Girl groups were becoming popular again in the 1980s, and The Bangles were one of the best. Their eight-year collaboration produced some of the most essential hits of the decade, including “Manic Monday,” “Walk Like an Egyptian,” “Eternal Flame,” and “I’ll Set You Free.” Their lead singer and guitarist was Susanna Hoffs, whose vocals became internationally recognizable.
But Hoffs’ talent also led to the group’s downfall as media outlets started to portray her as the main focus of the group, with the others being portrayed as simply backup players. The Bangles broke up in 1989, with members splitting off to join other bands or start solo careers.
Hoffs is best known as The Bangles’ lead singer, but she was a prolific songwriter. She penned some of their major hits, usually in collaboration with major songwriters who had also worked with Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and other superstars. One of the most distinctive aspects of her style was her love of 1960s bands, which led her to combine vintage sensibilities with new stylistic elements in her music.
After the band’s breakup, Hoffs pursued a solo career. She released a series of albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s that produced several hits, including “My Side of the Bed.” She found a niche in covering songs for movie and television soundtracks, such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the Austin Powers films. Hoffs has also appeared in several movies and television shows. But despite her varied career, she is best remembered for her time in The Bangles. Here are a handful of songs she co-wrote for the band.
“I’ll Set You Free” (1988) Written by Eric Lowen, Dan Navarro, Susanna Hoffs
Many of Hoffs’ songs for The Bangles were written around the same time, though they were released at different points through the mid- to late 1980s. If anything, these songs show her versatile songwriting ability, as each has a distinct mood and style. “I’ll Set You Free” is a soft rock track about the end of a relationship; The Bangles released it in some parts of the world as a farewell single for their fanbase.
From: https://americansongwriter.com/4-songs-you-didnt-know-susanna-hoffs-wrote-for-the-bangles/
