The Bangles’ Sweetheart Of The Sun is far from any 80s pop revival that one might be expecting when the name of this all-girl ensemble is mentioned. Sweetheart Of The Sun keeps faithful to the vocal harmonies that the Bangles are infamous for. But this collection of songs takes more of a folk approach to the songwriting talents of the band and strays far away from such hits as “Manic Monday” and “Walk like An Egyptian” In fact, they seem to be emulating the feel of Sheryl Crow with a slight Mamas and Papas undertone. This is evident on the song “Through Your Eyes.”
While this song could also be placed alongside any traditional Irish love ballad (this is accomplished through the firm use of a mandolin and set of bagpipes), there is a slight country rock feel to the record that definitely lives up to its name since most songs have a summer feel to them — they are sonorously warm. The exceptions to this are “Ball And Chain” and “Open My Eyes,” both of which have a harder, new-wave feel — tapping the bands roots without exactly digging them up.
“Sweet And Tender Romance” is a bit like water and vinegar, because the music doesn’t seem to mix well with the vocals. The rhythmic harmonies are tender and slightly ghost-like, while the instruments follow that of a rough garage rock or aggressive blues tune. Causing more of a fist-pump reaction, but leaving your hand limp when trying to focus on the words. Sweetheart Of The Sun demonstrates that the Bangles have evolved in style, which can either have fans hyped for the new sound or fleeing back to their greatest hits albums. If you are expecting a bubblegum dance party, you might find yourself pharaoh-walking to the stereo to change the playlist.
~ Justin Lee Fox
