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Track Listings
| 1. Vacation |
| 2. He's So Strange |
| 3. Girl Of 100 Lists |
| 4. We Don't Get Along |
| 5. I Think It's Me |
| 6. It's Everything But Partytime |
| 7. Get Up And Go |
| 8. This Old Feeling |
| 9. Cool Jerk |
| 10. The Way You Dance |
| 11. Beatnik Beach |
| 12. Worlds Away |
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Despite a great cover/title concept, the second album from the Go-Go's is the weakest of their original three. Rushed out after the breakthrough of Beauty and the Beat, Vacation sounds affecting in retrospect, but suffers nonetheless from one or three too many so-so songs--a shame, given the top-flight writing throughout Beauty. Frontwoman Belinda Carlisle continues gaining control of her voice, while drummer Gina Schock all but steals the show. But a murky mix obscures the group's charms this time out, and where the debut was sometimes dark in mood, this follow-up too often sounds simply tired. By no means a must-miss, Vacation is still unmistakably weak compared with Talk Show, which came next. --Rickey Wright
Product Description
Their #8 1982 album-a staple of the early-'80s party scene, with the irresistible smash-hit title track plus Get Up and Go; Cool Jerk; He's So Strange; I Think It's Me; Beatnik Beach , and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The Go-Go's are one of those rare occurrences in rock 'n roll; a group that actually never released a bad album! In fact, I would go so far as to say that perhaps only one or two songs from all four major releases could be considered somewhat "lack-luster". Basically, all of the material released by the Go-Go's between 1981 and 1984 was outstanding. Even the 2001 release "God Bless the Go-Go's" is strikingly good! The Go-Go's have always been a group with determination, plenty of ambition, and a genuine love of the rock 'n roll fantasy!
"Vacation" was considered a bit weaker than the debut effort (Beauty and the Beat) by many critics of the day, but I strongly disagree! Songs like "Get Up and Go", "Beatnik Beach", "I Think It's Me" and "Worlds Away" are incredibly well crafted pop songs and are required listening for fans of the Go-Go's. I cannot imagine a stronger follow-up release!
I must point out that the career of the Go-Go's closely paralleled that of another "power pop" group of the late 70's and early 80's, "The Knack". Both groups had a hugely successful debut album that reached number one on the charts. Both groups quickly released a follow-up effort that was very successful and yet was considered a failure when compared to the success of the debut. Both groups released a third effort that received critical praise and yet failed commercially. Both groups broke-up shortly after the third and final album.
Regardless of commercial or critical success, the Go-Go's always delivered GREAT rock 'n roll. "Vacation" may not have escaped (commercially) from the long shadow of "Beauty and the Beat", but it contains some of the best songs by the Go-Go's. Belinda, Jane, Charlotte, Kathy and Gina were destined to deliver some of the most memorable and most perfectly crafted pop songs of the rock 'n roll era.
"Vacation" is highly recommended for fans of "early 80's", "power pop", "new wave", and just plain great rock 'n roll!
-JM
"Vacation" was considered a bit weaker than the debut effort (Beauty and the Beat) by many critics of the day, but I strongly disagree! Songs like "Get Up and Go", "Beatnik Beach", "I Think It's Me" and "Worlds Away" are incredibly well crafted pop songs and are required listening for fans of the Go-Go's. I cannot imagine a stronger follow-up release!
I must point out that the career of the Go-Go's closely paralleled that of another "power pop" group of the late 70's and early 80's, "The Knack". Both groups had a hugely successful debut album that reached number one on the charts. Both groups quickly released a follow-up effort that was very successful and yet was considered a failure when compared to the success of the debut. Both groups released a third effort that received critical praise and yet failed commercially. Both groups broke-up shortly after the third and final album.
Regardless of commercial or critical success, the Go-Go's always delivered GREAT rock 'n roll. "Vacation" may not have escaped (commercially) from the long shadow of "Beauty and the Beat", but it contains some of the best songs by the Go-Go's. Belinda, Jane, Charlotte, Kathy and Gina were destined to deliver some of the most memorable and most perfectly crafted pop songs of the rock 'n roll era.
"Vacation" is highly recommended for fans of "early 80's", "power pop", "new wave", and just plain great rock 'n roll!
