she/her
I'm getting to that age.
#soon! Part Un - The 60s-00s Girl Band Debut Breakthrough Rate
- Thread starter berserkboi
- Start date
I was already that age when Overload happened -- and it single-handedly restored my faith in chart pop again...
He/Him
Another winner of their section falls today!!!
#6
The Bangles – Manic Monday
Average Score: 8.475
Highest Score: 11 x 1 (@unnameable) 10 x10 (@dancingwithmyself, @ComeOnGloria, @ohnostalgia, @Baby Clyde, @soratami, @berserkboi, @Remorque, @Filippa, @DominoDancing, @kermit_the_frog)
Lowest Score: 4 x 1 (@iheartpoptarts) 5.8 x 1 (@Riiiiiiiii)
#6
The Bangles – Manic Monday
Average Score: 8.475
Highest Score: 11 x 1 (@unnameable) 10 x10 (@dancingwithmyself, @ComeOnGloria, @ohnostalgia, @Baby Clyde, @soratami, @berserkboi, @Remorque, @Filippa, @DominoDancing, @kermit_the_frog)
Lowest Score: 4 x 1 (@iheartpoptarts) 5.8 x 1 (@Riiiiiiiii)
This cut should make two people happy! The ten of us who gave The Bangles full scores, not so much however! Manic Monday has been a mainstay of the top 10 this whole time, my lovelies – you were well and truly going to have it in the top 3 until a couple of late voters pushed it out of the top 5, awarding higher scores to what they probably felt were more iconic numbers. Although, I would have preferred Salt-N-Pepa to be our last 80s act left – there is no denying Manic Monday is pretty much a perfect piece of pop rock!
Manic Monday is one of those numbers on the list that grab you instantly, from the soft instrumental pull and Susanna’s gorgeous crisp vocal. The background harmonies are full and lively, with the lyric about having to go to work instead of relaxing on a Sunday (with a Valentino, no less!) being intensely relatable (I wish!) right now too at 9.36pm on a Sunday night writing this post (not posting til Manic Monday morning however!)! Another great aspect of the track is that each verse is slightly different from the last and the song is on the short side – all creating a dreamlike effect with a slow pleasant build that doesn’t ever become strenuous.
Manic Monday was originally a song to be performed by Prince (he also wrote the track under the pseudonym Christopher) as a duet with the band Apollonia 6 for their self-titled album. He eventually pulled the song and gave it to The Bangles two years later after becoming quite fond of their sound through their debut album All Over The Place. Manic Monday was actually the first release of the Bangles’ follow up album Different Light and was the girls’ breakthrough, going to #2 in the US and the UK. Australia took it to #3 so it was certainly a decent success all over. The critics also thought highly of it, with Los Angeles Times calling it a candidate for best single of the year.
The Bangles started out as The Bangs in 1981 with members Susanna Hoffs and sisters Vicki and Debbi Peterson forming in Los Angeles as part of the Paisley Underground scene, groups that played a mixture of 1960s influenced rock. Due to a legal issue, the band changed their name to Bangles as they became a quartet, and released their EP. Their full length début on Columbia Records captured their power pop roots in single Hero Takes The Fall. Their audience grew when they supported Cyndi Lauper on her Fun Tour and attracted the attention of Prince, leading to the single we are discussing today.
The Bangles peak was during the 1984-1989 era with friction causing them to break up in 1989. The main reason behind it is thought to be that more prominence was given to Susanna by the record label, and her being singled as lead vocalist since most singles the label released featured her on main vocals despite all albums showing the girls were equal in taking lead vocal duties and writing songs. They have since had some mini reunions over the years, including Susanna and Debbi writing a song for Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. In 2000 the girls were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame.
PopJustice – what do you have to say for yourself?
Zar-Unity (7) is back to his favourite score - I've always liked The Bangles, and this song is nice. Tech: 4 Taste: 3 = 7 points. Kermit_The_Frog (10) surprises no one by giving a Prince penned song a perfect score - As a Prince stan, I can hardly give this less than a 10. My favourite song by The Bangles (which, taking into account that I only know about 3, is vaguely successful). Reminds me that I had exceptional taste in bops even as a small child.
