Grateful Dead – Go to Heaven (1980)
Album Review
Released in May 1980, Go to Heaven represents the Grateful Dead during a period of transition and experimentation in the early 1980s. It was their first album recorded with keyboardist Brent Mydland, who had recently joined the band, bringing fresh energy, a stronger vocal presence, and a versatile keyboard style that would become central to the Dead’s sound for the next decade.
Musically, Go to Heaven blends rock, pop, funk, and the band’s signature improvisational style, resulting in a tighter, more radio-friendly sound than the sprawling jams of the 1970s. The album emphasizes structured songwriting without losing the band’s adventurous spirit. Songs like “Alabama Getaway” and “Feel Like a Stranger” feature driving rhythms and catchy hooks, while “Far From Me” and “Easy to Love You” showcase Brent Mydland’s soulful contributions on keys and vocals.
Jerry Garcia’s lead guitar work remains expressive and fluid, weaving seamlessly with Bob Weir’s rhythm guitar and Phil Lesh’s melodic bass lines. Dual drummers Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart provide intricate, layered rhythms, and the band’s harmonies are enhanced by the addition of Mydland’s voice. While not as experimental as their 1970s work, Go to Heaven demonstrates the Dead’s ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape of the 1980s while maintaining their unique identity.
Standout tracks like “Alabama Getaway” and “Feel Like a Stranger” would go on to become live staples, and the album as a whole is a snapshot of the Dead entering a new era with renewed focus and energy.
Tracklist
Side One
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Alabama Getaway
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Let Me Sing Your Blues Away
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Feel Like a Stranger
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Easy to Love You
Side Two
5. Lost Sailor
6. Saint of Circumstance
7. Far From Me
8. Reckoning Song
Note: Some reissues include bonus tracks and remastered editions.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Go to Heaven was the first Grateful Dead studio album to feature Brent Mydland, who brought organ, synthesizers, and a strong vocal presence.
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The album marked a shift toward a more polished sound, with shorter, radio-friendly songs alongside the band’s characteristic improvisation.
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“Alabama Getaway” became a concert opener in many live shows throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
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The album cover features a stylized image of the band’s iconic lightning bolt skull logo integrated into a surreal, cosmic design.
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The album was produced by Dan Healy and the Grateful Dead, reflecting a hands-on approach in the studio.
Did You Know?
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Did you know Brent Mydland contributed to the songwriting on “Far From Me” and “Easy to Love You,” shaping the band’s 1980s sound?
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Did you know the album title, Go to Heaven, reflects a playfulness rather than religious intent, typical of the Dead’s cryptic titles?
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Did you know several tracks from the album became live staples, often extended into full improvisational jams?
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Did you know this album helped the band maintain relevance in the evolving rock and pop landscape of the early 1980s?
Album Grossing and Commercial Performance
Go to Heaven peaked at No. 24 on the Billboard 200, demonstrating solid commercial performance for a Grateful Dead studio album. Over time, the album achieved Gold certification in the United States, selling over 500,000 copies. Its enduring popularity is largely due to the successful integration of Brent Mydland and the development of several live classics.
Legacy
Go to Heaven is significant for marking the beginning of the Brent Mydland era and the Dead’s adaptation to the 1980s music scene. While not as experimental as their 1970s albums, it delivered strong songwriting, energetic performances, and the foundation for a decade of live success. Songs like “Alabama Getaway” and “Feel Like a Stranger” remain enduring parts of the Dead’s live repertoire, cementing the album’s place in Grateful Dead history.
