If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears

Some Songs are milestones…but not the whole Album…5/10

The 2 singles off this album are great, peak 1960s pop music. The other songs are nice with varying levels of interest in them.

Surprisingly good.

There's a definite Mamas & Pappas sound. It's of its time but has a nice vocal breadth others don't. They had a Lennon and McCartney song, but it didn't deliver. I've heard the radio hits ad nauseum over the years, so it's a little hard coming to this with fresh ears. Sort of funny the cover was controversial for showing a toilet. 3.6

I like the unique feel and musicality of this band, unfortunately it felt a bit repetitive at times.

Perfectly fine. California Dreamin' and Monday Monday are clearly the standouts. Everything else is kinda filler.

Great group/ sound from the 60’s. Great harmony and some great songs, from them.

A classic

It's fine. Standard 60s music

I’ve always loved their harmonies and tone.

Was expecting some boomer nonsense just from the band's name. However, I was pleased with what I actually got. Some simple but fun pop tunes. Can't hate that.

Excellent harmonies and such a 1960s Laurel Canyon vibe - but except for some of the bigger songs, they kind of just blend together. Still good but not what I'd call great, though obviously groundbreaking. Also a shame that John Phillips is such a sick bastard.

Nice swingy easy to listen to . 6/10

Great harmonies. California Dreaming is as evocative as songs get. Probably not circling back to this any time soon, but it is was a good listen.

Fun tunes with some great vocal work, but unfortunately 'California Dreamin' ' is just an 11/10 song and nothing else on here can really come close to touching it's greatness. Everything else is good don't get me wrong, but they just hit a diamond mine on that one and it makes the rest look worse in comparison.

Good album, California dreaming a cracker 6/10

3.5/5

I was aware of these guys but not how many big ‘uns they had.

Wonderful harmonies - enjoyable. Not my fave but pretty good as they try to bridge folk n "rock" or at least, be more mainstream.

Enjoyable!

California Drearming is a huge song, and I like Spanish Harlem too. But the altogether the album falls just shy of a 4-star for me. If it also had Dream a Little Dream, it would push me over (that's an amazing track).

Agree with others in my group who make the Monkees/early Beach Boys comparison. Pretty throwaway songs for the most part, with a couple that land.

Bit too dated for my personal tastes, but it's nice easy listening that you can tell is well made. California Dreamin is still a banger though.

3 stars

Some solid/catchy songs- California dreamin, Monday Monday, Spanish harlem

Fine. That's about it. Milquetoast.

Would I listen to it again: yes Is it a no-skip album: yes Do I like it: yes

STANDOUTS: Monday, Monday Go Where You Wanna Go California Dreamin' OVERALL: 3.5/5; some classics in here. Another "dad album" vibe.

Of it's time. Kind of nice. a couple of tracks stand out.

Some classic tracks that are still great in "Monday, Monday" and "California dreamin". In those songs you can really hear the influence of popular sounds of the time that other bands like the beach boys or the Beatles were also using. Some really good voices help to really elevate some of these songs. Really strong for a debut album.

Iconic sound of the 60s and love the hits but overall not for me. Rating: 3.3

Pretty good

Fine. Not my thing

Another band where the less you know about the members (John in this case), the better. California Dreaming is so damn powerful though. Cass deserved better.

Well, I've already heard "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday" from this album. Aside from those two songs, "Go Where You Wanna Go" and "Somebody Groovy", there's not much here to write about. It's the debut album of a folk-pop group from the 1960s, complete with a couple of covers that don't add much to the overall product. The only other notable aspect of the Mamas and the Papas is what happened after their breakup, which you are free to check out and make of what you will. As for the album, take the singles and the rest can be skipped.

An incredible debut album that sounds like the group had figured out their sound years ago and was deep into their career. The standouts are obviously the singles, but the energy and harmonies carry the album in a way that is definitely pinpoint to the time period but still feels exciting. Standout Tracks: Monday Monday, Go Where You Wanna Go, California Dreamin'

I thought some of these tracks were the Beach Boys or the Cowsills and didn't realize it was The Mamas & Papas all these years. Huh. For as known as they are for harmonies, the off-pitchness on I've Got a feeling really bothered me. Other tracks felt like variety show theme songs. California Dreamin' holds the album together and solely drives the thrid star in my rating.

nice harmonies, i like this era of music

I adore the harmonies on this album, they are a major instrument of the iconic sound of the mamas & the papas. Nice listen, very good.

It is okay 60s music. California Dreamin is good, the rest is a bit boring/uninspired compared to the greats. Sort of derivative of Beatles + Beach Boys I think?

Some lovely singing and melodies on this one. I liked it.

Pretty good album! I enjoyed it, very chill. 3.5/5

California Dreamin house remix is one of the greatest electronic songs of all time

I can respect many of the songs on this album, from a songwriting perspective, and I think "California Dreaming" is a very good song. However, it's not really my thing, and I generally don't like the general vibe and approach and do not get excited about listening to this music.

