Pat is classically trained, originally towards opera and as a coloratura as a child. I am sure that helped her as she moved to pop music. An absolute powerhouse voice.
Her voice is so strong. I was at a concert that lost power and she sang a cappella for almost half an hour and was easily heard even in the back. Most amazing performance I've ever witnessed.
I saw her in concert earlier this year and Pat still sounds amazing and powerful. It's hard to believe that she is 70 and finally was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
It took this long for her to get inducted because they wanted her years ago but she said she would let herself be inducted if Neil was inducted to because he was an integral part of the band. She is right and I admire her for that.
@@nivekian Any idea what 'honored' actually means? YOU actually honor her by uplifting how great an artist she is. You then do a 180 and dishonor her and other artists by condemning an artists' abilities to support themselves. Several artists came together as an association in the 1960's - 1970's, something like a Union, in order to support and protect each other from the giant corporations who love to exploit talent. What exactly is wrong with ARTISTS being able to live their lives without being slaves to giant corporations? Still think it's 'touristy'? You have been listening to all the wrong people. I think the artists should be paid for their work. I think Corporate Lawyers can keep their damned fingers in their own pockets and should be kept from profiting off of OTHER PEOPLES' work.
Pat Benetar was the definition female empowerment in rock in the 80s. "Treat Me Right" "You Better Run" "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" "Promises in the Dark" "Little Too Late" and "Sex as a Weapon" are all solid examples of that attitude. Her most important song is "Hell is for Children" which is about child abuse and is one she always does at her concerts to maintain awareness of the issue.
She no longer sings Hit Me With Your Best Shot in deference to the victims of gun violence in our society today and the number of mass shootings, though the song was created in a different time.
She and her husband (who is a beast on the guitar) stand for so many good causes. I think Heartbreaker and You Better Run (a Young Rascals song) has all that wonderful bite of the late 70s early 80s pop (Knack, etc) without the later overproduced 80s stuff. Fantastic powerhouse voice.
There is an Australian singer from the 80s by the name of Chrissy Amphlett, lead singer in the band the Divinyls, who was the same way. Their two big hits are I Touch Myself, a song about female self-love in a time when it still wasn't really talked about and another song called Pleasure and Pain, a song about domestic abuse. In fact, Pleasure and Pain is written by Mike Chapman and Holly Knight, who also wrote Love Is A Battlefield.
“Hell is For Children” is her most unique and earth shattering vocals of her career. You’d be blown away and I’d love to hear your analysis. There is no official video for Hell Is For Children, but you could still find the song on TH-cam
As many have said “Promises in the Dark” is my favorite as well, showing off her vocal range. However she also did a cover of Kate Bush’s “Wuthering heights” on her first album. It might be a fun comparison set to do. It introduced me to Kate way back in the day.
No, the single doesn't have all the sirens, etc., but this one you're reacting to IS the official music video. Fabulous voice.....she trained as a coloratura with plans to attend the Juilliard School, but decided instead to pursue health education, and her song "Hell is For Children" is an amazing song, and actually brought child abuse to the forefront back when no one wanted to talk about it openly.
Also, remember the evangelicals went after her for that song. As per usual, they didn't read the lyrics and just went by the title. They said Pat was saying that children belong in hell.
@@WastedTalent- That's what my Jewish grandmother thought when she heard it pn the radio. She said "I turned on the radio and you jad the rock station on amd there was this horrible woman screaming about how children should all go to hell". Lol So I explained it to her. She said "Oh" and looked embarrassed.
@@WastedTalent-I was in that world back then, and I got so mad at how they were misinterpreting that song. Ironically, we now know more about how those beliefs can lead to child abuse in many ways.
Promises in the Dark is her greatest vocal performance imo. One of very many, though. Her and Ann Wilson are the two greatest female rock vocalists of all time.
Pat Benatar is one of the greatest female rock vocalists, for sure. I already know you're going to fall in love with her voice. She's just a powerhouse.
The greatest..,no autotune for her, and they had a really great band on all her early hits - a killer bottom end and her husband is a very creative gifted guitar player as well.
@@markhathaway9456 I remember when she first came out, it was mentioned. Havent really heard it since, though, so it’s not surprising that many dont know that, about her.
Like Brad Delp, she sings almost all of the background vocals on the first two albums. Her vocal range let's her back herself up in many flavors. Unreal how much she can do.
My wife saw her perform in the clubs around Richmond and Petersburg, Virginia while in college at VCU during the mid 1970s. She remembers Pat sitting at their table in a club around 1975 saying she was leaving for New York and she was going to make it big. She certainly did.
This song is iconic for Pat, but "We Belong" is one that shows off more of her dynamic range from soft (heart) to edgy (gut). I'd recommend that one as you progress further with her. 😊
Pat is a real power house of rock. I saw her two months ago along with her Hall of Fame husband, Neil Giraldo. They are both still amazing. Pat was one of the first to publicly confront the issue of child abuse with her 1980 hit, "Hell is for Children". She has said that she will continue to sing that song until the terror stops. At the recent concert I attended, her performance of that song had the entire audience on their feet. She is simply amazing.
Pat's mother had been an amateur opera singer in her younger days and strongly encouraged Pat's instinct for singing. While in high school, Pat aspired to become an opera star. She then received some formal training that honed her 5-octave vocal range. Later, she realized her true desire was to be a rock singer. We fans have benefited from her amazing talent ever since.
Definitely MORE ROCK than POP!! She was the first concert I ever saw! Billy Squire opened on time. The second time J. Geils Band. She opened for Styx for the third time. Styx is another Awesome band
@@tbusch63 First time I saw her she was opening for Eddie Money in 1979 or 1980. Then I saw her again in 1981 when Billy Squier opened for her at Red Rocks in Denver
Her story is absolutely beautiful.. Her husband Niel is a very underrated guitar legend. They are still together through it all. My most cherished gift is a cassette tape of them. Our sub was decommissioned in washing state. When I returned to Hawaii I went to the iconic music store in Waikiki and tried to order several copies for my friends. It turns out that I had the first pat Benetar tape in Hawaii lol. Yeah he wanted to buy it really bad. Of course that was a hard NO.
You mentioned hearing this in a supermarket. I was at the store with my 20 year old son and this song came on. I started to shimmy my shoulders with that look on my face. My son said “Mom? Mom?” He then shrugged and danced with me. I have to give him credit for shadowing me so well. Great song!
This was one of her bigger hits but it is a very tame vocal performance. She has so much power and aggression that is not even touched here. Try something live from her early days, "Heartbreaker" is going to be the most popular. Her live voice is incredible.
Thats an excellent analysis. Those first two albums of hers, her voice, simply unbelievable. And I'm a true blue head banger, but Pat's voice is simply one of the greatest of all time, her range, power, and the way she can hold a note, almost unbelievable. I've always thought she's quite possibly the most underrated female vocalist of all time.
This is so great and so timely! My girlfriend just went to the Pink concert at SoFi last night and Pat was there as one of the opening acts. She said that Pat sounded incredible! Another great analysis, Elizabeth!
@@ThomasFlipse She now refuses to sing "Hit me with your best shot" because of the supposed connections it has to mass shooters. Totally ridiculous. A song from 1980 that predates pretty much all or most of this and had absolutely nothing to do with any of it but she caved into the idiotic woke idiocy and cancel culture and her feelings as if she is responsible.
Awesome that you've finally been introduced to Pat Benatar, but please check out her earlier more rock oriented songs like "Heartbreaker". She really displayed her power and range and was at the top of her game at that time.
I saw Pat and Neil in San Diego just a few days after the 9/11 attacks. Somewhere in the concert, she stopped to address it. She said they considered cancelling, but thought people might need a positive break from everything going on. She then went into an a capella version of the USA's National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner). Then they resumed the concert. I remember it all these decades later. It was so powerful! So emotional! I can't even begin to express how perfect that moment was! I imagine everyone at that concert remembers it.
She won the Grammy for best female rock artist … 4 straight years! Beginning in 1980. And think about that a moment. This was a time when there were SO MANY truly great female artists. Stevie Nicks, Tina Turner, Linda Rondstat, Debbie Harry, Annie Lenox, on and on. Benatar is my favorite female rock singer ever … except the greatest of all Janis Joplin.
Teenager of the glorious 80s here. Every 16 year old girl wanted to either dress like Madonna or Pat Benatar. It's hard to convey how HUGE Pat Benatar was back then, and still IS an icon of rock and roll.
I'm going to recommend "We Belong" as a follow up because it's sort of a nice contrast. It's the happy, uplifting, joyous counterpart to the hurt and aggression in this song. I like seeing her get to express "happily in love" because she's in such a supportive, long-term relationship in real life. It's just cute married wholesomeness. And she sings the heck out of it.
Pat Benetar, one of the great female rockers. Pat was very popular in the 80's. Other songs to do by her - Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Heartbreaker, Shadows of the Night, Hell is For Children, Promises in the Dark, You Better Run,Treat Me Right.
Pat is the greatest female rock vocalist - that's her singing backing tracks, and this is the song for the video, they added in a dance mix into the song that is not in the studio version. Love hearing Pat's voice dissected, listen to Fire and Ice, Promises in The Dark, HELL IS FOR CHILDREN and then WE belong! Such an amazing voice.
Would love to hear your take on her songs, Promises in the dark, Invincible, or my favorite from her, All fired up.. She will always be a bad a$$ powerhouse rocker! Love Pat!
Finally, you’re getting to Pat! Huzzah!!!🎉 Not the optimal song choice to kickoff your analysis of her voice, but very glad you are underway. Pat is an operatic trained singer herself, so I’m really looking forward to this. I would heartily recommend considering Shadows of the Night, Hell is for Children, or Wuthering Heights for your next analysis. In particular, it would be cool to hear your thoughts on how Pat’s version of Wuthering Heights compares to Kate Bush’s version, which you’ve already analyzed.
@@Ed-ys1pz I absolutely agree! I think Wuthering Heights is a song that hardcore fans of Pat and Neil all know and love. Even though it was never a big hit on the radio.
