Once Upon a Time in California: Belinda Carlisle's Musical Journey Through the 1970s
Belinda Carlisle has recently released her first English-language solo album in nearly three decades, titled Once Upon a Time in California. The album features covers of songs from the 1970s that have had a significant impact on her as a singer. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone AU/NZ, Carlisle reminisced about her admiration for Split Enz, whose song "Stuff and Nonsense" she covered on her debut solo album in 1986. She shared a memorable experience of attending one of their shows in LA and hosting a party where members of Split Enz unexpectedly showed up.
The creation of the new album spanned eight years, during which Carlisle carefully selected ten songs from a pool of around 100 options. She explained that choosing a song was not solely based on personal preference but also on whether she could maintain the essence of the original while infusing her own style into it. One of the album's highlights is her rendition of The Association's "Never My Love," where she incorporated Beach Boys-inspired harmonies to give the song a unique twist that resonated with her vision. Similarly, her interpretation of Harry Nilsson's "Everybody's Talking" was influenced by the ethereal California vibe of the original, reflecting her childhood musical influences.
Carlisle emphasized the significant role that growing up in California played in shaping her musical journey. She highlighted the impact of California radio culture on her upbringing, describing how music served as an escape into her dream world of becoming a singer. The album's tracks reflect her deep connection to the California sound and her desire to pay homage to the music that inspired her artistic path.
In conclusion, Belinda Carlisle's latest album, Once Upon a Time in California, showcases her unique take on iconic 1970s songs while honoring her California roots. Through her reinterpretations, Carlisle infuses her signature style into each track, creating a nostalgic yet fresh listening experience for fans old and new.