Susanna Hoffs Collaborates with yMusic on Chamber Version of….read more…..
In a stirring reimagining of one of pop music’s most enduring ballads, Susanna Hoffs has teamed up with acclaimed classical ensemble yMusic to release a chamber music version of Eternal Flame, the 1989 chart-topping hit that originally brought The Bangles global fame. The new rendition delivers a haunting, stripped-back arrangement that highlights the timeless emotional depth of the song, offering fans a fresh lens through which to experience the classic.
The collaboration is part of an ongoing project by yMusic, a New York-based chamber group known for blending classical instrumentation with contemporary artists across genres. Featuring violins, flute, clarinet, cello, and trumpet, yMusic’s elegant arrangements have earned them a reputation as one of the most innovative ensembles in modern music. Working with Hoffs marks a bold crossover moment—bringing her iconic voice into a new sonic landscape.
“It’s a song that has always been close to my heart,” Hoffs said in a recent statement. “Performing it with yMusic allowed me to rediscover Eternal Flame in a way I never imagined. Their interpretation is both intimate and expansive. It gave the song a new heartbeat.”
First released in 1989, Eternal Flame was written by Hoffs alongside Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. It became The Bangles’ second U.S. No. 1 single and remains one of the most recognizable love ballads of the late 20th century. Its soft piano intro, lush harmonies, and heartfelt lyrics helped it become a global success, topping charts in nine countries and eventually earning multi-platinum status.
In the new chamber version, the song takes on a more fragile and cinematic tone. Gone are the synths and pop drum lines—in their place are layered strings and gentle woodwinds, framing Hoffs’ vocals in a more ethereal, classical setting. The result is a minimalist yet emotionally potent version that feels timeless.
Fans have described the new rendition as “soul-stirring” and “beautifully melancholy,” with many praising Hoffs’ still-crystalline voice and the emotional maturity she brings to the lyrics over three decades later.
“Susanna’s voice carries a kind of yearning that only deepens with time,” said Rob Moose, violinist and arranger for yMusic. “We wanted to honor the original while giving it a space where every note, every breath, could resonate.”
The collaboration came about organically after Hoffs attended a yMusic performance in Los Angeles. Inspired by their work with other genre-blending artists like Paul Simon and Sufjan Stevens, she reached out with the idea of revisiting Eternal Flame. The ensemble quickly embraced the opportunity.
“We’ve always admired Susanna’s songwriting and vocal sensibility,” said Moose. “When she suggested Eternal Flame, we were excited to reinterpret such an iconic song through our lens.”
The chamber version was recorded live in a historic studio in New York City, with minimal production and a focus on raw performance. According to Hoffs, the recording process was both emotional and invigorating.
“I was surprised by how vulnerable the song felt in this new form,” she said. “It reminded me of when we first wrote it—just a few voices, a few chords, and a feeling we wanted to capture forever.”
The new version arrives at a time when Hoffs is enjoying a renaissance in her career. In addition to releasing new music, she recently authored her debut novel This Bird Has Flown, which is being adapted into a feature film by Universal Pictures. The novel, which follows a faded pop star’s second chance at love and artistic renewal, echoes some of the themes explored in Eternal Flame—love, loss, and the search for meaning.
Meanwhile, yMusic continues to expand the boundaries of classical music, proving that orchestral instruments can be just as vital in pop and indie music as they are in traditional concert halls. Their ability to elevate familiar songs with intricate, emotive arrangements has made them sought-after collaborators across the music world.
The chamber version of Eternal Flame is now available on major streaming platforms, accompanied by a minimalist music video featuring a black-and-white studio performance by Hoffs and yMusic. The video has already garnered significant attention, praised for its intimacy and emotional rawness.
As for whether more reimagined Bangles classics might follow, Hoffs remains open to the idea.
“Working with yMusic opened a new door for me creatively,” she said. “I’d love to explore more songs this way—there’s something powerful about taking something familiar and breathing new life into it.”
For fans old and new, the collaboration is a reminder of the enduring magic of Eternal Flame—and of Susanna Hoffs’ remarkable ability to reinvent her art while staying true to its emotional core.
