God Bless the Go-Go's is the Go-Go's fourth studio album, released May 15, 2001. It was their first studio album in 17 years since the release of Talk Show in 1984.
[edit] Critical reception and chart performance
God Bless The Go-Go's received mixed reviews from critics. Rolling Stone wrote "Every bit as Go-Go's, that is, as their non-hits and less remarkable material. While the Go-Go's sound is intact, there is not a "We Got the Beat" or a "Head Over Heels" to be found. It is feasible that in this age of pop rebirth, the Go-Go's decided it was now or never". Allmusic wrote "The album doesn't attempt to update the band's sound with hip-hop moves or electronic frippery, for which God should bless 'em, indeed. The girls' hold on the current pop world remains so strong that Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong co-writes a song ("Unforgiven") in impeccable Go-Go's drag".
The album sold fewer copies than the previous Go-Go's studio albums but still managed to chart in the U.S. Billboard 200, peaking at number #57.
Singles released from the album included "Unforgiven" and "Apology."
[edit] Artwork controversy
The album cover was created by photographer Maryanne Bilham. It was criticised by some Catholic groups for showing the group members posing as the Virgin Mary. The U.S. Catholic League president William Donohue criticized the band for ripping off Catholic imagery and resorting to "cheap ploys" to lure a new audience to the band. Go-Go's singer Belinda Carlisle replied to the critics by saying "any sort of art shouldn't be an issue. Art should not be censored. I don't get that it's controversial at all." [5]
[edit] Track listing
| # |
Title |
Composer(s) |
Time |
| 1. |
"La La Land" |
Caffey, Valentine |
3:02 |
| 2. |
"Unforgiven" |
Billie Joe Armstrong, Caffey, Wiedlin |
3:23 |
| 3. |
"Apology" |
Heatherton, Valentine |
3:57 |
| 4. |
"Stuck in My Car" |
Caffey, Stuart, Wiedlin |
3:36 |
| 5. |
"Vision of Nowness" |
Ross, Valentine |
2:55 |
| 6. |
"Here You Are" |
Caffey, Vallence, Wiedlin |
4:01 |
| 7. |
"Automatic Rainy Day" |
Plunkett, Schock, Wiedlin |
3:17 |
| 8. |
"Kissing Asphalt" |
Caffey |
2:49 |
| 9. |
"Insincere" |
Caffey, Wiedlin |
3:45 |
| 10. |
"Sonic Superslide" |
Caffey, Carlisle, Schock, Valentine, Wiedlin |
3:33 |
| 11. |
"Throw Me a Curve" |
Caffey, Carlisle, Schock, Valentine, Wiedlin |
3:11 |
| 12. |
"Talking Myself Down" |
Caffey, Susanna Hoffs, Wiedlin |
3:55 |
| 13. |
"Daisy Chain" |
Sobule, Valentine, Wiedlin |
3:45 |
[edit] Bonus tracks
- "I Think I Need Sleep" (Japan only)
- "King of Confusion" (UK only) (Written by Bartell/Caffey/Valentine)
[edit] Charts
| Chart |
Peak
position |
| U.S. Billboard 200[6] |
57 |
| U.S. Billboard Top Internet Albums[6] |
17 |
[edit] References
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| Albums |
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| Compilation albums |
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| Singles |
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