealed". Weak 4 stars.
This record is a little more punk-y than I remembered. Good Stuff
A true 80s classic with more depth than the band is popularly known for.
Trochę cukierkowa, balonowa, ale bardzo wpadająca w ucho. Lekko retro, taki vibe lat 60. 7/10. We got the beat wpada w ucho jak mało co. Plus za ogólny vibe “girl-power”. 7/10
Girl power Doet me denken aan fun-fun Wel leuk album, heel slim bedacht dat je niet kan slaapwandelen als je niet slaapt
Yay!
Perfect summertime record – I can imagine it was a total breath of fresh air in the early 80s. The punk influence is nicely weaved in (more than once I felt like I was listening to a slowed down Iron Maiden, oddly). Whole thing feels like a California lost to time. Lovely when paired with a palm tree. 3.5.
As a girl child of the 80s who also really enjoys punk sounds, I fully recognize that I am contractually obligated to love The Go-Go's, and of course this album is no exception. I'm taking back one star, however, because whoever greenlit the inclusion of that fucking apostrophe in their name should be punched and then sent to grammar prison.
Fun listen. Doesn’t try to be something it’s not. 4 stars because I won’t go out of my way to listen to it again.
Fun album.
i wasnt familiar with the go-gos before this listen but i had a lot of fun!!! awesome 80s girl pop vibe! its currently summer so this was a really fun listen.
I really liked this one, fun and easy to listen to.
Fun and catchy pop tracks, especially the hits Our Lips Are Sealed and We Got The Beat.
A fun romp in pop history.
Solid New Wave album by a bunch a hot rockin' chicks who would likely drink me under the table, and I'm alright with that.
Pretty damn enjoyable 80's pop rock. Consistently upbeat and solid throughout
Tidy.
For the initial half of the first track I was a bit skeptical that it wouldn't be all that good, but it grew on me very quickly from there. The music is light but still retains some depth and it's very pleasant to listen to and holds my attention. It's not hard to see how this debut would go double platinum - especially in 1981. I would not be surprised if this album set a lot of the tone for the entire decade Standouts Lust To Love Automatic Skidmarks On My Heart 4/5
A super fun listen. Makes me wish I was riding in a convertible somewhere sunny on the west coast.
Really good. Some nice songs in there. Didn’t absolutely blow me away but was very strong and would listen again.
I had no idea this was Belinda Carlisles band!! I loved a couple of her solo songs! At first listen I thought, Another generic female punk group and album. I was wrong, I enjoyed this album. it’s a good listen. What can go wrong when an album has great music and fun lyrics. There are some great tracks like, tonite, automatic and lust for love. Favourite song: Tonite was a good song Least favourite: All songs are fun and a good listen. Album artwork: Cool cover
I was not as into this at the time of its release, I considered it more “chick pop” music based on the radio hits. I did recognize it was ground breaking. Upon listening now all the way through I hear so much more punk flair in the deeper cuts. Amazing that they decided to form a band with no hands on musical experience and just three years later came up with this. One things for sure, the moment Belinda screamed “Jump baaaak!” , she had already arrived. Almost a 5 for impact and influence. 4.5/5
Distant memories of this album on repeat blaring down the hall from my sister’s room only prompted me to dive into it myself during the 80s. Not a go-to for me then, but outside of the two big hits songs like “Lust To Love”, “This Town”, and “Skidmarks On My Heart” were real standouts and showcase a style that definitely layed the post-punk new wave foundation for many other bands, female-driven or not. Just a really good pop punk vibe here.
Chick rock! Didn’t really expect to enjoy this after the opening track, which I was obviously familiar with. But really enjoyed the rest of this.
This sounds like the 80s. I was thinking it’d be more like the middle of the decade so wild to hear this sound so early. Definitely had a massive influence on what would come after. A fun listen and has some corny moments but overall quite solid. And apparently was the all female band to hit #1 on the billboard 200 charts. Mad props. 3.5 and showing some love to my womens by rounding up.
Not necessarily my cup o tea but you can’t deny the two well known singles from this album. And the rest of it had my head bopping so I’m rounding up. 3.5/5
Enjoyed this, good vibes, worth listening to again.
Grupo de Belinda Carlise.