ComeOnGloria (10) is certainly getting into Unnameable’s good graces! - I remember getting the VHS of their greatest hits for Xmas when i was about 8 years old and being so happy! I had such a crush on Susanna Hoffs! This so almost got my 11 points. Saviodxl (8) is here to give you some fresh puns!! - Not my favorite day of the week tough. I prefer The Saturdays. Filippa (10) finds a lot to love and stand for - 4 gorgeous women on guitars and drums. Singing (with some exceptions) their own songs. I love that. Susannah Hoffs may not have the most powerful voice, but she has a timbre I love. I can easily recognise when she’s on the lead. Their harmonies are really wonderful, maybe that’s the best of the band. Manic Monday was written by Prince and it’s a great tune.
Trouble In Paradise (7) is no huge fan of this one - I feel bad cause I know some people love this song and it’s sold but this song really has never connected with me. Empty Shoebox (8) thinks this is a little standard fare, well then – the music he listens to must be great on average. - Basic, but decent. The bridge is the highlight. The "don't have to run day" attempt to rhyme is the low. DominoDancing (10) finds this to be perfection -Leave it to Prince to finally liven up these 80s debuts! Perfectly written, perfectly performed. Iheartpoptarts (4) finds it too relatable to properly love - Always kind of annoyed me, but waking up early for work is a daily struggle forever.
Ufint (9) doesn’t have all great memories with this one, which is a shame - I listened to this so much as a kid that it makes me a little bit uncomfortable listening to it, because it doesn’t bring up solely good memories. Nevertheless such a classic. DJHazey (9) pays the girls their dues - When me and anybody I know has been using the term "Manic Monday" to describe a terrible Monday for as long as I can remember, that tells you what kind impact it had on pop culture. A couple of their other hits might have gotten a 10, but this is still undeniable. Unnameable (11) doesn’t think his 11 had any competition from the songlist really – Prince songwriting, Susannah Hoffs’ voice and harmonies from the Bangles? How can any song compete with this?
Manic Monday is one of those numbers on the list that grab you instantly, from the soft instrumental pull and Susanna’s gorgeous crisp vocal. The background harmonies are full and lively, with the lyric about having to go to work instead of relaxing on a Sunday (with a Valentino, no less!) being intensely relatable (I wish!) right now too at 9.36pm on a Sunday night writing this post (not posting til Manic Monday morning however!)! Another great aspect of the track is that each verse is slightly different from the last and the song is on the short side – all creating a dreamlike effect with a slow pleasant build that doesn’t ever become strenuous.
Manic Monday was originally a song to be performed by Prince (he also wrote the track under the pseudonym Christopher) as a duet with the band Apollonia 6 for their self-titled album. He eventually pulled the song and gave it to The Bangles two years later after becoming quite fond of their sound through their debut album All Over The Place. Manic Monday was actually the first release of the Bangles’ follow up album Different Light and was the girls’ breakthrough, going to #2 in the US and the UK. Australia took it to #3 so it was certainly a decent success all over. The critics also thought highly of it, with Los Angeles Times calling it a candidate for best single of the year.
The Bangles started out as The Bangs in 1981 with members Susanna Hoffs and sisters Vicki and Debbi Peterson forming in Los Angeles as part of the Paisley Underground scene, groups that played a mixture of 1960s influenced rock. Due to a legal issue, the band changed their name to Bangles as they became a quartet, and released their EP. Their full length début on Columbia Records captured their power pop roots in single Hero Takes The Fall. Their audience grew when they supported Cyndi Lauper on her Fun Tour and attracted the attention of Prince, leading to the single we are discussing today.
The Bangles peak was during the 1984-1989 era with friction causing them to break up in 1989. The main reason behind it is thought to be that more prominence was given to Susanna by the record label, and her being singled as lead vocalist since most singles the label released featured her on main vocals despite all albums showing the girls were equal in taking lead vocal duties and writing songs. They have since had some mini reunions over the years, including Susanna and Debbi writing a song for Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. In 2000 the girls were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame.
PopJustice – what do you have to say for yourself?