-JM
21 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By winkingtiger
Format:Audio CD
Don't believe the tripe! This is by far the Go-Go's best album! I was so tired of the mediocre reviews that I thought I'd set the record straight. Every song on 'Vacation' has something good going for it, from the high-energy 'Beatnik Beach' and 'Get Up And Go' to the driving emotion of 'I Think It's Me' and 'This Old Feeling'(my personal fave rave). No sophomore slump of any kind! I guess the other reviewers wanted the gals to repeat 'Beauty And The Beat', but I think this album is slightly better, in that there are no sludgy, dreary moments like 'Automatic' from that LP...everything is upbeat and shows the Go-Go's songwriting at it's near peak. If you like any other Go-Go's release, you won't be sorry you picked this one up.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
In July 1999, Universal Music Company came to their senses and reissued the last two Go-Go's albums. I mean, they were the epitomy of 1980's new wave power-pop, and how dare UMC keep this music out of print? For shame! The followup to Beauty And The Beat, Vacation, is the topic of this review.
The title track is one of their best songs, the epitomy of what time away from the usual drudgery is all about. It's still relevant today; as the song says, "vacation/meant to be spent alone." A vacation with people is a contradiction in terms.
The only two songs that rival the bounce of "Vacation" are "Get Up And Go" and "Beatnik Beach," the former with its pronounced bass lines and "hey!" refrain, and the latter with its surf guitar. "The Way You Dance" is another relentless song of honorable mention, which ends with a crescendo of crash boom and bams from Gina Schock.
They keep the rhythm up in fluffy songs such as "Girl of 100 Lists" and "We Don't Get Along", the latter which could easily be redone as a punk song.
"It's Everything But Partytime" and "Worlds Away" are for those who want to take a breather, otherwise, be prepared for ten songs that will tax your speakers.
This is a more cohesive album than Beauty And The Beat, and to add another merit, Belinda and friends wrote their own songs unlike some other groups we'd like to name. And contrary to popular belief, most second albums favor a consistent overall sound as opposed to a few standout songs that become singles. Vacation easily falls into this category.
To say Belinda has gone to better things is missing the point. Before her solo career, there had to be a beginning, i.e. the Go-Go's, and boy, what a beginning! Oh yes, and that goes for Jane Wiedlin, Gina Schock, Charlotte Caffey, and assuming she did other projects with that "bad, bad bass," Kathy Valentine.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfection in a sophomore attempt.
I think anyone who thinks this album was a poor or "rushed" follow-up to Beauty & The Beat is insane!! Read more
Published 16 days ago by Donald A.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Happy with my purchase
This album takes me back to my childhood. It wasn't as successful as the Go-Go's first album but I think it was great. It was a bit darker and a bit ahead of their time. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Iris Aparicio
5.0 out of 5 stars
Vacation is all I ever wanted....
Great song. not enough songs written about vacation. People need a vacation these days. Music used to be about making people happy, now it is all "man life is soo hard". Read more
Published 4 months ago by Bart Laube
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hard to compare
Beauty And The Beat is such a great album that it stands alone. But Vacation is still a great album. My personal favorite is 'He's So Strange. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Mark F. Robb
4.0 out of 5 stars
Why do people rag on this album?
Yes, it is not as good as Beauty and the Beat but it is still a very good album that should have gotten more attention than it did. Read more
Published on July 24, 2009 by M. Gravel
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Of Their Entire Discography
Let me first say that obviously you can't go by what critics say on some of these reviews...however, what it all boils down to is just ones matter of opinion, which everyone is... Read more
Published on June 23, 2009 by J. R. Beal
4.0 out of 5 stars
They Could of used a Vacation
Vacation by The Go-Go's is 36 minutes and 18 seconds long and was released in August of 1982. Vacation reached #8 U.S. Billboard 200 Album charts and went Gold. Read more
Published on November 27, 2008 by Michael Patrick Boyd
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sophomore Slump.. Not here
If you were to believe all the critiques of the Go-Gos albums you would have to believe that Vacation, the band's follow up to their debut Beauty & The Beat is a complete waste of... Read more
Published on June 26, 2008 by Bradley Jacobson
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Alumb
Here is the go go's second alumb i mean cd and what can I say except that this is one of their best ever.
Rondall
Rondall
Published on May 30, 2008 by Rondall Banks
2.0 out of 5 stars
Vacation ; Go-Gone!
I bought this for my wife; I can't stand it! Poor re-mastering and even worse material.
Published on January 11, 2007 by Gerard Fleming
