When The Go-Gos broke up in 1985, Belinda Carlisle did NOT fade away into obscurity. Instead, she carved out a very successful solo career, and this week, we’re highlighting one of her very best songs: 1988’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth.”

The song was actually released in September of 1987 as the lead single from Belinda’s album of the same name, and it slowly climbed the charts…well into 1988.

When all was said and done, “Heaven is a Place on Earth: had reached the Top 10 in 20 countries around the world—and in 9 of those countries, (Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, The UK, Zimbabwe and including here in the US), it went all the way to #1! Then later in 1988, it was Grammy nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance!

Fun Facts: Belinda was backed by quite a group of talented artists: Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas, Michelle’s daughter Chyna of Wilson Phillips, and legendary songwriter Dianne Warren on vocals, along with Thomas (“She Blinded Me with Science”) Dolby on synthesizers.

“Heaven is a Place on Earth” by Belinda Carlisle, who discovered that Heaven is ALSO a place on top of the charts, as well as a Great Song of 1987 and 1988!

For the stories behind nearly 1,300 Great Songs of the ’70s and ’80s, visit my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelCuuuk