Reviews (page 3 of 13)
Great album, very chill and just so pleasant for the ears
Pues muy bueno. Con Monday, Monday, California Dreamin' and Spanish Harlem. Además de otras canciones que he añadido a mis favoritas. Un 5 en toda regla.
Really good album, one I had almost forgotten w
Damn you HAM SANDWICH!
Fuck John Phillips but this is one of my favorite pop records of all time.
to know that my review won't ever be as good as the top review for this album
Good
Very good.
Classic feel good
Full of classics - and the other tracks are swinging too. An excellent album, a joy to listen to.
Incredible album. California Dreamin' is one of the best songs ever recorded and I feel like the rest of the album stands up as well.
Love this album!
Nothing screams 60s like The Mamas & The Papas. Perfect harmonies throughout. Essential tracks: California Dreamin’ (Playlist) Monday, Monday
Good good good
California Dreaming. I was really drawn to the vocal harmonies on this album. Also Jens Lekman looks to have sample from Do You Wanna Dance.
OH MY GOD CALIFORNIA DREAMIN' IS FROM THESE GUYS???? i did not know this. the graduate is a great film... anyway. .this was actually shockingly good. i guess i have an internal bias against any music from before the 70s but i expected this to be super boring, but it wasn't. folksy but not annoyingly so, and a lot of nice tunes - monday, monday, california dreamin', got a feelin', you baby, and most of the other songs were pleasant as well. first half was better than the second but both were great. not too long either - in fact i could've done with it being longer.
OOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Along with paul revere and the red raiders, I was introduced to the mamas and the papas through Quentin Tarantino and OUATIH and whenever I listened to the movie soundtrack, I always liked their stuff the best (that and neil diamond). This album was a fun deeper dive into their work as well as a chance to relisten to my old favorites straight shooter and California dreamin (before TikTok). The album as a whole is so quintessentially sixties but has also aged like a fine wine. It was a great listen with start to finish with no duds I can remember and some new hits like do you wanna dance.
Flying Colors. Essential Pop-Rock Album.
Awesome sound - felt like a tarantino film. Will definitely be listening again
Lovely harmonies and nostalgic/wistful feeling
Pues muy bueno. Con Monday, Monday, California Dreamin' and Spanish Harlem. Además de otras canciones que he añadido a mis favoritas. Un 5 en toda regla.
I was really digging this. it was giving me early Beach Boys but with Girls too.
Okay, easy listening
This album gives me autumn vibes :) Love it, so sweet, such good vibes.
Самое нежная музыка, которую можно было создать. Группу люблю, альбом люблю. Мондэээй мондэээй каляфорня дримин и тд база. 9/10.
Well, I loved two tracks going 😄 n and four coming out. Besides the obvious, Spanish Harlem and Straight Shooter are great. Oh, and the bleak cover of Do You Wanna Dance! Really good album. Feel like the last couple of days (this and Donovan) are making a strong case for the 60s being the best decade.
California Dreaming - my song.
I loved this
Easy listening masterclass. Indicative of that groovy, swinging 60’s vibe with some dark undertones.
Great album, loved the ambientations
Excellent! Good pop songs, skillfully played arrangements, nice harmony vocals.
So mellow, beautiful.
When men & women can be truly harmonizing, it's magic! Even in the naivest format here. But what's the matter anymore when masculinity & feminity can be together peacefully? Fav track: California Dreamin'
Enjoy the Classics!
The entire industry failed Mama Cass. She should have been as respected on par with Aretha. This is a perfect album. Go Where You Wanna is my current favorite.
Very cool. Outside of my normal music taste but I could appreciate the quality of the music and the good vibes.
love it
Each track evolves into it's own character while maintaining a dark and solemn theme throughout the album. It's haunting, it's beautiful, it's lonesome, it's wholesome.
This is a good example of a disc that serves as time capsule. Released in 1966 it had folkish songs, beautiful harmonies and lyrics that frequently had an underlying melancholy. But it also incorporated rock, pop and soul. The well-known singles (California Dreaming and Monday, Monday) have achieved classic status, but the rest of the album almost is at the same standard. The production is impeccable, and the studio musicians are almost all from The Wrecking Crew, which says all one needs to know.
So many songs we know and love, all on one album.
Loved it
This album is so good it makes me want to surreptitiously break into a policeman's house so that I can clean his fish tank, replace his soaps and towels, and slowly buy him larger and larger stuffed animals at a pace that he never quite notices.
such great chill vibes. just want to lay in the sun listening to this one 💚
good, hooray
Great vibe, good groove
Some of the best vocal harmonies I've ever heard.
A corner stone of American music history. 5/5.
I've long been a fan of the The Mamas and the Papas. My parents were fans so I grew up listening to them, and eventually became a fan in my own right. That said, I've only ever owned a greatest hits album, so a few of these songs were new to me. I was familiar with other bands' versions of "You Baby" and "Do You Wanna Dance," so it was fun to hear their take on them. It’s actually mind-blowing to me that this was their debut album. They weren’t new to making music, but it’s still crazy that they were this good from the start.
Yes, yes and thrice yes. This is a good album, and my life is better for having listened to it. Yours will be too.
sweet album. didn't sound like a guy who would have sex with his daughter.
I was a little hesitant at first, but frankly, great vocal performances, Californian flair, and counterculture folk was all I needed.
The mamas and the papas were one of my dad's favorite bands. I got to listen to this stuff in my teens. Coming back to it now is nostalgic. There sound is smoothe melody with meaning. Good stuff
I really love this album. Mama Cass had some pipes on her. Go Where You Want to Go is such a great song and shows off Cass.
This is genius. I love these guys so much.
