The Go-Go’s were trailblazers in the 1980s, becoming one of the first all-female bands to write their own songs, play their own instruments, and top the charts. With their infectious blend of punk, new wave, and pop, the Go-Go’s made an indelible mark on music history. From their early punk roots to their rise as pop icons, their catalog is packed with memorable, danceable, and often underrated gems. In this article, we’ll count down the top 10 Go-Go’s songs, highlighting their significance, chart success, and awards along the way.
10. “Turn to You” (1984)
From the album Talk Show, “Turn to You” is an energetic pop-rock track that perfectly showcases the Go-Go’s ability to blend punk spirit with mainstream appeal. Though it wasn’t a massive chart-topping hit, peaking at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song has since become a fan favorite for its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo. The song’s video, starring a young Rob Lowe, added a layer of cool to the Go-Go’s polished image during the height of their popularity.
9. “The Whole World Lost Its Head” (1994)
As one of the Go-Go’s few 1990s releases, “The Whole World Lost Its Head” was part of their Return to the Valley of the Go-Go’s compilation album, which featured new material alongside classic hits. The song climbed to #21 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and demonstrated the band’s ability to stay relevant in the alt-rock landscape of the ’90s. It’s an overlooked gem that merges the band’s signature sound with a grittier, more mature edge.
8. “Vacation” (1982)
“Vacation,” the title track of their sophomore album, became one of the band’s most iconic hits. With its shimmering production and the sunny yet slightly melancholy melody, “Vacation” perfectly captures the bittersweet feeling of a summer fling ending. It hit #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is forever tied to the band’s fun-loving, California-cool image. The song earned the Go-Go’s their first gold single, a significant achievement that further cemented their place in pop culture.
7. “Get Up and Go” (1982)
Though often overshadowed by other singles from Vacation, “Get Up and Go” is an adrenaline-pumping track that blends punk urgency with pop accessibility. Written by guitarist Charlotte Caffey and vocalist Belinda Carlisle, the song barely cracked the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #50, but it remains a favorite for hardcore fans of the band. With its frenetic pace and tight musicianship, “Get Up and Go” reflects the Go-Go’s early punk roots.
6. “This Town” (1981)
A deep cut from their debut album Beauty and the Beat, “This Town” offers a cynical look at Los Angeles, the city that helped shape the Go-Go’s sound and image. The song’s biting lyrics, combined with its punchy instrumentation, make it a standout track from their catalog. Though not released as a single, “This Town” has garnered acclaim for its dark tone and cutting commentary on the superficiality of fame and the music industry.
5. “Cool Jerk” (1982)
A playful cover of the 1966 Capitols hit, “Cool Jerk” is one of the few non-original songs in the Go-Go’s discography, but their rendition made it uniquely theirs. Featured on Vacation, their version is upbeat, funky, and brimming with attitude, showing off the band’s personality and tight musicianship. Though not a major chart hit, “Cool Jerk” became a fan favorite during live performances, where the band’s punk energy was on full display. It’s a testament to their ability to reinvent a classic while maintaining their distinctive sound.
4. “Head Over Heels” (1984)
Arguably one of their most polished and radio-friendly singles, “Head Over Heels” is a perfect slice of ’80s pop rock. With its infectious piano riff, catchy chorus, and glossy production, the song was a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #11. It became one of the band’s last major hits and remains a staple in any ’80s playlist. The song also helped solidify Charlotte Caffey’s reputation as a brilliant pop songwriter, showing the band could balance raw energy with mainstream appeal.
3. “Our Lips Are Sealed” (1981)
One of the Go-Go’s most recognizable and enduring hits, “Our Lips Are Sealed” was the breakthrough single from Beauty and the Beat. Co-written by guitarist Jane Wiedlin and Terry Hall of The Specials, the song is a bright, carefree anthem about keeping secrets and staying above the drama. It reached #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the band’s signature tracks. It has been covered by several artists over the years, further cementing its status as a pop classic. The music video, with the band joyfully riding around in a convertible, perfectly captured the youthful spirit of the Go-Go’s.
2. “We Got the Beat” (1981)
“We Got the Beat” was the Go-Go’s first true smash hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the defining songs of the early ’80s new wave movement. From the opening bassline to the propulsive rhythm, the song is a rallying cry for fun and freedom, encapsulating the essence of the Go-Go’s. Its success was crucial in propelling Beauty and the Beat to the top of the charts, where it remained at #1 for six weeks, making the Go-Go’s the first all-female band to achieve such a feat. “We Got the Beat” was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1982, further establishing the band as trailblazers.
1. “Beauty and the Beat” (1981)
Although not technically a single, the entirety of Beauty and the Beat deserves the top spot on this list. As the album that launched the Go-Go’s into stardom, it remains a monumental achievement. Released in 1981, it went on to spend six weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and is widely considered one of the best albums of the 1980s. The album was certified double platinum and earned the Go-Go’s widespread critical acclaim. Songs like “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “This Town,” and “We Got the Beat” continue to define not just the band’s career, but an entire era of music.
Honorable Mention: “Yes or No” (1984)
Though it didn’t crack the top 10, “Yes or No” from Talk Show deserves a nod for its infectious energy and pop sheen. It showcases the band’s ability to balance heartfelt lyrics with catchy melodies, though it didn’t chart as highly as some of their other singles.
The Go-Go’s Legacy
While their career was relatively short-lived, the Go-Go’s left an indelible mark on the music industry. From their groundbreaking achievements as an all-female band to their undeniable influence on punk, new wave, and pop, the Go-Go’s paved the way for countless other artists. The 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction was a long-overdue recognition of their contributions to music, underscoring the lasting impact of their work.
The songs on this list represent the best of what the Go-Go’s have to offer, showcasing their range, from punk-tinged energy to radio-ready pop brilliance. Their ability to write catchy, relatable songs that still resonate decades later is a testament to their place in music history.
Their best songs continue to inspire new generations of musicians, cementing the Go-Go’s as pioneers who broke down barriers and changed the face of rock music forever.