The Mamas and the Papas knew their sound, and they did it well. Unfortunately, this album is really one note. It's basically the same song from beginning to end with very little variation. There are a couple pretty cool tracks. I think Straight Shooter probably hits harder than the rest of the album, and Spanish Harlem is a pretty cool track. But... it's just a pretty meh album.

I've only heard a few of these guys' songs. The first song on this album is Monday Monday. I'd heard this song before better didn't know it was them.

mondays amirite 😂 no actually why is this album so sad but sound so fun- got a feelin?? i call your name?? do u wanna dance makes me want to cry this album is what daisy jones & the six tried to be

Some good hits and really pretty harmonies, but ultimately I think a lot of the songs kind of blend together. Also don’t think this really stands out when compared to other albums from the 60s

Good album. California Dreaming is iconic.

A couple of absolute classics, great vocal harmonisations. This always sounded twee and is now showing its age. California Dreaming will remain in the psyche of mankind for a long time to come and for that reason I have given this album a 3

Good

Oldie but a goodie. I like most of it. CA Dreamin' is top with a few other well knowns that hit the mark. Good harmonies and having female/male vocals works nicely here. Doesn't stand out as epic but works for a nice drive though sunny CA.

Pretty good 60s pop album. A lot of quick catchy songs that still hold up today. Never listened to The Mamas and The Papas previously but I was glad to have a reason to sit down and listen. 3.00 stars

It’s a classic but not my jam

not really into psych anymorr

Kind of the same thing over and over. A few good songs strong a singles bit the album was too repetitive and kind of lame. Great harmonies though

great 60s pop. Basic lyrics, I could almost predict what they would say next

Too much of a good thing with the harmonies, make this album mostly sound dated and boring. California Dreamin’ is a fantastic song (take a moment to go listen to the Bobby Womack version) but there’s not much else here except a couple of other songs that sounded okay. Listening to this album made me want put on the Beach Boys or the early Beatles instead. I’m sure it was a little edgy for the time, but it seems very tame, repetitive, and milquetoast today. 2.5 stars

Feel good 60's music with nostalgic hits.

Ok singlovi ko album onako

Overall good. Some well known songs on here, but it never gets to a great place. 3/5 Might listen again

Pre-listen: This album cover looks like this isn't going to be something very enjoyable. (hey, future me here, i was sorta correct.) Actual listen: I think I'll just skim through this, 35 minutes of this is just gonna be excruciating. "Monday, Monday" is... eh, fine i guess. As far as I'm concerned this is "California Dreamin': The album". Some songs are catchy, the rest of the record is nothing to write home about, but not bad per se. The choir gets old.

I feel the same way about Mondays ... every other day is fine. But Mondays blow.

Pretty much what I expected an album by a band from this time to sound but it wasn't that bad ,Its just something I'll see coming back to often

This was ear candy. Amazing voice harmonies in service of a set of songs that brought me right into a time and space that captures imagination: the counterculture 1960s. The songs are far from easy - there is so much complexity and delicate craft in these arrangements. And at the end of the day, though it looks sunny on the outside when you pass by quickly, there is also deep melancholy and disenchantment inside. It made me think of this deep sadness that happens when you realize that as you are experiencing time, it has already passed and that the best is behind before you know it. A sense of grief for what is still here but will be gone soon. This said, though I can appreciate the atmosphere and the craft involved in these songs, I don't think I will come back here.

A couple big hits, but the rest is just ok

Not a bad listen, would not buy on vinyl but I like it. Gives me Beatles vibes

Inoffensive generic 60s jams. Look out for ham sandwiches!🥪

A nice chill album, very unexpected to see them being the original band of California Dreamin

Good not great. Some certified bangers here, but nothing too standout.

Many of these songs sound like The Beatles early work or The Beach Boys. California Dreamin’ is a straight up banger. Monday, Monday and Straight Shooter are pretty good too.

7/10 but not 4*

You know the preacher locked the door He knows I’m gonna stay. 3.5

Mama's and the Papa's aren't the most exciting 60s act, but they have their charm. The hits really bring it and Cass Elliot has a great voice.

I read something positively awful the other day, along the lines of successful 60s pop groups doing one of two illegal things – and at least one member of the M & the P doing both. This is a cool and laid back album and I'll never stop trying to figure out the dark side that most of us conceal from the world.

Lots of songs I've heard before. One new good one that stood out for me: Do You Wanna Dance. Spanish Harlem is an old favorite.

A couple classics then a bunch of standard 60’s fare. But hey, the fact that this albums has even two songs that are still playable 60 years later is pretty impressive.

Fine album, nothing more to it. Glad it only lasts 30 min and not any longer than that, I couldn't exactly do more than that amount of time in this style (ironic coming from the person who really liked the LTJ Bukem album)

Good stuff

meget catchy! fik mig til at tænke på Jens Lekman som har samplet I Call Your Name og Chungking Express som er 100% knyttet til California Dreamin' i min hjerne (positivt)

Fun, but nothing to revisit.