The song released in 1983 -- and if I remember right it was the first (or one of the first) music vids to feature the lead singer doing a choreographed dance routine. Pat Benatar is an operatic-trained LEGEND. And yes, the vibe was absolutely she was a girl being kicked out of her family home, seeking independence, and writing home to her younger sibling to let him know she was okay. She found work in a club to get by but they were all being exploited, and fought back. I was 13 when this came out, and my older sister left home under similar circumstances, so this vid resonated hard for me at the time. If you're looking for another amazing example of Pat Benatar's vocal range, I highly recommend viewing "We Belong".
I recommend "Promises In The Dark" as your next song by Pat Benetar to react to. That song shows off her power and strength really well, and it's my favorite song by her. As for this official music video: Its a family thing She's a runaway That is her brother First She's just living on the streets in the big city Then she falls in with a pimp (the dude in the white vest) and becomes a prostitute Then she stands up to him and leads a rebellion by all "his" girls At the end of the video, she says goodbye to the other girls as they all go their separate ways. And as the video ends, she's on a bus heading back home
She's not a prostitute, she's what used to be called a "taxi dancer" (remember, this video is 40 years old). The men pay to dance with the young ladies. Dude is not a pimp, but he's pretty close. Guessing he owns the business.
I always took this video like this: the guy in the bar is a pimp and she's challenging him. Their little dance-off is the "fight" and then she wins and gets the girls outta there and then they are "freed" Great react Elizabeth! Great song, and she has so many more powerhouse songs to check out! Can't wait
Pat Benatar is the BEST female vocalist EVER!!!! I saw her many times in concert !! Her voice is fantastic live !!!! Her husband Spider James Geraldo on guitar FANTASTIC!!! Love that you reviewed her!! Hope you will review more of her stuff in the future!! She also trained in opera!!! Thank you👍🏻👍🏻❤️
Saying the best ever is a big claim. Is she better than Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Ella Fitzgerald, Grace Slick, Nina Simone, Whitney Houston, just to name a few? That's a big claim and one I personally don't subscribe to, even though she no doubt has a phenomenal voice.
I love this song. Gives me chills every time. The combination of the arrangement, the driving tempo, and the heart wrenching emotion in their voice. Gets me every time.
Yes! I wish Promises in the Dark live version was her first Pat analysis. This song is great, but Promises in the Dark live...no comparison. Good call! I agree!
Pat Benetar is one of the best female rock singers, especially from the 80s. She also has an amazing, empowering positive back story, one I'd recommend to my daughter to read if she'd ever been interested in a career in music, Pat found success, found an amazing husband, retained her publishing and built an amazing career completely on her terms and is still out there doing it today. Fun fact, Pat Benetar was the 2nd song to ever play on MTV, right after Video Killed The Radio Star.
The 5 foot powerhouse of a voice. I saw Pat in 1998 at an 80's fest when she was 45 and she still had all the dynamics you can hear when she was 32 in 1985.
Pat Benatar was such an icon of the early 80s. Not just her music. Her fashion style was also a mainstay of the era. In the beginning of the movie "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," they were pointing out that their school had 3 or 4 Pat Benatar wannabe's. No one in my school dressed entirely in her style, but many incorperated something in their style that was recognizably as Pat Benatar-esque.
She’s 70 and still has it too. Though her voice has obviously aged, it’s still got that power and control. Check some of the live performances of Love is a Battlefield from this year. 🙌
You should listen to Shadows of the Night, multi layer harmonizing vocals, one of my all time favorites of hers! Watch the original version, but she’s still great live! I have only seen her live once and she blew me away of how beautiful her voice is live!
I get this is TH-cam and PG and all that. But C'mon. They are working girls and the guy's she splashes water on is her pimp. The story is the classic girl runs away or is thrown out of the house, and then becomes a sex worker to survive. At the end of the video she's able to breakaway from that life. It's a pretty depressing video that has a glimmer of hope in the end.
To hear her higher register, I recommend We Live for Love. She’s fantastic live! Saw her last year in Akron. She’s been my favorite female artist since I was in 5th grade when Crimes of Passion LP came out.
So glad you've reacted to Pat Benatar, Elizabeth! She really was a pioneer and she's still performing!. One of the most powerful vocal performances I've ever heard is in her song "Hell Is For Children".
Very popular Pat song, but please check out "Promises in the Dark," Lizzie. Then "Hell is for Children," "Fire and Ice," "Treat Me Right," and you'll love her cover of "Wuthering Heights"! 🎶🎤 Pat's mom was an opera singer and Pat was classically trained, as well. She's amazing and has a huge catalog of incredible songs!! Her longtime guitarist & husband, Neil Giraldo, is fantastic, too! 🎸
This video WAS in the 80’s. Cool then! Now she is still slaying ! See her on Austin City Limits! Live. We are going to see her and Neil in Portland later this year. It’s going to be Epic!!
Incredibly excited for Benatar! Excellent song choice. This and Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Heartbreaker might be her more iconic songs, but We Belong has a special place in my heart. So glad to be here for this ride. More bad-ass women please. Tina Turner when?
Fun Fact: Pat Benatar trained as a classical and as an opera singer. She truly can belt it out! Also, '80s videos were like mini films, with costumes, drama, dynamic and kick ass dance scenes. Real art, so original!
The story she tells is that when she decided to take up rock she just went out and screamed until she could get the sound -- maybe she had to kind of un-train her voice?
And to think that this little 5' tall woman can belt out such a powerful voice, is amazing!! Always loved her music during the 80's and even now as I am an old 61 year old woman, myself. "We Belong" was/is always my favorite Pat Benatar song...
Pat Benatar was trained classically and absolutely has a powerful voice. So many memories connected to her music. You may want to check out "Promises in the Dark" where you can really hear her hit so many notes...her voice is incredible! ❤💜
You've done so many great analyses of female vocalists; I'm surprised you haven't done Linda Ronstadt yet. So, so many great songs, idioms, and performances to choose from. You could even go a little crazy and pick one of her numbers in 'Pirates of Penzance'!
Absolutely agree that a dive into Linda singing ranchera would be great. I would go with La Cigarra; there's a great live version from 1987 out there. @@russrollins9978
Written by D.L. Byron My good friend and rock guitarist John Barnard was friends with D.L Great songwriter and Pat did an awesome job with her rendition.
Didn't they spend like 3 years trying not to date because he was in her backing band and those relationships always go sour (and they have been together officially over 40 years now!)
Pat Benatar is on my permanent list of top 10 favorite 80's artists. There is just something about her music that I really love. Every song recorded on her first 2 albums are amazing. Just listen every song on those 2 albums to find out but you have to listen to "Heartbreaker" first.
@halfblindchaos2506. I PERSONALLY AND TOTALLY AGREE 💯👍! I'm an African American brotha, born in 1964 and raised in North Philadelphia OR PHILLY WHEN MUSIC WAS ALMOST UNEQUIVOCALLY AT THE DEAD CENTER OF ALMOST EVERYTHING THAT NECESSITATED, ENDURED, SOFTENED, CLARIFIED OR TIED UP TOGETHER THOSE THINGS THE EITHER "UNITED" PEOPLE OR HELPED US MAKE SENSE OF "HOW TO EMBRACE THE THINGS THAT UNITED US AS PEOPLE, FAMILIES, NEIGHBORS AND AMERICANS. AND "MUSIC 🎵🎶" AND SHARING OUR "MUSICAL JOURNEYS" EFFORTLESSLY BROUGHT US TOGETHER THROUGH SINGING, DANCING AND CELEBRATING THE MUSIC. FROM MOTOWN TO THE ROLLING STONES, TO THE CARPENTERS, TO SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, THE JACKSON FIVE AND THE OSMOND BROTHERS, HALL AND OATES, AND MORE. MY MUSICAL HISTORY AND INDOCTRINATION OF THE MANY RHYTHMS 🪘 OF THE MANY EXPERIENCES, EMOTIONS, EXPRESSIONS AND CELEBRATIONS CAN BE "SNUGGLY LINKED" TO THE MUSICAL JOURNEYS THAT WE CHOOSE TO LISTEN "THEN DETERMINE". AND AS A RESULT OF THAT PROCESS "OUR MUSICAL JOURNEYS MATCHED OUR FRIENDS BECAUSE OF THE EXPERIENCES THAT WE WERE SHARING WHEN WE WERE DANCING AND SCREAMING ALONG WITH OUR "CONSENSUS JAMS" LIKE THESE(🎵😋🥳
