The Go-Go's "God Bless the Go-Go's" Still Divine 20 Years Later

The Go-Go's 2001 reunion album "God Bless the Go-Go's" ranked among the best records of that year. Now to be re-released on Friday, May 14, "God Bless the Go-Go's" is getting some much well deserved new love and, 20 years later, it's one of the best albums of 2021.

That's the remarkable staying power of a perfect amalgam of infectious pop and rock tunes. "God Bless the Go-Go's" doesn't sound dated. Indeed, it's the type of bright, airy, album with huge choruses that we need right now, a danceable, sing-along record that qualifies as the soundtrack to this coming summer.

The reissue comes in deluxe CD and digital formats, and is also the first time the album will be available as an LP (pressed on 140gram, blue colored vinyl. The CD and digital versions include two new bonus tracks and new cover art.

Album opener "La La Land" sets the stage for what's to come, a blast of unrestrained, pop-rock guitars courtesy of Jane Wiedlin and Charlotte Caffey, propulsive rhythms by bassist Kathy Valentine and drummer Gina Schock, and, of course, singer Belinda Carlisle's irresistible vocals.

Taken together, the Go-Go's are way more than the sum of its parts. They come together for an infectious, super melodic sound buoyed by Carlisle's inspired vocal phrasing and terrific vocal harmonizing. Every song on the album, while featuring these characteristics, is unique in its own right.

Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong guests on "Unforgiven," "Vision of Nowness" features an especially terrific vocal by Carlisle and "Sonic Superslide" speaks of "solar sisters here to make you shine."

Lyrically, the band shines on strong-willed songs "Apology” and "Unforgiven" while the excellent "Daisy Chain" chronicles the Go-Go's ups and downs through the years. The socially conscious "Throw Me a Curve" speaks of positive body image and is a kiss-off to body shamers.

The set includes two bonus tracks: the upbeat "I Think I Need Sleep" and the compact "King of Confusion."

The Go-Go's are indeed a blessed band, but they don't need divine intervention. Their talent and determination shines through on "God Bless the Go-Go's." Now let us pray for a new album.