Belinda Carlisle

The Profile

American singer and former lead vocalist of the Go-Go’s, Belinda Carlisle launched a successful solo career with Belinda (1986), scoring global success with Heaven on Earth (1987) and subsequent albums including Runaway Horses (1989) and Real (1993).

Lead singer of the Go-Go’s; solo debut Belinda (1986). Major hit Heaven Is a Place on Earth (1987) from Heaven on Earth. Runaway Horses (1989) features George Harrison on slide guitar (e.g., Leave a Light On, Deep Deep Ocean). Collaborations include Charlotte Caffey; Andy Taylor on Mad About You; Lindsey Buckingham co-wrote Since You’ve Gone; duet/feature with Brian Wilson on California. Noted for strong live presence (Access All Areas, 1990).

Reviews chart Carlisle’s path from the Go-Go’s to a Motown-tinged 1986 debut, the blockbuster Heaven on Earth era, and the polished, guitar-forward Runaway Horses. A 1990 Birmingham set (Access All Areas) highlights her grittier live edge. Real (1993) pares back to a raw, back-to-basics sound. Live Your Life Be Free leans pop with flashes of rock. Overall tone ranges from fond reappraisal to sharp criticism.