Sheena Easton emerged as a prominent figure in the 1980s dance-pop scene, swiftly capturing the era’s musical zeitgeist. From her initial forays into the music world, Easton demonstrated an innate ability to craft hits, marking the transition from the late 70s into the synth-driven sounds of the decade ahead.
Her early work subtly echoed disco influences, which she skillfully blended with the burgeoning synthesizer sounds that became synonymous with 80s pop. Easton’s music continuously evolved, reflecting a journey from youthful innocence to a more mature and daring pop persona.
Explore the evolution of her sound through these 10 essential Sheena Easton Songs that define her remarkable career.
10. You Could Have Been With Me
“You Could Have Been With Me,” the title track from her second album, is a quintessential 80s power ballad. Its dramatic drums, otherworldly synths, and soaring strings create an atmosphere of regret and longing. This track powerfully portrays a woman lamenting a lost love, directed at a man oblivious to what he’s forfeited. It stands as a testament to the era’s penchant for emotionally charged anthems.
9. We’ve Got Tonight with Kenny Rogers
Teaming up with country music legend Kenny Rogers, Sheena Easton lent her vocals to Bob Seger’s classic, “We’ve Got Tonight.” Their duet in 1983 achieved even greater chart success than the original. This collaboration beautifully showcases the blend of their distinct vocal styles, creating a tender and harmonious rendition that resonated across genres and solidified Easton’s versatility.
8. Sugar Walls
“Sugar Walls” is an unapologetically suggestive and danceable track from 1984 that showcases Easton’s move towards a more provocative pop image. With its pulsating beats and sharp synth melodies, the song is a bold exploration of desire and passion. The lyrics, Blood races to your private spots / Lets me know there’s a fire / You can’t fight passion when passion is hot / Temperatures rise inside my sugar walls, leave little to the imagination, marking a significant shift in her artistic expression.
7. Modern Girl
Released at the dawn of the 1980s, “Modern Girl” perfectly captured the burgeoning sound of the decade. This electrifying dance hit served as Easton’s debut single, immediately establishing her as a rising star in the 80s pop landscape. Its energetic rhythm and catchy melody introduced audiences to the vibrant and dynamic pop sensibilities she would become known for, paving the way for her future success.
6. Strut
“Strut,” released in 1984, is a defiant anthem of female empowerment set to a confident bassline and punchy horns. Easton’s assertive vocals shine as she dismisses unwanted advances with sharp wit and independence. Lines like, Strut, pout, put it out / That’s what you want from women / Come on, baby, whatcha takin’ me for? highlight her refusal to be objectified, delivering a powerful message of self-respect and strength.
5. Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)
“Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” is a quintessential example of 80s dance-pop, characterized by its driving beat and sparkling synths. What distinguishes this track is Easton’s voice – clear, bright, and perfectly synchronized with the song’s rhythmic snap. This hit encapsulates the technological themes emerging in the 80s, blending modern sounds with relatable experiences of connection and communication in a rapidly changing world.
4. Almost Over You
“Almost Over You” offers a change of pace, showcasing Easton’s vocal depth in a tender ballad. This emotionally resonant track reveals her capacity to deliver heartfelt performances beyond high-energy pop anthems. Against a backdrop of soft, shimmering instrumentation, Easton conveys vulnerability and emotional recovery, proving her versatility and range as a vocalist capable of captivating audiences across different musical styles.
3. For Your Eyes Only
“For Your Eyes Only,” the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name, is a dramatic and evocative hit. Driven by piano and infused with orchestral elements, it embodies the classic Bond theme grandeur. Easton made history as the only artist to appear within a Bond film’s opening title sequence, singing the very theme song. This track is a powerful showcase of her ability to command a grand, cinematic soundscape.
2. U Got the Look with Prince
“U Got the Look” is a Prince masterpiece where Sheena Easton’s collaboration elevates the song to iconic status. Her vocal interplay with Prince is exceptionally dynamic, creating an infectious energy that drives this dance-pop anthem. The song is a celebration of style and allure, with lyrics like You’ve got the look, you’ve got the hook / You sho’nuf do be cookin’ in my book, perfectly capturing the vibrant and sensual vibe of both artists.
1. Morning Train (Nine to Five)
“Morning Train (Nine to Five)” from her debut album epitomizes the essence of Sheena Easton’s early appeal. This track encapsulates the youthful energy and sweetness that characterized her initial hits. Despite her subsequent stylistic shifts, this song retains a charming innocence, highlighting the spirited beginnings of an artist poised for stardom. “Morning Train (Nine to Five)” remains a beloved classic, showcasing the spark that ignited Sheena Easton’s enduring career.
