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The Motels

About this Artist

THE MOTELS, one of the most acclaimed bands that emerged from the Los Angeles new wave scene, have released four gold albums and over a dozen internationally charting singles. Their charismatic lead singer, Martha Davis, has been making music since the early ’70s. While the band’s line-up has changed over the years, Davis’ distinctive voice and unique songwriting have made The Motels a mainstay of ’80s alternative rock music.

The band’s most successful album, All Four One, was released in 1982. The first single, “Only the Lonely,” reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the Billboard Top Tracks chart. Davis’ music video for “Only the Lonely” received an American Music Award that same year for Best Performance in a Music Video. In 1983, they released their second gold album in the U.S., Little Robbers, and brought us another Top 10 hit, “Suddenly Last Summer.” Since 1987, Davis has released four solo albums, featuring artists such as Clarence Clemons, Kenny G, and Charlie Sexton.

After years of Davis’ solo work, Clean Modern and Reasonable, issued in September 2007, was the first release under the moniker “The Motels” in 22 years. Their most recent album, Apocalypso, was recorded in 1981, but shelved until 2011. Its long-awaited release earned The Motels best reissue at the 2012 Independent Music Awards.