It's got California Dreaming on it. Which is just a beautiful, beautifual thing. It's all very pleasant, it brings back memories of being in the car with Mum and Dad. It's a classic for a reason.

Phew, what a band, I bet this bathtub could tell some stories. Now for the music. Eh. California Dreaming saves the record.

Thoughts before listening: Classic 60s poppy folk rock record. Assuming this has their hits on it this should be a fun listen. Review: The Mamas and the Papas' hits like "Monday Monday" and "California Dreamin'" are the sound of the 60s. It's pop music reminiscent of the early Beatles mixed with the sounds of the 60s folk movement that the band members were associated with. Perhaps it's the male/female communal group vocals, but there is a certain hippie idealism to their sound without being overly psychedelic. This is ultimately pleasant pop music with a handful of catchy singles surrounded by pretty forgettable filler songs. 3-stars mainly because "California Dreamin'" is such a great song.

Can't go wrong with an album cover like that really. California Dreamin' is a great song, pleasantly inoffensive otherwise

Didn't love it, didn't hate it

California dreaming is a banger but other than that theres not much to be found

It was fine! Maybe one to re-visit down the road

If You Can Believe Your Ears and Eyes Straight Shooter • Classic. Fine song. Got a Feelin' • Cool idea that the clock ticking pervades the song and reflects the lyric "wasting time...". I Call Your Name • I like the tempo changes, especially at the first minute. Nice keys in this one. Do You Wanna Dance • I like this one. Campy lyrics but the strings really move the track. Go Where You Wanna Go • Nice. Nothint crazy. California Dreamin' • Classic song. The flute from 1:30 on rips. Spanish Harlem • Annoying vocals, creepy lyrics. "La la la, la la la, la la la laaa". Bass is nice and simple: "Dun, dun-dun" Somebody Groovy • Great bass. Acoustic at 1:45 is excellent. Hey Girl • Annoying vocals and lyrics. Skip for that reason. Shame, the piano and bass are pretty good, especially at 1:25. You Baby • Bass at 1:30 has a tone reminiscent of The Garden. Pretty neat. The in Crowd

Harmonies for days. California dreamin' will always belong to Chungking Express. Now to take a read about this lil band as i take a big sip of coffee...

I enjoyed it :) don't really remember that many of the songs

This is my moms JAM. I feel like I'm 8 years old, driving to harmony house.

Really chill pop music, also nostalgic

A Solid pop album, nothing more.

I was hoping this was better after seeing the initial track listing. A really solid Side 1, and a much more lackluster Side 2. The covers weren’t as good as I expected (Do You Wanna Dance, Spanish Harlem, e.g.). Catch a clip of them on YouTube either at Monterey or on The Ed Sullivan Show. Pretty cool group.

I appreciate, but don’t love, their singing.

It's good, some bangers🔥🔥 I enjoy silly 60s songs ngl

Some classic songs, and amazing harmonizing. California Dreamin' is an all time great, but other tracks in the first half also have their share of good songwriting and better singing. The album ends on such a terrible note for me though, with 2 of my least favorite songs here ending the album, and the 2 before it being not very memorable

the panning on this music is interesting - guitar and drums on left, lead vocals are central, supporting vocals and strings are to the right - very loud vocals compared to the rest of the sound;

Goes alright. Not my scene, but can respect the impact this music had in its time.

typical hippie shit. 2.8

Good feeling oldie music

1 star rubbish/full 3 stars alright good back ground 5 stars it really caught me, a great experience

Pretty cozy, not hooked tho

Pretty cool. I have heard of this artist before, never listened to this album. I do respect them very much, enjoy some of the music.

My mom was born in the year this was released. The Mamas indeed.

Feels like California Dreamin’ single-handedly got this album on the list, which I can’t argue with - it’s a fantastic song. The rest of the album isn’t bad, but nothing stands out like California Dreamin’ does. It’s perfectly fine, but there’s nothing here that hasn’t been done better elsewhere, imo.

The harmonies are amazing. Very dated now, but it's hard to argue that this is poorly done, even if it's not my favorite thing.

Straight Shooter Got a Feeling’ Do You Wanna Dance California Dreamin’

i cant hear mama cass the same after the snl skit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2710NcijHY album was fine, i didnt particularly enjoy or dislike it

That's a fun 60's vibe right there. I'll go 3 stars with California Dreamin' doing a fair bit of lifting

Quality AM radio fodder. I appreciate quite a few of their songs, but never got around to formally adding them to my collection. Take a moment to enjoy the light and breezy vibe that comes with the times and try not to get distracted by all the behind-the-scenes weirdness. You'll be fine.

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN

6.5/10 Impeccable 60s vibe Clearly influenced by Beatles and Beach Boys Excellent vocals throughout Musically quite split: either uptempo, propulsive, excellent, or somewhat dreary and maybe boring Best: Go Where You Wanna

Mellow album that you can enjoy during a road trip!

Low 3

Cult music vol. 1

Really just one good song. They do have great vocals.

3.5 I'm a sucker for a good harmony but 2.5 bangers out of 12 tracks does not a masterpiece make.

Pretty good!

