Jane Wiedlin

Biography

Jane Wiedlin was the first to leave the Go-Go's in 1984 and a solo career was her main agenda. Not as successful as her fellow mate Belinda Carlisle, Wiedlin's sparse recording career appeared creatively uneven. Her intent to establish herself as a supreme singer/songwriter didn't match the dynamics of her former band, and unfortunately critics decided that from the beginning. Her 1985 self-titled debut went practically unnoticed and the single Blue Kiss was a brief hit. Three years later, Fur showcased a more pop-driven Wiedlin. The playfulness lost on the first album was apparent and "Rush Hour" was her biggest chart-topping hit to date. Tangled (1990) was campy, something a bit harsh compared to her earlier work. It had a hard rock edge and snippy rock & roll flare, and the theatrical single "World on Fire" had a short stint on MTV. By the end of 1990, Jane Wiedlin was at a loss. The last five years had been musically unsatisfying, and her direction was blurred. The '90s would be spent attending several ho-hum Go-Go's reunions along with a return to punk with her band, Frosted. Again, her attempt to be taken seriously was laughed at by the critics and Frosted's eponymous debut in 1995 was tossed aside. By 2000, the Go-Go's had pushed all animosity aside for a real regrouping, and Wiedlin welcomed the effort. She and the band issued God Bless the Go-Go's (2001), after two successful comeback tours. Wiedlin also lent her voice to Gwen on the WB's Mission Hill. Her quirky sweet voiceovers can be heard in spots for King of the Hill, Batman: The Animated Series, and Pinky and the Brain. She also released her first solo album in ten years, Kissproof World, in 2001. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide