The Bangles’ latest studio album Sweetheart of the Sun is expected to be released on September 27, 2011, via their record label, Model Music Group.
Background on The Bangles
The Bangles is made up of sisters Vicki and Debbi Peterson, as well as Susanna Hoffs. The band is best-known for their hit singles in the late 1980s such as “Eternal Flame,” “Manic Monday,” “If She Knew What She Wants,” “A Hazy Shade of Winter,” and “Walk Like an Egyptian,” all of which are still played regularly on adult contemporary radio stations.
According to the biography section of their official website, Matthew Sweet served as producer of their newest album, and it was recorded at his home studio in the Hollywood Hills, California; moreover, its overdubbing was completed in the home studios of Vicki and Susanna.
Prime Cuts of the CD
This twelve-track CD opens with the soaring title cut “Anna Lee (Sweetheart of the Sun),” which should definitely be a future single for the group. It is followed by “Under a Cloud” and the upbeat “Ball N Chain.”
Their lead-off single “I’ll Never Be Through With You,” sung by Susanna is a real treat and her vocals on this track are reminiscent to those of Grammy winner Sheryl Crow. Equally noteworthy tunes are “Mesmerized” and “One of Two,” and the trio’s harmonies are stunning on “Through Your Eyes.”
The slow-moving, yet beautiful “Circles in the Sky” was written by Vicki as a birthday present for her husband, John, who also appears on its background vocals.
Cover Songs on the Album
The album includes two cover songs, namely “Sweet and Tender Romance,” and the closing track “Open My Eyes” by veteran singer-songwriter Todd Rundgren.
The Bangles Set to Embark on Tour
In an effort to promote this record, The Bangles will launch a nationwide tour. Their October touring dates will be in the East Coast, and they will play at such venues as The Highline Ballroom in New York City and The House of Blues in Chicago, meanwhile their November dates are scattered on the West Coast. They are expected to perform their classics and new songs.
Judging from this CD, this is one tour that shouldn't be missed, if the girls come to a city near you.
The Verdict
In summation, The Bangles score a major comeback with Sweetheart of the Sun. A solid collection like this is likely to “mesmerize” their fans. Hopefully, this new CD will introduce their music to a brand new generation of audiences, since their vocals are refreshing, catchy, and as clear as ever.
Along with The Go-Go’s, The Bangles and their music ought to stand the test of time, and should go down in history as one of the greatest all-female bands of all time!
For more information on The Bangles, please visit their official website, as well as their MySpace and Facebook pages.
Sources
- “About” section of The Bangles’ official website. Retrieved on September 6, 2011.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
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