Wilder Shores

Ah, Belinda Carlisle, the queen of 80s pop, has taken a wild turn with her latest album "Wilder Shores". Known for her catchy melodies and bubblegum lyrics, Carlisle has ditched the synthesizers for sitars and bongos on this Eastern-inspired journey. Opening track "Mahamrityunjaya" sets the tone with its hypnotic chanting and swirling instrumentation. Carlisle's vocals are surprisingly powerful as she effortlessly glides through the foreign languages and intricate vocal runs. The standout track has to be "Om Shanti", a danceable number that combines traditional Indian music with Carlisle's signature upbeat sound. The fusion of styles creates a harmonious blend of East meets West that is both exhilarating and refreshing. Unfortunately, not every experiment on Wilder Shores pays off. Tracks like "Salaam" and "Har Har Gobinday" feel disjointed and lack the cohesion found in the album's stronger moments. However, Carlisle's fearlessness in exploring new territory is commendable, even if the results are hit or miss. Overall, "Wilder Shores" is a bold departure for Belinda Carlisle that showcases her versatility as an artist. While not every track lands, the album as a whole is a captivating journey into uncharted musical territory. Carlisle may have left the mainstream pop world behind, but her adventurous spirit is alive and well in this ambitious release.