Just some 80's pop fun.. It also really good loud.
Wow, I didn’t remember this being such a good record. In fact, I don’t remember ever listening to the whole album before. The hits, sure, but there are a lot of fun tracks here. Power pop with a hint of 70’s punk and new wave in the mix. And it’s still mind boggling to me that Belinda Carlisle was briefly the drummer for the Germs.
Some quality 80s pop. I still love "We Got the Beat"
Really fun album! I really enjoyed listening to this. And even Anna said it "wasn't that bad" though she said she had never hear We Got The Beat before which I find crazy.
This album is upbeat and extremely fun. Big standouts are the famous ones: "Our Lips Are Sealed" and "We Got the Beat". But How Much More would lead on lesser albums. Easy to listen to. Fun to dance to. Last 3 songs are kind of filler compared to the rest of the album.
Surprisingly catchy! I've heard the 2 popular songs on there, We Got the Beat and Our Lips Are Sealed. This was pretty good have on in the background without focussing too much on but I did enjoy this
This album is a fun listen. Elements of West Coast Punk, but pop-ier. Belinda Carlisle sounds great, even when she's doing the punk "lazy vocals" thing. Lots of interesting stuff going on with the instrumental parts, too. Much better than I anticipated.
On the world if upcoming pop princess escaping the disco ecstasy of the ‘70s roared in the GoGo’s, and this album is awesome! Combining pop& punk and feminine rage these gals lay down back to back to danceable hits! You Can’t Walk In Your Sleep and Fading Fast are contrasting pop-punk and ballad-ish feel. But they sit right in the pocket with their most famous hit We Got the Beat. I may be over rating this one but I really dig this tonight!
Wonderfully surprised at what a great album this was. usually I am not a big fan of the 80s but this album had some great lyrics with the perfect accompanyment.
Very good
A enjoyable record. I actually listened to it twice to decide whether it deserves 3 or 4 stars. It has nothing special as such, but it is very good overall.
Fun dance and singable bubble gum pop rock album.
Man, what a fun album. Seriously, this album oozes enthusiasm, fun, energy, and complete buy-in from the members. Everyone knows "We Got the Beat," "Our Lips Are Sealed," and the absent-from-this-album "Vacation." And you'd be forgiven if you thought that that's all there was to this band. But I am so happy to say that that isn't the case, and in fact there is more to like than just a few hits. Yes, it's fun and yes it's an easy listen. But the creativity on display here, the layering of sounds and the riffs are just awesome. They had a unique sound, kind of a combination of New Wave, Riot Grrrl, and some punk vibes. Really cool stuff. Four stars. Standout Tracks: Our Lips Are Sealed, How Much More, Automatic, You Can't Walk In Your Sleep (If You Can't Sleep)
cool songs, B side wasn't as good, not my type
Yes! Great music, great beats and catchy tunes. I knew about the Go Gos but this album shows that their best songs are not the radio plays "We got the Beat" and "Our Lips are Sealed". Best song by far is Automatic and Lust to Love was great as well. Yes to the Go Go's.
Way more to them than a couple of hits
Pretty fun album, they have a great energy. Some songs are better than others, but this album is short and sweet. Mid 4.
Much better than I anticipated.
fun, punky-pop
i bet they had so much fun.
