Famously known as guitarist and vocalist of platinum selling band The Bangles, Susanna Hoffs has a long history within music. A singer, songwriter, and author, Hoffs might be known as the voice behind The Bangles hits such as 1986’s “Manic Monday” and 1989’s “Eternal Flame,” but she has also done her share of solo material as well.
First putting out When You’re a Boy in 1991, the debut album from Hoffs featured successful singles such as “My Side of the Bed,” but also interesting covers like ”Boys Keep Swinging” (originally performed by David Bowie). This in mind, Hoffs has been no stranger to offer her own take on well-known tracks; and this includes a cover of Stealers Wheel “Stuck in the Middle with You,” as well as The Velvet Underground’s “Femme Fatale.” A compelling look into Hoffs eclectic musical tastes, in 2023 she returns with a brand-new collection of records that just build on everything prior.
Entitled The Deep End, the story goes that Hoff learned that Peter and Gordon’s Peter Asher (also known for his success as a producer of artists such as James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt) was interested in working with her. As a student of music and an admirer of Asher’s works, Hoff jumped at the proposition and began work on the material that would be The Deep End in 2021. With that, Hoff and Asher joined forces, together hand selecting a list of songs to record; this includes those from everyone like The Rolling Stones to Ed Sheeran. A very diverse mix of older and more modern artists’ songs, Hoff presents each in her own unique way.
Released back on April 7, 2023 through Hoffs’ own label Baroque Folk Records, the album is complete with 13 songs. The third album under Hoffs’ label, all of which also had cover songs, as alluded to, the track selections this time around are really quite interesting. Some are songs people will easily recognize, others they may not.
To start, those easily distinguishable songs include The Rolling Stones’ “Under My Thumb,” which has is complete with textures compliments of a lovely string arrangements and even a glockenspiel. Other distinctive pieces would also include a rendition of Denny Laine’s (known from The Moody Blues and Wings) “Say You Don’t Mind,” Squeeze’s “Black Coffee in Bed,” Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me,” and Yazzo’s “Only You.” All enjoyable listens, beyond the unmistakable voice of Hoff, what really pops here are the arrangements which are full of color.
Beyond these, other stand out performances include one of Joy Oladokun’s “If You’ve Got a Problem,” another of Jason Schwartzman’s “West Coast,” as well as a really lovely take on Brandy Clark’s “Pawn Shop.” Each approached in a very laid-back manner, there is something undeniably inviting about Hoff and Asher’s work together. Sounding very Beatles-eque in many respects production wise, it is well worth spending the time to sit back and enjoy this album. Furthermore, months after the release of The Deep End, Hoffs surprised many, unveiled her lost 1999 recording of Shawn Colvin’s “I Don’t Know Why.” Also very moving, for this, and the work put into The Deep End, Cryptic Rock gives 4 out of 5 stars.
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