@halfblindchaos2506. I PERSONALLY AND TOTALLY AGREE 💯👍! I'm an African American brotha, born in 1964 and raised in North Philadelphia OR PHILLY WHEN MUSIC WAS ALMOST UNEQUIVOCALLY AT THE DEAD CENTER OF ALMOST EVERYTHING THAT NECESSITATED, ENDURED, SOFTENED, CLARIFIED OR TIED UP TOGETHER THOSE THINGS THE EITHER "UNITED" PEOPLE OR HELPED US MAKE SENSE OF "HOW TO EMBRACE THE THINGS THAT UNITED US AS PEOPLE, FAMILIES, NEIGHBORS AND AMERICANS. AND "MUSIC 🎵🎶" AND SHARING OUR "MUSICAL JOURNEYS" EFFORTLESSLY BROUGHT US TOGETHER THROUGH SINGING, DANCING AND CELEBRATING THE MUSIC. FROM MOTOWN TO THE ROLLING STONES, TO THE CARPENTERS, TO SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, THE JACKSON FIVE AND THE OSMOND BROTHERS, HALL AND OATES, AND MORE. MY MUSICAL HISTORY AND INDOCTRINATION OF THE MANY RHYTHMS 🪘 OF THE MANY EXPERIENCES, EMOTIONS, EXPRESSIONS AND CELEBRATIONS CAN BE "SNUGGLY LINKED" TO THE MUSICAL JOURNEYS THAT WE CHOOSE TO LISTEN "THEN DETERMINE". AND AS A RESULT OF THAT PROCESS "OUR MUSICAL JOURNEYS MATCHED OUR FRIENDS BECAUSE OF THE EXPERIENCES THAT WE WERE SHARING WHEN WE WERE DANCING AND SCREAMING ALONG WITH OUR "CONSENSUS JAMS" LIKE THESE(🎵😋🥳
@halfblindchaos2506. I PERSONALLY AND TOTALLY AGREE 💯👍! I'm an African American brotha, born in 1964 and raised in North Philadelphia OR PHILLY WHEN MUSIC WAS ALMOST UNEQUIVOCALLY AT THE DEAD CENTER OF ALMOST EVERYTHING THAT NECESSITATED, ENDURED, SOFTENED, CLARIFIED OR TIED UP TOGETHER THOSE THINGS THE EITHER "UNITED" PEOPLE OR HELPED US MAKE SENSE OF "HOW TO EMBRACE THE THINGS THAT UNITED US AS PEOPLE, FAMILIES, NEIGHBORS AND AMERICANS. AND "MUSIC 🎵🎶" AND SHARING OUR "MUSICAL JOURNEYS" EFFORTLESSLY BROUGHT US TOGETHER THROUGH SINGING, DANCING AND CELEBRATING THE MUSIC. FROM MOTOWN TO THE ROLLING STONES, TO THE CARPENTERS, TO SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, THE JACKSON FIVE AND THE OSMOND BROTHERS, HALL AND OATES, AND MORE. MY MUSICAL HISTORY AND INDOCTRINATION OF THE MANY RHYTHMS 🪘 OF THE MANY EXPERIENCES, EMOTIONS, EXPRESSIONS AND CELEBRATIONS CAN BE "SNUGGLY LINKED" TO THE MUSICAL JOURNEYS THAT WE CHOOSE TO LISTEN "THEN DETERMINE". AND AS A RESULT OF THAT PROCESS "OUR MUSICAL JOURNEYS MATCHED OUR FRIENDS BECAUSE OF THE EXPERIENCES THAT WE WERE SHARING WHEN WE WERE DANCING AND SCREAMING ALONG WITH OUR "CONSENSUS JAMS" LIKE THESE(🎵😋🥳
@halfblindchaos2506. I PERSONALLY AND TOTALLY AGREE 💯👍! I'm an African American brotha, born in 1964 and raised in North Philadelphia OR PHILLY WHEN MUSIC WAS ALMOST UNEQUIVOCALLY AT THE DEAD CENTER OF ALMOST EVERYTHING THAT NECESSITATED, ENDURED, SOFTENED, CLARIFIED OR TIED UP TOGETHER THOSE THINGS THE EITHER "UNITED" PEOPLE OR HELPED US MAKE SENSE OF "HOW TO EMBRACE THE THINGS THAT UNITED US AS PEOPLE, FAMILIES, NEIGHBORS AND AMERICANS. AND "MUSIC 🎵🎶" AND SHARING OUR "MUSICAL JOURNEYS" EFFORTLESSLY BROUGHT US TOGETHER THROUGH SINGING, DANCING AND CELEBRATING THE MUSIC. FROM MOTOWN TO THE ROLLING STONES, TO THE CARPENTERS, TO SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, THE JACKSON FIVE AND THE OSMOND BROTHERS, HALL AND OATES, AND MORE. MY MUSICAL HISTORY AND INDOCTRINATION OF THE MANY RHYTHMS 🪘 OF THE MANY EXPERIENCES, EMOTIONS, EXPRESSIONS AND CELEBRATIONS CAN BE "SNUGGLY LINKED" TO THE MUSICAL JOURNEYS THAT WE CHOOSE TO LISTEN "THEN DETERMINE". AND AS A RESULT OF THAT PROCESS "OUR MUSICAL JOURNEYS MATCHED OUR FRIENDS BECAUSE OF THE EXPERIENCES THAT WE WERE SHARING WHEN WE WERE DANCING AND SCREAMING ALONG WITH OUR "CONSENSUS JAMS" LIKE THESE(🎵😋🥳
@halfblindchaos2506. I PERSONALLY AND TOTALLY AGREE 💯👍! I'm an African American brotha, born in 1964 and raised in North Philadelphia OR PHILLY WHEN MUSIC WAS ALMOST UNEQUIVOCALLY AT THE DEAD CENTER OF ALMOST EVERYTHING THAT NECESSITATED, ENDURED, SOFTENED, CLARIFIED OR TIED UP TOGETHER THOSE THINGS THE EITHER "UNITED" PEOPLE OR HELPED US MAKE SENSE OF "HOW TO EMBRACE THE THINGS THAT UNITED US AS PEOPLE, FAMILIES, NEIGHBORS AND AMERICANS. AND "MUSIC 🎵🎶" AND SHARING OUR "MUSICAL JOURNEYS" EFFORTLESSLY BROUGHT US TOGETHER THROUGH SINGING, DANCING AND CELEBRATING THE MUSIC. FROM MOTOWN TO THE ROLLING STONES, TO THE CARPENTERS, TO SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, THE JACKSON FIVE AND THE OSMOND BROTHERS, HALL AND OATES, AND MORE. MY MUSICAL HISTORY AND INDOCTRINATION OF THE MANY RHYTHMS 🪘 OF THE MANY EXPERIENCES, EMOTIONS, EXPRESSIONS AND CELEBRATIONS CAN BE "SNUGGLY LINKED" TO THE MUSICAL JOURNEYS THAT WE CHOOSE TO LISTEN "THEN DETERMINE". AND AS A RESULT OF THAT PROCESS "OUR MUSICAL JOURNEYS MATCHED OUR FRIENDS BECAUSE OF THE EXPERIENCES THAT WE WERE SHARING WHEN WE WERE DANCING AND SCREAMING ALONG WITH OUR "CONSENSUS JAMS" LIKE THESE(🎵😋🥳
She is one of a kind! Pat Benatar is still singing, still strong at 70. Thanks for the reaction. 'We Belong', 'Heartbreaker', 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot' are a few of her many hits.
Pat Benatar was one of the first singers to dance in her videos. Also, I believe she was classically trained and has a huge range. A few other songs that are awesome are "We Belong", "Hit me with Your Best Shot", "We Live for Love", "Promises in the Dark", "fire & Ice", All Fired Up'...and many many more. Love your channel. Love from Canada.
Yes, she was interested in musical theater while in school, but as she approached graduation she trained as a coloratura in preparation for trying to get into Juilliard School, but then changed her mind and went to school for health education instead. Then she ended up dropping out to get married, and only later seriously got into music again after attending a Liza Minnelli concert, and starting to sing in hotels and clubs.
Funny thing about the dance scene is that she was terrified to do it - this song was effectively the start of her sound softening from her immense popularity. The albums before this had all been hard rock (in some cases, HARD rock) and so there had never been any call for this sort of scene in her MVs. To paraphrase Bones - "Damnit, Label - I'm a singer, not a dancer!"
Pat Benatar was absolutely a Female Anthem Icon! She had all the power in her voice, and was amazing. This is her most popular, but there are so many others. We Belong, Heartbreaker, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Shadows of the Night, Invincible, Promises in the Dark, You Better Run, Hell is for Children.
Pat was classically trained (as a coloratura) with an early background in musical theater and planned to attend Julliard, but her life took her another direction. Eventually she got back into singing, and the world learned of the power in her voice. Lots of classics. Two of the best that highlight a lot of colors of her voice are Hell Is For Children (CW: a song about abuse) and We Belong.
@@neilpatrickhairless She was accepted, but decided to gp to Stony Brook instead. She dropped out there to marry her high school boyfriend (Dennis Benetar) and moved to Virginia where he was stationed (Army).
Hell is for Children would make my mom tear up every time she heard it. That song kept her going till she could escape the abuse she grew up in. Just knowing that people knew what it was like for kids like her, or at least enough that a rock star had a song about it. And yes, she called Pat Benatar a rock star, "because that's what [they] called them in the 80s."
@@nyxskidsHell is for Children bothered me as a kid. I didn't want to hear about traumatized children and abuse. I know what she was doing now, but back then I found it very uncomfortable.
Thanks so much for doing what you do. I'm a guitarist and just really enjoy your exuberance and knowledge, not just of the vocals, but music in general. YOU'RE AMAZING!
She also inspired 80's fashion... as was shown in the movie: FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH. Hard believe she's 70, but she has aged gracefully and still has her voice! 🎉❤
She's a treasure and always reminds of Ann Wilson with her power and range. On another note, her husband Neil Giraldo is the guitar player, primary songwriter, producer etc. and is very talented in his own right.
I've seen her in concert 3 times. She is classically trained in opera. Her husband is the lead guitarist and her writing partner. They're incredible together! A few more great songs that shows off her vocal range is "Hell Is For Children", "Shadows of the Night", "Invincible" "Promises In the Dark" & " We Belong"...just to name a few!
I'm glad you found Pat but i wouldn't say you "know her". This is one of her more mellow tunes. If you go back an album or two you'll discover the true power of her voice. Promises In The Dark, Hell is For Children, Treat Me Right.... Those beautifully showcase her vocal training and range. I hope to be with you on your journey of discovery all of Pat's music.
So many more to do. Promises in the Dark, Heartbreaker, Treat Me Right, You'd Better Run. Visit a few first, then come to Hell is for Children. And she has lots of amazing live versions. Even now at 70 she's still killing it on stage.
I wish I'd been introduced to your channel before now. I am a huge Pat Benatar fan, and I would love to have recommended a voice analysis of her remake of Kate Bush's _Wuthering Heights._ It has no music video, but Pat Benatar's voice is on full display in that song. I've listened to it literally thousands of times, and the line "You know it's me, Cathy" chills me every time I hear it.
Definitely known as one of the queens of 80s rock. Many of her songs not only showcase her vocals but bring out an emotional reaction from the listener.
Saw her in Detroit, at Joe Louis Arena, during the '80s. She's such a tiny little thing, but the pipes on her...she has one hell of a voice, that's for sure.
