The article looks back at a 1980 portrait session featuring Cyndi Lauper in Amsterdam during her time as the lead singer of the band Blue Angel, several years before she became an international solo star.

Blue Angel combined elements of 1950s rockabilly, girl-group pop, and emerging new wave sounds, marking a departure from the hard rock music Lauper had previously performed in cover bands.

The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1980 through Polydor Records, showcased Lauper's impressive four-octave vocal range and included an early recording of the song “I'm Gonna Be Strong,” which she later revisited in her solo career.

The article notes that Lauper had already begun developing the colorful visual style that would later become one of her trademarks, featuring bright hair, vintage-inspired clothing, and an energetic stage presence.Although the album received favorable critical reviews and praise for Lauper's vocals, it failed to achieve commercial success.Following disappointing sales, the band dismissed manager Steve Massarsky, who subsequently sued the group for $80,000.The legal dispute contributed to Lauper filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 1981.After Blue Angel dissolved, she struggled financially, working as a waitress and singing in retail stores while pursuing new opportunities.Despite these setbacks, music industry executives recognized her talent, leading to a solo recording contract with Portrait Records.

The article concludes by highlighting how later critics, including Rolling Stone, reassessed Blue Angel's work positively, recognizing the album as an early indication of Lauper's future success and artistic potential.