I've been a Bangles fan since I was a child. This new album is a mixed bag to me. Some songs I like a lot, some are okay, others I skip. I like most of the album, but it does take a couple of listens to get into it. You won't really find any songs here like their hit singles. There is good and bad in that. I wasn't expecting that sound, but more like Doll Revolution. This album doesn't quite match that one, but it's pretty good.
The first single, Anna Lee, is catchy 60's-style pop but I don't love it as much as most fans do. Maybe it's the lyrics, because when I first heard it I didn't know what the song was about. The music and harmonies are good. Under a Cloud is better, the music reminds me of a spring day, and it has a nice guitar break that reminds me of their old music. I'll Never Be Through With You was co-written with one of the Go-Go's, and it has a pretty sound. Mesmerized and Lay Yourself Down are pleasant, mid-tempo songs. Their voices, especially Susanna's, sound the same as in the 80s.
Circles in the Sky, One of Two and Through Your Eyes are slow songs that venture more into folk and country territory. Not really my thing so they are my least favorites on the album. I love a good ballad or slowed-down song, but these are bland and seem to weigh down the second half of the album. They remind me of More Than Meets the Eye, the weakest song on All Over the Place. Their voices are great, but on these few songs they almost sound grating to my ears. The harmonies are good on the verses of Through Your Eyes, I like the music in it and the ending is nice. But the chorus is somewhat annoying and repetitive as they keep singing "through your eyes". What A Life picks up the pace after One of Two, and it reminds me of a 60s, folky "Be With You" in some way. Not especially catchy, but it's got energy. Many of the songs don't stand out. They seem to be lacking strong hooks and can be forgettable. I like them while listening to them, but they don't stick in my head and it's hard to remember them afterwards. Mesmerized and Lay Yourself Down are good examples. A few of the songs have nice instrumental breaks. The album sometimes feels like pleasant background music while you might be doing other things like housework or crafts.
It's the upbeat, rockier songs like Ball N Chain, Sweet and Tender Romance, and Open Your Eyes where they really shine. Ball N Chain is very good, and was written in the 80s. It has that 80s Bangles rock-pop sound. Sweet and Tender Romance adds some much needed energy to the middle of the album. Open Your Eyes is a great album closer, with that classic Bangles sound. It's very catchy and I think it was a good cover choice. These along with I'll Never Be Through With You and Under a Cloud are my favorites on the album. If there were a few more tracks like this-more hooky and catchy-I'd rate it 5 stars. Also, this should have included a booklet with lyrics and photos.
I do miss Michael Steele's contributions. She wasn't on the band's earliest recordings, but she became such an integral part of the band later that you can't help but notice she isn't on this. Overall, it still feels like a Bangles album, but I think Doll Revolution was better, with catchier songs and all 4 Bangles still singing. But this fits in with the rest of their catalogue, just not their best. I'm glad that they released another album and I hope they record more.
I wasn't sure on the 3 or 4 star rating. Amazon says 4 means "I like it", and I do like it, but truthfully I would give 3 1/2 stars.
Highlights-I'll Never Be Through With You, Ball N Chain, Sweet and Tender Romance, Under a Cloud, and Open My Eyes.
