The Go-Go's - God Bless The Go-Go's

After a couple of short-lived tour reunions, the Go-Go's have made it stick. God Bless the Go-Go's is their first studio album in 17 years, carrying on as if Belinda Carlisle's sparkling solo career and Jane Wiedlin's slightly less stellar one had never happened. The tough, assured sound of 1984's Talk Show is front and center here, at once a sonic counterpoint to the lyrics' general sense of frustration ("Automatic Rainy Day," "Unforgiven") and barricade in front of their ultimate triumph in its face ("Throw Me a Curve," "Vision of Nowness"). Carlisle, for her part, rides the roar and jangle like "Head Over Heels" was just yesterday, as if the success she had on her own was just another hoop to jump through before getting back to business. Now in their 40s, these women have matured without resigning themselves to the world they once swore wouldn't stop them. God Bless isn't an unflawed gem, but after a few spins, even some of its lesser concepts begin to sound like pieces of a manifesto the Go-Go's have patched back together to shout out loud. --Rickey Wright Amazon.com

The Go-Go's At Their Best!

The 2004 release of God Bless the Go-Go's is the most enjoyable CD album I listen to in a while. One song, "Daisy Chain" is an abridged version of their story from the beginning to today. For anyone who is a Go-Go's fan and love their music and videos, this CD is for you. April 30, 2008

God Bless Indeed!

This album will definitely be going on my iPod! If you like the GoGo's, then you shouldn't be disappointed with this one. This is a good album to play when you're feeling a bit down; a real picker-upper for my mood. April 8, 2008

Aimed for a target audience -- Go Go fans -- and delivers.

The Go Go's have never been known as a band that stretched creativity like Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, Kansas, Styx, or Queen. They haven't started with this project. If you like Go Go's classics like "Our Lips Are Sealed", "We've Got The Beat", and "Vacation", this will appeal to you.

One can compare this project with the other girls' group reunion project, "Doll Revolution" by the Bangles. The Bangles were, I believe, more artistically ambitious, and thus the comeback project showed a maturation of the ladies. The Go Go's haven't seemed to grow up. So what? I still loved this project!

There's not a bad cut on this, but my personal favorites are "Unforgiven", "Apology", "Here You Are", "Sonic Superslide", and "Throw Me A Curve."

November 12, 2007

The long awaited return of the Go-Go's is a huge success!!

In 2001, 17 years after the release their last full studio album, the Go-Go's released the rock solid "God Bless the Go-Go's". More than just a comeback effort, this CD picked up right where the Go-Go's left off with 1984's "talk show" and re-established them as serious artists capable of delivering the rock 'n roll "goods".

In the early 80's the Go-Go's helped to usher in a new, vibrant and youthful rock scene that paid tribute to the roots of rock 'n roll while adding a fresh, new wave attitude. Among their contemporaries were the Romantics, Stray Cats, Bangles, Cars, Blondie, the Knack, Pretenders, the Ramones and many other artists and groups who helped to revitalize the music scene.

Unfortunately many of the groups mentioned above (including the Go-Go's) decided to call it quits in the mid 80's. As the music industry began to self destruct in the 90's artists from all previous era's of rock suddenly found it a difficult task to get "heard" on top 40 radio. The word "alternative" was tossed around to label every no-talent artist or group that could be "pushed" by radio and MTV. The era of grunge had arrived and the name was aptly applied, it has left a stain on the music scene that has yet to be removed. With rap and grunge ruling the charts it wasn't all that shocking to find "new country" as the choice for listeners seeking more traditional sounds. A very sad landslide for the music industry was set in motion and there have been very few survivors of the ensuing avalanche. This drastic change in the industry can be partially blamed for keeping many valid, talented groups from the 80's (and 60's and 70's) from making a true comeback.

By 2000 the dense FOG of the 90's had somewhat cleared and the music of the 80's had taken its rightful place as the "new oldies". With a newfound confidence the Go-Go's took the opportunity to prove that they were not simply an "oldies" group, but very talented purveyors of REAL rock 'n roll. God Bless the Go-Go's was released to high critical praise and stands solid next to all of their previous releases.

Without a doubt the Go-Go's are destined for the Rock 'n Roll hall of fame and this CD solidifies the fact that they are talented songwriters and musicians who have always stayed true to the roots of rock 'n roll. God Bless the Go-Go's indeed and long live REAL rock 'n roll!

-JM

P.S.

Another great 80's group "the Romantics" also made a fairly large statement with their 2003 release "61/49". Where the Go-Go's had waited 17 years to release a new "full" studio album, the Romantics had waited 18 years. The Romantics scored a direct critical hit with 61/49 and it's packed with 100% real rock 'n roll. March 9, 2006

Blessed or Damned???

Folks, there is clear reason why used copies of this CD now sell for 80 cents here on Amazon, and why the Go Go's other CDs which are literally decades older still sell for far more $; quality! There are two, maybe three decent songs on this whole release, but nothing to get too excited over. One of these decent tracks "Apology" actually sounds like Carlisle solo - clean, pretty and sterile adult contemporary. Almost zero interesting gtr solos, bass lines or drum fills either, what a drag. As a fan of the band I really wish they never released this, as it's like a black eye on their once unblemished musical reputation. My advice is to avoid this one at all costs and instead, stick with their excellent trademark 80's material. August 16, 2005

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