Zar-Unity (7) is back to his favourite score - I've always liked The Bangles, and this song is nice. Tech: 4 Taste: 3 = 7 points. Kermit_The_Frog (10) surprises no one by giving a Prince penned song a perfect score - As a Prince stan, I can hardly give this less than a 10. My favourite song by The Bangles (which, taking into account that I only know about 3, is vaguely successful). Reminds me that I had exceptional taste in bops even as a small child.
ComeOnGloria (10) is certainly getting into Unnameable’s good graces! - I remember getting the VHS of their greatest hits for Xmas when i was about 8 years old and being so happy! I had such a crush on Susanna Hoffs! This so almost got my 11 points. Saviodxl (8) is here to give you some fresh puns!! - Not my favorite day of the week tough. I prefer The Saturdays. Filippa (10) finds a lot to love and stand for - 4 gorgeous women on guitars and drums. Singing (with some exceptions) their own songs. I love that. Susannah Hoffs may not have the most powerful voice, but she has a timbre I love. I can easily recognise when she’s on the lead. Their harmonies are really wonderful, maybe that’s the best of the band. Manic Monday was written by Prince and it’s a great tune.
Trouble In Paradise (7) is no huge fan of this one - I feel bad cause I know some people love this song and it’s sold but this song really has never connected with me. Empty Shoebox (8) thinks this is a little standard fare, well then – the music he listens to must be great on average. - Basic, but decent. The bridge is the highlight. The "don't have to run day" attempt to rhyme is the low. DominoDancing (10) finds this to be perfection -Leave it to Prince to finally liven up these 80s debuts! Perfectly written, perfectly performed. Iheartpoptarts (4) finds it too relatable to properly love - Always kind of annoyed me, but waking up early for work is a daily struggle forever.
Ufint (9) doesn’t have all great memories with this one, which is a shame - I listened to this so much as a kid that it makes me a little bit uncomfortable listening to it, because it doesn’t bring up solely good memories. Nevertheless such a classic. DJHazey (9) pays the girls their dues - When me and anybody I know has been using the term "Manic Monday" to describe a terrible Monday for as long as I can remember, that tells you what kind impact it had on pop culture. A couple of their other hits might have gotten a 10, but this is still undeniable. Unnameable (11) doesn’t think his 11 had any competition from the songlist really – Prince songwriting, Susannah Hoffs’ voice and harmonies from the Bangles? How can any song compete with this?
The Bangles takes us home in the decade that under-performed the most, all things considered.
A high note to end on however, Manic Monday certainly shows the great qualities the Pop Rock sound would go on to explore and influence, even as late as the 00s.
80s recap coming
#soon!
D
Deleted member 26234
Mini Reunions?
Well in 2003 they recorded the album Doll Revolution. I love that album. Something That You Said is maybe the best known song of it:
And in 2011 they recorded Sweethearts of the Sun as a threesome because Michael Steel sadly had left the band. This is really one of my all-time favourite albums!
Do you think I'm a fan? Yes I am! Love those girls!
And still ... though it was a though decision, Manic Monday was not my 11!
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D
Deleted member 29256
I am so sorry guys! There must be something wrong with me, but I really don't like this song. It's one of those cliché-overplayed-and-on-every-compilation-of-the-80s-"rock"-song. Even the lyrics do absolutely nothing for me.
Then again, ya'll killed Mel & Kim way earlier, so maybe...
Then again, ya'll killed Mel & Kim way earlier, so maybe...
He/Him
Your Top 5 Is Here!
'60s
'60s
The Shirelles – Will You Love Me Tomorrow
The Ronettes - Be My Baby'90s
Spice Girls - Wannabe '00s
Sugababes - Overload Girls Aloud - Sound of the Underground
We are well and truly at the pointy end now! Down two decades, this is shaping up to be a battle of the 60s vs the 00s, although the Spice Girls and their humongous fan base could still pull an upset quite easily and take the whole thing! Tell us your prediction and/or preferred order with what's left! Is this result shocking for anyone else? I was certainly not expecting all these songs to be left standing. Technically any winner satisfies me as I have my 11, 3 x 10s and a 9.7 left! What about you though?
#soon!
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londonrain
Staff member
All five of these are truly iconic in different ways...