💗

Greatest hits with cover filler. Sounds more dated than some of its 1966 peers

Stellar moment in pop history but too soft and too old for me to listen to it regularly

definition of "okay"

The very definition of a 3 – I think all the songs here sound really nice, but there’s only a few real standouts. I think it suffers from the general thing that ‘60s albums tend to do, which is really weird panning that kind of sacrifices the original vision of a song, but it doesn’t make them bad, necessarily. It’s a solid listen, but there’s just not enough to really warrant coming back to a lot of the tracks.

3/5

I love "California Dreaming" so so so much but I never want to hear "Rose in Spanish Harlem" again, so it's a tough one to rate. The singing is great. 3.5 rounded down to 3.

Spanish Harlem was incredibly unsettling to me as a child and I never really clocked why and yep as an adult it’s still a kinda creepy song. Everything else is great except The In Crowd

Fint album.

I can understand the importance of this album in music history, but to me it belongs to the past. It will not get a place on my playlist anymore.

This album answers the question “what if they still wrote doo wop music in the 60s”

Catchy as hell. Great harmonies. But knowing what I know about the group makes it difficult to fully enjoy this album

Not really something I'm gunna revisit, but it's not bad. 60's pop music kinda like the Monkees?

Apart from the two well-known singles, it's middle 60s pop, nothing to be excited by.

California Dreaming is sublime. Rest I could take or leave.

Best een leuke plaat. Immens vrolijk maar is dat wel echt zo?

An album with both Monday Monday and California Dreamin deserves a decent rating even if the other songs are rather forgettable.

Pretty good stuff though some of it didn't age as well as other bits.

It's okay

California Dreamin' is still great, but the rest I find tedious

There wasn't anything wrong with the individual songs, but as an album I didn't get it. I also don't feel like I have an idea of who they are as a band. One minute it feels like 1950's, then 1970's then almost country, and 1960's female blues ballads. But even the cover of the album confused (and made me laugh) me so I guess it all makes sense now...none of it is supposed to make sense!

This makes me think of the opening soundtrack to every beach blanket bingo style movie shot in a monochromatic sepia tone, with the band of carefree hippies driving along the PCH in their VW van and bouncing around the beach in the summer sun, playing guitar, throwing the frisbee and smoking weed, just days before the women are brutally slayed by an unknown serial killer who loves to leave calling cards with symbols or word play that the cops can’t figure out. I dig it. Groovy, man.

Unoffensive and..nice. That is not bad qualities for an album but in the end this is very timebound bubblegum pop. A few tracks like California dreamin has a haunting quality that is interesting.

Feel-good 60s hippie pop, a pleasant palette cleanser after a week of full-bodied flavors and textures.

Two very good songs: Monday Monday California Dreamin'

Probably would have been a 4 if I was in a different mood.

Not my favourite but good

Enjoyable 3.5

favorites: monday, monday, got a feelin', do you wanna dance, california dreamin', spanish harlem forever will associate this album with the memory that one of the guys my mom dated gave her this album to culture her with some classic music. i have heard this album more times than i can count

Voices and harmony front and center on this one.

Classic 60's sound. Love California Dreaming and recognized a few others, several being covers of other bands. I give it 3 stars.

Enjoyed 3.2

The hits still stand out. The grove is alluring. The harmony is joyful. The sound marks a particular moment in history. How can you not listen to this album and not think of the west coast idea of freedom?

Very produced. Know some of the songs because of the Ramones.

Horrible band name, terrible album cover-Is a motel bathroom toilet the best backdrop you got? But fantastic harmonies, great arrangements, great album

Hard to rate something this old and pre-rock with today’s ears. 2 really good songs, and another above-average one, great harmonies. Would probably lean to 2.5 if it was an option.

6/10 California dreamin still a 10/10 song

A bit creepy but had a few good songs

Unexpectedly fun.

I listened through three times, and this is the definition of easy listening music to me. That’s not a bad thing, it was great to have on while I worked, the music is solid and the vocals, especially the ladies in the group, were fantastic. Unfortunately it also suffered from not having anything that really stood out to me, while easy listening is a blessing it’s also a curse. The album eventually turned into clichéd 1960s prom music in the background of my activities. While enjoyable, not one of those albums I’d find myself reaching for out of random want.

Would it be fair to call this a pop album? Really catchy stuff, it hasn’t aged itself too much thankfully (for better or worse. 3.4

Classic. I’m still stuck on the three stars though

Enjoyed it. Felt like it epitomized the 60s. It was a “mood”.

Nice piece of history, doesn't hold up.

Songs about sad hippy relationships. It was weirdly enjoyable.

It was nothing astounding but it was a nice album to have on.

Fun listen

Fun listen, and some food tunes. Probably won't seek it out, but wouldn't kick it out of bed for eating crackers.

