Despite a great cover/title concept, the second album from the Go-Go's is the weakest of their original three. Rushed out after the breakthrough of Beauty and the Beat, Vacation sounds affecting in retrospect, but suffers... more » nonetheless from one or three too many so-so songs--a shame, given the top-flight writing throughout Beauty. Frontwoman Belinda Carlisle continues gaining control of her voice, while drummer Gina Schock all but steals the show. But a murky mix obscures the group's charms this time out, and where the debut was sometimes dark in mood, this follow-up too often sounds simply tired. By no means a must-miss, Vacation is still unmistakably weak compared with Talk Show, which came next. --Rickey Wright« less
Despite a great cover/title concept, the second album from the Go-Go's is the weakest of their original three. Rushed out after the breakthrough of Beauty and the Beat, Vacation sounds affecting in retrospect, but suffers nonetheless from one or three too many so-so songs--a shame, given the top-flight writing throughout Beauty. Frontwoman Belinda Carlisle continues gaining control of her voice, while drummer Gina Schock all but steals the show. But a murky mix obscures the group's charms this time out, and where the debut was sometimes dark in mood, this follow-up too often sounds simply tired. By no means a must-miss, Vacation is still unmistakably weak compared with Talk Show, which came next. --Rickey Wright
"Let me first say that obviously you can't go by what critics say on some of these reviews...however, what it all boils down to is just ones matter of opinion, which everyone is entitled to. I remember back in '82 when this album first came out the excitement of a new Go-Go's album...their 1st one was so good, you just couldn't wait for the follow up..and what an excellent one it is from start to finish. Though "Vacation" is well known for only having a "few catchy tunes, but mostly fillers"reputation ...i have to say that i strongly disagree with that. I love every song on this album..there is not a single bad one to be heard..all of them very well crafted..and no matter what band you're listening to, they all have their own sound so you're going to find some repetitiveness in all their music...Even though "Beauty and the Beat" was an excellent debut from the Go-Go's, "Vacation" would be my suggestion to any fan...it's been 27 years since it's original release and any time i listen to it enjoy it equally as much as i ever did...one of those albums that you never grow tired of. If you're deciding on a Go-Go's cd to buy for your collection...this is definately it!!"
Sophomore Slump.. Not here
Bradley Jacobson | 06/26/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you were to believe all the critiques of the Go-Gos albums you would have to believe that Vacation, the band's follow up to their debut Beauty & The Beat is a complete waste of vinyl and CD, but then you'd just be stupid.
The drama and Hollywood/Beach scenerios of the first album may not be as defined but with most of everyone's debut album, those are songs the band had done over and over again, the songs that got them signed and the songs they could do with their eyes closed. After that, it's coming up with the next step - an album of new stuff to keep the masses and your own artistry in check and for that I think the girls did it -
No one thought the single "Vacation" was a let down, in fact, I recall how excited everyone I knew was when that single hit the airwaves and the video along with it. This was a band about fun and surf and the whole album captures that very well. "Get Up & Go" should've been a huge hit with its big nod going to 60s California surf music, it's jumpy, it's fun - even the pseudo ballads "It's Everything But Party Time" and "Worlds Away" still rock in that oh so 80s fashion, sure the place to start with the Go-Gos is Beauty & The Beat but don't skip this one ever, it's an excellant little summer pop album that will make you pull the roof off your SUV and head to the beach.
"
They Could of used a Vacation
Michael Patrick Boyd | Waukesha, WI | 11/28/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Vacation by The Go-Go's is 36 minutes and 18 seconds long and was released in August of 1982. Vacation reached #8 U.S. Billboard 200 Album charts and went Gold. This was the group final album to achieve that kind of stature. None of their following albums would go platinum or gold. The music on this CD sounds rushed and the quality could have been a little better. The music critics argued that the Go-Go's abandon their original music genre and went pop. For most of the CD that is true. Only two songs come closely to their Beauty and the Beat greatness. There were only a few songs that I like: Vacation, Get Up and Go, and Worlds Away. Vacation gets a B-.
Vacation
#8 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles
#13 U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks
#17 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play
He's So Strange
#46 U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks
We Don't Get Along
I Think It's Me
It's Everything but Partytime
Get up and Go
#50 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles
#46 U.S. Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks
This Old Feeling
Cool Jerk
The Way You Dance
Beatnik Beach
Worlds Away"
Why do people rag on this album?
M. Gravel | Michigan, USA | 07/24/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Yes, it is not as good as Beauty and the Beat but it is still a very good album that should have gotten more attention than it did.
Cool Jerk, Girl of 100 Lists, He's So Strange are good songs.
Although every song is not good like Beauty but still worthwhile effort by one of the best girl groups ever!"