Totalnie kupuję ten album. Świetnie się przy nim bawiłem, to zwyczajnie dobrze buja. Wydaje mi się, że istotą tego albumu nie jest jego popularność wśród współczesnych wyrażona w prostych liczbach. I to nie jest powód, dla którego on znalazł się na tej liście. Ten album jest przede wszystkim cholernie punkowy, zespół pokazał, że dziewczyny mogą grać (a nie tylko śpiewać) i mogą grać z pazurem (w tym samym czasie grać zaczęła Joan Jett z tego, co sprawdziłem - imo podobny nurt, ale Jett grała ostrzej). Jasne, to jest bardzo soft punk, bliżej mu do Green Daya (kilka fragmentów bardzo mi się kojarzyło z "Jesus of Suburbia"), niż do jakichś turbo anarchicznych hard core'owych zespołów w stylu Exploited, ale mimo wszystko jest to w pełni kobiecy punk. Po drugie, to jest bardzo feministyczny album. To jest okres, w którym kwestia radykalnej kobiecej seksualności zaczęła być bardzo nośna w Stanach i zaczęła zwiastować koniec drugiej fali feminizmu (która przypada mniej więcej na lata 1960-1990). Dziewczyny otwarcie mówią o swoim pożądaniu (Lust To Love), o porzucaniu toksycznych relacji, prawdopodobnie z narcyzem (Fading Fast, Skidmarks On My Heart), o nocnych wypadach na miasto i niezależności (Tonite, We Got the Beat), ale także o ignorowaniu społecznej opinii (Our Lips Are Sealed). Jest też This Town, które łączy wiele z powyższych wątków. Z drugiej strony nie realizują stereotypu man-eaterek albo freudowskiej zazdrości o penisa, tylko bardzo otwarcie eksplorują swoją kobiecość i uczuciowość (już sama okładka oraz tytuł albumu o tym świadczą; ale też emocjonalna dwoistość Lust To Love, czy bolesne How Much More). I koniec końców ten album jest zwyczajnie muzycznie solidny. To wszystko jest melodyjne i bardzo poprawne instrumentalnie, sekcja rytmiczna (perkusja + bas) są naprawdę dobre, z przyjemnością tego słuchałem. Perkusistka miewa całkiem ciężkie kopyto i fajnie niskie nastrojone tom-tomy. To nie takie durne placeholdery, jak w wielu zespołach, gdzie perkusja gra tylko najprostsze groove'y, żeby wybijać tempo, a basista gra na dwóch strunach i nikt go nie słyszy dopóki się jakoś makabrycznie nie pomyli. Zespół popadł w zapomnienie (po przesłuchaniu tego albumu wydaje mi się, że bardzo niesłusznie), ale wydaje mi się, że to ten casus "They walked, so that other could run". Bardzo mocne 4 jak dla mnie, ze wskazaniem na 4.5, bo serio się dobrze bawiłem. Jakby to było trochę cięższe, to już na pewno 4.5
Delightful
I have to be honest, I rolled my eyes a bit when I got this. I knew "We Got The Beat" and "Our Lips Are Sealed" and expected a miserable new wave-pop mess. Once again I got burned for judging too early, this album is really solid. It's definitely still a new wave-pop thing, but it's also got a lot more of a punk sound than I expected. I got a lot of Sleater-Kinney vibes from this ("Tonite" and "Lust To Love" are good examples), many of the non-hits are a bit more of a raw sound (relatively, it's still pop-y overall). Something between like them and Blondie is probably where this falls. I guess The Go-Go's formed formed as a punk band (none of them knew how to play instruments) but then shifted more in the New Wave direction in the early '80s when they hit the studio. I'm not sure where their sound went after this, but they crushed this one. I don't have a ton else to say, but I enjoyed this a lot. The New Wave thing doesn't typically work for me, but this felt like a great job of taking some of the basic elements in a way that hits. Really solid album. Favorite song: Our Lips Are Sealed Other: How Much More, Tonite, Lust To Love, This Town, We Got The Beat, Fading Fast, Automatic, Can't Stop The World 11/23/24
This took me by surprise with how good it was
🎧Fun, joyful pop music. Favorite track: Fading Fast
Favorite Track: Tonite
Love Belinda Carlisle and Slidmarks on the heart is a class name for a song.
So delightfully upbeat and peppy. I knew and liked their big hits but I’m also really enjoying their lesser known songs.
It is simple. It is sweet. Simply sweet girl band rocking the genre like 80's icons. The familiar tracks are as entertaining as ever but hearing Automatic for maybe the first time in 40 years reminded me that every album has filler tracks.
Shows that soft rock has a place if can offer a groove. Drops off a little after a brilliant start but there is energy throughout. Would happily revisit
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would
Relentless 80s fun! Pretty samey! The kind of samey where I hadn’t realised the album had played through and I was half way through another one of their albums before I realised. 34 minutes is just about right for something samey though! Enjoyed it! 3.5
A bouncy fun new wave album that got me through US election results
Great pop album. My Lips are Sealed is one of the best pop songs of all time.
Really fun album. Isn’t trying to hard to be more than it is
4.1 - This was great! Nothing special but just good?
The music makes me feel how the cover looks
A bright burst of fun and freedom, every song brings a kind of pure, summery energy that feels effortless. The beats are punchy but breezy, like they were made for dancing down the beach or cruising with friends. It’s got that infectious, carefree vibe reminiscent of early Blondie but with a twist that’s bolder and a bit more playful. The blend of pop and punk is light and catchy, full of hooks that feel timeless without trying too hard. It’s the kind of music that’s just easy to love, no questions asked.
isch das afoch sehr guete cagchy new wave? our lips are sealed isch suuper. meeega catchy, supercoole bass. how much more au meega upbeat, macht spass. Tonite tschuttet au, halt mega in moll und so. aber cool. noch 69 love song gester en absolute gnuss. aso sowiso aber de kontrast isch heavy. hets jetz noch 3 songs scho meh verdient zum do sii als magnetic fields. lust to love fabgt mega james bond aah, super geil. this town isch chli westerbgitarre time aber s triibt mega füre au mit de akustische gitarre finds hammer. we got the beat cool gseh dases en hit usch aber lips are sealed isch viel cooler? mann es löscht sache. de surfrock stuff wod mached isch super skidmarks on my heart super. ich glaub s langet nöd für es füfi well nöd jede song so super isch und wells scho seehr simpel ghalte isch zum teil, au wenn das die ganz idee isch.
Listened to many times. Fundamental 80's album that still sounds great. A lot of the "sounds" going on at the time were wrapped in a polished pop package. Strong 4, but not enough classics for it to be a 5 star. "(This town) It is so glamorous Bet you'd live here if you could"
Really fun and upbeat, with some well-known singles. I really enjoyed this album. The quality dropped a little with the last few songs, but not enough to lower my rating. 4/5 stars
Ik kende enkel Vacation van The Go-go's, maar nu zie ik dat dit maar het derde bekendste nummer is van deze groep. Op het eerste zicht zuchtte ik bij het zien van de artiestennaam en het releasejaar van de plaat. Ik dacht "miljaarde, alweer een album waar ze met synthesizers naar je hoofd smijten." Achteraf bekeken is dit best een tof album. Doet me wat denken aan Blondie. Wijze basslines ook. 3.8
Lighthearted, entertaining, and engaging new wave. Music for the girlies but also a broader audience of pop rock enjoyers. Not really surprised at simplistic harmonies and melodies, doesn't have to be complicated to be enjoyable.
This is the best Go-Go’s album. Their followup “Vacation” a year later is a close second, but it isn’t that close. The quality on their debut is nothing they would ever achieve again. The songs are so infused with joy and youth. It’s so perfectly everything it wants to be. I only wish there was something more substantial. Something really original that would earn it five stars. No matter, I enjoy this album anyway. 4/5
This was pretty good, I liked the energy of the music, and the songs were pretty catchy. I don't really care for the lead singer's voice though, and didn't feel like I'd play any of these songs repeatedly
Hell yeah
The narrative around the Go-Go's is always about how they're the best "all female" rock groups ever. That's so niche. They're flat out one of the best rock groups - period. They're bad ass. This is a great album.
fajn
I’m a sucker for power pop and this one was huge for bringing women-led bands to the charts (along with others for sure)
This was such a fun little record. Bratty pop punk from the 80s that would not have been out of place in the early aughts.
Can’t hate on a classic. Well you can but I won’t this time.
Fun, energetic, catchy. Fantastic album.
Interesting vibe but I liked it
Great vibes, great sound
Just a pure fucking delight.
Was talking with a friend about the Go-Go's while in the car a couple weeks ago; you throw on "Our Lips Are Sealed" while driving with someone and you can really get the party going. The rest of album is top down just a lot of fun too - a really great example of new wave as party music.
I had only heard We Got The Beat before this. Good song, but a bit cheesy. I was pleasantly surprised by the rest of the album though. Very listenable, and I could hear a direct line from The Go-Go’s to bands I love like Veruca Salt, Le Tigre, The Donna’s, and Sleater-Kinney. Especially on Fading Fast and Automatic.
It was a fun album. I don't love the vocal work, but there were some bangers in there. 'Tonite' was my track of choice.
I’ve heard the singles, but not the rest. This was a fun album that I could definitely see listening to again.