Review:
Hoffs gained her fame as a member of the Bangles in the ‘80s. With her “botched solo debut” STE in 1991, she spent any commercial clout she had by delivering a less-than-stellar album. By the time this album arrived five years later, no one would have expected anything from her. While sales figures were abysmal, Hoffs second solo effort “is a remarkably accomplished and catchy collection of mature jangle-pop, power-pop and ballads.” STE “The style of the album is more folk oriented than her earlier work. Columbia Records didn’t like the change…and the disagreement led to Hoffs being dropped by Sony and signing to London Records.” WK
“Combining originals with well-chosen covers like the Lightning Seeds’ All I Want, the album is an infectious and engaging set of melodic pop that also happens to be Hoffs’ most introspective and personal record to date.” STE She “deals with issues like abusive relationships, insecurities and Weak with Love is about the John Lennon assassination.” WK
“The combination of sweet melodies and reflective songwriting makes Susanna Hoffs a remarkable artistic comeback from a performer that many would have thought was past her prime.” STE
Part of the album’s appeal comes from the team behind the record. While the album boasts a number of players, the most significant of the batch are Bill Bottrell, David Baerwald, Kevin Gilbert, Brian MacLeod, and Dan Schwartz. While those may not be household names, this group had assembled in the early ‘90s as the Tuesday Night Music Club. Their musical efforts resulted in Sheryl Crow’s commercial breakthough and Grammy-winning success with her 1993 album named after the collective.
Also notable is the presence of Linda Perry, formerly of 4 Non Blondes, and later a much-in-demand writer for pop artists like Pink and Christina Aguilera. Alternative rock star Matthew Sweet also showed up; he and Hoffs would pair for a couple of covers albums in the 2000s.
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