Wish it was longer
This was a really great listen for the day. All four times. It was kind of surprising to me that I had never heard all of this album. What a joy it was! I loved their original songs like "Go Where You Wanna Go" and "Somebody Groovy," and I really loved their versions of "The 'In' Crowd" and "Spanish Harlem." There is no other song like "California Dreamin'" and it was perfect to have "Monday, Monday" as the first thing I listened to on a Monday morning. Their splendid harmonies gave good vibrations to the whole day.
I was familiar with so many of these tracks from a “best of” album that I have listened to many many times. For the rest of the tracks, I very much enjoyed then too! I dig the harmonies and how their vocal tones blend.
With delectable harmonies and a groovy 60s sound, this one really got to me. I knew I loved California Dreamin' and Monday, Monday. But I had 6 or 7 other favorites by my third listen. The vocals on The "In" Crowd give me chills on chills on chills. Excellent!
I knew a lot of these songs, but this isn't a greatest hits collection. Talk about a great debut album! I'm pretty sure I've listened to this album before somewhere along the way, but didn't realize it was the debut. The Mama's and the Papa's music has such a nice effect on my psyche. There's something sweet and yet wistful in those songs that never fail to draw me in. Really special!
love this one. reminds me of the younger me in love with going to the city as a province girl + the musicals i dream of
Mamas AND papas? In this economy??
Just great swinging music
Still got it
Wonderful, lovely harmonies, soul spirit music.
Classic album. Non-stop timeless songs. I would say: best debut album ever and should be in any in top 10 of any best of list.
Don’t really have much to say other than it’s just a super solid album. Every song suits a particular mood and they all stick out as unique and recognisable. Plus it has California dreamin on which is one of my favourite songs of all time so it’s hard not to give it 5 stars
EEeeeeeee
Ik vind dit geweldige muziek! Leuke melodietjes, goede zang, relaxt, gewoonweg genieten!! Dit album zit vol met grote hits, maar ook een paar minder bekende nummers. Mijn favoriet is en blijft "California Dreamin'". *****
Classic album with some great songs. True 5 star talent.
FUCKING BANGERS, love the mama and the papas
Loved it from the beginning to the end!
Rock sesentero. Dos megahits absolutos. Un 5, claro.
i didnt hate it
Pues muy bueno. Con Monday, Monday, California Dreamin' and Spanish Harlem. Además de otras canciones que he añadido a mis favoritas. Un 5 en toda regla.
California dreaming...nice!
Saved Prior: None Not Saved: 12. Hey Girl 11. Got A Feelin' 10. I Call Your Name Saved Off Rip: 9. Spanish Harlem 8. You Baby 7. Do You Wanna Dance 6. Somebody Groovy 5. The "In" Crowd 4. Straight Shooter 3. Monday, Monday 2. California Dreamin' 1. Go Where You Wanna Go Overall Notes: Awful band name, immaculate compositions. Not one out and out clunker on the album, inject these harmonies into my bloodstream.
Sounds of its time but still resonates today. Every once in a while I hear California Dreamin' used in a show or movie and it always hits super hard. Their harmonies are really powerful. Excellent album.
Awesome, very chill songs, nothing too heavy, really a good omage to the time periods music.
Mmmmm yes
very pleasant
Great album, fab songs, beautiful harmonies
beautiful ❤️
i only know california dreamin but after listening, this is my favorite album so far.
clássico
So many good songs! Good for summer listening.
Really enjoyed. Perfect classic kinda of music I look for. Would love to have physical.
Love. Listening to them always brings visions of a carefree summer in late 60s southern California.
I love the mamas and the papas and this album I hadn't listened to by itself and it had some greats on it, but even the songs I hadn't heard were great. Just some great upbeat songs
I really loved this album. "California Dreamin" was one of my favorites, of course, and "Monday, Monday".
9/10 when my dad still lived in virginia w/ me, whenevr he had the radio on during car rides it was almost always a station playin 60s or 70s music. (usually 60s i think? also at one point a beatles channel was made and u kno he ate that shit up.) so basically whenever i hear radio-friendly 60s music i get kinda warm n fuzzy inside. this album is already gorgeous and filled with amazing melodies so when u add on the fact that a few songs from this got played on that 60s station its kinda like. oh damn.
Such a classic, their voices compliment so well together, and from this album comes two of their most known songs. Great experience and timeless.
This was great. Slightly reminiscent of The Beach Boys with the harmonies, but I think that's more a reflection of the state of pop music in the sixties than The Mamas and the Papas blatantly copying their style. This is definitely unique, with some great tracks, California Dreamin' being the monster hit, of course. Not quite deserving of five stars I don’t think, but certainly essential listening for anyone interested in the swingin' sound of nineteen sixty-six!
Banger!
I have a definite soft spot for this type of music and this band.
The Mamas & The Papas are just, to me, what the Summer of Love 1967 sounded like, and here they are in full swing.
Some songs are cheesy, but their voices blend incredibly. Mama Cass in particular sounds beautiful. Plus, California dreaming’ really spoke to me when I was missing California!
Excelente disco, se nota que el estilo tranquilo, sereno y Hippie eran insignias de ellos
Not my type of music, but I can appreciate the vibe of the album. Just a groovy vibe overall and I can get jiggy with this
# An In-Depth Review of *If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears* by The Mamas & The Papas The Mamas & The Papas' 1966 debut album, *If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears*, occupies a fascinating and somewhat contradictory position in rock history. It's a record that simultaneously represents a pinnacle of studio-crafted, sunshine-drenched pop and a testament to how a single, era-defining song can overshadow and create a sense of dissonance with the rest of the album. It's a beautiful, expertly produced artifact of its time, but one that also reveals a band still finding its voice, caught between being a formidable creative force and a commercial vehicle for the pop charts . ## Lyrics and Themes: The Bittersweet Dichotomy The most compelling theme of the album is the poignant dissonance between its sound and its lyrics. The music is often warm, gentle, and exquisitely harmonized, evoking the laid-back California lifestyle. However, the lyrics tell a different, more melancholic story. The album's two most famous tracks perfectly capture this dichotomy . **"California Dreamin'"** is the ultimate expression of wistful longing and bitter-sweet melancholy. Written by John and Michelle Phillips during a harsh New York winter, it's a simple, heartfelt cry of homesickness . The now-iconic opening lines, "All the leaves are brown / And the sky is grey," paint a picture of a dreary reality, which is contrasted with the comforting, if distant, dream of L.A. It captures a specific moment of personal isolation that resonated with the broader anxieties of the 1960s . **"Monday, Monday"** continues this theme, albeit in a more pop-oriented package. It's a song about the pain of a tumultuous relationship, structured around a familiar weekly cycle. The narrator describes the "bittersweet" nature of a love that is present on some days and absent on others, capturing the deep pain and confusion of a dysfunctional relationship. This theme of interpersonal complexity is a recurring one, informed heavily by the real-life turmoil within the group . Beyond these hits, the album is heavily focused on personal, often shallow, themes of love and romance. Tracks like "Straight Shooter," which ironically feels the most straightforward, deals with a demand for honesty in a relationship . "Got a Feelin'" is another song that touches on themes of betrayal and jealousy, with a ticking clock in the background adding to the anxious and ominous mood . While these songs are well-crafted, the lyrical content can feel somewhat trivial compared to the profound societal and cultural undercurrents of "California Dreamin'." This lack of thematic depth in the majority of the album is a common critique, with many songs sticking to conventional pop tropes of love, loss, and yearning . ## The Music and Production: A Masterclass in Vocal Harmony From a musical standpoint, the album's greatest strength is undeniably its vocal performances. The group's blend is nothing short of extraordinary. Their approach was more akin to a classical vocal ensemble or a doo-wop group than a typical rock band . Each singer had a distinct, complementary role: Denny Doherty's warm, expressive tenor often carried the lead melody, providing the narrative anchor . Cass Elliot, with her powerful and soulful alto, provided a deep, resonant foundation for the harmonies, while Michelle Phillips' high, shimmering soprano floated over the top, adding a layer of ethereal beauty. John Phillips, the group's primary songwriter and arranger, masterfully wove these distinct voices into complex, four-part counterpoint . The production, helmed by Lou Adler and recorded with legendary engineer Bones Howe, is polished and precise . The group benefited from the exceptional skills of *The Wrecking Crew*, a collective of elite Los Angeles session musicians who provided a flawless instrumental backdrop . The instrumentation—acoustic guitars, soft bass, and gentle percussion—was perfectly calibrated to support, never overpower, the vocals. Key instruments like Bud Shank's iconic flute on "California Dreamin'" and the harpsichord on other tracks served as elegant ornamentation . ## Influence and Legacy: Defining the Sound of an Era *If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears* was a massive commercial and critical success, reaching #1 on the Billboard 200 chart . It was a blueprint for the burgeoning genre of "Sunshine Pop," a style characterized by its bright, layered harmonies and polished, radio-friendly production. The meticulous, studio-as-instrument approach mirrored the work being done by The Beach Boys on *Pet Sounds* and The Beatles on *Rubber Soul*, placing The Mamas & The Papas at the forefront of pop music's evolution . The album's iconic cover art is a significant piece of its legacy. The photograph by Guy Webster, showing the four members casually lounging in a bathtub with a visible toilet in the corner, was so controversial that it was censored by some distributors. This simple, humanizing image broke the polished mold of band photos and perfectly aligned with the album's title—a playful nudge to trust what you see and hear . Its lasting impact is confirmed by its inclusion at #127 on *Rolling Stone's* list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time . The album's influence can be heard in countless pop and folk-rock acts that followed, with its vocal arrangements and production style becoming a standard for harmony-driven pop. ## Pros and Cons of the Album To summarize the strengths and weaknesses of this seminal record: **Pros** - **Iconic Vocal Harmonies**: The record showcases some of the most beautiful and intricate vocal arrangements in pop history, with each of the four singers bringing a unique and essential voice to the blend . - **Two Timeless Hits**: It contains "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday," two songs that are not only chart-topping classics but also masterpieces of bittersweet pop songwriting . - **Pristine, Influential Production**: The album is a landmark of 1960s studio craft, setting a high bar for pop production and defining the "Sunshine Pop" sound . - **Historical Significance**: As a debut album, it's historically important, representing a peak of commercial and creative success before the group's internal conflicts derailed them . **Cons** - **Uneven Quality**: A significant portion of the album consists of covers and less memorable originals that feel like filler compared to the towering singles . - **Lyrically Shallow**: The lyrics, outside of a couple of tracks, tend to be overly focused on standard, unchallenging pop themes, lacking the depth or social commentary that defines the album's best work . - **Instrumental Stagnation**: The backing instrumentation, though proficient, is often formulaic and safe. It rarely takes creative risks, functioning more as a pleasant accompaniment than a driving force, which can make some tracks feel similar or lackadaisical . - **Over-reliance on Covers**: With five of its twelve tracks being covers, the album can feel like it's padding its length at the expense of showcasing the group's original songwriting prowess . Ultimately, *If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears* is a classic of the era precisely because it encapsulates the ambitions and limitations of its time. It is a beautiful, flawed, and essential document of a band that, for one brief, shining moment, perfectly crystallized the sound of a generation, even if they themselves were not quite sure where they were going.
I do love that 60s sound; it rings with a fun, positivity and purity that is sort of lost in modern music. Ironic then, considering the history of this band and it's members, barring Cass Elliot who - after hearing this album - did carry the vocals for the rest of the group. Despite that, the vocal harmonies on the whole album are pretty gorgeous, noticed first when hearing "Got a Feelin'". Due to my limited music vocabulary and untrained ears, it would be better for me to list my favourite tracks here rather than break down each one, so here goes: "Straight Shooter", "Got a Feelin'", "Go Where You Wanna Go", "California Dreamin'", "Somebody Groovy" and "The 'In' Crowd". Couple of flat tracks but otherwise a super solid album. Their sound is great.
