The Go-Go's - Vacation

Despite a great cover/title concept, the second album from the Go-Go's is the weakest of their original three. Rushed out after the breakthrough of Beauty and the Beat, Vacation sounds affecting in retrospect, but suffers nonetheless from one or three too many so-so songs--a shame, given the top-flight writing throughout Beauty. Frontwoman Belinda Carlisle continues gaining control of her voice, while drummer Gina Schock all but steals the show. But a murky mix obscures the group's charms this time out, and where the debut was sometimes dark in mood, this follow-up too often sounds simply tired. By no means a must-miss, Vacation is still unmistakably weak compared with Talk Show, which came next. --Rickey Wright Amazon.com

Sophomore Slump.. Not here

If you were to believe all the critiques of the Go-Gos albums you would have to believe that Vacation, the band's follow up to their debut Beauty & The Beat is a complete waste of vinyl and CD, but then you'd just be stupid.

The drama and Hollywood/Beach scenerios of the first album may not be as defined but with most of everyone's debut album, those are songs the band had done over and over again, the songs that got them signed and the songs they could do with their eyes closed. After that, it's coming up with the next step - an album of new stuff to keep the masses and your own artistry in check and for that I think the girls did it -

No one thought the single "Vacation" was a let down, in fact, I recall how excited everyone I knew was when that single hit the airwaves and the video along with it. This was a band about fun and surf and the whole album captures that very well. "Get Up & Go" should've been a huge hit with its big nod going to 60s California surf music, it's jumpy, it's fun - even the pseudo ballads "It's Everything But Party Time" and "Worlds Away" still rock in that oh so 80s fashion, sure the place to start with the Go-Gos is Beauty & The Beat but don't skip this one ever, it's an excellant little summer pop album that will make you pull the roof off your SUV and head to the beach.
June 26, 2008

A Great Alumb

Here is the go go's second alumb i mean cd and what can I say except that this is one of their best ever.

Rondall May 30, 2008

Vacation ; Go-Gone!

I bought this for my wife; I can't stand it! Poor re-mastering and even worse material. January 12, 2007

Still a good album

Although it is not the best album the Go-Go's released, it still contains a good vibe. It is a good cd to put on at a party for people to do a little dancing and just enjoy. The singles, 'Vacation' and 'Get Up and Go' are still as catchy and fun as ever. I certainly recommend it. August 3, 2006

An outstanding follow-up release to "Beauty and the Beat".

The Go-Go's are one of those rare occurrences in rock 'n roll, a group that actually never released a bad album! In fact, I would go so far as to say that perhaps only one or two songs from all four major releases could be considered somewhat "lack-luster". Basically, all of the material released by the Go-Go's between 1981 and 1984 was outstanding. Even the 2001 release "God Bless the Go-Go's" is strikingly good! The Go-Go's have always been a group with determination, plenty of ambition, and a genuine love of the rock 'n roll fantasy!

"Vacation" was considered a bit "weaker" than the debut effort (Beauty and the Beat) by many critics of the day, but I strongly disagree! Songs like "Get Up and Go", "Beatnik Beach", "I Think It's Me" and "Worlds Away" are incredibly well crafted pop songs and are required listening for fans of the Go-Go's. I cannot imagine a stronger follow-up release!

I must point out that the career of the Go-Go's closely paralleled that of another "power pop" group of the late 70's and early 80's, "The Knack". Both groups had a hugely successful debut album that reached number one on the charts. Both groups quickly released a follow-up effort that was very successful and yet was considered a failure when compared to the success of the debut. Both groups released a third effort that received critical praise and yet failed commercially. Both groups "broke-up" shortly after the third and final album. Fun fact; both groups also played "let's have a party" during early live shows!

Regardless of commercial or critical success, the Go-Go's always delivered GREAT rock 'n roll. "Vacation" may not have escaped (commercially) from the long shadow of "Beauty and the Beat", but it contains some of the best songs by the Go-Go's. Belinda, Jane, Charlotte, Kathy and Gina were destined to deliver some of the most memorable and most perfectly crafted pop songs of the rock 'n roll era.

"Vacation" is highly recommended for fans of "early 80's", "power pop", "new wave", and just plain great rock 'n roll!

-JM April 4, 2006

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