Spoiled Girl ~ Expanded Edition [Extra tracks, Original recording remastered]

Finally a reissue of a Carly album that both re-establishes why its important and brings something new to the experience. She needs to get this treatment for all of her albums.

The individual mixes don't all surpass the older CD, but the mixes are definitely different. Rather than 'picking out' elements of percussion, instruments, or vocals as some remixing does, this seems to bring a richer sound to the whole production. Tonight and Forever is a lovely song but the vocals on existing versions sometimes seem too loud; here Carly's voice drops back into the mix and contributes to a tapestry of different textures and sound effects. It brings something new not just to the song, but to the production as well. Anyone But Me also sounds crisper and fresher, and Make Me Feel Something also has a little more subtle depth to the mix. Nothing to 'hit you over the head', but a difference that seems to make the album sound better on CD overall. But the revelation is the remixes at the end - over 10 minutes of My New Boyfriend (not my favourite track before this) - 80s bliss. I hadn't heard these mixes before - they're funny, quirky, and addictive - and this seems to round out the whole CD, leaves it on a high note, and shows how ambitious everyone was about the project at the time.

One thing re-listening to this years later: there is a streak of anger, dark humour, and social criticism that runs through the lyrics (Wives are in Connecticut, Black Honeymoon, Tired of Being Blonde, My New Boyfriend, Interview) - it makes it less one of Carly's simply 'upbeat' and 'disposable pop' records than something harder to ignore or to just put on as background music. Maybe the running critique here, in terms of hypocritical relationships, class, and the confusing backlash of women's roles during the 80s (remember the return to 50s ideals?) was one of the reasons it didn't click so well with mainstream Reagan America.

The liner notes and new photos in the package are excellent. The quote from Don Was near the end is endearing: 'she's managed to be a rock and roll artist without ever being elitist. Its this blend of intelligence and emotion, and the emotional part has a universality. She speaks to a higher consciousness in everybody.'

This album is more in line with a dance album as it has alot of energy. With bouncey tunes and biting lyrics. It also has a couple of passionate tracks but still with that sultry feel.
An all round excellent album that has feeling and energy.

yes this album was very much of its time and can sound a little dated but is still sparkles and shines like the best of them!!!

it was quite overlooked at the time..lost in the mist of 80's groups but it is wonderful and here is why!!

"my new boyfriend"..the title should say it all...is wonderful...a bit electronic..but the lyrics are ecstatic!!! things like "he loves me more than you ever did..my new boyfriend isnt just a baby..my new boyfriend isnt just some kid" ...this song has to be heard to be believed!!!

"come back home" "anyone but me" "spoiled girl" are fantastic!!! very 80's but not dated like starship...and lyrically superb!

"tonight and forever" and "make me feel something" are the classic carly...200% great!

"tired of being blonde" and "spoiled girl" are faster but still have the carly trademark.

"interview" is so damn sexy...and "cant give it up" so soulful dance classic (with mr luther vandross on backing vocals)

this album is wonderful...an ignored masterpeice!!!