"God Bless the Go-Go's" is the fourth studio album by American rock band The Go-Go's, released in 2001. After over a decade of hiatus, the band members Belinda Carlisle, Charlotte Caffey, Gina Schock, Kathy Valentine, and Jane Wiedlin reunited to work together on this new project. It is their first original album since 1984's "Talk Show". The album received positive reviews from critics, who admired the band's energy and harmonious songwriting throughout the collection.
The album's lead single, "Unforgiven," was co-written by Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong. While it didn't significantly chart, the album did quite well, reaching No. 57 on the Billboard 200 chart. Other noted tracks include "Apology" and "Stuck In My Car." The title of the album serves as a cheeky tribute to the band's enduring influence and the resilience of their shared musical vision. Rather than trying to adapt to contemporary trends, the Go-Go's retain the energetic pop/rock style that made them famous in the 1980s, allowing them a successful reentry into the early 21st-century pop landscape.
This album explores the trials and tribulations experienced by the members individually and as a band. They navigate through their personal and shared histories, acknowledging, among other things, their struggles with substance abuse, inter-band conflicts, and the pressures of fame. Despite these serious themes, "God Bless the Go-Go's" maintains a fun and optimistic tone throughout, embodying the band's enduring spirit and love for music.
The production duties were handled by Sean Slade and Paul Q. Kolderie who have previously worked with several renowned rock bands. All of the original band members contributed significantly to the songwriting process of this album, showcasing their individual musical growth and evolution since their last group effort.
Overall, "God Bless the Go-Go's" marks the successful return of The Go-Go's, showcasing their ability to create infectious, fun music while also conveying deeper, more introspective themes. As such, the album stands as a testament to the band's talent, resilience, and undiminished vitality.
