Beloved solo artist, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and iconic voice of the Go-Go’s, Belinda Carlisle, returns with a new studio album, Once Upon a Time in California, out now via Demon Music. The ten-track collection is a nostalgic yet fresh love letter to the golden sounds of her youth, blending timeless California pop influences with Belinda’s unmistakable vocal style. Produced by longtime collaborator Gabe Lopez, the album features stirring renditions of classics like “The Air That I Breathe,” “Never My Love,” “Get Together,” and “One,” each reimagined with her signature warmth and artistry.
Inspired by the music that shaped her childhood and career, Belinda describes the project as a personal journey through the melodies that defined an era. From nods to the Beach Boys’ harmonies to tributes to Burt Bacharach, Gordon Lightfoot, and Harry Nilsson, the album channels the innocence, energy, and imagination of California in the 1960s and 70s. With Once Upon a Time in California, Belinda Carlisle offers fans old and new an enchanting reminder of why she remains one of pop’s most enduring voices.
The first single from the new album, “The Air That I Breathe” was released in June. Of the song, Belinda says, “This song has always been one of my very favorites growing up. I love the lyrics and the complicated melody. This was on the list I originally made of songs that I wanted to sing if I ever did a cover album. During the pandemic I started performing karaoke style on my Instagram every Saturday and called it “Saturday Serenades.” This one got such a good response that I thought ‘This definitely should be a contender for the album’. I’m so happy with the way it turned out and I absolutely love the video as it sort of harkens back to my early solo albums and videos.”
In addition, Belinda released her version of The Youngbloods’ “Get Together”, a song that, according to Belinda, “was relevant when it was released during the Vietnam war and it’s relevant today with all of the craziness going on in our world. I recorded it firstly because I love it and secondly because I think it is perfect for this time.”
The album also features a beautiful cover of the Carpenters’ haunting ‘Superstar”, a fresh take on Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle”, and the Harry Nilsson classic, “One.” With that song, Belinda took a new approach to the song, which was also previously performed by Three Dog Night. She says, “It was fun covering this song that I always loved. I listened to different versions and we decided to go for more of a jazzy approach, which fit with the video concept, which is a nod to Bob Fosse. I’ve never done anything like this before, so I think it might be a surprise for some of my fans.”
Once Upon a Time in California is available on CD, vinyl and digital formats HERE.
