Review: The Bangles -- Sweetheart of the Sun

The album art for Sweetheart of the Sun is a big clue that you're about to hear a "retro" album. But what's interesting here is how they explore all the things "retro" can mean. This album is a big mix of all things "Pop"  from the '60s through the mid-'90s. (Minus the '80s. I assume because that would essentially mean remaking one of their early albums.)

The influence of The Beatles and The Beach Boys permeates through nearly every track and The Bangles do a great job of representing several phases of each influences' careers. Whether it's the hints of Rubber Soul found in "Sweet and Tender Romance" or the Pet Sounds harmonies all over the album, this is a 100% "remember the good ol' days" kind of album.

It's been eight years since The Bangles released new material. But let's be honest, the last time you heard about a new Bangles album was probably when you wanted to know where to find "Manic Monday" or "Walk Like An Egyptian." So perhaps it shouldn't surprise anyone that this album is at its best when the focus is on catchy melodies and danceable rhythms. The first and last tracks are perfect examples of songs you'll probably never learn all the lyrics to, but you'll put all your heart into singing the chorus (think: every song you've ever heard in a bar.)

But who said analyzing pop lyrics was ever a good idea? Several of these songs were written years ago,  so a close look at the lyrics reveals…dated jokes like, "If brains were clothes, you'd have nothing to wear."  Thankfully, that's a low point and not the average.  But the point is that you're usually much better off dancing to that guitar riff you like so much.

The 2011 version of The Bangles has much smaller hair

The Bangles should be applauded for being bold enough to try so much on one record. It takes a lot to make this many influences come together into one cohesive sound and they certainly succeed at this on a track-by-track basis. However, the styles vary so much from one track to the next that it sometimes has the disjointed feel of a compilation album.  At its best, it's a lot of good, clean fun (If "Through Your Eyes" doesn't get used as a TV show theme within the next year, I'm losing all faith in Hollywood.) At its worst, it can come off as a mix tape of OK songs from a long time ago (The beginning of "One of Two" might make you think you've accidentally started listening to another album entirely). But if you're looking for a big dose of nostalgia or just some new material from the group, Sweetheart of the Sun won't let you down.