On Video Story - it was absolutely Pat Benatar's idea to turn what she had written as a love song totally on its head for the video by taking it out into the world of street kids & dance battles, she said in an interview. Essentially focused on those for whom love is a literal battle field, kicked out of or run away from toxic homes at the cost of even losing sibling love & affection. She has always been a great advocate for children, and partnered w/videographer Giraldi who took her premise and built it into a world where those surviving on the streets get disregarded, pummeled or trafficked (w/WWII taxi dancer ballroom as a gentler substitute for strip clubs & underground trafficking prostitution fronts). Then Giraldi & Pat give them agency to stand up to the club owner pimp where a dance battle is metaphor for coalition uprising! Once victorious in their freedom, she is free to return a wiser and more powerful person who can stand up for her right to reconcile w/& be treated w/dignity by her family. Leaving us open to imagine the hug she'll get from her brother in the driveway as her parents look on from the porch, happy but ambivalent. After all, love is a battlefield. Thank you for all you do!!!
She released an album of torch songs. It got great critical aclaim. It was a complete departure from her regular rock stuff but is by far my favorite album.
I AM THRILLED THAT YOU FINALLY reached into this library of music! I saw Pat Benatar live in 1981 and she is still a powerhouse voice. So many amazing songs over the last 40+ yrs. She stood rock on it's ear when she hit the scene and she just kept the power. evolution and creativity going and going and going. Her producer/husband/guitarist (in no particular order) is a genius in his own right. Part of her delay into the Hall of Fame was that she wouldn't accept the nomination without recognition of Neil Geraldo as well. So many examples out there of Pat's skill and mastery of her voice. "Fire and Ice", "I Need A Lover" (the live version), "Promises In The Dark", "Hell is For Children", "You Better Run" and so many more. I never get tired of her voice, presence or performance.
I always thought the story kinda touched on all different kinds of love: family, romantic, sexual/sex work, friendship, and how all of them can be a battlefield
Born Patricia Andrzejewski (another great Polish woman like me LOL!) -- stage name Pat Benatar (from Husband #1 Dennis Benatar 1975-1979) -- happily married to her spouse/guitarist Neil Giraldo since 1982.
Pat sings like a metal singer with all that power. Or, it might be better to say she can, since that's definitely not the only thing she does. Still, I think it's worth it to listen to something else hard-hitting first, like "Heartbreaker".
Elizabeth, I bet you would have so much fun reacting to another hit of hers, Hell is For Children. She's got so many, but given your background and just the way that you react to things, I just know you would love it. And she really lets her singing loose on that one as well. And there is an iconic music video of go with it and I have seen a number of reactions to it.
A Taxi-Dance Hall is what is being portrayed in the video. Women in a dance hall earning commisson money, dancing with men for a small price (dime a dance in the 30s, earn a nickel) for the length of a song. It was a weird phenomenon of the 20s and early 30s, tangentially related to prostitution. Tina Turner's song Private Dancer portrays the same. The costumes in the video are 80s stylized versions of 1920s flapper outfits. Taxi-dancers are totally anachronistic for the 80s, but 80s videos were like that, stylistic and well ... visuals is all that really mattered.
So some fun facts- she is only 4’11” tall… guitarist is her husband Neil who was 2nd guitar in Rick Derringers band when he was like 17 years old. They’re married for almost 40 years! Neil write arranges and produces just about all of their music and that’s quite a catalog!!!! Pat is classically trained and tried broadway early on but her passion was rock- Neil was brought in to help her get past some issues with writing and creating a sound to express herself… it’s a great story…. Neil shares his birthday with a not so great guitarist (me) Dec 29!!! 😂❤🎉😊
Saw her do a TV show called crossroads with a prominent female country singer. The difference in power and range between Pat and the country singer when doing a duet was amazing and a little embarrassing for the country singer. The look of reverence the country singer was giving Pat was classic. Pat was just being Pat, not showing off. Her musical and love story is fascinating and worth looking into. Always a treat Elizabeth.
The country singer was Martina McBride I thought she was powerful in her own right but next to Pat, not so much And yes, reverence on Martina's face But you could tell they respect each other
@@wbchaney Martina is as much a powerhouse as Pat. I saw Martina a few times in concert back in the late '90s - early 2000s and she was phenomenal live, and she sounded exactly like her albums. I love both of them and rocked out to Benatar in the eighties, and fell in love with Martina in the early '90s as soon as I heard her first single on CMT.
@@rayvanhorn1534 I said she wasn't so much next to Pat But I'm thinking it's because she was in awe of meeting her & singing with her My opinion anyway since it seemed she was a bit starstruck She even told Pat something about not being able to keep up with her with the high notes & Pat said something about that she could keep up with her (meaning Martina could keep up)
She sang the second song that was ever played on MTV. “Who killed the video star” was first. “you better run” by Pat was second. But unlike the Buggles, Pat Benatar always had a song on the cycle for the next decade.
I really don't understand how you could NOT know who Pat Benatar is--she is a classically trained vocalist who opted for a rock instead of an operatic career like yourself. Pat was FINALLY inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just last year, in fact. I love your reviews however your depth of artists has got to be a little deeper, imo. Ok, a LOT deeper, LOL. Also, feel free to be a little less flowery and a little more critical in your reviews. Constant plaudits get boring. We can take the good with the bad and ugly, trust me.
Pat is classically trained, originally towards opera and as a coloratura as a child.
I am sure that helped her as she moved to pop music. An absolute powerhouse voice.
Her voice is so strong. I was at a concert that lost power and she sang a cappella for almost half an hour and was easily heard even in the back. Most amazing performance I've ever witnessed.
I kept thinking Elizabeth would comment on the classical and operatic training, given she is trained in the like.
A lot of these 80s artists are still performing, and I believe it has a lot to do with the vocal discipline learned from there classical backgrounds.
@@MrPhillie
I did, as well.
@@MrPhillie Me too......
I saw her in concert earlier this year and Pat still sounds amazing and powerful. It's hard to believe that she is 70 and finally was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Same here. I saw her earlier this year and is phenomenal
She's talented as hell, she doesn't need to be "honored" by a tourist trap/ marketing award like the RRHoF induction.
It took this long for her to get inducted because they wanted her years ago but she said she would let herself be inducted if Neil was inducted to because he was an integral part of the band. She is right and I admire her for that.
She's finally in? About time!
@@nivekian Any idea what 'honored' actually means?
YOU actually honor her by uplifting how great an artist she is. You then do a 180 and dishonor her and other artists by condemning an artists' abilities to support themselves.
Several artists came together as an association in the 1960's - 1970's, something like a Union, in order to support and protect each other from the giant corporations who love to exploit talent.
What exactly is wrong with ARTISTS being able to live their lives without being slaves to giant corporations?
Still think it's 'touristy'? You have been listening to all the wrong people.
I think the artists should be paid for their work. I think Corporate Lawyers can keep their damned fingers in their own pockets and should be kept from profiting off of OTHER PEOPLES' work.
Pat Benetar was the definition female empowerment in rock in the 80s. "Treat Me Right" "You Better Run" "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" "Promises in the Dark" "Little Too Late" and "Sex as a Weapon" are all solid examples of that attitude. Her most important song is "Hell is for Children" which is about child abuse and is one she always does at her concerts to maintain awareness of the issue.
Yes Hell Is For Children
She no longer sings Hit Me With Your Best Shot in deference to the victims of gun violence in our society today and the number of mass shootings, though the song was created in a different time.
Her cover of Wuthering Heights is also phenomenal.
A comparison between her version and Kate Bush’s would be great.
She and her husband (who is a beast on the guitar) stand for so many good causes. I think Heartbreaker and You Better Run (a Young Rascals song) has all that wonderful bite of the late 70s early 80s pop (Knack, etc) without the later overproduced 80s stuff. Fantastic powerhouse voice.
There is an Australian singer from the 80s by the name of Chrissy Amphlett, lead singer in the band the Divinyls, who was the same way. Their two big hits are I Touch Myself, a song about female self-love in a time when it still wasn't really talked about and another song called Pleasure and Pain, a song about domestic abuse. In fact, Pleasure and Pain is written by Mike Chapman and Holly Knight, who also wrote Love Is A Battlefield.
“Hell is For Children” is her most unique and earth shattering vocals of her career. You’d be blown away and I’d love to hear your analysis. There is no official video for Hell Is For Children, but you could still find the song on TH-cam
Thank God there is no video for that song. As wonderful as the song is such a video would be depressing.
Yes. "Hell Is For Children" is an epic - and a voice for the abused children who have no voice. It is a masterpiece of music and meaning..
Agreed, "Love is a Battlefield" is not nearly as challenging as "Hell" or "Heartbreaker" vocal-wise
halestorm does a great cover too
I believe she made that song because she is very involved with abused children's charities.
As many have said “Promises in the Dark” is my favorite as well, showing off her vocal range. However she also did a cover of Kate Bush’s “Wuthering heights” on her first album. It might be a fun comparison set to do. It introduced me to Kate way back in the day.
I love that song. Her first album was my first cassette.
The Kate Bush cover was actually on Benatar's 2nd studio album "Crimes Of Passion" in 1980.
Best. Song. Ever.
I prefer her version of Wuthering Heights over the screeching of Kate Bush.
Wuthering heights one of my favorite deep cuts from any album
No, the single doesn't have all the sirens, etc., but this one you're reacting to IS the official music video. Fabulous voice.....she trained as a coloratura with plans to attend the Juilliard School, but decided instead to pursue health education, and her song "Hell is For Children" is an amazing song, and actually brought child abuse to the forefront back when no one wanted to talk about it openly.
Also, remember the evangelicals went after her for that song. As per usual, they didn't read the lyrics and just went by the title. They said Pat was saying that children belong in hell.
@@WastedTalent- I remember that.
...also " Suffer the Children" from "Wide Awake in Dreamland (track 9)...Love Pat and Neal, they are a part of my youth
@@WastedTalent-
That's what my Jewish grandmother thought when she heard it pn the radio. She said "I turned on the radio and you jad the rock station on amd there was this horrible woman screaming about how children should all go to hell". Lol So I explained it to her. She said "Oh" and looked embarrassed.
@@WastedTalent-I was in that world back then, and I got so mad at how they were misinterpreting that song. Ironically, we now know more about how those beliefs can lead to child abuse in many ways.
Promises in the Dark is her greatest vocal performance imo. One of very many, though. Her and Ann Wilson are the two greatest female rock vocalists of all time.
