The List is the Susanna Hoffs album I’ve been waiting years for. In March I went to The Ridgefield Playhouse in Connecticut to see Susanna perform most of the songs off The List with a few Bangles songs thrown in. I’ve been a fan for decades but it’s seldom that Susanna tours or puts out an album that focuses on her singer/songwriter skills. She mostly puts out cover albums, but it’s albums like The List where Susanna really shines.
When I put the album on for my first listen, it was like hanging out with a friend I haven’t seen in a decade. Things are different but I fell right back into that old-familiar comfort. This is the Susanna I love. Her whole mellow vibe is retro and her famous, raspy, reverberating vocals I really dig. If you’re a fan of The Bangles then “Casablanca” and “None Of Them Were You” are for you or if you’re a sucker for Susanna’s beautiful balladeering then “Without You” and “What Are You Waiting For” will blow you away. The rest is a time machine through different eras and soothing styles, but with strong vocals and relatable story telling.
In my gay opinion, it’s good to have my diva back and The List is one of Susanna’s best albums to date.