4/5
Man, their harmonies are outstanding. An absolute classic of the 60’s. Monday Monday and California Dreamin’ are songs you literally couldn’t miss. They get radio play all the time. There’s a lot of variety to these songs. The band had a really short period of time together due to… many reasons, but this is a great album and absolutely belongs on this list.
dalifornia creamin
Fantásticas armonías y agradables acordes. No me había dado cuenta de lo realmente buena que es California Dreamin hasta que salió escuchando el disco. Un diamante en una mina de oro
Super nostálgico, clássico para roadtrips na minha infância. Ter 4 vozes a harmonizar e funcionar tão bem é de valor
Bom álbum. A California dreamin faz me lembrar da Ines original
cool classic
Actually I enjoyed pretty much, It was shocking because I didn't expect it to be so cool, put I mean It has a really cool cover so, I thought It was going to be more country
I could not believe my eyes or ears
Beautiful voices
Beautiful, iconic music from the sixties.
The charting songs are the good ones; the rest are meh.
Very nice
i liked it
Pre Listen: Hey, I know and like these guys! Everyone and their Grandma ought to know California Dreamin' , I've listened to some of their work outside that, and I'm excited to hear some more. Notable Tracks: Do You Wanna Dance - I love this song, feels so nostalgic. Would be my favorite, if it weren't for ---> California Dreamin' - Certified gold-standard classic. If you hate this song for any reason other than "I've heard it too many times", what makes you human is called into question methinks. Go Where You Wanna Go - It's alright, but it is my least favorite track on the album. Can't really articulate why, I just ain't feeling it. Post Listen: Some more good ol' classic rock. Decent variety across the songs, with the sounds ranging from rock, to pop, to folk, to a bit of ballad. Nothing is too long, nothing is too short, it's just good ol' classic rock. I particularly love the harmonies between all of them. All four vocalists have that spice that makes it such a charming album. Everything else, the instrumental overdubs, the percussion, the guitar, it's all very solid. This album's a staple of classic rock. Enough said. 4/5
Really enjoyed this one. Very much of it's time but the songs were all great.
Great album, motown hints different tempos.
Haircuts looking well dated. 4/5
One of those albums that transports you to the era in which it was recorded. So many iconic songs I've been used in movies. Complete, short and sweet collection of songs.
So good! Loved every minute.
Excellent album all the way through.
I've had a pretty consistent experience with these 60s albums. They all have a big single or two, and the rest of the songs range from meh to god awful. So when this came up for today I was expecting that same situation. Fortunately, this album is pretty rich in strong songs. Yes, the singles are the standouts, but there are some excellent deeper cuts - "Got a Feelin'," "I Call Your Name," - I even enjoyed "Somebody Groovy." Most people will probably give this a 3, and I can see that. For me, though, it has to be - FOUR STARS
overall good but california dreamin' overshadows the rest
4/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-mamas-and-the-papas/if-you-can-believe-your-eyes-and-ears/ This is super fun!!! Of course I knew California Dreamin', but the rest of the album is as least as fun as that one. Gonna be one I might return to!
Fun but definitely sounds 50 years old
For some reason went in expecting this to be Motown or something like that. Hit and miss but California dreaming is an absolute banger
A pleasant surprise. I'm feeling generous
nice acapella, if a bit forgettable. I'd probably relisten to it as a road trip album
Two classic songs. Harmonies and very pleasant.
Light 4
So many great tunes on this one! Surprised they are all on the same album. Highlights: "Monday, Monday", "Go Where You Wanna Go" and "California Dreamin'"
Die amerikanische Vokalgruppe The Mamas And The Papas – John Phillips, seine Frau Michelle, Cass Elliot und der Kanadier Denny Doherty – nahm ihr Debütalbum zwischen Oktober und Dezember 1965 in den United Western Recorders und den Eastwest Studios in Hollywood auf. Produziert von Lou Adler und eingespielt mit Mitgliedern der legendären Wrecking Crew, darunter Schlagzeuger Hal Blaine und Bassist Joe Osborn, erschien das Album im Februar 1966 bei Dunhill Records und stieg auf Platz eins der Billboard 200. Es ist Folk Rock als urbane Verheißung: warm, präzise, von einem Licht durchdrungen, das nur Los Angeles kennt. Das Herzstück des Albums sind die beiden Singles, die seinen Ruf begründet haben: „California Dreamin'" – ursprünglich ein New Yorker Winter im Wunschkleid eines Sommers – und „Monday, Monday", das einzige Nummer-eins-Single der Gruppe auf dem Billboard Hot 100. Was diese Songs trägt, ist kein Trick, sondern Stimmarchitektur: vier Stimmen, die sich so selbstverständlich ineinanderfalten, als wären sie nie getrennt gewesen. Auch die Coverversionen des Albums – von „Do You Wanna Dance" bis „Spanish Harlem" – klingen nie wie Fremdmaterial, sondern wie Eigenbesitz. Was das Album von einem bloß sehr guten Pop-Debüt unterscheidet, ist die Abwesenheit von Anstrengung. John Phillips schrieb Melodien, die so einfach klingen, dass man vergisst, wie schwer einfach sein kann; Adlers Produktion rahmt sie ohne Überladung. Fifty Jahre später klingt nichts davon nach Periode – nur nach Song. Kein anderes Album dieser Gruppe hat diesen Augenblick der Schwerelosigkeit wieder erreicht.
fairly straightforward stuff but that "stuff" is the most beautiful shit humans can do. high floor
Classic pop bangers
I’m a sucker for 60’s pop rock. This was a good listen, nothing revolutionary but solid catchy tunes. 4/5
Loved them
Non è il solito album di canzonette anni '60, ma un disco dal sound riconoscibile, per niente copiato da Beatles o Stones, con cui la band raggiunge atmosfere hippie psichedeliche. Per quanto riguarda il mixaggio, è da notare la netta separazione di strumenti e voci in stereofonia, che garantisce il pieno apprezzamento di archi e voci femminili (che contraddistinguono la band) che armonizzano su una base ritmica che fa da sottofondo.