Totally agree
Promises is the song she needs to review. Very dynamic song from early in her career. Excellent energy. And she covers her full vocal range.
@@donaldmoser212
Definitely. Her late 70's/early 80's hard rock material was the best.
I agree, and there's a live version official music video too!
so many others too like Grace Slick from Jefferson Airplane
Pat Benatar is one of the greatest female rock vocalists, for sure. I already know you're going to fall in love with her voice. She's just a powerhouse.
And she was trained in opera …!
My favorite female vocalist of all time
The greatest..,no autotune for her, and they had a really great band on all her early hits - a killer bottom end and her husband is a very creative gifted guitar player as well.
@@buzzbomb67 Awesome. I didn't know that.
@@markhathaway9456 I remember when she first came out, it was mentioned. Havent really heard it since, though, so it’s not surprising that many dont know that, about her.
Like Brad Delp, she sings almost all of the background vocals on the first two albums. Her vocal range let's her back herself up in many flavors. Unreal how much she can do.
My wife saw her perform in the clubs around Richmond and Petersburg, Virginia while in college at VCU during the mid 1970s. She remembers Pat sitting at their table in a club around 1975 saying she was leaving for New York and she was going to make it big. She certainly did.
This song is iconic for Pat, but "We Belong" is one that shows off more of her dynamic range from soft (heart) to edgy (gut). I'd recommend that one as you progress further with her. 😊
"We Belong" is my favorite...just a perfect pop ballad.
@MattKrogmeier Same... love that song.
100% agreed here! :)
The "acoustic" version of this song is fantastic!
Absolutely this!
Pat is a real power house of rock. I saw her two months ago along with her Hall of Fame husband, Neil Giraldo. They are both still amazing. Pat was one of the first to publicly confront the issue of child abuse with her 1980 hit, "Hell is for Children". She has said that she will continue to sing that song until the terror stops. At the recent concert I attended, her performance of that song had the entire audience on their feet. She is simply amazing.
She's definitely one of my bucket-list artists to see! I've loved her music since my teens.
That song HITS. Hard. Pun, I guess, intended... 😕
Pat's mother had been an amateur opera singer in her younger days and strongly encouraged Pat's instinct for singing. While in high school, Pat aspired to become an opera star. She then received some formal training that honed her 5-octave vocal range. Later, she realized her true desire was to be a rock singer. We fans have benefited from her amazing talent ever since.
Definitely MORE ROCK than POP!! She was the first concert I ever saw! Billy Squire opened on time. The second time J. Geils Band. She opened for Styx for the third time. Styx is another Awesome band
@@tbusch63 First time I saw her she was opening for Eddie Money in 1979 or 1980. Then I saw her again in 1981 when Billy Squier opened for her at Red Rocks in Denver
She was inspired to become a solo artist after seeing a one-woman show. That artist was Liza Minelli.
Perfectly said.
Legend of Billie Jean. Awesome movie
Her story is absolutely beautiful.. Her husband Niel is a very underrated guitar legend. They are still together through it all. My most cherished gift is a cassette tape of them. Our sub was decommissioned in washing state. When I returned to Hawaii I went to the iconic music store in Waikiki and tried to order several copies for my friends. It turns out that I had the first pat Benetar tape in Hawaii lol. Yeah he wanted to buy it really bad. Of course that was a hard NO.
100% agree Re: Neil Giraldo. 😎
Neil is an awesome guitarist!
You mentioned hearing this in a supermarket. I was at the store with my 20 year old son and this song came on. I started to shimmy my shoulders with that look on my face. My son said “Mom? Mom?” He then shrugged and danced with me. I have to give him credit for shadowing me so well. Great song!
I love this anecdote!
I love how everything in the 80's could be settled with an epic dance routine.
Quick, someone call 911 there's going to be a dance off.
Wished we could that now - oh wait - most of us can barely move anymore. That won't work - we'll have to think of something else
Conflict and beef in the 80s was only created for dance off purposes.
Rock paper scissors?
@@zippymacadoo6336 never had luck with that! Lol
This was one of her bigger hits but it is a very tame vocal performance. She has so much power and aggression that is not even touched here. Try something live from her early days, "Heartbreaker" is going to be the most popular. Her live voice is incredible.
Agree. You should watch the Live in New Haven (1983) version. Also, We Live For Love from the same concert.
Promises in the Dark
Thats an excellent analysis. Those first two albums of hers, her voice, simply unbelievable. And I'm a true blue head banger, but Pat's voice is simply one of the greatest of all time, her range, power, and the way she can hold a note, almost unbelievable. I've always thought she's quite possibly the most underrated female vocalist of all time.
I'm positive you're going to love her and want more! ❤ "Promises in the Dark" next, please!
"Promises in the dark", "Heartbreaker" or "Hell is for children" would really show her skills and Power as a singer!
Don't forget Fire & Ice, and Precious Time.
Wuthering Heights is the best demonstration of her range and power
I vote for "Promises In The Dark" because it really shows off her vocal range especially in the bridge of the song.
I would suggest "We Belong" as the ballad to explore
Pat Benatar is an amazing vocalist. You should really check out her song Heartbreaker, definitely my favorite by her
This is so great and so timely! My girlfriend just went to the Pink concert at SoFi last night and Pat was there as one of the opening acts. She said that Pat sounded incredible! Another great analysis, Elizabeth!
That would be a bucket list concert for me! P! nk AND Pat? Wow! 😍😍😍
Classically trained in Opera. Her first hit was Heartbreaker and it rocks hard!!!
YES! So few people talk about how she is a classically trained vocalist -- and it shows.
Came here to say the same thing
I heard her say that she was tired of singing Heartbreaker. Imagine how many times that she sang it.❤
@@ThomasFlipse She now refuses to sing "Hit me with your best shot" because of the supposed connections it has to mass shooters. Totally ridiculous. A song from 1980 that predates pretty much all or most of this and had absolutely nothing to do with any of it but she caved into the idiotic woke idiocy and cancel culture and her feelings as if she is responsible.
@@gigakrait5648 that's so sad! It is a great song!! I've heard that she is also really nice.
Awesome that you've finally been introduced to Pat Benatar, but please check out her earlier more rock oriented songs like "Heartbreaker". She really displayed her power and range and was at the top of her game at that time.
I saw Pat and Neil in San Diego just a few days after the 9/11 attacks. Somewhere in the concert, she stopped to address it. She said they considered cancelling, but thought people might need a positive break from everything going on. She then went into an a capella version of the USA's National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner). Then they resumed the concert. I remember it all these decades later. It was so powerful! So emotional! I can't even begin to express how perfect that moment was! I imagine everyone at that concert remembers it.
She won the Grammy for best female rock artist … 4 straight years! Beginning in 1980. And think about that a moment. This was a time when there were SO MANY truly great female artists. Stevie Nicks, Tina Turner, Linda Rondstat, Debbie Harry, Annie Lenox, on and on. Benatar is my favorite female rock singer ever … except the greatest of all Janis Joplin.
Even Janis doesn't hold a candle to Ann Wilson. She is the true G.O.A.T.
Missing Joan Jett in there. Talk about a hard rocking voice.
Missing the queen of psychedelic rock, Grace Slick.
Teenager of the glorious 80s here. Every 16 year old girl wanted to either dress like Madonna or Pat Benatar. It's hard to convey how HUGE Pat Benatar was back then, and still IS an icon of rock and roll.
I'm going to recommend "We Belong" as a follow up because it's sort of a nice contrast. It's the happy, uplifting, joyous counterpart to the hurt and aggression in this song. I like seeing her get to express "happily in love" because she's in such a supportive, long-term relationship in real life. It's just cute married wholesomeness. And she sings the heck out of it.
I love that song!
YES!
This!
Pat Benetar, one of the great female rockers. Pat was very popular in the 80's. Other songs to do by her - Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Heartbreaker, Shadows of the Night,
Hell is For Children, Promises in the Dark, You Better Run,Treat Me Right.
I vote or Hell Is For Children
Invincible!
@@Justin_Dykes one of the best.
I also vote for Hell is for Children. My favorite song of hers. I listened to it on repeat.
@@Justin_Dykes I had the album with it on 8 track.
Pat is the greatest female rock vocalist - that's her singing backing tracks, and this is the song for the video, they added in a dance mix into the song that is not in the studio version. Love hearing Pat's voice dissected, listen to Fire and Ice, Promises in The Dark, HELL IS FOR CHILDREN and then WE belong! Such an amazing voice.
Would love to hear your take on her songs, Promises in the dark, Invincible, or my favorite from her, All fired up..
She will always be a bad a$$ powerhouse rocker! Love Pat!
Pat Benetar and Anne Wilson, the undisputed Queens of rock vocals.
ah, but you forget Johnette Napolitano of concrete blonde. 😉
@@lowlifehighroad 😉
Finally, you’re getting to Pat! Huzzah!!!🎉 Not the optimal song choice to kickoff your analysis of her voice, but very glad you are underway. Pat is an operatic trained singer herself, so I’m really looking forward to this. I would heartily recommend considering Shadows of the Night, Hell is for Children, or Wuthering Heights for your next analysis. In particular, it would be cool to hear your thoughts on how Pat’s version of Wuthering Heights compares to Kate Bush’s version, which you’ve already analyzed.
Wuthering Heights done better than the original
@@Ed-ys1pz Agreed!
@@Ed-ys1pz I absolutely agree! I think Wuthering Heights is a song that hardcore fans of Pat and Neil all know and love. Even though it was never a big hit on the radio.
The song released in 1983 -- and if I remember right it was the first (or one of the first) music vids to feature the lead singer doing a choreographed dance routine. Pat Benatar is an operatic-trained LEGEND.
And yes, the vibe was absolutely she was a girl being kicked out of her family home, seeking independence, and writing home to her younger sibling to let him know she was okay. She found work in a club to get by but they were all being exploited, and fought back.
I was 13 when this came out, and my older sister left home under similar circumstances, so this vid resonated hard for me at the time.
If you're looking for another amazing example of Pat Benatar's vocal range, I highly recommend viewing "We Belong".
