The Bangles emerged from the vibrant 1980s music scene, quickly establishing themselves as a prominent all-female band that delivered catchy melodies and harmonies. Their blend of power pop, new wave, and jangle-pop resonated widely, leading to a string of hits that are still enjoyed today. Let’s explore some of the standout Bangles Songs that cemented their place in music history.
Hazy Shade of Winter
The Bangles performing Hazy Shade of Winter in a music video, showcasing their 80s rock style
Originally a Simon & Garfunkel classic, The Bangles infused “Hazy Shade of Winter” with a harder rock edge for the 1987 film Less Than Zero. Having performed it live since 1983, the band was well-rehearsed and ready to make it their own. What’s notable about this version is the shared lead vocals among all four members – Susanna Hoffs, Debbi Peterson, Vicki Peterson, and Michael Steele – a rarity in their discography, where typically one member took the lead. This collaborative vocal approach, combined with a driving beat and more prominent electric guitars than the original, turned “Hazy Shade of Winter” into a powerful and memorable rendition, distinct from its folk-rock roots and firmly establishing it as one of the popular bangles songs.
Following
The Bangles' song Following audio cover, highlighting Michael Steele's songwriting contribution to the band
“Following” is a deeper cut from The Bangles’ catalog, an acoustic ballad that showcases the songwriting talent of bassist Michael Steele. This track holds significance as the first song Steele penned independently for the group. Lyrically, “Following” delves into the darker emotions of jealousy, paranoia, and obsession that can linger after a relationship ends. Steele’s lead vocals bring a raw vulnerability to the song, making it a poignant exploration of heartbreak and its psychological aftermath. While not as commercially successful as some of their pop hits, “Following” reveals a different facet of the bangles songs, demonstrating their range beyond upbeat tracks.
Anna Lee (Sweetheart of the Sun)
The album art for The Bangles' Sweetheart of the Sun, featuring the song Anna Lee
Opening their 2011 album Sweetheart of the Sun, “Anna Lee (Sweetheart of the Sun)” is a testament to The Bangles’ enduring creativity and their influences. The song’s inspiration stems from Sheila Weller’s book Girls Like Us, a biography exploring the interconnected lives of singer-songwriters Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon. This book profoundly impacted Susanna Hoffs, who shared it with Vicki and Debbi Peterson, sparking a shared appreciation for these iconic female musicians. “Anna Lee” reflects the musical and feminist influence these women had on The Bangles, celebrating their legacy and echoing their spirit in the band’s later work. It stands as a tribute within the collection of bangles songs to the artists who paved the way.
Going Down to Liverpool
The Bangles in the music video for Going Down to Liverpool, featuring Leonard Nimoy as the chauffeur
While originally written and performed by Katrina and the Waves, it is The Bangles’ version of “Going Down to Liverpool” that became widely recognized. Vicki Peterson was introduced to the song by a friend and immediately saw its potential for the band. Their rendition maintains the song’s quirky charm but adds The Bangles’ signature harmonies and polished pop sensibility. The music video notably features Star Trek icon Leonard Nimoy in a humorous role as a chauffeur unimpressed by the band, even turning off the car radio to silence their music. This quirky video and catchy tune helped solidify “Going Down to Liverpool” as one of the memorable bangles songs, showcasing their knack for successful covers.
In Your Room
The Bangles In Your Room music video, showcasing the band's energetic performance style
“In Your Room” served as the lead single from The Bangles’ third album, Everything, released in 1988. Co-writer Billy Steinberg explained the song’s genesis, highlighting The Bangles’ broad musical tastes ranging from Petula Clark to The Beatles and their shared love for 1960s music. This common ground with songwriters Steinberg and Tom Kelly resulted in a song that captures the essence of 60s pop-rock with a modern 80s twist. “In Your Room” is a vibrant track that exemplifies the band’s ability to blend classic influences with contemporary sounds, contributing to their collection of well-loved bangles songs.
Walking Down Your Street
The Bangles Walking Down Your Street music video, featuring a lively street scene and band performance
“Walking Down Your Street” became another top 10 hit for The Bangles in both the UK and US charts in 1987, further cementing their international appeal. The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy chorus, and jangly guitar riffs, signature elements of their sound. The music video added to its appeal with cameo appearances by actor Randy Quaid and rock and roll pioneer Little Richard, injecting humor and star power. “Walking Down Your Street” is a quintessential 80s pop-rock track and remains one of the instantly recognizable bangles songs from their hit-making era.
If She Knew What She Wants
The Bangles If She Knew What She Wants music video, featuring the band in a performance setting
Originally performed by Jules Shear in 1985, The Bangles transformed “If She Knew What She Wants” into an international hit in 1986 with their call-and-response version. The song explores the frustration of someone trying to please a capricious and indecisive partner. The Bangles had a prior connection with Jules Shear, who co-wrote their song “I Got Nothing” for The Goonies soundtrack. Their rendition of “If She Knew What She Wants” brought a fresh energy to the song, emphasizing the catchy melody and relatable theme, making it a standout among bangles songs and popularizing it for a wider audience.
Manic Monday
The Bangles Manic Monday music video, depicting a woman's morning routine and workday
“Manic Monday,” penned by the legendary Prince under the pseudonym Christopher, became one of The Bangles’ signature tunes. Initially intended for Apollonia 6, Prince offered the song to The Bangles, recognizing their talent. The lyrics vividly describe the universal experience of dreading the start of the work week and longing for the weekend to last. Debbi Peterson recounted Prince’s admiration for their first album and his direct offer of songs. Although Prince’s demo had a distinct style, The Bangles infused “Manic Monday” with their own sound, resulting in a global hit that perfectly captured the Monday morning blues and remains one of the most beloved bangles songs.
Walk Like an Egyptian
The Bangles Walk Like an Egyptian music video, featuring iconic poses and 80s fashion
“Walk Like an Egyptian” achieved phenomenal success, selling over a million copies and becoming the top-selling single in the US in 1987. The song’s quirky inspiration came from producer Liam Sternberg observing people walking awkwardly on a ferry, their poses reminding him of ancient Egyptian drawings. After Toni Basil and Lene Lovich passed on the song, The Bangles embraced it, and producer David Kahne creatively assigned verses to each member based on their vocal styles, controversially assigning Debbi Peterson to backing vocals only and using a drum machine, which caused some internal band tension. Despite this, “Walk Like an Egyptian” became a cultural phenomenon, known for its distinctive dance moves and infectious melody, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic bangles songs of the 80s.
Eternal Flame
The Bangles Eternal Flame music video, featuring Susanna Hoffs in a romantic and ethereal setting
“Eternal Flame” stands out as The Bangles’ power ballad, co-written by Susanna Hoffs with seasoned songwriters Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. The song’s inspiration came from two eternal flames: one at Elvis Presley’s Graceland gravesite and another at a Palm Springs synagogue. Susanna Hoffs famously revealed that she recorded the vocals completely naked, a prank by producer Davitt Sigerson who jokingly claimed Olivia Newton-John had done the same. “Eternal Flame” showcased a softer, more romantic side of the bangles songs, becoming a global chart-topper and demonstrating their versatility beyond upbeat pop-rock.
The Bangles’ diverse catalog of bangles songs showcases their evolution and enduring appeal. From rock-infused covers to Prince-penned hits and heartfelt ballads, their music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
