From Rolling Stone · Rob Sheffield · · 2m
Susanna Hoffs Unveils Her Dating List Album
Susanna Hoffs releases 'The List' album, turning 40 years of dating notes into folk-rock storytelling.
In brief
Susanna Hoffs releases 'The List' album, turning 40 years of dating notes into folk-rock storytelling. Susanna Hoffs released her first solo album in 14 years, 'The List', inspired by her dating notebook from the 1970s. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Dating List Beginnings
Susanna Hoffs started writing names of people she dated in a leather notebook as a teenager in the 1970s.
“There's a whole bunch of different names. Some actors. Some fuckwits, in truth.”
Bangles Rise to Fame
The Bangles became one of the 1980s' most famous all-woman rock bands with hits like 'Manic Monday' and 'Walk Like an Egyptian'.
“We had a very thrift-store aesthetic.”
Jay Roach: The Last Name
Hoffs met filmmaker Jay Roach on a blind date, married him in 1993, and they remain together today.
“The last name is Jay. I have to hold myself back when I get to the line, 'You were the last one on my list.'”
The List Album
Hoffs released 'The List', her first original album in 14 years, inspired by her dating notebook.
“It's been fun to revisit not only the old memories but the whole arc of the thing over these decades.”
Home Studio Recording
Hoffs recorded 'The List' in her living room with producer CJ Camerieri, who has worked with Bon Iver and Phoebe Bridgers.
“We realized that my house had the best acoustics. It was the coziest, warmest, fuzziest environment.”
Dating List Legacy
Hoffs' dating list includes names from her teenage years through the 1990s, ending with her husband Jay Roach.
“So I met the first guy on the list when I was 17.”
Bangles' Musical Impact
The Bangles blended 1960s psychedelic rock with 1980s glam, influencing a generation of rock fans.
“We were so yin and yang because I'm always bubbly and he had a kind of darkness in him.”
Prince Connection
Prince wrote 'Manic Monday' for The Bangles, which became a No. 2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Manic Monday reached Number Two on the Hot 100 chart blocked by Prince's Kiss.”
Bangles' Early Days
Hoffs formed The Bangles with guitarist Vicki Peterson and drummer Debbi in 1980 after meeting through a band ad.
“We decided to be a band that night. It was like meeting someone on a blind date and then jumping in the car.”
Eternal Flame Controversy
The Bangles' hit 'Eternal Flame' caused internal band conflict and was criticized for its repetitive chorus.
“The 'say my name' part on 'Eternal Flame' was a complete left turn.”
Bangles' Legacy
The Bangles influenced 1980s rock with their unique blend of 1960s harmonies and 1980s energy.
“They were very meaningful to me. You wouldn't have thought that necessarily as a person who grew up on pop music.”
The List Album Details
The List features collaborations with artists like Rufus Wainwright and Dan Wilson, and covers songs from Nick Drake to Billie Eilish.
“We're remaking the Help! album song by song.”
Bangles' Cultural Impact
The Bangles inspired modern pop artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift with their jangle-pop sound.
“Olivia Rodrigo's U + Me = <3 is a Bangles mode song.”
Hoffs' Musical Evolution
Hoffs has released solo albums, acted in films, and written a novel, showing her diverse creative talents.
“I love to cover stuff with Matthew. We were like kids in a candy store back in that time.”
Bangles' MTV Moment
The Bangles performed on MTV in 1985, singing a 1966 Mamas and the Papas song, 'Creeque Alley'.
“Total thrift-store aesthetics.”
The List Album Release
Hoffs released 'The List' album with producer CJ Camerieri, marking her return to original songwriting after 14 years.
“It's been fun to revisit not only the old memories but the whole arc of the thing over these decades.”
The bottom line
Susanna Hoffs released her first solo album in 14 years, 'The List', inspired by her dating notebook from the 1970s.
