Many artists joined the music industry as part of a group before striking out on their own. Belinda Carlisle, the frontwoman from The Go-Go’s, is a perfect example of doing just that. Carlisle released her solo debut album, Belinda, in 1986. The album was certified gold and was soon followed by her sophomore effort, Heaven on Earth. On December 5, 1987, the song “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” reached No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart, marking Carlisle’s first solo No. 1 hit.

Carlisle is just one case of an artist leaving a group to navigate a solo career. Band members have tended to branch out through the years and across genres. Today, let’s craft a playlist of artists who have gone solo.

So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs would you like to hear from an artist who launched a solo career after being in a group?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played

Belinda Carlisle- Heaven Is A Place On Earth
Bob Mould- Heartbreak A Stranger
Bjork- Human Behavior
Lionel Richie- All Night Long (All Night)
Katie Gavin- Aftertaste
Paul Westerberg- Dyslexic Heart