Belinda Carlisle, the member of The Go-Gos and pop icon known for hits like "Heaven Is a Place on Earth," has released a new five-song EP titled Kismet. The EP features tracks by acclaimed songwriter Diane Warren, who has previously collaborated with Carlisle on songs like "I Get Weak." Kismet marks Carlisle's first English language studio recording since 1997. Produced by Mati Gavriel and released on Warren's label imprint RAF through BMG, the EP includes the single "Big Big Love," along with four other new tracks: "If U Go," "Deeper Into You," "I Couldn't Do That To Me," and "Sanity." Belinda Carlisle and Diane Warren first collaborated in 1987 on Carlisle's album Heaven on Earth, which featured the Warren-penned hits "I Get Weak" and "Heaven Is a Place on Earth." The EP is a testament to their continued creative partnership and showcases Carlisle's exceptional vocal performance. Belinda Carlisle expressed her excitement about working with Diane Warren again and praised Warren's songwriting prowess.
What Worked
The dancy "Big Big Love" opens the EP with energy and handclaps that gives a modern update to 80s pop, combining retro synth sounds with a warbling bass and urgent drums. "If You Go" follows with a more modern approach, channeling the aughts pop of Katy Perry or Lady Gaga.
What Didn't Work
Overall, the EP is interesting, but not without a few clunkers. The opener, "Big Big Love" and closer, "Sanity," are the strongest individual statements with some originality. The middle three tracks lack any personality identifying this as a Belinda Carlisle and Diane Warren collaboration beyond a generically catchy hook.
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