(Used) BELINDA CARLISLE cd collection A Woman & A Man Live Your Life Be Free Real The Collection
Belinda Carlisle first found fame as lead singer of the Go-Go’s before beginning a successful solo career in the mid-1980s. Her warm, distinctive voice proved equally effective with upbeat pop-rock, polished power ballads and more personal singer-songwriter material.
These four CDs cover her early-1990s commercial period, the more organic Real, her 1996 comeback and a useful collection of major hits.
1. A Woman & a Man
Released in 1996, A Woman & a Man restored Carlisle’s commercial profile after a three-year absence.
“In Too Deep” became its defining hit, while “Always Breaking My Heart,” written by Roxette’s Per Gessle, delivers a strong melodic-rock chorus. “Love in the Key of C,” “California” and “Remember September” maintain the album’s bright pop sound, while the title track and “Kneel at Your Feet” provide reflective moments.
A polished and confident comeback that will appeal to fans of mature 1990s pop-rock.
2. Live Your Life Be Free
Released in 1991, Live Your Life Be Free combines the glossy production of Carlisle’s late-1980s albums with a more energetic and optimistic tone.
The title track is an uplifting pop-rock anthem, supported by “Do You Feel Like I Feel?,” “Half the World” and “Little Black Book.” “I Plead Insanity” adds a harder edge, while “You Came Out of Nowhere” and “Loneliness Game” show the album’s more emotional side.
Recommended for listeners who enjoy Carlisle’s polished, radio-friendly period.
3. Real
Released in 1993, Real deliberately moved away from heavily programmed production. The guitars are more prominent, and Carlisle co-wrote much of the material.
“Big Scary Animal” provides the immediate hit, while “Lay Down Your Arms,” “One with You” and “Wrap My Arms” offer direct, melodic rock. “Tell Me,” “Goodbye Day” and the title track give the album a more personal character.
Former Go-Go’s member Charlotte Caffey contributed extensively to the writing and performance. An underrated album for listeners who prefer a more natural band sound.
4. The Collection
The Collection gathers many of Belinda Carlisle’s best-known solo recordings and provides an accessible overview of her career.
Essential hits include “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” “I Get Weak,” “Circle in the Sand,” “Leave a Light On,” “Runaway Horses” and “Summer Rain.” Later material such as “Live Your Life Be Free,” “Big Scary Animal” and “In Too Deep” demonstrates how her sound developed through the 1990s.
The natural starting point for new listeners and a convenient collection for anyone wanting her major singles on one CD.