I was excited when this popped up, thinking it would be a 4 or 5. But after listening to it, it turns out I only enjoy the radio hits and the rest is... Meh

Wonderful 60’s pop. A few tracks are a little dated but most of it is still charming and fun. I love the song “Do You Wanna Dance” and I love hearing ‘new’ versions of it that I didn’t know existed. The Mamas and the Papas do a lovely version. It’s slowed down a bit like the Bette Midler version, which is my personal favorite. “California Dreamin’” is a classic song. It’s an original here but it’s another one of those songs that’s been covered dozens of times. A few years back I got into the Jose Feliciano version. I also really liked “Somebody Groovy” and “The ‘In’ Crowd.”

AJ: harmonizing hippies!

Vond t eerste nummer (Monday, Monday) erg toepasselijk brak in de trein 1 januari op maandag ochtend haha. En California dreamin is natuurlijk een banger. Maar de scandal wtf…

I’m very underwhelmed, one song stands out. That’s it.

pretty good, standard 60s rock, not a bad listen

Good background music. Couple of standouts but the songs largely blend into each other

Sounds like the 60s, so nothing too crazy. One of the female singers on the cover looks kind of like Lindsay Lohan. Listening to California Dreamin reminded me of the California lottery ad that featured a version of the song with a choir. It was pretty good.

Solid but not super unique. I guess maybe they were the first to have this particular brand of shuffle-y folky sound, but idk if that’s true and even if so it was mid. 6/10

Didn’t like like half the songs, but California dreaming is good 6.5/10

Just sounds like exactly what I’d expect from 60s pop I guess. Not great, not bad. 5.5/10

I think I could really dig this if not for the way albums from this era were mixed. Such strange panning. It's kind of disorienting. I'm not sure if it's because they were original mono and then split into stereo later or what. Very easy listen with some catchy bits.

There are se timeless songs on here but then some very average 60s stuff. The band seemed to be a bunch of weirdos. Would not listen to this album again but maybe a greatest hits album.

Sounds just like the era which I really enjoy. A good, easy listening, catchy, and wholesome record. Listened to it while I waxed my skis the day after Christmas which felt very fitting.

Let's separate the art from the artist on this one. After hearing this album, my first thought is "Why the hell are they posing in a bathtub next to a dirty toilet." Then I realize it's a metaphor. This album has four good songs that wash over the listener, but the rest of the album is just shit. I enjoy songs on this album, but the rest isn't revelatory or terribly interesting. I have always enjoyed "Monday, Monday" but I also feel like the song goes on 30 seconds too log and it can drag. This album probably belongs in the book, but it doesn't mean it's a good album. Sometimes an album can be of its time and serve as an example to others on how music can improve over time.

Cass Elliot carried this band on her back.

Another amazing debut, full of great songs with harmonies that stand the test of time. [0093/1001]

California Dreamin' is a certified banger. That song alone earns these poster children for swinging 3 bottles of lube out of 5. 💦💦💦

Pretty catchy and cool

I just remember reading about that this album was controversial because of the album cover with the toilet. Sure it's not a nice toilet but being banned is a bit excessive. Anyway the album is OK. Some original songs padded with covers. California Dreamin' is a banger.

California Dreamin' is an all time classic. Apart from that mediocre Pop Folk.

калифорния круто и в целом приятно, но не самый яркий альбом

Мне кажется, я таким классическим группам разучился ставить низкие оценки. Ну хорошая музыка, чё бубнить-то...

бэйз

Pretty nice harmonies & overall rather basic, unoffensive music. It's fine, just fine.

Would not have normally picked this one. Great harmonies and neat to realize they sing California dreamin’

Another mid tier funk album. It's good.

Contains some of their biggest hits from the 1960s including "Monday, Monday" and "California Dreamin'".

California Dreamin jumps out obviously, otherwise I thought the album was pretty basic and suffered a little with dating, the sound not being all that polished. Glad to give it a listen but not going back

Pas mauvais mais rien que je trouve particulièrement intéressant

I enjoyed this one for the nostalgic sound of growing up listening to this in my parents' cars. The songs still hold up today, though that bubblegum sound doesn't do a whole lot for me on its own anymore. Favorite track: California Dreamin'

Was fine

Fín plata, doldið boring samt með tveimur sterkum lögum. Þessi 60's tónlist á það til að vera doldið basic. Sifjaspellið skemmir þetta band alltaf aðeins fyrir mér.

Tvö góð lög, restin lala. Mér fannst þessi orða þetta best. "Most 60's groups had three choices: copy the beatles, copy the beach boys, or sexually abuse minors. These guys changed the game and did all three."

Definitely a product of it's time, but some real standout songs and California Dreamin' will always be a classic.

Easy listening. 3/5

Wel lekker, california Dream in >>>>>

Upbeat, good vocals, harmony About relationships Has california dreamin Pop music, Folk rock, Pop rock, Soul music, Psychedelic pop

Strong start, weak finish.

Mid

Didn’t know they sang Cali Dreaming. Great song. Rest is similar oldies, wouldn’t listen standalone. Would have to be feeling oldies playlist

This was an enjoyable listen! The famous songs on the album are obviously good but I also liked Got A Feelin'. I will say, it feels a bit dated (particularly the In Crowd) but good for what it is.