...but oddly I actually want the Spice Girls to go first.
I’d actually be okay with any of them winning, but a Girls Aloud win would maybe feel a bit too predictable.
How about a Ronettes/Sugababes/Shirelles top three?
...but oddly I actually want the Spice Girls to go first.
I’d actually be okay with any of them winning, but a Girls Aloud win would maybe feel a bit too predictable.
How about a Ronettes/Sugababes/Shirelles top three?
D
Deleted member 26234
Yes that would be my favourite top three ...
Well I'm new to rates with Girls Aloud songs, so this could maybe change the predictability?
I'm disappointed in your lack of taste. The Bangles were clearly head and shoulder above most of the surviving entries (except possibly Will You Love Me Tomorrow - Carole King ranks alongside Prince in my list of awesome songwriters).
Sound of the Underground and Wannabe were iconic in their time, but aren't the world's greatest songs. Will people vote with their ears or with their nostalgia?
Sound of the Underground and Wannabe were iconic in their time, but aren't the world's greatest songs. Will people vote with their ears or with their nostalgia?
MollieSwift21
Staff member
I can't believe Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow made the top 5. This is a while back now but in the girl group compilation thing done The Shirelles were paid dust so I was thinking something similar would happen here.
Hoping Overload or Sound of The Underground are out next.
Hoping Overload or Sound of The Underground are out next.
He/Him
He/Him
Would you say I provided PopJustice of the highest order? I love that the oldest track made top 5 so much too!!!
D
Deleted member 29256
Both. For me personally nostalgia is in a lot of cases a part of how I experience music.
He/Him
@Jeffo Profile Pic.jpg!
He/Him
80s Recap
#59 - The Cover Girls - We Can't Go Wrong
#58 - Klymaxx - I Miss You
#55 - Bananarama - It Ain't What You Do
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#49 - Mary Jane Girls - All Night Long
#42 - Sweet Sensation - Sincerely Yours
#41 - Shakespears Sister - You're History
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#40 - Exposé - Come Go With Me
#33 - Mel & Kim - Showing Out (Get Fresh At The Weekend)
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#25 - Pepsi & Shirlie - Heartache
#24 - The Go-Go's - Our Lips Are Sealed (80s Bronze)
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#10 - Salt-N-Pepa - Push It (80s Silver)
#6 - The Bangles - Manic Monday (80s Gold)
Average Placement: 36.833 / 60
Second decade to fall was actually the one to struggle the most during the voting period. The 80s hardly had any representation for the pointy end until the end of voting, with only The Bangles in the top 10 once you all well and truly kicked Shakespears Sister out all the way to the other side of the street. A very diverse decade, this is where the seeds were planted for the development of the Hip Hop Genre in the 90s (Gone too #soon Salt-N-Pepa justice). Pop Rock started to develop into a clearer, crisper sound as per The Bangles winning this decade for you all.
The clunkers of the decade were obviously the tracks that had hardly a pulse to them such as We Can't Go Wrong and I Miss You but Bananarama's weird and wonderful entry here should really have cracked the top 20 too considering the timelessness of the sound (like the Overload of its time). My takeaway of the 80s is that Girl Groups were starting to really push for more individuality and personality by the end of the decade, creating and influencing a different direction for what they could achieve so despite the low lows, the highs were super high! Hope you enjoyed this part of the journey!
The clunkers of the decade were obviously the tracks that had hardly a pulse to them such as We Can't Go Wrong and I Miss You but Bananarama's weird and wonderful entry here should really have cracked the top 20 too considering the timelessness of the sound (like the Overload of its time). My takeaway of the 80s is that Girl Groups were starting to really push for more individuality and personality by the end of the decade, creating and influencing a different direction for what they could achieve so despite the low lows, the highs were super high! Hope you enjoyed this part of the journey!
Next decade recap,
#soon!
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she/her
5. Overload
4. Will You Love Me Tomorrow
3. Sound of the Underground
2. Be My Baby
1. Wannabe
4. Will You Love Me Tomorrow
3. Sound of the Underground
2. Be My Baby
1. Wannabe
Oh so that's how many more eliminations these will last?