The Bangles

The 1986 album 'Different Light' was the commercial breakthrough for the Los Angeles
hard-harmony quartet the Bangles, but it was also the sound of their careers getting away
from them. All of the hits were written by outside writers; many of the instruments were
played by session players; and the slick sound was different from – and softer than – the
sharp, harmony-laden power pop of their earlier records. But the album's succe... More >

No no no, last time wasn't serious, that was just PR--you didn't buy that Rubber Soul malarkey, did you? This time, though--this time they're serious. They wrote all the songs themselves. Got two about suicide, one about a complicated girl, a historical thing about glitter, and eight, well, love songs. But serious--"Lately I dream that I'm in your arms," "I'll do anything you want me to," "All I ever really want is you." Really. (Grade: B-)