One good song, otherwise fails to live up to the folksy hype.

California Dreaming is among the greatest songs of all time. While no other song quite reaches that level there is enough to enjoy if you like vocal harmonies.

Not bad. A little repetetetive, but still a fun listen.

Very high 3 Enjoyable, easy listen, filled with a lot of classics

Pas très original mais doux

It totally makes sense as an essential listen. I think that "California Dreamin'" especially, but the entire album, helped create a distinctive sound for pop music during the 1960s and soundtracked the cultural shift of the hippie era.

Sounded like a progenitor to ABBA until I heard California Dreamin' and realized why this album made the list. Obvious classic, the rest of the album was okay.

Soft and rough rock. Airy.

A couple of stone cold classics, some average fayre and some bland boring covers. Definitely a mixed bag of an album.

California Dreamin

Nice to listen to but I think that I will not do it again. The hits are still cool but the complete album did not age well

Some classics in there

their first album (shuffled edition) monday, monday is about them losing a loved one on... monday. it reminds me of the storytelling in a corrido. california dreamin'! holy shit! it's them! how dare i? the mamas and the papas, how dare i... forgive me, my apologies. go where you wanna go: do whatchu wanna do, upbeat song about uplift! i like ✌️😊 edit: second time listening. i want this to be part of the soundtrack to my life. 🥹✨ the "in" crowd: this song is posh af.... she's a primadonna on stage. i feel so robbed that the album isn't on spotify. (spoilers: it is) straight shooter: i like how old toilets didn't have big toilet tanks behind you. so this song says "i don't play GAMES ☝️" but they want love. i like it. got a feelin': another slow love song 😭 they think their bae cheating i call your name: it starts slow and changes pace throughout. this song is interesting! i think it goes to an offbeat on the chorus. really cool do you wanna dance: i imagined me asking eggy to dance

Fun and quick listen. I enjoy their sound. I already knew a few tracks but am happy I listened to the whole album. Would likely listen again

Some songs are cool, some give me a headache. Also, the rapey incest dude grosses me out.

Some amazing songs but also some forgettable filler tracks.

3/5. I don’t think anyone could listen to this and dislike it. Just a solid album reminiscent of the Beatles and I’m sure a band making an effort to capture a bit of their success with similar music and instrumentation.

Not a huge fan of most of it but it gets better throughout the album until California dreaming and goes a bit down again after

It was ok. Had heard some songs before

Better than average 60s pop. Vocal arrangements are excellent, and the backing by Wrecking Crew regulars is reliably solid. I found that I preferred the originals to the covers on this record. Monday Monday and California Dreamin' are stone-cold classics, and worth the price of admission alone. I acknowledge and appreciate John Phillip's role in organising the Monterey Pop Festival, which was a watershed moment in 60s counter-culture. But he is also one of the worst human beings ever to live. It puts a nasty aftertaste on everything he touches. Wanna blow your mind? Check out the Denial cover of California Dreamin': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_tP6LPLjJY

Classic again.

Good, but outside of California Dreamin', which is a definite 5/5, mostly forgettable. This kinda made me realize how different popular music was back then. BT - California Dreamin' - Go Where You Wanna Go - Monday Monday

Very 60s pop. Love the bass tone and rhythm. Tight vocal harmonies Spanish Harlem sounds a lot like Little Drummer Boy

Very pleasant.

I’m getting an awful lot in a similar genre and era and a lot of them seem to have slept with each other lol. It’s getting a bit boring tbh. Give me some variety supposedly random generator. This is pleasant, love the harmonies and obviously there are a couple of bangers. And that ‘The ‘In’ Crowd’ song which if I recall correctly was the theme tune for’Film’ whatever with Barry Norman. And poor Cass, derided for her weight and turned down by Denny while the rest of them were entangled. Swithering between a 3 and a 4. I’ll say it again; I wish there was a 3.5 or marks out of 10. Oh, and it’s hilarious that the cover was deemed obscene and the toilet had to be covered up. Americans, eh? 🙄 PS those apostrophes are so annoying!

gives the beatles a run for their money when it comes to being unlistenable through one headphone. some absolute classic bangers that stand out, but not as much as I thought they would - a real testament to the quality of this album. best tracks: monday monday, california dreamin, do you wanna dance

Innocent. I do miss the era where a typical album clocked in at less than 40 minutes. Nice vocals, but a bit treacly songwriting.

p90. 1966. 3.5 stars. Classy folk-rock harmonies that stray dangerously into middle of the road easy listening. When it's good, its excellent - California Dreaming is a classic - but a lot of the time it's just bland.

I own several Mamas and Papas albums, but it's been years since I listened. I found I couldn't do it now, with all the stuff that's come out about John Phillips. I didn't listen past the first song, and while I could appreciate the genius of their harmonies, I just couldn't enjoy listening to the music of a rapist.