The harmonies are lovely. Almost all of the tracks kept my interest and were a joy to hear; even 60 years after the album dropped.
Perfect album for a summers day, which is was yesterday.
Solid, if it didn’t have “Monday, Monday” and “California Dreaming” this would be a 3 but those two bump it up. Decent album, nothing crazy they’ve got really nice harmonies.
I liked it.
i am a fan
I liked it. Classic stuff.
The Apostrophe's. But yeah, this is a good record!
3.5 - I'm surprised at both how many of these songs I knew and how many I really liked.
amazing music by 4 very troubled individuals
De este álbum sale la canción de California Dreamin , famosisima, es muy de señor 80-90s
Fun, wasn’t too long and had variety
Day 40 — The Mamas & The Papas — If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears (1966) Listened: May 11–18, 2026 Genre: Vocal Pop / Folk Pop / Sunshine Pop Vibe: Lush four-part harmonies riding the same melodic pop wave as the Beatles — bright, California-dreaming sixties pop with a warmth that grows on you despite yourself. Highlights: • Monday, Monday • Straight Shooter • Do You Wanna Dance • Go Where You Wanna Go ★ California Dreamin' • Spanish Harlem • Somebody Groovy • You Baby Impression: Took some mental effort to take at genuine value — the polished pop surface and Beatles influence made it hard to fully trust at first. But the songs that landed did land. California Dreamin' is the real thing regardless of anything else. Sits comfortably in the catalog as enjoyable sixties pop that rewards a relaxed listen. Rating: 3.5/5 Keep songs? Yes Revisit album? Yes
Better than expected. Solid 4.
Great vocals, brilliant melodies, amazing harmonies. This is what I'd expect from Mamas & Papas and it delivered. Some songs I'd already heard before (California Dreamin', Straight Shooter) and some new ones that I love much as I Call Your Name and Go Where You Wanna Go. The blending of all their voices is so pleasing to hear.
I was surprised how familiar I was with this. Giving it an intenful listen, I rather enjoyed it.
Short and sweet
Love them. Great album
Really funntongonback to this. +1 for inclusion of a Spanish Harlem cover.
I have a soft spot for 70's era pop music bc my mom listened to a ton of it.
I will NEVER forgive them for what they did to Cass Elliot. She was truly an amazing artist and society failed her. My rating goes solely to her!
It's a 60's pop act. There's not much more to say. They're good, the harmony is beautiful between the singers. They're not groundbreaking. My rating: 4/5
It’s pretty much a greatest hits album.
Classic album. Sounds much better in mono.
Loved this, the vocal harmonies are luscious
Loved it. Great tunes, harmony, arrangements.
Very solid album from start to finish. No dead weight.
The is some really good folk rock enhanced by fascinating vocal harmonies. It's a great listen. Favorite track: "California Dreamin'"
yeah i fuck with it. california dreaming obviously i knew already but monday monday sounded familiar as well.
my dad's mom was a hippie and said he grew up on the mamas and the papas so i was a little distracted imagining him listening to this as a kid. harmonies are awesome and very consistently good throughout.
Listened on a Tuesday Tuesday. Very groovy. Bonus points for Cass Elliott guest starring in a Scooby Doo episode.
A wonderfully recorded record. Kinda curious what a mono mix would sound like. Really loved the tracks "Monday, Monday", "Straight Shooter", "California Dreamin'", and "Somebody Groovy"
Great harmonies, enjoyable tunes, just a really solid album.
The production, the synergy, the mellowness was very much giving American Beatles... there I said it! Great record maybe apart from it tailing off towards the end.
Cool 60s vibe, especially if it was a trip in a desert or somewhere remote with some friends. I especially like california dreamin' something about it is so ethereal, makes me nostalgic for an era i never knew.
Beautiful close harmonies are one of the most pleasing things to hear
Cute af
Good clean pleasant listening. The hits are fantastic. Makes a fella want to drive to California with the windows down.
This is the kind of album that plays better on AM radio road trips. The "misses" on this still have really high floors and the harmonies are incredible.
Wonderful
Wasn't expecting this to be decent. Also I was surprised to recognize California Dreamin'. I remember hearing it on the radio on the oldies station my parents used to rock when I was a kid. Man...
Yes
I could contently listen to this whole album, plus who doesn't love california dreamin'
Beautiful album
Ah, it’s the classic California vibe, before it was all weed and wildfire. Quite a debut on this time capsule of an album.
There isn't another group with harmonies as beautiful as The Mama's and The Papa's. Well composed songs arranged nicely onto a dynamic album. They don't come to mind often (at least not mine) but they are certainly one of the great groups of the 60s.
They were very popular in the counter-culture scene because they sang catchy songs, mostly written by others that are just uplifting and moving to listen to. This is music to brighten your day, right in-line with the hippie flower power movement.
Monday, Monday. I feel this one in my soul. I love the harmonizing in Got a Feelin, though the lyrics are rather simplistic. There are a ton of great songs on this album.
3.5 stars Catchy, quick, simple with good harmonies. Thought it would be cheesy but ended up liking it.
Already listened to it, though really good
7/10
A really nice 60s sound
Muuuuy chulo
Great bubble gum pop. Listen to the mono version if you can find it. Sounds much better than the stereo.
Classic 60’s listen
A timeless classic. And I love Mama Cass, rip.
Its a 3.5 for me, but just on the sheer volume of singles I know for this I'm bumping to 4.
Is this the best album that features a toilet on its cover?
