In 1981 SHEENA EASTON became famous after being the focus of an episode in a British T.V. program called THE BiG TiME, which recorded her attempts to gain a record contract, similar to the format of AMERiCAN iDOL today. It also captured her eventual signing with EMI Records, as well as the release of her first single ‘Modern Girl’ – a poppy, very middle-of-the-road 1980’s hit. EASTON then began capturing the attention of the public – garnering nods for Best Newcomer and Best Female Singer (1981).
Eventually EASTON, a plucky and petite chick donning a short dark hair-do and a lot of spandex – rose to fame with other hits like ‘Morning Train’ in the United States, as well as ‘Strut’, ‘Sugar Walls’, ‘U Got the Look’ (w/ PRiNCE) and ‘For Your Eyes Only’ from the JAMES BOND film of the same name. I always really liked SHEENA EASTON growing up – as I can recall my father having several of her records in his ever-diverse collection. She definitely had the look of a star – vampy and sexed up; and her music, at least the hits I know of, are all very hook-driven and wrapped up nicely in the EASTON package.
My criticism (and I often criticize that which I can also enjoy on some level) with EASTON, was that unlike her 1980’s counterparts, i.e, DEBBiE HARRY, PAT BENETAR, ANNiE LENNOX, CHRiSSiE HYNDE – was that her voice was far too thin to show a lot or range, hence why when it boiled down to it I think I appreciated her for the potential of the entire package, but in reality she just could not sustain my interest comparatively to the aforementioned women, who were able to offer a lot more than EASTON in terms of being a well-rounded women in rock. I even discovered that after her singing career stalled in the mid 80’s EASTON took a stab at acting (MiAMi ViCE) and now tours her hits in casinos – but has otherwise dropped out of the music industry.
Oh SHEENA baby – I do still admire thee for your high energy pop standards, as well as your enthusiasm. To you SHEENA! With Love, CC
