After reading reviews of their biopic, released earlier this year, I've realized that I haven't given The Go-Gos sufficient accolades for their biggest hit, "We Got The Beat." Hearing it now, I'm impressed by how Gina Schock sets the tone forcefully on drums, the guitars and bass follow suit, and Belinda Carlisle's vocals don't leave your mind easily once you hear them, Although I never disliked the song, I didn't have a strong reaction to the lyrics initially. When it was a hit, I probably thought, "OK, they have the beat. That works, I guess." Are the lyrics overly cerebral? No, but they aren't supposed to be; the point of the tune is to show that the band members have the beat, and clearly, they do. (Besides, pop hits aren't supposed to be about tax-free municipal bonds.) Today, I appreciate the song for how every element of it clicks into place and results in a tight, memorable pop tune.
My two favorite Go-Gos songs will likely always be their 1984 hits, "Head Over Heels" and "Turn To You," which share a similar infectious energy. Hearing every aspect of the tune coalesce on "We Got The Beat" now, however, makes me realize why it was such a smash in 1982.
