Belinda Carlisle Goes Back to Her Roots With 'Once Upon a Time in California'

Photo by: Albert Sanchez - Design by: John Stapleton

Belinda Carlisle, the beloved solo artist, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and iconic voice of the Go-Go’s, has released her highly anticipated new studio album Once Upon a Time in California, out now via Demon Music. Fans can get their hands on the record in CD, vinyl, and digital formats.

The album follows the success of Carlisle’s 2023 EP Kismet and marks a deeply personal journey back through the golden sounds of her youth. Steeped in her Californian upbringing, the ten-track collection is a heartfelt tribute to the vintage pop culture that shaped her musical identity.

What makes Once Upon a Time in California stand out is its wide embrace of California culture, not just the Laurel Canyon sound, but a broader celebration of the magical music that filled Carlisle’s youth. From cherished 45s to radio favorites, these songs shaped the singer who would later become one of California’s most recognizable exports.

With her unmistakable voice, Carlisle delivers new renditions of timeless classics, starting with a stirring remake of the Burt Bacharach & Hal David ballad “Anyone Who Had A Heart,” originally written for Dionne Warwick. She also revisits hits by some of music’s most enduring artists, including the Carpenters (“Superstar”), Gordon Lightfoot (“If You Could Read My Mind”), Jim Croce (“Time In A Bottle”), The Hollies (“The Air That I Breathe”), Harry Nilsson (“Everybody’s Talking”), and Marmalade (“Reflections Of My Life”). While this is the first time all ten tracks appear together, longtime fans may recognize that three of them — “Superstar,” “If You Could Read My Mind,” and “Get Together” — were previously released on earlier collections.

The project reunites Carlisle with producer Gabe Lopez, who also worked on her 2017 album Wilder Shores. Together, they’ve created an album that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Among the most talked-about tracks is her cover of The Association’s “Never My Love.” Belinda explained, "I wanted “Never My Love” to have that quintessential “California” sound, So I came up with a vocal arrangement which was reminiscent of the Beach Boys. The Beach Boys truly influenced my taste in music up to the present day – they are a part of my DNA and this song really captures that feeling for me."

The album’s first single, “The Air That I Breathe,” dropped back in June, quickly connecting with fans. Carlisle shared the story behind choosing the track: “This song has always been one of my very favorites growing up. I love the lyrics and the complicated melody. This was on the list I originally made of songs that I wanted to sing if I ever did a cover album. During the pandemic I started performing karaoke style on my Instagram every Saturday and called it ‘Saturday Serenades.’ This one got such a good response that I thought 'This definitely should be a contender for the album'. I'm so happy with the way it turned out and I absolutely love the video as it sort of harkens back to my early solo albums and videos.”

Other highlights include her powerful take on The Youngbloods’ “Get Together” — “‘Get Together’ was relevant when it was released during the Vietnam war and it’s relevant today with all of the craziness going on in our world. I recorded it firstly because I love it and secondly because I think it is perfect for this time.” — and a jazzy, Bob Fosse–inspired video for her rendition of Nilsson’s “One.” Carlisle said, “It was fun covering this song that I always loved. I listened to different versions and we decided to go for more of a jazzy approach which fit with the video concept which is a nod to Bob Fosse. I've never done anything like this before, so I think it might be a surprise for some of my fans.”

Photo by: Albert Sanchez - Design by: John Stapleton

Looking back on the project as a whole, Belinda shared, “I was born and raised in California at a time when music was an important part of Californian culture. I lived and breathed music, it was my great escape - a refuge of fantasy and imagination. Every day after school and when it was summer vacation, I would listen and sing along to the music on the radio for the entire day. Always fantasizing about being a singer myself, one day.

This collection of songs is the best representation of what I loved back then that I could think of - listening to it brings back so many memories of a time and a California that doesn't really exist anymore. That’s not meant to sound like a bad thing, it's just different - there was an innocence and energy back then that was unique and magical. Things I doubt will ever be felt in quite the same way again. Here's to the California of my dreams.”

From her days fronting the Go-Go’s on hits like “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation,” and “We Got the Beat” to her solo smashes including “Mad About You,” “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” “Circle in the Sand,” and “I Get Weak,” Belinda Carlisle has always carried California sunshine in her sound. With Once Upon a Time in California, she completes a sentimental journey back to the music that raised her — with timeless style.

Listen to her new album here.