The Bangles - Different Light

I had always quite liked The Bangles without knowing too much about them. I bought this album ( and its follow-up Everything ) 2 or 3 years after it came out as it was on sale in a record shop in Hounslow, and I recognised a few of the titles such as "Manic Monday" and "Walk Like An Egyptian".

I remember playing it and thinking Wow, this is real good, and for a while I was playing it incessently. Great Tunes, lovely singing and a happy feel to the music ( even if the lyrics aren't always in step with the tone ! )."If She  Knew What She Wants" was my favourite by some distance, with a gorgeous lead vocal and sing-along backing vocals, a lovely ending, and I'd be giving it too her too !

I did notice with surprise though that the first three singles from the album were not actually written by the group. I was also intrigued that three of the four big singles were all sung by Susanna Hoffs, who also shares vocals on "Walk Like An Egyptian", whereas the vocal duties on ther songs are shared across the album.

Looking now at the track listing, can't remember 6 of the album tracks, and wasn't aware "Following" had been released as a single in the UK.

Listening again, "If She  Knew What She Wants" is still my favourite track, whilst "Manic Monday", written by Prince under a pseudonym and the first major hit for the Bangles, is still outstanding. I must confess that when I learnt that "Manic Monday" was written by someone famous I had it in my head for several years it was Bruce Springsteen !

The mournful, acoustic "Following" is very different to everything else on the album and an unusual choice for a single, being the least commerical song on the album. It was also the first to feature Michael Steele as the main vocalist. "Return Post" is slow tempo, blues number also demonstrating The Bangles versatility.

"In A Different Light" & "Not Like You" have a happy, bouncy upbeat tone to them. Both could have been hit singles."Standing In The Hallway" includes some funky keyboards.

"Let It Go" is possibly the most insubstantial song, with a hint of the Beatles, "September Gurls" has very 60's sound and a gentle guitar break, and "Angels Don't Fall In Love" has a slight Country feel

"Walking Down Your Street" doesn't quite sound as good now and "Walk Like An Egyptian" was always my least favourite song on the album.

Overall, it's still a great pop album though.

Track Listing :

1. Manic Monday
2. In A Different Light
3. Walking Down Your Street
4. Walk Like An Egyptian
5. Standing In The Hallway
6. Return Post
7. If She Knew Want She Wants
8. Let it Go
9. September Gurls
10. Angels Don't Fall In Love
11. Following
12. Not Like You

Released 1986
UK Chart Position : 3

Singles :

Manic Monday ( No 2 - 1986 )
If She Knew What She Wants ( No 31 - 1986 )
Walk Like An Egyptian ( No 3 - 1986 )
Walking Down Your Street ( No 16 - 1987 ) 
Following ( No 55 - 1987 )