Search - Bangles :: Doll Revolution

More Than Just Susanna Hoffs

Jeffrey C. Bullock | 08/17/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I see too many reviews saying there weren't enuff songs featuring Susanna Hoffs singing - these must be fans who jumped on the bandwagon AFTER the fact, fans who didn't know that there are four vocalists in the band - obviously most of what they knew is what they heard on the radio and read in some poorly informed magazine articles, articles that stated that Susanna Hoffs was the "lead singer." That is so far from the truth with the Bangles, and it's what sets them apart from all modern groups, now and then - there are also four songwriters in the group - I find anything the Bangles do or did far more appealing than anything Susanna Hoffs (or any of them) did while solo."

The Bangles, Back And Better Than Ever

Indiana Jeff Reynolds | Indianapolis, IN USA | 08/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"All it took was the lead of Vicki Peterson's guitar on "Tear Off Your Own Head (It's A Doll Revolution" to declare to the world that the Bangles are back, even though it was an Elvis Costello song.



One comment I noticed on their video is that this is more adult. If by adult you mean pornographic, it isn't. But when it comes to maturity, that statement is right on the money.



I mentioned a video. There was a limited edition DVD I viewed. This included a short "A Day In The Life Of The Bangles", which included an interview of the girls (with Susanna wearing two different outfits, sitting second from left between the Petersons in one and on the edge of the couch to the right of Michael Steele on the other). This included some shots of the video of "Something that You Said", some concert footage, and comments on three of the songs. It also included the above mentioned video, photos, a pair of old songs (1981, their first single) and "Something That You Said", and the lyrics to the songs.



This was a great project, though I think maybe a little mellower overall than previous projects. The lyrics were great to. I loved Vicki's song "Single By Choice", even though I've been happily married over 24 years to my first wife -- it made a great point from a different perspective. I just loved "Grateful". Other good songs include "Tear Off Your Own Head (It's A Doll Revolution)", "Something That You Said", "Nickel Romeo", "Mixed Messages", and "Lost At Sea.""

Still in amazement

Football Fan | Texas | 03/31/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After reading a lot of reviews here, I had pretty mediocre expectations for this album, and since I paid a mediocre price, was quite willing to settle for that.



Now I'm thinking this may be one of the best bang-for-the-bucks records I've bought. Normally I'm happy if 2 or 3 songs on an album do something for me. Of this album's 15 songs, at least 10 of them really sound good to my ears. That never happens.



Susanna Hoffs' voice is like cotton candy: wispy and sweet, and certainly pleasant, but insubstantial. I need a little more meat in my musical diet, and Vicki Peterson's voice fits the bill perfectly. Her vocals resonate with depth, and carry more punch. Susanna is great on the lighter "love and ballads" fare, but for real attitude Vicki can't be beat. I don't think it's coincidence that most of my favorite songs here are the ones with Vicki on the lead. (FWIW, the songs I like least tend to feature Debbi's voice, though I think that's somewhat coincidental).



"Tear Off Your Own Head", "The Rain Song", "Here Right Now", "Single by Choice", "Mixed Messages", and "Between the Two" are my favorites, but there aren't too many weak spots on the entire album."