Listening session: april 9th, while going for a walk Listened to before: listened to one song before Thoughts: I just love 60s songs with lots of harmonies and especially when it contains Cass Elliot’s voice Favourite tracks: Monday, Monday, Got A Feelin’ & California Dreamin’
muy guapoo, tranquilillo y la duración es la correcta
Classic album feels from a certain era late 60s early 70s
Звучал с некоторой архаичностью еще в момент выхода, кажется.
So great! What a time capsule.
This will probably grow on me, and it's better than many of the 3s I've give, so a generous 4.
fantastic folk rock
own
En efecto, no confíen en los lunes. Me siento ignorante que neta no sabía de quién era california dreaming siendo una rola tan famosisima lol. Corto pero wonito, me gustaron mucho sus letras
al menos así a la primera, ninguna de las rolas que no conocía me atrapó mucho (igual le debería calar a la versión en mono). pero ufa, obvio california dreamin es un perfecta y monday monday pue que me guste todavía más
Twelve very catchy songs, and they blast right through them. Favourite track: Straight Shooter
Wong Kar Wai hizo icónico este album
delightful
Quite comforting really.
I generally don't like older music like this, but it was really good. Easy to swing your body to, great song writing. 8/10
Nostalgic👌🏼
Going in knowing I already love at least two of the songs on this one. This album is a good time. Very 60s in all the best ways. Each song is unique enough to go back to.
This is just one of those albums that is nice to listen to. Not a bad song on it and several songs that are absolute classics. It's all about the vocals for the Mamas and the Papas, and their vocals are amazing on this album - each song highlighting different members of the group. Nice and easy listen!
Pleasantly surpised, genuinely thought it was going to be shit but California Dreamin was one of the most normal songs in the album, it is THAT good.
What a great album! California Dreamin’ was my favorite, of course, followed by Monday, Monday, I Call Your Name, Go Where You Wanna Go, and Straight Shooter! While I didn’t “save” (like) the rest of the songs, they were still a fun listen, so I’d consider this to be a very solid album.
so good ALWAYS !!!!!!! two amazing albums back to back i could CRY
starting with monday monday was special great album, love their sound
no esperaba nunca chocarme con esta banda, las voces melódicas de las mujeres de la banda suena bien
Slick listening I like
60 years later, it still plays like a postcard from a dream that somehow became real.
Melodias envolventes, vocalizações que enchem as músicas. Cada faixa para a outra sem esforço, partes do disco são mais "groovy" outras mais introspectivas. Grande surpresa para mim que achava ser um grupo mais comercial.
Кажется, этот альбом пришелся бы по душе моему папе. Он напоминает мне советскую музыку 70-х и 80-х, светлую, грустную, простую. Очень люблю California Dreamin'
4 stars
Sounds dated but gotta admire the harmonies and album in general. Worth playing again, it sets a decent vibe.
I really I could go 3.5 here, but I feel like I should round up instead of down because of the impact of the album.
Idk how to explain it but it feels like such an autumn album. I fuck with it
7/10 California Dreamin is massive - one of the greats. Monday Monday is also top drawer. Everything else ranges from really good to not bad. But always with those harmonies, it's such a strong album
Such a happy album, full of sunshine. The layering of vocal hamonies is delicious and makes every track fun to sing along with. This is unmistakably 60s, the sound, the themes, even the production values, as though they bottled the decade and this is what it sounds like when you unscrew the cap. Very enjoyable.
Not bad at all. Fun songs, pretty harmonies. Only giving it a 3.9 because I don't think I'll remember it tomorrow.
how I sound in the shower
really enjoyed the folksy-feel, and want to listen to again!
easy on the ears fav : california dreamin
Vocally simple but really effective.
Gas
Silky smooth harmonies and catchy tunes. I have this record and it does not disappoint. And the cover makes me smile too.
Pretty groovy
Hoe for left right stereo.
I really love the Mamas and the Papas. „The In Crowd“ is a really stupid song, but it completely captures Mama Cass’s vocal talents.
"Monday, Monday" and "California Dreamin'" are certainly the hits on this album that have made it big and lasted, but more of them probably should. This thing was a joy to listen to on a rainy day and I happily listened to it again when it restarted. I might need to go back and update my review of Happy Trails. It might not be that I don't like psychadelic rock, just that I don't like Quicksilver Messenger Service...
Tastier than a ham sandwich. Pure 60s hippie bliss and it's beautiful.
all the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown) and the sky is gray (and the sky is grey) and i had a good time (i had a good time) listening to this album (this album) to be entirely too long-winded, my grandparents' wedding song was Happy Together by The Turtles. you may say to me "but that has nothing to do with this album" and to that i'd say "i really don't care what you're saying right now this is my review and i'll get there." the thing about Happy Together is that there's this almost creepy sound to it that used to give me nightmares. i've never really known how to describe it, but it's something about the harmonies of the lads in The Turts, but there's also just kinda a dread in the melody. once i grew up (22), i realized that i actually really like that *almost* creepy sound to the song. now for the climax. this album had that almost creepy vibe entirely throughout and i thought that was cool (and that was cool).
Damn good, wow
Ah! Takes me back to childhood trips to my nana's.
That’s way too many people for one bathtub!
Richtig cooles album, leider kein song richtig usegstoche für mich, hans aber richtig enjoyed
"Santa-Barbara" by The Mamas & The Papas is certainly impressive. A quartet, two members of which are husband and wife, and the wife sleeps with the third member, who is in love with the fourth singer. Fleetwood Mac, if not envious, will certainly sigh with understanding. But all will be revealed only after the recording of this debut album, which is very good. Sunny, positive folk rock, sung by four different but perfectly complementary voices. The quintessential sound of the sixties, it's no surprise that Tarantino used one of the songs for his "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." And, of course, the cover, the toilet on which horrified major US retailers who refused to stock the album. Band had to urgently cover it with an advertising sticker, and later they removed even the bathtub. And you say: "Arabs paint over women in albums"...
