A past lack of (perceived) success shouldn't be any indication of future musical fortunes. There are many layers to the sexism permeating that quote. I mean, you've had cult-level successes, like the Runaways and Fanny, but as far as having a big chance of success note, because you're all women, there's never been anything before, you know, like you, so I'm sorry, we'll pass,'" Carlisle told Yahoo Entertainment in 2020. We can see that everybody loves you, but there's never been an all-female band that has been big. club circuit, the Go-Go's initially had trouble landing a record deal. hometown, with piercing observations and incisive commentary.ĭespite a high profile on the L.A. This collision of the classic and contemporary sounds fresh: "We Got the Beat" mentions dance moves such as the Watusi and the Pony as inspirations for the youth of today, while "Skidmarks on My Heart" uses a car metaphor to speak to a faltering relationship torpedoed by personality differences with a soon-to-be-ex: "I buy you cologne/You want axle grease/You say get a mechanic/I say get a shrink." And "This Town" plays up the grit and glamour of their L.A. "Beauty and the Beat" also updates common lyrical imagery for the modern age. And the main character of "Fading Fast" is trying to convince herself an ex is a distant stranger ("Are you just another boy / That I met long ago?") because they're a jerk: "You had me all to yourself/I thought that you were such a prize/I finally came to my senses/When I heard just one too many lies." The romantic co-conspirators of "Our Lips Are Sealed" use (what else?) the silent treatment to combat any rumors or jealousy. Yet the characters of "Beauty and the Beat" have agency, and aren't passive participants in any life experience. "How Much More" smolders with longing, as well as a bit of jealousy and light self-loathing ("She's looking good/Just like I would/If it could be me") while the iconic "Lust to Love" speaks of the universal experience of falling for someone (and losing "control of the game") that was only supposed to be a no-emotions-attached fling. Even if things didn't go quite according to plan - for example, "You Can't Walk in Your Sleep" uses the extended metaphor of insomnia and sleep disturbances (relatable!) to convey frustration over life's status quo - there was never a sense of feeling bleak or trapped.įor example, the more personal, inward-looking songs offer complexity, and the knowledge that the gap between what you want - and what you get - can be vast. Like the Go-Go's themselves, the characters of "Beauty and the Beat" were savvy and smart. Thematically, the band softened punk's defiant stance with lyrics relatable to everyday life. These were talented women making music their way, following their own unique path - and showing legions of fans that they too could carve out space for themselves anywhere. The five members - vocalist Belinda Carlisle, guitarists Charlotte Caffey and Jane Wiedlin, bassist Kathy Valentine, and drummer Gina Schock - were cool and confident onstage. Musically, the quintet's mix of nervy pop, gritty punk, rock, and girl-group harmonic gleam was a revelation. 1 album.On July 8, 1981, the Go-Go's released their debut album, "Beauty and the Beat." To call the LP a watershed musical moment release would be underselling the album's influence. 1 on the Billboard charts for six consecutive weeks, spawning the hits “Our Lips Are Sealed” (named one of Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Pop Singles) and “We Got The Beat” and also earned them a Grammy nomination for “Best New Artist.” They have the notable distinction of being the only all-female band to write their own songs and play their own instruments on a No. Beauty and the Beat is a collection of hook-laden, infectious songs that stayed at No. The Go-Go’s skyrocketed to superstardom after they released one of the most successful debut albums of all time. Each copy is numbered and will only be available at uDiscover, The Sound of Vinyl and the band’s official store. To celebrate the anniversary of its release, on September 10th, UMe/Interscope will release Beauty and the Beat – 40th Anniversary Limited Edition pressed on pink vinyl with new cover art featuring a never-before-seen photo taken from the original album cover shoot. On July 8, 1981, The Go-Go’s released their platinum-selling, landmark debut, Beauty and the Beat. Limited edition pink vinyl features new cover art