Carolyne Mas: The Rock & Roll Powerhouse of American New Wave
Carolyne Mas is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist who emerged from the vibrant New York rock scene of the late 1970s. Her self-titled 1979 debut album on Mercury Records became a cult classic, propelled by the driving single Stillsane which earned significant FM radio airplay and cemented her reputation as a formidable rock talent.
Early career
Born in 1955 and raised in New York, Carolyne Mas began her musical journey performing in folk clubs before fully embracing the raw energy of rock and roll. She honed her craft as a dynamic live performer, leading to a recording contract with the prestigious Mercury Records label in 1979, a major achievement for a new artist.
Breakthrough
Her 1979 debut, Carolyne Mas, was her commercial breakthrough, reaching number 127 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's lead single, Stillsane, became an instant staple on AOR and album-oriented rock radio stations, showcasing her raspy vocals and potent songwriting.
Key tracks
Stillsane — This anthemic rock track was her signature radio hit, defining her sound and introducing her to a national audience.
Quote Goodbye Quote — A fan favorite that highlighted her lyrical depth and the album's sophisticated production values.
Saddle In The Rain — This track demonstrated her versatility, blending rock drive with a more melodic, story-telling approach.
Mas followed her debut with 1980's Hold On, which featured production work from industry veteran Jack Douglas. Despite critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase, major commercial success proved elusive, and she later moved to the independent Passport Records label for her third album, 1984's Modern Dreams.
Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Mas continued to write, record, and perform, maintaining a dedicated following. Her music, particularly the debut album, has enjoyed a long shelf life on classic rock radio and is celebrated for its authentic, unvarnished rock and roll spirit.
Fans of Carolyne Mas often appreciate the work of similar American rock artists. Pat Benatar shares a powerful vocal delivery and a knack for rock radio anthems. John Hiatt parallels her blend of rock energy with sharp, narrative songwriting. The Motels operated in a similar new wave-influenced rock space during the same era. Rickie Lee Jones reflects a comparable jazz-inflected, street-smart lyrical perspective.
Carolyne Mas's catalog remains in steady rotation across multiple radio formats. Her songs are frequently featured on classic rock FM stations, specialty new wave programs, and online rock radio streams that celebrate the foundational artists of the late 70s and early 80s rock era.
Listeners can discover the enduring rock and roll of Carolyne Mas on the radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to hear her classic tracks and experience the raw energy that defined her contribution to American rock music.
