GO GO's GREATEST!

5. "Head Over Heels"

Back in 1984, the band announced that they would return with a harder sound. In today's terminology, they would be in danger of "jumping the shark," but the Go-Go's are smarter than that. They simply showcased what had been bubbling in them all along in this catchy, vibrant tune that was the lead single from their third release TALK SHOW. This song is definitely edgier, the guitars were razor-sharp, and it peaked at #11.

4. "Vacation"

The Go-Go's have never strayed from irony, and this first single from their sophomore album was proof. It has become an annual summer anthem, despite the fact it really has nothing to do with a traditional vacation. The "vacation" here is time away from a boyfriend. Set against a bouncy beat, Belinda Carlisle sings of regretting her decision, and this solid song peaked at #8 like its album.

3. "Our Lips Are Sealed"

As cliched as it sounds, here is the song that started it all. A perfect blend of pop and sass, the girls had announced their arrival. Writing their own material and playing their own instruments, they let us know that this girl band would not sing of broken hearts and waiting around for their handsome prince. They would be the ones doing the heart-breaking and would rock strong doing it. Belinda's vocals are perfectly feminine but with an edge. Although their debut single peaked at a humble #20, they still managed to kick down the door of the boys' club.

2. "Worlds Away"

Even though this overlooked gem is the antithesis of the band's hard-rocking exterior, we get a glimpse of what is underneath in this rare ballad. As the title suggests, this is a longing for a simpler, easier life which is more relevant now than ever. Instead of becoming a pity party, the girls keep their edge with concrete lyrics "slip into bed, the sheets are cold and smooth/my tension melts to a quiet warm." By the time the song reaches its crescendo, nothing is resolved, as in real life.

1. "We Got The Beat"

The second single from their debut album BEAUTY AND THE BEAT is less of a party song and more of an exclamation of their arrival. Peaking at #2, the song demonstrates the strengths of the band, including the complex guitar riffs, solid songwriting, Belinda's don't-mess-with-me Soprano, and Gina Shock, who can play the drums better than the best of them. The tune is rare in that it starts off strong but still manages to build until it reaches its delirious climax. Blended with an early 1980s pop and a 1960s sensibility, the girls prove that they still got it!