The once and future lead singer of The Go-Go's 1991 solo album features the hit "Half The World" and the title track. Players include Eric Bazilian (The Hooters), Dave Alvin (The Blasters), Stan Lynch (Tom Petty & The... more » Heartbreakers), Ellen Shipley, Maria Vidal, percussionist Luis Conte, drummer Kenny Aronoff and many more.« less
The once and future lead singer of The Go-Go's 1991 solo album features the hit "Half The World" and the title track. Players include Eric Bazilian (The Hooters), Dave Alvin (The Blasters), Stan Lynch (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Ellen Shipley, Maria Vidal, percussionist Luis Conte, drummer Kenny Aronoff and many more.
CD Reviews
Everything that Runaway Horses wasn't
earthlight66 | Portland, Oregon | 07/18/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Live Your Life Be Free is one of Belinda's top three best albums (right up there with her debut and "Heaven On Earth"). It's everything that Runaway Horses wasn't (which definitely isn't a downside). This album has much more of a Pop Rock vibe, while Runaway mostly had an overall slow, plodding dullness to it. The closest Runaway got to having a Rock song on it was "Leave a Light On". Don't get me wrong, it's a classic song and I love it, but it just doesn't have the punch that "Nothing Without me" and "I Plead Insanity" have. Only about half the songs I totally adore without any doubt (Live Your Life Be Free, Do You Feel Like I Feel, Half the World, You Came Out of Nowhere, You're Nothing Without Me, I Plead Insanity, Emotional Highway), the rest could be considered filler. But since half the album is amazing, I'm willing to forgive the mediocrity of the second half."
Some gems hidden here.
John P. Thompson | Saint Paul, MN United States | 04/22/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Belinda Carlisle does it again, for the most part. The title track is a lite rocker. The lyrics don't make too much sense though. "Live your life be free, you should be with me." Wasn't the person supposed to be free? Now you're telling them to be with you? Did I miss something here? Not one of my favorite tracks.Do You Feel Like I Feel is simply amazing. Great beats, light on the guitar but it sounds really cool when it does come in. The lyrics and Belinda's voice are simply phenomenal. I have to sing-a-long to this song. The ending vocals and background vocals by Belinda at the same time are nice. One of the best songs she has ever done.Half The World is a gem. The lyrics create a beautiful picture. I just want to wrap myself up in a blanket when I hear HTW...such a fuzzy feeling to it, reminds me of "Love Never Dies" from her Heaven on Earth CD in that sense. You Came Out of Nowhere is cheery, in a way I could gripe about the chorus but I think they have a deeper meaning that make (some)sense. I like it.You're Nothing Without Me has its moments but there are too many parts of the song I don't like from the boring guitar lick to the whispering to the dopey chorus filled with stupid rhymes. Yeah, I usually skip this one. I Plead Insanity is so bad it is good. Tough not to sing along.Emotional Highway is pretty boring. The song gets better as it goes along but not very good as a whole. Little Black Book is a really sad song. Beautiful melody and half decent lyrics but Belinda's voice MAKES this song. Love Revolution has the coolest opening of any song on the cd but then it kicks into a more rocking song, eh. Still it is a pretty catchy and fun song. Everything about the chorus I absolutely adore. Good song. Best during the melody moments rather than the rockin moments. World Of Love is a lot like Live Your Life Be Free, filled with cliche lyrics: "do you believe in destiny, ooo it will set your free." How the hell does destiny set you free? If you're destined to do something you have no freedom. Eh. Loneliness Game is THE song of the album. I LOVE THIS SONG! It is so sad, yet so beautiful. The ending where Belinda sings "gaaaa~mmeeee"...ah just so powerful. I feel it. Live Your Life Be Free isn't Belinda's best album but it certainly isn't her worst either. I like 7 out of the 11 songs and can get through the 4 I feel are lacking in some way. If you are a fan of Belinda this is definitely an album to pick up. Loneliness Game, Do You Feel Like I Feel, Half The World, Little Black Book...ahh yes, there are enough magnificent songs here to warrant a purchase."
Truly underrated
Michael S. Burgess | Raleigh, NC | 04/29/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"While not the next Runaway Horses, its still a worthy album. "Half The World" is simply beautiful, and "Little Black Book", while a sad song, has the same thumping chorus you love to sing along with, just like "Mad About You" and "Leave A Light On" from Belinda's previous efforts. I think the biggest problem, if you call it a problem, is that Belinda strays too far with her other tracks from the established sound of her previous albums. Which isn't a bad thing, but I think it may have turned many people off. Still, for something different and interesting to listen to, check it out."
Belinda's winning album
A. Griffiths | London | 08/04/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is Belinda Carlisle's best album. I don't want any arguments here! The ones that came before it were pop-lite chart filler and those that came after it were dull rock-by-numbers (Although "A Woman and a Man" is a good runner up). Ok, so the "Runaway Horses" and "Heaven On Earth" albums were huge hits, but they are just so obvious. And I never did go for the obvious.
The songs featured here are rocky and rousing in the fast numbers, and stirring and effective on the slow ones. The weakest track in my opinion is "Live Your Life Be Free", which first of all has a stupid lyric ( as another reviewer has pointed out) that renders the song meaningless. Plus the tune is also too safe and chart-friendly. But straight after that comes "Do You Feel Like I Feel", which is much better, a heavier and more powerful song with a great vocal performance. Plus what's with the fake /double fade out? Belinda's getting very playful here!
The other tracks on the album drift between melancholy ballads like the excellent "Half the World" and "Lonliness Game" (not the usual lovey-dovey sentiments that female pop stars are forever boring us with), and up-tempo workouts like "I Plead Insanity" - a great rock-out with a belting chorus, and another enjoyable theme, lyrically. Plus, my absolute favourite, which is "You're Nothing Without Me". What a title! Belinda really makes this track her own, and it has the best lyrics on the album "I wouldn't walk out that door...do you remember what a drag it was, being so lonely?". Full marks for Belinda for delivering a song this sassy and confident, it sounds great. I hope one day I get an opportunity to sing it to someone's face!
The other tracks on the album are all pleasant listening and well produced, but it's the ones I list above that I think make the strongest impression. Plus this album has a great sleeve! Gorgeous 60's retro styling and photos make this a fantastic package. Just skip "Live Your Life Be Free" and you've got a winner.
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1