When You're a Boy

Last updated
When You're a Boy
Susanna Hoffs When Youre A Boy.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedJanuary 29, 1991
Recorded1990
Studio A&M Studios, Capitol Studios and Sunset Sound (Hollywood, California)
Genre
Length45:07
Label Columbia
Producer David Kahne
Susanna Hoffs chronology
When You're a Boy
(1991)
Susanna Hoffs
(1996)

When You're a Boy is the debut solo album by Susanna Hoffs. [2] It begins with the Billboard Top 40 single "My Side of the Bed", includes the track "Unconditional Love" (co-written by Cyndi Lauper), and ends with a cover of "Boys Keep Swinging", the 1979 song written by David Bowie and Brian Eno. The album's title comes from the lyrics to the latter. [3]

Contents

The album peaked at No. 83 on the US albums chart. [4]

Three singles were released from the album: "My Side of the Bed", "Unconditional Love", and "Only Love". The first two featured the non-LP B-side "Circus Girl".

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [5]
Los Angeles Times Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [6]
New Musical Express 3/10 [7]
Q Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [2]
Record Mirror Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [8]
Sounds Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [9]

Jimmy Nicol of Q gave the album four out of five stars and wrote, "An album which expands the Bangles' brief into undreamed of territories. She reveals herself to be a highly inventive composer, lyricist – and even humourist ... After all, how many other American pop stars embarking on a solo career would name their album after a late '70s English art-rock 45?" [2]

In their review, Billboard noted that the "ex-Bangle's solo debut is laden with potential hit singles. Hoffs' breathy, childlike delivery is perfect for her cover of "Unconditional Love" (which could be this record's"Eternal Flame "); the wistful "No Kind Of Love," Monkees -like pop ditty "This Time," and first single "My Side Of The Bed." Just the right pop record to ward off the winter chill and bring on the warm breezes of spring." [10]

AllMusic's review was negative, giving it one and a half out of five stars, and remarking, "Although the album was released in 1991, it sounds like bad mid-'80s music. Hoffs and the Bangles had a few catchy pop ditties; however, there are none to be found here." [11]

Track listing

Track listing for When You're a Boy
#TitleWriter(s)Length
1."My Side of the Bed"Hoffs, Tom Kelly, Billy Steinberg 3:29
2."No Kind of Love"Hoffs, David Kahne, Scott Cutler, Ross Rice3:05
3."Wishing On Telstar" Robin Lane, Jimmy Cipolla4:11
4."That's Why Girls Cry"Kahne, Juliana Hatfield, Hoffs3:59
5."Unconditional Love" Cyndi Lauper, Tom Kelly, Billy Steinberg3:51
6."Something New"John Hanes, Cary Sheldon, Hoffs, Kahne3:52
7."So Much for Love"J. Hanes, Pearl E. Gates, Peter Dunne, Hilary Hanes3:33
8."This Time"Steve Summers2:36
9."Only Love"Hoffs, Diane Warren 4:25
10."It's Lonely Out Here"Hoffs, Kelly, Steinberg3:52
11."Made of Stone"Jennfer Condos, Hoffs, Kahne3:13
12."Boys Keep Swinging" David Bowie, Brian Eno 4:59

Personnel

Production

Charts

Chart performance for When You're a Boy
Chart (1991)Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA) [12] 67
Finnish Albums (The Official Finnish Charts) [13] 8
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) [14] 51
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan) [15] 29
UK Albums (OCC) [16] 56
US Billboard 200 [4] 83
US Cash Box Top 200 Albums [17] 74
Canada Top Albums/CDs ( RPM ) [18] 43

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Bangles</span> American pop rock band

The Bangles are an American all-female pop rock band formed in Los Angeles, in 1981. They are known for hit singles during the 1980s that made them one of the most successful pop rock groups of the decade. The band’s biggest commercial successes include "Walk Like an Egyptian" (1986), which became a worldwide phenomenon, "Manic Monday" (1986), a song written by Prince, and a cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s "Hazy Shade of Winter" (1987), which was featured in the film Less Than Zero. Their ballad "Eternal Flame" (1989) became a big hit, topping the charts in several countries and is one of their signature songs. Other hits included "In Your Room" (1988) and "If She Knew What She Wants" (1986).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Susanna Hoffs</span> American musician (born 1959)

Susanna Lee Hoffs is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actress. She, Debbi Peterson, and Vicki Peterson founded the Bangles in 1981. Their debut album, All Over the Place (1984), was acclaimed by critics but sold poorly. Their second album, Different Light (1986), was also warmly received by critics and was certified double-platinum in 1987 and triple-platinum in 1994. It contained the US number two single "Manic Monday" written by Prince and the number one single "Walk Like an Egyptian". The group's third album, Everything (1988), included the US top ten charting "In Your Room" and number one "Eternal Flame", both written by Hoffs with Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. Hoffs was lead vocalist on five of the seven Columbia singles by the Bangles, which contributed to a public perception that she was a lead singer, even though all four members took lead vocals across their output. Following tensions including resentment at Hoffs' perceived leadership and the stress of touring, the band split in 1989. It re-formed in 1999 and released the albums Doll Revolution (2003) and Sweetheart of the Sun (2011).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manic Monday</span> 1986 single by the Bangles