A lot of songs in the 90's had almost nothing to do with the music video, the 80's not so much, this is one of them.
We Belong is a great song.
According to MTV's promotions in 1983, this was the first music video that featured dialogue written & recorded specifically for the video.
@@Johnny_Socko I'll believe it when Pat Benatar confirms it.
Try early Kate Bush!
I recommend "Promises In The Dark" as your next song by Pat Benetar to react to. That song shows off her power and strength really well, and it's my favorite song by her.
As for this official music video:
Its a family thing
She's a runaway
That is her brother
First She's just living on the streets in the big city
Then she falls in with a pimp (the dude in the white vest) and becomes a prostitute
Then she stands up to him and leads a rebellion by all "his" girls
At the end of the video, she says goodbye to the other girls as they all go their separate ways.
And as the video ends, she's on a bus heading back home
Promises in the Dark... 100%!!!
That’s the song that came to my mind!
She's not a prostitute, she's what used to be called a "taxi dancer" (remember, this video is 40 years old). The men pay to dance with the young ladies. Dude is not a pimp, but he's pretty close. Guessing he owns the business.
Yes!!
I always took this video like this: the guy in the bar is a pimp and she's challenging him. Their little dance-off is the "fight" and then she wins and gets the girls outta there and then they are "freed" Great react Elizabeth! Great song, and she has so many more powerhouse songs to check out! Can't wait
Pat Benatar is the BEST female vocalist EVER!!!! I saw her many times in concert !! Her voice is fantastic live !!!! Her husband Spider James Geraldo on guitar FANTASTIC!!! Love that you reviewed her!! Hope you will review more of her stuff in the future!! She also trained in opera!!! Thank you👍🏻👍🏻❤️
Saying the best ever is a big claim. Is she better than Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Ella Fitzgerald, Grace Slick, Nina Simone, Whitney Houston, just to name a few? That's a big claim and one I personally don't subscribe to, even though she no doubt has a phenomenal voice.
Pat and Ann Wilson, best female rock vocalists.
Absolutely agree👍🏻👍🏻😁!!!!
@@annehooks6940 you are replying to yourself, so you are saying you agree with yourself?
I would put Linda Ronstadt into that conversation. I grew up in the 80's and Love is a Battlefield is one of my favorite songs.
Pat is for my money the greatest female rocker ever. Opera blessed her with an awesome range and control!
I'd say Joan Jett was the greatest female rocker ever but her voice doesn't compare.
My vote goes to Doro Pesch.
Ann Wilson still takes some beating, and like Pat she's into her seventies.
Dreamboat Annie Wilson, but Benatar's right there with her...
Don't forget about Joan Jett
Just sayin...
They are both great by the way...
I love this song. Gives me chills every time. The combination of the arrangement, the driving tempo, and the heart wrenching emotion in their voice. Gets me every time.
Give “Promises In The Dark”, the live version, a listen. It showcases her phenomenal range.
Hers and Martina McBrde's duet on CMT Crossroads is one of all-time favorite performances.
Yes! I wish Promises in the Dark live version was her first Pat analysis. This song is great, but Promises in the Dark live...no comparison. Good call! I agree!
100%!!
Pat Benetar is one of the best female rock singers, especially from the 80s. She also has an amazing, empowering positive back story, one I'd recommend to my daughter to read if she'd ever been interested in a career in music, Pat found success, found an amazing husband, retained her publishing and built an amazing career completely on her terms and is still out there doing it today.
Fun fact, Pat Benetar was the 2nd song to ever play on MTV, right after Video Killed The Radio Star.
The 5 foot powerhouse of a voice. I saw Pat in 1998 at an 80's fest when she was 45 and she still had all the dynamics you can hear when she was 32 in 1985.
Pat Benatar was such an icon of the early 80s. Not just her music. Her fashion style was also a mainstay of the era. In the beginning of the movie "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," they were pointing out that their school had 3 or 4 Pat Benatar wannabe's. No one in my school dressed entirely in her style, but many incorperated something in their style that was recognizably as Pat Benatar-esque.
She’s 70 and still has it too. Though her voice has obviously aged, it’s still got that power and control. Check some of the live performances of Love is a Battlefield from this year. 🙌
You should listen to Shadows of the Night, multi layer harmonizing vocals, one of my all time favorites of hers! Watch the original version, but she’s still great live! I have only seen her live once and she blew me away of how beautiful her voice is live!
Shadows of the Night has another great video.
Agreed, Shadows of the Night is one of my all time favourite songs and the music video is awesome.
Blink and youll miss the cameo of a very young Bill Paxton as one of the radio operators in the CIC.
I get this is TH-cam and PG and all that. But C'mon. They are working girls and the guy's she splashes water on is her pimp. The story is the classic girl runs away or is thrown out of the house, and then becomes a sex worker to survive. At the end of the video she's able to breakaway from that life. It's a pretty depressing video that has a glimmer of hope in the end.
To hear her higher register, I recommend We Live for Love. She’s fantastic live! Saw her last year in Akron. She’s been my favorite female artist since I was in 5th grade when Crimes of Passion LP came out.
Wuthering Heights did it for me from the same album. I got to see her live shortly after that album came out and she was amazing!
Her song, "Shadows of the Night," was a complete 80's power ballad with all the power phrases and imagery.
Absolutely
The 'Live in New Haven' version. The music video is pure cringe!
It's too good to ignore! I hope she checks it out!
One of my favorite songs!
So glad you've reacted to Pat Benatar, Elizabeth! She really was a pioneer and she's still performing!. One of the most powerful vocal performances I've ever heard is in her song "Hell Is For Children".
Very popular Pat song, but please check out "Promises in the Dark," Lizzie. Then "Hell is for Children," "Fire and Ice," "Treat Me Right," and you'll love her cover of "Wuthering Heights"! 🎶🎤 Pat's mom was an opera singer and Pat was classically trained, as well. She's amazing and has a huge catalog of incredible songs!! Her longtime guitarist & husband, Neil Giraldo, is fantastic, too! 🎸
Well said.
@@hinjurock70 Thanks so much!
@@Wishpool
Anytime 😎
You need to analyze "Promises in the Dark." Her voice and range are stunning.
This video WAS in the 80’s. Cool then! Now she is still slaying ! See her on Austin City Limits! Live. We are going to see her and Neil in Portland later this year. It’s going to be Epic!!
Incredibly excited for Benatar! Excellent song choice. This and Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Heartbreaker might be her more iconic songs, but We Belong has a special place in my heart. So glad to be here for this ride.
More bad-ass women please. Tina Turner when?
We Belong is definitely special!
Fun Fact: Pat Benatar trained as a classical and as an opera singer. She truly can belt it out!
Also, '80s videos were like mini films, with costumes, drama, dynamic and kick ass dance scenes. Real art, so original!
and her warm up routine is singing a few arias.
The story she tells is that when she decided to take up rock she just went out and screamed until she could get the sound -- maybe she had to kind of un-train her voice?
80's videos is what made MTV the go-to place to record favorite songs on VHS tapes, back when MTV was MTV and had only music videos.
From what I’ve read, she did have to learn how to sing rock(pop) music. She was also discovered by Harry Chapin in a rock opera he was producing
@@jayoh13was that intended to be Harry Chapin?
It isn't just her voice, as amazing as she is. It's the positive message she brings, even to difficult topics.:)
And to think that this little 5' tall woman can belt out such a powerful voice, is amazing!! Always loved her music during the 80's and even now as I am an old 61 year old woman, myself. "We Belong" was/is always my favorite Pat Benatar song...
Pat Benatar was trained classically and absolutely has a powerful voice. So many memories connected to her music. You may want to check out "Promises in the Dark" where you can really hear her hit so many notes...her voice is incredible! ❤💜
You've done so many great analyses of female vocalists; I'm surprised you haven't done Linda Ronstadt yet. So, so many great songs, idioms, and performances to choose from. You could even go a little crazy and pick one of her numbers in 'Pirates of Penzance'!
Oh yes, Linda is a must! I would suggest "Blue Bayou" live - there's a great version on the Rhino YT channel.
@@DJHolte Don't forget La Charreada!
I would suggest Long, Long Time.
You're No Good is also a must listen to.
Absolutely agree that a dive into Linda singing ranchera would be great. I would go with La Cigarra; there's a great live version from 1987 out there. @@russrollins9978
Shadows of the Night is my favorite song by Pat. Her vocals are stellar.
Definitely, the best of all of the Benatar catalogue. Epic song!
Written by D.L. Byron
My good friend and rock guitarist John Barnard was friends with D.L
Great songwriter and Pat did an awesome job with her rendition.
Pat and her husband Neil (guitar) are a great songwriting team and a great couple.
Didn't they spend like 3 years trying not to date because he was in her backing band and those relationships always go sour (and they have been together officially over 40 years now!)
@jon-paulfilkins7820 yes. It's great how it worked out.
Pat Benatar is on my permanent list of top 10 favorite 80's artists. There is just something about her music that I really love. Every song recorded on her first 2 albums are amazing. Just listen every song on those 2 albums to find out but you have to listen to "Heartbreaker" first.
