Gemini Rising

1980's Sounds - Belinda Carlisle

Written for:

FORUM

The Soundtrack of Your Life  (18+) Every February, you're invited to chronicle the music that has influenced your life! #1970896 by Jeff

#17 - 1980's Sounds - Belinda Carlisle

The late 1980's are approaching fast. In 1987 Belinda Carlisle had a big hit with her album, "Heaven on Earth," and in 1989 she released "Runaway Horses."

I often listened to Belinda's songs from "Heaven" playing on the AAFFES TVs while I was waiting for fellow soldiers during their appointments. (See, I was one of the few "privates" with a European drivers license so I had to drive my fellow soldiers to Giessen, Bremerhaven, and Frankfurt, and Enchende. That was the "joy" of being a private. Even when I promoted to Specialist in DEC 1987 I was still driving people around because I was a low ranking Specialist)

I really liked hearing Belinda's tunes. They were catchy and "Heaven" showed real growth from her first solo album, especially in her lyrics. Circle in the Sand was one of my favorites especially as it talked about the circle of life and love. I also thought the video was creative and imaginative and it made sense. Her "Heaven on Earth" video was just plain weird, but this one was relatable and expressive.

During my stint at MPI school in 1989, I often listened to her album "Runaway Horses," while I was running. I had to pass my PT test so I went running a lot to get my 2 mile time up. (Running was never my strong suit). And I had my 2 miles down to the second(s)! It took 4 Belinda Carlisle songs to run 2 miles. Hey, I passed my PT test and got my MPI qualifier so I was happy about that. MPI School at Ft. McClellan was one of the most memorable times during my time in the Army.

Belinda Carlisle and her music plays a big part in my musical history. She's been inspirational at times and motivational. As the 1980's wore down, Belinda was there with me keeping time.

BELINDA CARLISLE
Circle in the Sand