I'll have to give it a few more listens

California Dreamin' carries this album. Also enjoyed Monday, Monday, Spanish Harlem, and The "In" Crowd. I'd probably rate this a 6/10 based solely on California Dreamin'. On second listen with better speakers I'd give it 8/10. Really solid album.

I love the 60's vibe but it seems like it's in a style that is somewhere between 60s pop and psychedelia. This lands on several songs but a few of them aren't for me and too poppy.

The harms are immaculate, and it grooves in offensively throughout, but it needs more bops.

California dreamin on kova ja pari muutakin kivaa biisiä. Vastapainoksi muutama tavanomainen rallattelu.

Veeeery sleepy music.

Paar goede hits, maar over het algemeen toch braaf en saai.

snoozefest with a few iconic hits

ТУАЛЕТ И ЛУЧШЕ КАЙФА НЕТ ЧЕМ НОВЫЙ ТУАЛЕТ СТОИТ В САДУ СВЕРКАЕТ ОТРАЖАЯ СОЛНЦА СВЕТ БУМБУБМПЫЩЩЩЩЧЗЗВХХХДЧЛЖХХБЖЖЖЖЖЖ Лучше чем Velvet Underground нахуй 6/10

Sympathique mais sans plus. California Dreaming est emblématique, mais y'a pas de profondeur derrière, ce sont des bluettes un peu lisses

Sympa et très marqué par son époque, même si pas transcendant. Écoute agréable sans plus.

Some good songs,few meh

It’s pretty impressive to hear a band so fully formed in their debut. Their biggest songs are on this album, to my knowledge. The production — especially the hard panning on the opening track — is very of its time, but it has a warmth to it. Excellent vocal performances of course. I wish they were upfront in the mix more frequently, and not hard panned like on “Do you Wanna Dance”. The songwriting is a little anodyne for my tastes. The album feels like an alternate path pop music could have taken, if Sergeant Pepper never happened. I don’t think I’ll finish this album, but I appreciate it within its historical context.

pretty good for that decade.

I still remember the first time I heard California Dreaming - literally stopped me on my feet and becry 'what the f*@£ is that' - I don't think there are many more evocative, sharp tracks, pop or otherwise ever created. Everything else was going to be a bit downhill after that wasn't it?

Monday Monday and California Dreaming are rightful classics, but looking at the album as a whole, none of the other songs come close. I would even go as far as calling them boring.

One great song, some good songs, some average songs, and some bad songs. And John Phillips should have died in jail. I don’t believe in Hell, but if there’s one man who is guaranteed a spot down there, it’s him.

Like almost every other reviewer here, I think California Dreamin' carries this record. Though Got A Feelin' is also pretty good. Never listened to a full Mamas and Papas album before

Best song: California dreaming

Un bon petit rock n' roll qui s'écoute bien. Pas blown away, mais c'est très respectable. Ça fait très été, sans soucis, joyeux, etc. 7/10

Nice harmonies. Simple ish music, sing along style. Seems to be a lot of covers. Lovely music but probably won't go back to it

71/100

makes u feel like ur living in a time u can afford to buy a house

You know how when you open an old photo album from the '60s, the pages are stuck together and there's a distinct, old musty paper smell? That's what listening to this album reminds me of. Old people music that's super unfamiliar. Early blues and standards from Ray Charles & Frank Sinatra, or '60s pop from Dusty Springfield all do a really good job of evoking emotion and non-existent memories from decades past, but this one just feels like generic, radio-friendly old people music. It's like looking at those old family photos and recognizing zero faces. But despite that, you can't help but look and observe, just like you can't help but take in this record and appreciate it for what it was. It has a strange appeal, starting out as something that sounds unrelatable before it draws you in with that same "ancient-ness" that's so far removed from today's music. I'm rambling, but all that is to say that even though this record didn't evoke much emotion or feeling in me, I kinda dug it. Standouts are I Call Your Name, California Dreamin', and Spanish Harlem.

I had high expectations for this, and that's probably my fault. The singles are good, the rest is just kind of there.

Monday, Monday // Got A Feelin’ // I Call Your Name // California Dreamin’ // Hey Girl // 2.5/5

The hits have definitely stood the test of time. The other tracks . . . not so much. Fairly lifeless treatment of covers like Do You Wanna Dance and Spanish Harlem. The other originals felt stuck in their era. I found myself wondering when Mama Cass was going to take a deserving spot at center stage, and was disappointed by more and more songs with John and Denny out in front.

I'm listening to this in the sun - this is definitely a summer album (which I then confirmed on the wiki page) Monday, Monday feels like a classic 60s pop song. Comfy and nostalgic. Enjoyed this. Straight shooter - it's good but sounds a LOT like a beatles song. Very beatles-esque. Too much for my liking. Got a feelin - Just want to sit in the sun and brood in sadness with this one. Melancholic summery gloop Call your name - quite like this one. can imagine this being played in a sentimental film or tv show. A highlight for me. do you wanna dance - Nice. I prefer this to the beach boy's version go where you wanna go - probably my least favourite so far. It's so-so. California dreamin - despite being their classic song, and im already well familiar with it, didn't enjoy it as much as expected Spanish harlem - think we're getting more into the filler songs. just feels OK. By the time we get to 'hey girl' (another beatles-esque song), it's all starting to feel a little samey. The quality is wearing off. The in crowd - An unremarkable song Something I can appreciate with this one - the songs don't go on too long. It's easy pop listening, really. Overall, it had some good points but it won't last in my memory as something spectacular. I'd recommend this to Beatles fan boys. Can't give this anymore than 3 stars.

