Rock stars come and rock stars go. In an everchanging landscape of shifting musical trends, few artists stand the test of time. Belinda Carlisle is one of those rare talents who continues to remain relevant after nearly four decades in the business. Amidst changing tastes, the gifted and glamorous singer-songwriter has indelibly touched the hearts of pop fans around the world with her unique blend of gutsy vocals, emotively charged melodies and picturesque lyrics.
Heaven on Earth, Carlisle’s 1987 sophomore solo album, was undoubtedly the catalyst in transforming her from a successful artist with a loyal following to a household name in demand in arenas across the globe. The album’s lead-off single, “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” climbed the top ten in no less than twelve countries while achieving multiple gold and silver certifications. Bolstered by an iconic video directed by Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton, the anthemic, driving pop gem marked the first of more than twenty top-charting global singles from five Carlisle albums reaching gold, platinum and multi-platinum sales marks.
The mid-‘90s signaled significant changes in Carlisle’s career and life. Becoming a mother, she relocated from her native Los Angeles to southeastern France and took creative control of her fifth solo disc, 1993’s Real. She served as co-producer and co-writer for over half of the album, which simmered with punk-driven undertones that informed her musical beginnings in the late ‘70s while still remaining boldly modern—as evidenced by the top-20 UK hit, “Big Scary Animal.” After a brief reunion with The Go-Go’s in 1994, she expanded her solo horizons further with the 1996 release of A Woman and A Man. The song selection showcased her vocal command in a variety of musical contexts via singles such as the sultry and soulful “Love in the Key of C” and the pensive West Coast Pop ballad “California,” featuring none other than The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson on backing vocals.
With Carlisle’s string of ‘80s and ‘90s hits recently coming to the attention of a whole new generation through social media she is better placed than ever to retain her position as a ageless purveyor of timeless pop. Her commitment to her craft and her well-rounded approach to life have kept her going strong throughout her career…. and she shows no signs of slowing down.