"Manic Monday" is a song by the American pop rock band the Bangles, which was the first single released from their second studio album, Different Light (1986). The song was written by American musician Prince, under the pseudonym "Christopher". Originally it was intended for the group Apollonia 6 in 1984. Lyrically, it describes a woman who is waking up to go to work on Monday, wishing it was still Sunday so that she could continue relaxing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eternal Flame (song)</span> 1989 song by the Bangles

"Eternal Flame" is a song by American pop rock group the Bangles for their third studio album, Everything (1988). Released on January 23, 1989, the power ballad was written by group member Susanna Hoffs with the established hit songwriting team of Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. Upon its 1989 single release, "Eternal Flame" became a number-one hit in nine countries, including Australia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Since its release, it has been covered by many musical artists, including Australian boy band Human Nature, who reached the Australian top 10 with their version, and British girl group Atomic Kitten, who topped four national charts with their rendition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walk Like an Egyptian</span> 1986 single by The Bangles

"Walk Like an Egyptian" is a song by the American band the Bangles. It was released in September 1986 as the third single from the band's second studio album, Different Light (1986). It was the band's first number-one single, being certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and was ranked Billboard's number-one song of 1987.

<i>All Over the Place</i> (The Bangles album) 1984 studio album by The Bangles

All Over the Place is the debut studio album by American pop rock band the Bangles. Released in May 1984 by Columbia Records, the sound is lively and shows more Bangles collaboration and fewer keyboard overdubs than were used later on their more commercially successful albums. Although the album was not a major commercial success – peaking at number 80 on the Billboard 200 albums chart – and did not produce a hit, it sold respectably, mostly through steady airplay on college stations. It also gave them the chance to perform as an opening act for Cyndi Lauper and Huey Lewis and the News, and brought the group to the attention of Prince, who would write "Manic Monday", their first hit.

<i>Different Light</i> 1986 studio album by the Bangles

Different Light is the second studio album by American pop rock band the Bangles, released in January 1986. The album's Top 40 sound was a departure from their earlier 1960s-style rock'n'roll sound. It is their most successful album, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 and producing five charting singles, including the Billboard top two hits "Manic Monday" and "Walk Like an Egyptian". It is also the first album in which bassist Michael Steele sings lead vocals on some tracks.

<i>Everything</i> (The Bangles album) 1988 studio album by the Bangles

Everything is the third studio album by American pop rock band the Bangles. It was released on October 18, 1988 through Columbia Records. Just like its predecessor, Everything produced a US Top 5 hit, and a number one single, "Eternal Flame," which became a chart-topper in almost every major country around the world.

<i>Greatest Hits</i> (The Bangles album) 1990 greatest hits album by the Bangles

Greatest Hits is a compilation album by American pop rock band the Bangles. It was released by their record company, Columbia Records on May 8, 1990, to fulfill the band's contractual requirements; by the time of the release of the album, the group had already broken up. The album peaked at #97 on the US Billboard 200 and at #4 in the UK Albums Chart.

<i>Bangles</i> (EP) 1982 EP by The Bangles

Bangles is the eponymous first EP by The Bangles. It was released in 1982 by Faulty Products and reissued in 1983 by I.R.S. Records when Faulty Products went out of business. The songs remained widely unavailable thereafter, with only occasional rereleases of individual songs. The whole five-song EP was eventually reissued as part of the Bangles' 2014 compilation, Ladies and Gentlemen... The Bangles!.

<i>Some Peoples Lives</i> 1990 studio album by Bette Midler

Some People's Lives is the seventh studio album by American singer Bette Midler. It was released by Atlantic Records on September 4, 1990, in the United States. It contains one of her biggest hits, "From a Distance," which won songwriter Julie Gold a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1991.

<i>Susanna Hoffs</i> (album) 1996 studio album by Susanna Hoffs

Susanna Hoffs is the second solo album by Susanna Hoffs. The style of the album is more folk-oriented than her earlier work. Columbia Records disagreed with this style and dropped her from their roster, resulting in Hoffs signing to London Records. Three songs rejected by Columbia appeared on this album including "Enormous Wings", "Darling One" and "Happy Place". Another one, "Catch the Wind", appeared on the CD single release of "All I Want". "All I Want" hit number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent twelve weeks on the charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walking Down Your Street</span> 1986 single by the Bangles

"Walking Down Your Street" is a song by the Bangles. It is the fourth single from their 1986 album Different Light. After its single release in 1987, the song charted at #9 on the Cash Box Top 100, #11 on the Billboard Hot 100, #16 on the UK Singles Chart, #26 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles and #56 on the Australian Kent Music Report chart. "Walking Down Your Street" was the final single from Different Light in the US; the album's next single, "Following", was only released in the UK.

