The Go-Go's Beauty and the Beat

The Go-Gos' debut album, Beauty and the Beat, was released in 1981 and was a huge success, spending six weeks in the number one spot on the Billboard charts and selling more than two million copies. The album was a ground-breaking call to arms that inspired generations of women to make music on their own terms, but the band faced misogyny and stereotypes in the music industry. Despite this, the legacy of the album is a celebration of how it inspired countless girls to make art and music on their own terms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The Go-Gos' debut album, "Beauty and the Beat," was released on July 8, 1981, and it quickly became a sensation. The album spent six weeks at the top of the Billboard charts, produced two hit singles, and sold over two million copies, solidifying its place as one of the most successful debut albums of all time. Notably, the Go-Gos were the first and only female band to achieve a number-one album with original songs and instrumental performances.

"Beauty and the Beat" was a groundbreaking record that challenged traditional gender roles and stereotypes in the music industry. The Go-Gos were a feminist band, and their album served as a call to arms for generations of women. They embraced the DIY spirit of Riot Grrrl before the movement gained mainstream popularity, and their music was a testament to the power of female self-expression.

Despite their musical accomplishments, the Go-Gos faced significant challenges in the music industry. They were subjected to sexist and tired stereotypes that persisted even in the 21st century. The misogyny they experienced 40 years ago still exists today, and it highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the entertainment industry.

While "Beauty and the Beat" celebrated the legacy of the Go-Gos and their impact on female musicians, it also served as a painful reminder of how little has changed in the industry. Female musicians are still marketed, manipulated, and discarded in ways that male musicians are not, and it is essential to continue to advocate for change.

In conclusion, the Go-Gos' debut album, "Beauty and the Beat," was a groundbreaking record that inspired countless girls to make art and music on their own terms. Despite facing significant challenges, the Go-Gos' legacy continues to be a celebration of female empowerment and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the music industry.

Weight: 134g
Dimension: 165 x 120 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501390289