Belinda Carlisle
Once Upon A Time In California
Demon/Edsel
Release Date: 08/29/25
Belinda Carlisle will release her ninth studio album Once Upon A Time In California later this summer on August 29th. Marking her first album of English-language compositions in nearly 30 years since 1996’s A Woman & A Man, Once Upon A Time In California features 10 cover versions including Carlisle’s interpretations of songs originally performed by the Carpenters, Gordon Lightfoot, Harry Nilsson and Jim Croce, among others. Carlisle’s rendition of the Hollies’ 1974 hit single “The Air That I Breathe,” originally co-written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood, is the project’s lead single. Her interpretation of “Get Together,” originally written by Chet Powers and made famous by The Youngbloods as their most recognizable single released in 1967, is the album’s second official single.
“I was born and raised in California at a time when music was an important part of Californian culture.,” the Go-Go’s co-founder explains in an official statement. “I lived and breathed music, it was my great escape—a refuge of fantasy and imagination. Every day after school and when it was summer vacation, I would listen and sing along to the music on the radio for the entire day. Always fantasizing about being a singer myself, one day.”
“This collection of songs is the best representation of what I loved back then that I could think of—listening to it brings back so many memories of a time and a California that doesn't really exist anymore,” she continues. “That’s not meant to sound like a bad thing, it's just different—there was an innocence and energy back then that was unique and magical. Things I doubt will ever be felt in quite the same way again. Here's to the California of my dreams.”
To support the album’s release, Carlisle will embark upon the Heavenly Hits Tour later this summer, with tour stops across Europe and the UK.
Watch the official video for “The Air That I Breathe” and listen to “Get Together” below.
Preview: