Sheena Easton: An Exploration of Her Musical Legacy

Sheena Easton was a Scottish singer and songwriter that rose to prominence in the early 1980s. From her first single Modern Girl, which topped the U.K.'s Singles Chart, she quickly became an international sensation and has released numerous albums over the course of her career. But while Sheena Easton undoubtedly has impressive vocal chops, there are many who find her music overly commercialized or too much of a departure from classic pop standards - however there is also a strong contingent of fans who appreciate her work for its unique sound and commitment to experimentation over the years. In this blog post I'll be exploring both sides of Sheena Easton's body of work – critically examining some elements while celebrating others - so join me as we go on an exploration covering popular hits like Sugar Walls all the way through to unheard gems from later in her discography!

When you think of 80s pop icons, names like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince likely come to mind. But amidst these household names there was also a Scottish singer-songwriter by the name of Sheena Easton, whose impressive vocal range and pop-infused sound made her an international sensation. Yet for all her success, she remains a somewhat polarizing figure in the world of music. While some dismiss her work as overly commercialized and manufactured to fit the mainstream, others praise her for her unique approach to pop music and willingness to experiment with different styles. In this blog post, we'll be exploring both sides of Sheena Easton's music, from her chart-topping hits to her lesser-known gems.

Easton first burst onto the scene in 1980 with her debut single Modern Girl, which quickly climbed to the top of the UK charts. The song was a catchy and upbeat ode to independent women, and helped establish Easton as a feminist icon. Her subsequent hits, such as 9 to 5 (Morning Train) and For Your Eyes Only, showcased her impressive vocal range and pop sensibilities. These songs were undeniably catchy, but also lacked the depth and nuance of many classic pop standards.

However, to dismiss Easton's entire catalogue as shallow would be unfair. In fact, she often sought to push the boundaries of pop music and incorporate diverse sounds and influences into her work. Her 1984 album A Private Heaven, for example, features several songs that blend elements of R&B, funk, and even reggae. Tracks like Swear and Hard to Say It's Over feature prominent basslines and horn sections, making them stand out from typical 80s pop fare.

Later in her career, Easton continued to experiment with different musical styles. Her 1995 album My Cherie is a jazz-infused collection of standards, showcasing a more mature and refined side to her voice. Even more recent releases such as 2001's Fabulous feature eclectic mixes of genres and sounds.

Of course, not all of Easton's experiments have been successful. Her controversial hit Sugar Walls, co-written by Prince, was criticized for its overtly sexual lyrics and questionable message. And some of her later efforts, such as the hip-hop influenced What Comes Naturally, were not well-received by critics or fans.

In the end, it's impossible to categorize Sheena Easton's music as either good or bad. Like any artist, she had her highs and lows, her successes and failures. But what sets her apart is her willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of pop music. Whether you love her or hate her, there's no denying the impact she had on the music industry in the 80s and beyond. So the next time 9 to 5 (Morning Train) comes on the radio, take a moment to appreciate the catchy pop hooks and powerhouse vocals that made Sheena Easton a legend.