The Go-Go’s emerged from the late 1970s L.A. punk scene. They were originally named the Misfits, and featured core members Charlotte Caffey (lead guitar), Belinda Carlisle (vocals), and Jane Wiedlin (rhythm guitar). Drummer Gina Schock and bassist Kathy Valentine eventually formed the band’s enduring lineup, and they gradually moved from punk towards power pop.
They toured England with Madness and The Specials, and a demo version of ‘We Got The Beat’ became a minor hit. They signed with Miles Copeland’s IRS Records and toured with The Police. Their debut album topped the US charts, the first all-female, self-contained band to do so.
Beauty And The Beat blew the doors of my life off… it sounded like pure possibility,
Drew Barrymore, The Go-Go’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Induction
The Go-Go’s split after 1984’s Talk Show, but have reformed periodically, releasing one further album in 2001.
The Go-Go’s Album Reviews
Beauty and the Beat
1981, 9/10
This record ticks so many boxes. It was the first chart-topping LP from an all-female band writing their material and playing their instruments. It’s fresh and exciting, blending new wave with 1960s influences like girl-group harmonies and surf music. And it’s stood the test of time, dignified and efficient.
Richard Gottehrer produced Beauty and the Beat – his other credits include The Angels’ ‘My Boyfriend’s Back’ and Blondie’s debut album.
Charlotte Caffey and Jane Wiedlin wrote most of the songs. But Wiedlin wrote ‘Our Lips Are Sealed’ with Specials frontman Terry Hall, about their secret romance. ‘How Much More’ shines with a snappy update of the 1960s girl-group formula. The most memorable tune is ‘We Got The Beat’, which helped fuel the group’s transition from punk to pop.
Fun and feisty, Beauty and the Beat is a terrific debut.
Vacation
1982, 7.5/10
The Go-Go’s were fracturing by the time of their second album. Their struggles were for all the classic rock and roll reasons – creative differences, songwriting squabbles, and drug issues. Vacation is a solid album that only occasionally reaches the heights of its predecessor.
10 Best Go-Go’s Songs
- We Got The Beat
- Our Lips Are Sealed
- How Much More
- Skidmarks On My Heart.
Read about the discographies of musical acts from the 1960s to the present day. Browse this site's review archives or enjoy these random selections:
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