If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears is the debut album by the American folk rock band Mamas & the Papas released in 1966. This platinum certified album peaked at the top spot of the Billboard 200 chart in the US after release and was praised for being so accessible to any type of music listener. The folksy harmonies backed by acoustic guitars gave the album a groovy vibe which could go without being stated since the album released in the mid-60's. I enjoyed this album and for half an hour (recorded length) I was transported back to the years of love, hugs, hippies, and drugs. There were some standout tracks, but I believe it would be best to listen to the entire album so one can discover them on their own.

Some good songs, some very cheesy ones.

Bra musikk, det er veldig beach boys og Beatlespreget, men da jeg leste at han ene sangeren er en incestuøs pedo mistet jeg interessen

Meh. Some good songs, but I didn't love it

California Dreamin' and Monday, Monday are otherworldly candy-harmony pop delights. The rest of the album is pretty forgettable, but pleasant. Lots of harmonies stacked on harmonies... though a bit boring.

They have a very definite shtick which you're probably going to like or dislike without much in-between. I like it, though I do think a whole album of sunny close-harmony folk-pop (even a relatively short one) is a little much for me. So it's kinda corny and quite dated, but I do enjoy a lot of it. Great melodies and, of course, harmonies. Best song: Spanish Harlem

Remember hearing my mother play this one , great group

Lekker sfeervol wegdromen met deze 60’s meerstemmigheid. Een heel album is wel wat veel van het goede..

Not for me but great recording

It's pretty good from start to finish. One song stands out: California dreaming

I only knew one song, California dreaming, and I was extra excited when that song came up lol. Was listening to the album during a long drive, I got sleepy after a series of songs that I dont know. Almost all of the albums listed here, I listened to in the background. I would like to pay more attention when listening to them somehow. 3.5/5

6.5/10 - I certainly don't dislike this, the innocent, catchy melodies and harmonies make many of these tracks a fun listen, however I feel as though there is only so much of this 60s, summery, LA sound I can listen to before feeling like I've heard the whole album. I'll always maintain that California dreamin is one of the greatest songs of all time, and there are a handful of other tracks that I enjoyed, although, as a whole, this didn't quite do it for me. Would not listen again Favourite tracks - Monday, Monday Straight shooter l call your name (primarily because it's a Beatles cover) California dreamin

Showing its age a bit, but good to hear it again.

Music is a bit dull. Just like their band name.

Exemplaire de la musique des années 60. J’aime que les voix masculines et féminines ne soient pas toujours sous forme de question-réponse, mais souvent en harmonie

I like Monday Monday and California Dreamin’, but not the rest.

The Walmart version of mid-career Beatles. I wanted to hate this, but the songs are really catchy and infectious. The male vocals are cheesy, but the female vocals are quite good, with a good bit of attitude in 'em. The Mama's carry the Papa's here.

Dorky but sweet

Nice harmonies, very 60s

Horrible cover, ridiculous name. Now that’s out of the way. I went into this album fully expecting to love every second of it. Their harmonies are beyond wonderful and “California Dreamin’” is one of those songs that I could play on repeat forever and never grow tired of. Unfortunately I don’t feel the same towards the rest of the album. It’s quite good and I really do like those harmonies a lot. It just rarely moves me. It’s as if it’s too polished for its own good. Too far removed from the original emotions of the songs.

California Dreamin' is a banger, surrounded by a bunch of solid harmonies, etc!

This is in my wheelhouse but this was before albums were albums. Back then, basically before the Beatles - but also during - they put a single out then would add it to an album of filler tracks and covers, which this essentially is. I enjoy the original material on this but not the album.

Very 60s. I definitely preferred the female sung songs instead, they felt more fun than the male led songs

Standouts: California Dreamin; The ‘In’ Crowd

Good

I can listen to it in the background while working or cooking. However, it's nothing special.

cute! all kinda runs together though?

Dynamite singles, impressive vocal harmonies throughout. Not as immediately captivating as some of the other breakthrough '60s pop but definitely a breezy listen. 3.5/5

Classic stuf

그 시절을 살지 않았어도 느껴진 노스탤지어 4번-9번 트랙 추천

Pretty nice hippie-dippie nonsense

This is a very personal bias, but I cannot fucking STAND how old albums are mixed like this one. Each instrument and voice shouldn’t be in a different ear. It instantly pisses me off. That being said, I didn’t actively dislike any of the songs on this album, but it got repetitive fast. Good but not great.

Thought this was ok, but nothing special. 2.5/5