52 Girls - The B-52's - MP3 instrumental karaoke

The second track from the B-52's seminal self-titled album is a no-frills blast of melody but is tantalising impactful. Dig a little deeper, and you may find a political meaning buried beneath the hairspray and catchy punk-rock guitars. With "52 Girls," the band reel off a list of women's first names with the question, "Can you name 'em today?" "Effie, Madge, Mabel, Biddie... Tina, Louise, and Hazel and Mavis." Could these be the forgotten women of America? The tough rhythmic pulse created by guitarist Ricky Wilson, coupled with the lead vocals shared between Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson, make "52 Girls" one of the most understated songs on the band's album. The Georgia new wave luminaries concocted an offbeat formula that merged the different touchstones of sci-fi, B-movies, post-punk, and so much more, but was strictly their own. This track is a reminder of their deft ability to craft perfect guitar pop.