@halfblindchaos2506. I PERSONALLY AND TOTALLY AGREE 💯👍! I'm an African American brotha, born in 1964 and raised in North Philadelphia OR PHILLY WHEN MUSIC WAS ALMOST UNEQUIVOCALLY AT THE DEAD CENTER OF ALMOST EVERYTHING THAT NECESSITATED, ENDURED, SOFTENED, CLARIFIED OR TIED UP TOGETHER THOSE THINGS THE EITHER "UNITED" PEOPLE OR HELPED US MAKE SENSE OF "HOW TO EMBRACE THE THINGS THAT UNITED US AS PEOPLE, FAMILIES, NEIGHBORS AND AMERICANS. AND "MUSIC 🎵🎶" AND SHARING OUR "MUSICAL JOURNEYS" EFFORTLESSLY BROUGHT US TOGETHER THROUGH SINGING, DANCING AND CELEBRATING THE MUSIC. FROM MOTOWN TO THE ROLLING STONES, TO THE CARPENTERS, TO SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, THE JACKSON FIVE AND THE OSMOND BROTHERS, HALL AND OATES, AND MORE. MY MUSICAL HISTORY AND INDOCTRINATION OF THE MANY RHYTHMS 🪘 OF THE MANY EXPERIENCES, EMOTIONS, EXPRESSIONS AND CELEBRATIONS CAN BE "SNUGGLY LINKED" TO THE MUSICAL JOURNEYS THAT WE CHOOSE TO LISTEN "THEN DETERMINE". AND AS A RESULT OF THAT PROCESS "OUR MUSICAL JOURNEYS MATCHED OUR FRIENDS BECAUSE OF THE EXPERIENCES THAT WE WERE SHARING WHEN WE WERE DANCING AND SCREAMING ALONG WITH OUR "CONSENSUS JAMS" LIKE THESE(🎵😋🥳
@halfblindchaos2506. I PERSONALLY AND TOTALLY AGREE 💯👍! I'm an African American brotha, born in 1964 and raised in North Philadelphia OR PHILLY WHEN MUSIC WAS ALMOST UNEQUIVOCALLY AT THE DEAD CENTER OF ALMOST EVERYTHING THAT NECESSITATED, ENDURED, SOFTENED, CLARIFIED OR TIED UP TOGETHER THOSE THINGS THE EITHER "UNITED" PEOPLE OR HELPED US MAKE SENSE OF "HOW TO EMBRACE THE THINGS THAT UNITED US AS PEOPLE, FAMILIES, NEIGHBORS AND AMERICANS. AND "MUSIC 🎵🎶" AND SHARING OUR "MUSICAL JOURNEYS" EFFORTLESSLY BROUGHT US TOGETHER THROUGH SINGING, DANCING AND CELEBRATING THE MUSIC. FROM MOTOWN TO THE ROLLING STONES, TO THE CARPENTERS, TO SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, THE JACKSON FIVE AND THE OSMOND BROTHERS, HALL AND OATES, AND MORE. MY MUSICAL HISTORY AND INDOCTRINATION OF THE MANY RHYTHMS 🪘 OF THE MANY EXPERIENCES, EMOTIONS, EXPRESSIONS AND CELEBRATIONS CAN BE "SNUGGLY LINKED" TO THE MUSICAL JOURNEYS THAT WE CHOOSE TO LISTEN "THEN DETERMINE". AND AS A RESULT OF THAT PROCESS "OUR MUSICAL JOURNEYS MATCHED OUR FRIENDS BECAUSE OF THE EXPERIENCES THAT WE WERE SHARING WHEN WE WERE DANCING AND SCREAMING ALONG WITH OUR "CONSENSUS JAMS" LIKE THESE(🎵😋🥳
@halfblindchaos2506. I PERSONALLY AND TOTALLY AGREE 💯👍! I'm an African American brotha, born in 1964 and raised in North Philadelphia OR PHILLY WHEN MUSIC WAS ALMOST UNEQUIVOCALLY AT THE DEAD CENTER OF ALMOST EVERYTHING THAT NECESSITATED, ENDURED, SOFTENED, CLARIFIED OR TIED UP TOGETHER THOSE THINGS THE EITHER "UNITED" PEOPLE OR HELPED US MAKE SENSE OF "HOW TO EMBRACE THE THINGS THAT UNITED US AS PEOPLE, FAMILIES, NEIGHBORS AND AMERICANS. AND "MUSIC 🎵🎶" AND SHARING OUR "MUSICAL JOURNEYS" EFFORTLESSLY BROUGHT US TOGETHER THROUGH SINGING, DANCING AND CELEBRATING THE MUSIC. FROM MOTOWN TO THE ROLLING STONES, TO THE CARPENTERS, TO SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, THE JACKSON FIVE AND THE OSMOND BROTHERS, HALL AND OATES, AND MORE. MY MUSICAL HISTORY AND INDOCTRINATION OF THE MANY RHYTHMS 🪘 OF THE MANY EXPERIENCES, EMOTIONS, EXPRESSIONS AND CELEBRATIONS CAN BE "SNUGGLY LINKED" TO THE MUSICAL JOURNEYS THAT WE CHOOSE TO LISTEN "THEN DETERMINE". AND AS A RESULT OF THAT PROCESS "OUR MUSICAL JOURNEYS MATCHED OUR FRIENDS BECAUSE OF THE EXPERIENCES THAT WE WERE SHARING WHEN WE WERE DANCING AND SCREAMING ALONG WITH OUR "CONSENSUS JAMS" LIKE THESE(🎵😋🥳
@halfblindchaos2506. I PERSONALLY AND TOTALLY AGREE 💯👍! I'm an African American brotha, born in 1964 and raised in North Philadelphia OR PHILLY WHEN MUSIC WAS ALMOST UNEQUIVOCALLY AT THE DEAD CENTER OF ALMOST EVERYTHING THAT NECESSITATED, ENDURED, SOFTENED, CLARIFIED OR TIED UP TOGETHER THOSE THINGS THE EITHER "UNITED" PEOPLE OR HELPED US MAKE SENSE OF "HOW TO EMBRACE THE THINGS THAT UNITED US AS PEOPLE, FAMILIES, NEIGHBORS AND AMERICANS. AND "MUSIC 🎵🎶" AND SHARING OUR "MUSICAL JOURNEYS" EFFORTLESSLY BROUGHT US TOGETHER THROUGH SINGING, DANCING AND CELEBRATING THE MUSIC. FROM MOTOWN TO THE ROLLING STONES, TO THE CARPENTERS, TO SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, THE JACKSON FIVE AND THE OSMOND BROTHERS, HALL AND OATES, AND MORE. MY MUSICAL HISTORY AND INDOCTRINATION OF THE MANY RHYTHMS 🪘 OF THE MANY EXPERIENCES, EMOTIONS, EXPRESSIONS AND CELEBRATIONS CAN BE "SNUGGLY LINKED" TO THE MUSICAL JOURNEYS THAT WE CHOOSE TO LISTEN "THEN DETERMINE". AND AS A RESULT OF THAT PROCESS "OUR MUSICAL JOURNEYS MATCHED OUR FRIENDS BECAUSE OF THE EXPERIENCES THAT WE WERE SHARING WHEN WE WERE DANCING AND SCREAMING ALONG WITH OUR "CONSENSUS JAMS" LIKE THESE(🎵😋🥳
@halfblindchaos2506. I PERSONALLY AND TOTALLY AGREE 💯👍! I'm an African American brotha, born in 1964 and raised in North Philadelphia OR PHILLY WHEN MUSIC WAS ALMOST UNEQUIVOCALLY AT THE DEAD CENTER OF ALMOST EVERYTHING THAT NECESSITATED, ENDURED, SOFTENED, CLARIFIED OR TIED UP TOGETHER THOSE THINGS THE EITHER "UNITED" PEOPLE OR HELPED US MAKE SENSE OF "HOW TO EMBRACE THE THINGS THAT UNITED US AS PEOPLE, FAMILIES, NEIGHBORS AND AMERICANS. AND "MUSIC 🎵🎶" AND SHARING OUR "MUSICAL JOURNEYS" EFFORTLESSLY BROUGHT US TOGETHER THROUGH SINGING, DANCING AND CELEBRATING THE MUSIC. FROM MOTOWN TO THE ROLLING STONES, TO THE CARPENTERS, TO SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, THE JACKSON FIVE AND THE OSMOND BROTHERS, HALL AND OATES, AND MORE. MY MUSICAL HISTORY AND INDOCTRINATION OF THE MANY RHYTHMS 🪘 OF THE MANY EXPERIENCES, EMOTIONS, EXPRESSIONS AND CELEBRATIONS CAN BE "SNUGGLY LINKED" TO THE MUSICAL JOURNEYS THAT WE CHOOSE TO LISTEN "THEN DETERMINE". AND AS A RESULT OF THAT PROCESS "OUR MUSICAL JOURNEYS MATCHED OUR FRIENDS BECAUSE OF THE EXPERIENCES THAT WE WERE SHARING WHEN WE WERE DANCING AND SCREAMING ALONG WITH OUR "CONSENSUS JAMS" LIKE THESE(🎵😋🥳
Love this singer! Thanks for this, watching now ❤❤
She is one of a kind! Pat Benatar is still singing, still strong at 70. Thanks for the reaction. 'We Belong', 'Heartbreaker', 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot' are a few of her many hits.
You should do "promises in the dark" live. She really shows her full range. Wow not sure how they are not in the hall of fame yet.
They were *finally* inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
She didn’t want to be inducted without her husband, who was with her the entire time.
Live version! "Promises... innnnnnnnn the..... ('1, 2, 3, 4') DARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRK"
Pat Benatar was one of the first singers to dance in her videos. Also, I believe she was classically trained and has a huge range. A few other songs that are awesome are "We Belong", "Hit me with Your Best Shot", "We Live for Love", "Promises in the Dark", "fire & Ice", All Fired Up'...and many many more. Love your channel. Love from Canada.
Yes, she was interested in musical theater while in school, but as she approached graduation she trained as a coloratura in preparation for trying to get into Juilliard School, but then changed her mind and went to school for health education instead. Then she ended up dropping out to get married, and only later seriously got into music again after attending a Liza Minnelli concert, and starting to sing in hotels and clubs.
Funny thing about the dance scene is that she was terrified to do it - this song was effectively the start of her sound softening from her immense popularity. The albums before this had all been hard rock (in some cases, HARD rock) and so there had never been any call for this sort of scene in her MVs. To paraphrase Bones - "Damnit, Label - I'm a singer, not a dancer!"
Pat Benatar was absolutely a Female Anthem Icon! She had all the power in her voice, and was amazing. This is her most popular, but there are so many others. We Belong, Heartbreaker, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Shadows of the Night, Invincible, Promises in the Dark, You Better Run, Hell is for Children.
Pat was classically trained (as a coloratura) with an early background in musical theater and planned to attend Julliard, but her life took her another direction. Eventually she got back into singing, and the world learned of the power in her voice. Lots of classics. Two of the best that highlight a lot of colors of her voice are Hell Is For Children (CW: a song about abuse) and We Belong.
I thought she attended Juilliard
@@neilpatrickhairless She was accepted, but decided to gp to Stony Brook instead. She dropped out there to marry her high school boyfriend (Dennis Benetar) and moved to Virginia where he was stationed (Army).
Hell is for Children would make my mom tear up every time she heard it. That song kept her going till she could escape the abuse she grew up in. Just knowing that people knew what it was like for kids like her, or at least enough that a rock star had a song about it. And yes, she called Pat Benatar a rock star, "because that's what [they] called them in the 80s."
The term “Rock Star” meant exactly that back then. Now everyone who excels at whatever or is considered a badass gets called a rock star 🤷🏽♂️
@@nyxskidsHell is for Children bothered me as a kid. I didn't want to hear about traumatized children and abuse. I know what she was doing now, but back then I found it very uncomfortable.
"Fire and Ice", please!!! It's such a powerful song, and she rocks on vocals!! Love your videos, Elizabeth!!
Pat's 4.5 octive voice is AMAZING. Please do "Shadows of the Night" or "We Believe"
I read 3.5 octaves (E3 - B5). 🤷Either way, a great range.
Originally was trained as an opera singer. Still brings it at 70!
Thanks so much for doing what you do. I'm a guitarist and just really enjoy your exuberance and knowledge, not just of the vocals, but music in general. YOU'RE AMAZING!
She also inspired 80's fashion... as was shown in the movie: FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH. Hard believe she's 70, but she has aged gracefully and still has her voice! 🎉❤
I wore the shit out of thin hairbands in the 80s!!!
LOL the whole clique of girls dressed like her in the lunch room!
Plus her & hubby still together after all these years!!
She's a treasure and always reminds of Ann Wilson with her power and range. On another note, her husband Neil Giraldo is the guitar player, primary songwriter, producer etc. and is very talented in his own right.
Agreed! Neil is definitely under-rated as a guitartist - because his wife is such an amazing performer!
I've seen her in concert 3 times. She is classically trained in opera. Her husband is the lead guitarist and her writing partner. They're incredible together!
A few more great songs that shows off her vocal range is "Hell Is For Children", "Shadows of the Night", "Invincible" "Promises In the Dark" & " We Belong"...just to name a few!
I'm glad you found Pat but i wouldn't say you "know her". This is one of her more mellow tunes. If you go back an album or two you'll discover the true power of her voice. Promises In The Dark, Hell is For Children, Treat Me Right.... Those beautifully showcase her vocal training and range. I hope to be with you on your journey of discovery all of Pat's music.
Invincible
So many more to do. Promises in the Dark, Heartbreaker, Treat Me Right, You'd Better Run. Visit a few first, then come to Hell is for Children.
And she has lots of amazing live versions. Even now at 70 she's still killing it on stage.
We belong to the night as well
I'm also a fan of her song Invincible, it's got some killer harmonies in the chorus at the end!
From the Legend of Billie Jean soundtrack.😊
I love it, it's so triumphant in the feel of it. Feels like going to war.
elizabeth...please listen to pat benatar...promises in the dark..... killer song...killer vocals !!!!!/// ps. love ya !!!!
Ditto!
Agree!! Please!!
I wish I'd been introduced to your channel before now. I am a huge Pat Benatar fan, and I would love to have recommended a voice analysis of her remake of Kate Bush's _Wuthering Heights._ It has no music video, but Pat Benatar's voice is on full display in that song. I've listened to it literally thousands of times, and the line "You know it's me, Cathy" chills me every time I hear it.
Definitely known as one of the queens of 80s rock. Many of her songs not only showcase her vocals but bring out an emotional reaction from the listener.
She is so good and her husband is a phenomenal guitar player. Fire and Ice is my one of favorites of hers. So much power.
Fire and Ice is one of my favourites as well
Saw her in Detroit, at Joe Louis Arena, during the '80s. She's such a tiny little thing, but the pipes on her...she has one hell of a voice, that's for sure.
On Video Story - it was absolutely Pat Benatar's idea to turn what she had written as a love song totally on its head for the video by taking it out into the world of street kids & dance battles, she said in an interview. Essentially focused on those for whom love is a literal battle field, kicked out of or run away from toxic homes at the cost of even losing sibling love & affection. She has always been a great advocate for children, and partnered w/videographer Giraldi who took her premise and built it into a world where those surviving on the streets get disregarded, pummeled or trafficked (w/WWII taxi dancer ballroom as a gentler substitute for strip clubs & underground trafficking prostitution fronts). Then Giraldi & Pat give them agency to stand up to the club owner pimp where a dance battle is metaphor for coalition uprising! Once victorious in their freedom, she is free to return a wiser and more powerful person who can stand up for her right to reconcile w/& be treated w/dignity by her family. Leaving us open to imagine the hug she'll get from her brother in the driveway as her parents look on from the porch, happy but ambivalent. After all, love is a battlefield.
Thank you for all you do!!!
You are assuming that she is headed home.
Or she imagined the whole dance for pay job as she sits in the bus.
She released an album of torch songs.
It got great critical aclaim. It was a complete departure from her regular rock stuff but is by far my favorite album.
I saw her live and she was perfect in vocal performance! She is the real deal!!
I AM THRILLED THAT YOU FINALLY reached into this library of music! I saw Pat Benatar live in 1981 and she is still a powerhouse voice. So many amazing songs over the last 40+ yrs. She stood rock on it's ear when she hit the scene and she just kept the power. evolution and creativity going and going and going. Her producer/husband/guitarist (in no particular order) is a genius in his own right. Part of her delay into the Hall of Fame was that she wouldn't accept the nomination without recognition of Neil Geraldo as well. So many examples out there of Pat's skill and mastery of her voice. "Fire and Ice", "I Need A Lover" (the live version), "Promises In The Dark", "Hell is For Children", "You Better Run" and so many more. I never get tired of her voice, presence or performance.
I always thought the story kinda touched on all different kinds of love: family, romantic, sexual/sex work, friendship, and how all of them can be a battlefield
Promises In The Dark and Shadows Of The Night are her two best vocals IMO, although she is great on everything.
Born Patricia Andrzejewski (another great Polish woman like me LOL!) -- stage name Pat Benatar (from Husband #1 Dennis Benatar 1975-1979) -- happily married to her spouse/guitarist Neil Giraldo since 1982.
Pat Benatar is amazing. What says 80’s to me? Hair, hair spray, makeup, her lipstick, fashions. Yes, she’s got serious pipes! Great in concert.
Pat sings like a metal singer with all that power. Or, it might be better to say she can, since that's definitely not the only thing she does. Still, I think it's worth it to listen to something else hard-hitting first, like "Heartbreaker".
My recommendation is Promises on the Dark. There are some good live performances of this song.
Absolutely. Amazing range, power, and versatility.
Elizabeth, I bet you would have so much fun reacting to another hit of hers, Hell is For Children. She's got so many, but given your background and just the way that you react to things, I just know you would love it. And she really lets her singing loose on that one as well. And there is an iconic music video of go with it and I have seen a number of reactions to it.
Especially the live version!
A Taxi-Dance Hall is what is being portrayed in the video. Women in a dance hall earning commisson money, dancing with men for a small price (dime a dance in the 30s, earn a nickel) for the length of a song. It was a weird phenomenon of the 20s and early 30s, tangentially related to prostitution. Tina Turner's song Private Dancer portrays the same. The costumes in the video are 80s stylized versions of 1920s flapper outfits. Taxi-dancers are totally anachronistic for the 80s, but 80s videos were like that, stylistic and well ... visuals is all that really mattered.
So some fun facts- she is only 4’11” tall… guitarist is her husband Neil who was 2nd guitar in Rick Derringers band when he was like 17 years old. They’re married for almost 40 years! Neil write arranges and produces just about all of their music and that’s quite a catalog!!!! Pat is classically trained and tried broadway early on but her passion was rock- Neil was brought in to help her get past some issues with writing and creating a sound to express herself… it’s a great story…. Neil shares his birthday with a not so great guitarist (me) Dec 29!!! 😂❤🎉😊
It was always part of PB’s story that she had operatic training. “You’d Better Run”
Saw her do a TV show called crossroads with a prominent female country singer. The difference in power and range between Pat and the country singer when doing a duet was amazing and a little embarrassing for the country singer. The look of reverence the country singer was giving Pat was classic. Pat was just being Pat, not showing off.
Her musical and love story is fascinating and worth looking into.
Always a treat Elizabeth.
The country singer was Martina McBride
I thought she was powerful in her own right but next to Pat, not so much
And yes, reverence on Martina's face
But you could tell they respect each other
I feel like Martina more than held her own beside Pat. Strong performances by both ladies!
@@wbchaney Martina is as much a powerhouse as Pat. I saw Martina a few times in concert back in the late '90s - early 2000s and she was phenomenal live, and she sounded exactly like her albums. I love both of them and rocked out to Benatar in the eighties, and fell in love with Martina in the early '90s as soon as I heard her first single on CMT.
Yes! With Martina McBride, that was a fantastic show, especially since Martina said she had Pat's poster on her wall as a teenager 😊
@@rayvanhorn1534 I said she wasn't so much next to Pat
But I'm thinking it's because she was in awe of meeting her & singing with her
My opinion anyway since it seemed she was a bit starstruck
She even told Pat something about not being able to keep up with her with the high notes & Pat said something about that she could keep up with her (meaning Martina could keep up)
She sang the second song that was ever played on MTV. “Who killed the video star” was first. “you better run” by Pat was second. But unlike the Buggles, Pat Benatar always had a song on the cycle for the next decade.
I really don't understand how you could NOT know who Pat Benatar is--she is a classically trained vocalist who opted for a rock instead of an operatic career like yourself. Pat was FINALLY inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just last year, in fact. I love your reviews however your depth of artists has got to be a little deeper, imo. Ok, a LOT deeper, LOL. Also, feel free to be a little less flowery and a little more critical in your reviews. Constant plaudits get boring. We can take the good with the bad and ugly, trust me.
She does an astounding version of Wuthering Heights. It's a must-hear
"heartache to heartache we stand" remains one of the best lines I have ever heard.