Belinda Carlisle

Heaven is indeed a place on earth for all you Belinda Carlisle fans out there thanks to the Edsel Records. The label has recently released Belinda’s CD singles (1986 to 2014) in a Deluxe box set, including her greatest hits, various remixes plus some other little gems. And for those still not contend: the set also includes a 24-page booklet!

The 29 CD singles (yep, 29!) are presented in individual card sleeves and this magnificent box set gathers up the many B-sides and additional mixes that were issued across the different formats of the singles released in the US and UK. The bonus disc (CD29) includes two extra mixes, two promo edits and the film soundtrack song ‘In My Wildest Dreams’.
The former Go-Go’s singer presented us with some of the catchiest pop singles ever, from the aforementioned global number 1 hit ‘Heaven Is A Place On Earth’ to ‘Circle In The Sand’, ‘Leave A Light On” and ‘(We Want) The Same Thing’ which are, it goes without saying, all included here, and in various versions. Of course, Belinda’s recent releases ‘Sun’ and ‘Goodbye Just Go’ are also to be found.

Amongst the treasure from her musical past to her musical present are to incredibly upbeat live versions of ‘Leave A Light On’ as well as the rocking ‘Live Your Life Be Free’. Also outstanding is the original version of ‘Little Black Book’ and an 8-track demo version of ‘Too Much Water’ which is both chilled-out and draws you in straight away. ‘Tell Me’ is one of many examples of Belinda’s superb talents as a singer, as is the heartfelt ‘Here Comes My Baby’ (another 8 track demo) with its particularly stunning arrangement. Talking about stunning: Track 16 on CD23 is a magnificent cover of John Lennon’s ‘Jealous Guy’!

On the subject of cover version, Belinda delights with another cover version, in this case the Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show song ‘Ballad Of Lucy Jordan’ (Track 3, CD24) which proved to be a hit for Marianne Faithful back in the day. Here, Belinda’s slightly smoky-hued voice comes to particular good effect.

In total contrast stands opener ‘Love In The Key Of C’ (Track 7, CD25) with its smooth and slick arrangement, followed by the dreamy ‘Kneel At Your Feet’. We get two fabulously atmospheric live acoustic versions with ‘In Too Deep’ and ‘Circle In The Sand’ – particularly inspiring thanks to the use of Spanish guitar sounds that add warmth and that special romantic feeling… one of my favorite tracks amongst the whole set.

On CD10 it is the Renaissance-inspired ‘Shades Of Michelangelo’ (Track 3) that stirs the senses. Powerful vocals, subtle applied keys and poetic lyrics demonstrate what a versatile artist Belinda is.

As for all the countless Mixes and Remixes which this box set holds, one wonders where to begin (never mind where to end)! Take for example ‘Heaven Is A Place On Earth’: we get the Original version, the Live version, the Album version, the Single mix, the Heavenly version, the Down To Earth dub version, and the angelic A Capella/The Voice version which ends oh so abrupt. Phew! This box set sure is a treasure trove to cherish forever!