<i>Belinda</i> (Belinda Carlisle album) 1986 studio album by Belinda Carlisle

Belinda is the debut studio album by American singer Belinda Carlisle. It was released on May 19, 1986 by I.R.S. Records. Carlisle began work on the album in 1985 following the breakup of the Go-Go's, for whom she was the lead singer. The album was supported by four singles, with lead single "Mad About You" peaking at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 in Canada.

<i>After the Rain</i> (Nelson album) 1990 studio album by Nelson

After the Rain is the debut album of the American rock group Nelson, released by DGC Records in 1990. The album was a commercial success, peaking at number 17 on the Billboard 200 and spending 64 weeks on the charts. It contained the #1 hit, "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection" which was also a gold single. The follow-up single, "After the Rain", also reached the Hot 100's top 10, peaking at #6 in February 1991. The album was eventually certified double platinum by RIAA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'll Set You Free</span> 1989 single by The Bangles

"I'll Set You Free" is a song by The Bangles. It first appeared on their third album Everything in 1988, and was later released as its fourth single in the United Kingdom and Europe in 1989 as a goodbye-single to the fans. "I'll Set You Free" was released as a single in Australia in 1990 to promote their Greatest Hits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Side of the Bed</span> 1990 single by Susanna Hoffs

"My Side of the Bed" is a song by American singer-songwriter Susanna Hoffs, released in December 1990 by Columbia as the lead single from her debut solo album, When You're a Boy (1991). It was written by Hoffs, Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg, and produced by David Kahne. "My Side of the Bed" reached No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, her highest-charting single.

<i>Under the Covers, Vol. 2</i> 2009 studio album by Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs

Under the Covers, Vol. 2 is the second collaboration between alternative rock artist Matthew Sweet and Bangles singer/guitarist Susanna Hoffs. Released by Shout! Factory on July 21, 2009, it contains 16 cover versions of songs from the 1970s.

<i>Pure Attraction</i> 1991 studio album by Kathy Troccoli

Pure Attraction is the fourth full-length album by singer-songwriter Kathy Troccoli, released on October 29, 1991, through Reunion Records. Coming five years after her 1986 album, Images, Pure Attraction saw Troccoli shifting away from Christian music and into mainstream pop territory, with two songs written by Diane Warren. It featured the top five CCM and top twenty pop hit "Everything Changes", and featured seven songs co-written by Troccoli. The album peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In Your Room (The Bangles song)</span> 1988 single by The Bangles

"In Your Room" is a 1988 song by American rock group The Bangles, written by Susanna Hoffs in collaboration with Billy Steinberg and composer Tom Kelly. The song was released as the first single from the band's third album, Everything. It reached the top five of the US singles chart, and also charted in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

References

  1. 1 2 Weisbard, Eric; Marks, Craig, eds. (1995). "Bangles". Spin Alternative Record Guide . New York: Vintage Books. p. 29. ISBN   0-679-75574-8.
  2. 1 2 3 Nicol, Jimmy (5 March 1991). "When You're A Boy review". Q Magazine. 55: 71.
  3. Stitzel, Kelly (February 1, 2011). "Popdose Flashback '91: Susanna Hoffs, "When You're a Boy"". Popdose. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  4. 1 2 "Susanna Hoffs Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  5. AllMusic review
  6. Hochmann, Steve (January 27, 1991). "Susanna Hoffs: When You're a Boy". p. C.62.
  7. Mulvey, John (30 March 1991). "Long Play". New Musical Express . p. 36.
  8. Duerden, Nick (6 April 1991). "Albums". Record Mirror . p. 17.
  9. Traitor, Ralph (30 March 1991). "Review: Susanna Hoffs – When You're a Boy (Columbia)" (PDF). Sounds . Peterborough: United Newspapers. p. 41. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2022 via World Radio History.
  10. "Album Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. No. 2 February 1991. p. 72. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
  11. Griggs, Tim. "When You're a Boy AllMusic Review". AllMusic.com. Retrieved Dec 23, 2018.
  12. Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 130.
  13. "Sisältää hitin" [Contains a hit](PDF). musiikkiarkisto.fi (in Finnish). p. 103.
  14. "Dutchcharts.nl – Susanna Hoffs – When You're a Boy" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  15. "Swedishcharts.com – Susanna Hoffs – When You're a Boy". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  16. "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  17. "Cash Box Top 100 Albums" (PDF). Cash Box . Vol. LIV, no. 30. 9 March 1991. p. 24 via World Radio History.
  18. "Top RPM Albums: Issue 1479". RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 6 July 2024.