Susanna Hoffs, best known as the captivating vocalist and guitarist of the iconic band The Bangles, possesses a musical journey brimming with creativity and evolution. While her time with The Bangles propelled her to stardom, Hoffs’ solo career reveals an artist continually seeking new avenues of expression. This exploration led her to create “The Lost Record,” a collection of songs born from a period of profound personal and artistic transformation.
A Collaborative Spirit Ignited
In the wake of The Bangles’ initial disbandment, Hoffs found herself drawn to the collaborative spirit that fueled Sheryl Crow’s acclaimed “Tuesday Night Music Club” album. Intrigued by the project’s dynamic, she connected with musicians David Baerwald and Dan Schwartz, embarking on a creative journey that mirrored the collaborative essence of Crow’s sessions.
This led to a series of songwriting sessions, with Hoffs reminiscing about a particularly memorable encounter with music legend Joni Mitchell. “There was one day when Joni Mitchell showed up; I have a recording of David Baerwald, me and Joni singing ‘Love Potion No. 9,'” Hoffs shared, highlighting the magical energy that permeated these early gatherings.
Finding Solace in a Garage Studio
Although these initial sessions sparked creative fire, life took an unexpected turn. Hoffs reunited with The Bangles in 1998, recording “Get the Girl” for the film “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.” Simultaneously, she embraced motherhood, welcoming two children with her husband, filmmaker Jay Roach.
Amidst these significant life changes, Hoffs yearned to revisit the songs she had begun crafting with Baerwald and Schwartz. Returning to her musical roots, she transformed her Los Angeles garage into a haven for musical exploration. “I told Dan, ‘Yeah, but can we do it in my garage. I have a new baby and I’m kind of staying at home right now,” Hoffs recounted.
Joined by a talented ensemble of musicians, including drummer Jim Keltner and multi-instrumentalist Brian MacLeod, Hoffs found solace and artistic freedom within the intimate confines of her garage studio. This unconventional setting fostered an atmosphere of raw authenticity, shaping the sonic landscape of “The Lost Record.”
Unveiling a Tapestry of Emotions
“The Lost Record” is an album steeped in introspection, reflecting a pivotal period of growth and transition in Hoffs’ life. Lyrically rich and emotionally resonant, the album delves into themes of identity, love, and the complexities of adulthood. Songs like “I Don’t Know Why,” “Grateful,” and “November Rain” showcase Hoffs’ introspective songwriting, capturing the vulnerability and resilience of the human experience.
The album’s sonic palette is equally diverse, seamlessly blending folk-inspired melodies with lush orchestration. “I’ll Always Love You (The Anti-Heartbreak Song)” and “I Will Take Care of You” shimmer with a timeless elegance, while “Life on the Inside,” co-written with Jane Wiedlin and Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go’s, adds a vibrant, pop-infused energy.
Collaborating with Wiedlin and Caffey held particular significance for Hoffs, who drew inspiration from The Go-Go’s pioneering spirit as an all-female band. “I grew up in the Bangles, but the Go-Go’s had come before that, and they had really inspired me, the idea of an all-girl band,” Hoffs revealed.
The Lost Record Found: A Testament to Artistic Resilience
Despite the album’s eventual completion, “The Lost Record” remained shelved for years. Hoffs attributes this delay to a confluence of factors, including shifting priorities and creative differences. “I think it became a little bit fraught,” she shared, hinting at the complexities that often accompany collaborative projects.
However, the passage of time has not diminished Hoffs’ affection for these songs. “I’ve always loved these sessions,” she affirmed. “I had such a fondness for the material and for these recordings because they were so honest and sort of basic and stripped down. It was so much the spirit of creativity in that garage. I’m so glad it’s coming out, finally.”
A Glimpse into the Creative Process
“The Lost Record” serves as a testament to Susanna Hoffs’ enduring passion for music and her unwavering commitment to artistic exploration. The album invites listeners into an intimate chapter of her journey, unveiling a collection of songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Through her poignant lyrics, captivating vocals, and collaborative spirit, Hoffs continues to enchant audiences worldwide, proving that her musical odyssey is far from over. As she embarks on new creative endeavors, including a Bangles documentary, a second novel, and a new solo album, one thing remains certain: Susanna Hoffs’ artistic fire continues to burn bright.
