Hormonally Yours: The Legacy of Shakespears Sister's Groundbreaking Album, A Masterpiece That Stays With You

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Some albums define a moment in your life. Others transcend it, weaving themselves into the fabric of your experiences and becoming a cornerstone of who you are. For me, Shakespears Sister's Hormonally Yours is both—a timeless masterpiece that has followed me through countless adventures and personal milestones.

I first stumbled across Shakespears Sister in July of 1992 while browsing at Camelot Music in Lenox Mall. "Stay" was playing in the store and I remember being completely captivated by its unique blend of haunting beauty and theatrical drama. Marcella Detroit’s stunning soprano paired with Siobhan Fahey’s sultry, gothic growl was unlike anything I had ever heard. Intrigued, I purchased the cassette single, which was backed by "Catwoman" and quickly fell in love. Little did I know that this single would become a doorway to something much larger.

Before I left Atlanta that summer, the roommate of one of my hustler friends made a copy of his Hormonally Yours cassette for me. That tape was a prized possession and a partial soundtrack to an unforgettable road trip. Andrew Wilder and I piled into "his" white convertible Chrysler LeBaron and headed for New York. The album blasted as we sang along to every track, the wind whipping through the open car. It wasn’t until we were a few hundred miles from New York that I found out the car was stolen—a revelation that added another layer of chaos and excitement to the journey. That wild trip is a story I've told many times and will be sharing in my book, but Hormonally Yours fit perfectly as a partial backdrop.

Fast forward a couple of years and my boyfriend at the time, Richie, rekindled my love for the album. Richie was obsessed with anything alternative and goth and while I never fully categorized Shakespears Sister in either of those genres, their music certainly carried that moody edge he adored. His enthusiasm pulled me deeper into the album, taking me beyond casual listening into a full-on appreciation for every lyric, harmony and production choice. Richie also had a VHS tape of their music videos, which we watched over and over again. Even now, I occasionally pull up the videos on YouTube and they transport me back to those moments of shared admiration for the artistry of Siobhan and Marcella.
But this album hasn’t just stayed as a memory; it’s been part of my personal expression, too. Over the years, I’ve sung "Stay" at auditions for The Voice and America’s Got Talent, pouring everything into every note to channel its emotional intensity. When I was still on top of my vocal game, both parts sat comfortably in my range. The song has always held a special place at the top of my favorites, a timeless masterpiece that resonates deeply with me—both whenever I performed it and even now, each time I hear it.

Released on February 17, 1992, under London Records, Hormonally Yours was the product of the creative genius of Siobhan Fahey and Marcella Detroit. Produced by the duo themselves, alongside Alan Moulder and Chris Thomas, the album pushed boundaries with its adventurous blend of pop, goth and rock. Songwriting credits include Fahey, Detroit, and contributors like Ed Shearmur and Jean Guiot.
The impact of the album wasn’t just sonic—it was visual as well. The music videos, particularly for tracks like "Stay" and "I Don’t Care" were theatrical and unforgettable, amplifying the drama and artistry of the songs.

The lead single, "Goodbye Cruel World," was released ahead of the album but failed to make a commercial splash. Its upbeat, campy production—complete with irresistible “ooh la la la” harmonies—contrasts delightfully with its melancholic lyrics, making it a hidden gem. Then came "Stay" released in the UK on January 13, 1992 and in the US on April 21, 1992. This iconic single redefined Shakespears Sister’s legacy. From Marcella’s emotional verses to Siobhan’s haunting delivery, "Stay" is a pop masterpiece. It spent a record-breaking eight weeks at number one in the UK and remains the duo’s most iconic track. Other singles like "I Don’t Care" with its fiery opening scream and the poignant ballad "Hello (Turn Your Radio On)" rounded out the album’s commercial success, each showcasing a different facet of the duo’s versatility.

Beyond the singles, the album is full of standout moments. "Black Sky" takes on a darker, experimental tone, with Marcella’s opera-like, backward-sung vocals adding an eerie brilliance. "The Trouble With Andre" pairs Siobhan’s sultry vocals with an atmospheric production that feels delightfully moody.
"Moonchild" offers a calmer, soothing sound, its introspective lyrics contrasting with the epic swells of its chorus. "Catwoman" with its T-Rex-inspired quirkiness is a fun and eccentric addition. Even "My 16th Apology" with its reggae-inspired melody and "Let Me Entertain You" the album’s least exciting track, contribute to the album’s eclectic charm. The closing ballad, "Hello (Turn Your Radio On)," is a poignant plea for connection. Siobhan’s emotive delivery, paired with Marcella’s harmonies, brings the album to a hauntingly beautiful conclusion.

From its original release on cassette and CD to its digital availability, vinyl pressings and expanded special editions, Hormonally Yours has been preserved across generations of music formats. The CD I’ve treasured since 1994 has traveled with me from Florida to Alabama and countless other places—including Kentucky, New York, Las Vegas, Bochum and Atlanta. It’s comforting to know that this masterpiece continues to be accessible to fans both old and new.

For me, Hormonally Yours isn’t just an album—it’s a journey, a connection to moments that have shaped me and a source of inspiration that continues to give. Its bold mix of sounds, clever lyrics and emotional depth make it an enduring classic that still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up at times.

What about you? Have you listened to Hormonally Yours? Does it hold a special place in your heart like it does in mine? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and let’s celebrate this incredible album together! And if you’d like to show some love for this blog or support my work, any token of appreciation would mean the world to me. Thank you for coming along on this musical journey!


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