Enjoyed the whole album more than expected, it was perfect for a cloudy winters day
Mamas and the papas have some classic classic songs and they are here on this album Spanish Harlem in California dreaming have stay in the test of time along with Garfield’s favorite song, Monday, Monday but when you look deeper inside of this app when you find some real gems like do you wanna dance? there are some songs that I will not be returning to. like hey girl, in the end crowd along with. got a feeling I just feel like the ending of the album. The song started to sound a little too similar. Still a great album and definitely worth a listen and I would return to the mamas and Papa’s to hear what they have in another album.
Would be a 5 if it wasn't for the last 3 songs. The 'In' Crowd is okay but deffo not a closing track.
Amazing
Monday monday - 5/5 Straight shooter - 4/5 Got a feelin - 2/5 I call your name - 3/5 Do you wanna dance - 4/5 Go where you wanna go - 3/5 California dreamin - 5/5 Spanish harlem -5/5 Somebody groovy - 4/5 Hey girl - 3/5 You baby - 4/5 The "In" crowd - 3/5
California dreamin...super! c
This album makes me feel like it's Sunday and I live in the suburbs in a little house and it's early in the morning and the sun is streaming through the windows and plaid curtains and filling the room. This is the songs that would play through the radio while I had some tea and an egg for breakfast as I planned out my peaceful day at home. A perfect sleepy morning. I mean all of this in the best way. This type of music really holds a place in my heart. It's interesting because it's so different than the usual music I listen to, but it's definitely just a part of the person I wish to be, the part that wants a peaceful life in the morning (not necessarily and preferably not in the suburbs actually). I like every song on this album. Favorite tracks: Go Where You Wanna Go, California Dreamin', Spanish Harlem
Pretty good!
NK
California Dreamin'
C'était pas mal les Mamans et les Papas.
A nice shiny apple with a couple mushy spots.
I mean not all of this is jaw-droppingly good, but it's just too pleasant to give any less praise to. A very nice record.
Reminds me of mom getting the house together in the morning. Love this album, it’s nostalgic for me
Good
This was one of the albums that surprised me in terms of how much I thought that I would like it.
I believed the ham sandwich story until I Googled it while listening to this album. The album rips, by the way.
Ohh monday monday. So good to me. Hani das album eifach am mentig morge nahglosst. What are the odds? Ich wür sege 1 zu 5. Was au na lustig isch will euses rating au vu 1 bis 5 gad. Also what are the odds dass das au wieder zeme passt? Das weissi ez aso nöd. Aber zrugg zum album, tönt wie d beatles aber lässig. E klassische fall vu zwüsche 3 und 4. Glaub ich muss fast uf 4 gah, es isch scho e reeechte vibe. Und vor allem beste artist name, Lol
There is no overwhelming wow factor here, but as a measure of merit, wow factor is overrated in any case. The vocals could count on that score. One can't do much better than the quality of singing and the harmonies here. I'm a sucker for good harmonies. The songs are well-crafted, tightly performed, and well-written. It is an abundantly pleasant album to listen to. The Mamas & The Papas brand of folk Americana with a touch of the psychedelic vibe strikes a perfect balance.
4/5 - Todella hyvä albumi ja just mun tyyppistä musaa! Kaikki vokaalit on erinomaisia ja levyssä on todella solid fiilis alusta loppuun. Levyssä oli monta oikeasti hyvää biisiä ja tää albumi pistää sut heti kiinnittämään siihen huomiota, eikä se lähe ennen kuin levy on loppunut. Kuuntelisin todellakin uudestaan!
Another classic. I knew most of these songs already. GOOD stuff. M&Ps hold a special spot in my heart for making such great music while having some pretty dark behind-the-scenes.
Ja hier word je gewoon direct gelukkig van he, ik voel mij gewoon terug getransporteerd naar de '60 (alsof ik daar ooit ben geweest). Lang getwijfeld of het een 5 of 4 op 5 verdiende, uiteindelijk gekozen voor 4,5.
I have this album.
So chill. Like a big friendly hug.
So many classics on this one album! And always a fun listen!
Bad people making certified bangers
Starts out with Monday Monday which is pretty eh. But then it picks up a bit. Straight Shooter, Do You Wanna Dance, and Go Where You Wanna Go are solid. And then California Dreamin' kicks it up a notch, incredible song. After that the album hits its stride. Somebody Groovy and You Baby are pretty fun. Overall a good album, I don't know if it actually gets better as it goes on or they just grow on me. Best song: California Dreamin'
Me gusta mucho el sonido de ese grupo. Creo que ese sonido inconfundible de The Mamas & The Papas, muy coral, lleno de capas y arreglos increíbles, tiene su mayor expresión en este disco. Letras icónicas, sonido que definió e inspiro el de otras agrupaciones y vocales tan bien ensamblados, hacen este disco extremadamente disfrutable y uno de los pocos que he repetido al momento de que termina.
Ніколи не слухав альбомами. Думав, що ці безкінечні гармонії мене почнуть трохи напрягати, але я досить швидко втягнувся. Хороші пісні, хороші вокали.
Реально хороший альбом. При тому що я, м'яко кажучи, не фанат 60х у музиці. 3.5, ближче до 4.
Great album, kinda dorky, the lightest hint of psychedelic. But it’s got California dreaming and Monday Monday
I like the album, dont know much about them though
Didn’t know too much about them but it’s a solid debut! Loved the harmonies. “Monday Monday” and “California dreamin’” are essentials of course. But I also dug the slowed down cover of the beach boys “do you wanna dance” for some reason.
ไม่ชอบเพลง ca dreaming เพราะได้ยินบ่อยเกิน แต่เอาจริงเพลงเทสเยอะอยู่นะ555555 -i call your name ดู doo wop ดี จริงฟหลายเพลงเลยที่ doo wop เพราะมีประสานเสียง -You girl จังหวะมันได้ -the in crowd ดูเป็น soul นิดๆ เหมือน amy winegouse เพลงท้ายบั้มไม่เคยทำให้ผิดหวัง
You have your Monday Monday and California Dreamin', and the other songs blend in and out perfectly, vibe-wise.
some cracking tunes
Pelo nome da banda e pela capa do álbum não estava à espera de gostar tanto como gostei. É 4/5, mas um 4 muito forte. Faz me lembrar Fleetwood Mac, mas menos rock e mais pop. Monday, Monday , Straight Shooter, Go Where You Wanna Go e California Dreamin' (claro) foram as minhas favoritas. No entanto, gostei muito de todas as músicas.
8/10
I have a soft spot for The Mamas and The Papas so this was a great listen.
up top, the cover art for this is just fantastic, what was happening in the 60s, you could just do anything. going into this album blind, all i know is that it's folky - i've heard the name The Mamas & The Papas (always thought it was the punchier The Mamas & Papas) but that's all i know. surprised it's 12 tracks totalling 34 minutes so expecting some quick songs. alright lets go Monday, Monday - immediately starting off with a lovely choral refrain, the mixing is great, vocals sitting nicely on top of the instrumentals but not blocking them out, some great harmonies going on as well. very impressed with this, a great example of an album setting out it's stall with the opening track - the standout track so far Straight Shooter - i really like the riff, lyrically nothing impressive but again the vocals and harmonies shine through Got A Feelin' - the music feels mechanical, but that's not meant in a bad way, very tick tock clock giving it a sense of drive while the ethereal vocals seem to float over the beat I Call Your Name - big smiles from me, beat switches throughout keep it fresh and at 2.38 it's over too quickly (immediately replayed this one) opening piano flourish is great, the bluesy opening switch to a bebop (?) back and forth is great, the backing vocals are fantastic throughout, the whispering of "John" low in the mix is a nice touch. culminating in both vocals at the end slowing down is some good shit, really really enjoyed this track Do You Wanna Dance - immediately giving me some R.E.M vibes from the vocals. dripping in reverb, gives a dreamlike quality Go Where You Wanna Go - the strings (? may well be a flute) sit so well in the mix as an accompaniment to the vocals, a really powerful performance from the California Dreamin' - got absolutely blindsided here holy shit, did NOT realise this was the mamas & the papas having heard only covers of this. a phenomenal piece of music, Spanish Harlem - nothing gripping me here unfortunately, xylophone is the standout, possibly overshadowed by the previous track but this is the weakest song so far Somebody Groovy & Hey Girl - fine, good, nothing spectacular You Baby - this is like movie shit kinda love song, I'm here for it, corny as hell but sometimes we need that y'know The "In" Crowd - organ solo, hell yeah overall, I can't say enough about the vocal performances here, the harmonies are beautiful, the mixing is fantastic, it's a very 'warm' album, the rhythm section absolutely doing their job (not a complaint) but the flourishes from the keys, flute, strings? really shine through the album as lovely little easter eggs. Favourite track is California Dreamin', followed by Monday, Monday then I Call Your Name. 4.5
Me gusta mucho el sonido de ese grupo. Creo que ese sonido inconfundible de The Mamas & The Papas, muy coral, lleno de capas y arreglos increíbles, tiene su mayor expresión en este disco. Letras icónicas, sonido que definió e inspiro el de otras agrupaciones y vocales tan bien ensamblados, hacen este disco extremadamente disfrutable y uno de los pocos que he repetido al momento de que termina.
I’m exhausted after a super long shift so it’s nice that this is so short, and the music is pretty good, but I can’t think any deeper than that right now. Take the 4 and move on
Heard Before? - Only the singles. Notes: - I have a weakness for sunshine pop but usually only listen to compilations. I did not realize that this album perfectly captures all the conventions of the genre. - To me, the group vocals are stronger than any of the solo parts, except on "I Call Your Name". - "Spanish Harlem" is too cheesy even for me. Verdict: Let's run away to 60s Southern California with flowers in our hair. Listen Again? Yes indeed, but I'll try their next two follow up albums first.
It's a shame that The Papas & The Mamas (1968) isn't on the list, because I want to listen to it too. I don't know why, maybe because it's dogshit in Dimery's opinion and he is a dick. I have at least two liked songs from that album in my playlist. Anyways, I'll listen to it outside the challenge. If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears is an incredible album, very 60s. It's trying to copy everyone and be unique at the same time - and it works. I'm a little biased. I love the band so much, their style and songs, even if they're not always perfect. I like how they work with vocals, mixing voices. Their vocal harmonies are fantastic. Maybe it's not universally praised as a classic, but I enjoy these vibes so much. It's a classic for me. Can you even imagine pushing a debut album with such a hit as California Dreamin'? It's a fucking anthem. I've listened to it over 50 times and my target is 100 streams by 2030. The band existed for just 4 years, but their music left a mark forever. 4/5 —————————————— Liked: — Monday, Monday — Straight Shooter — Got A Feelin' — I Call Your Name — Go Where You Wanna Go — California Dreamin'
California dreaming on such a winter's dayyyyyyyy.
Floaty 60’s Ear Candy
A few tunes that helped define a generation
Better than I expected. The backing music sounds like the Beatles’ early efforts. Without the Fab Four, it’s likely that the M&P’s emphasis on harmonies and topical lyrics would have been even more influential. I can hear their influence on Jefferson Airplane, for example. A 4.
A folk pop classic. Great harmonies and some good tunes.
straight shooter is so underrated
monday monday - 6/10 straight shooter - 7/10 got a feelin - 9/10 i call your name - 6/10 do you wanna dance - 6/10 go where you wanna go - 5/10 california dreamin - 6/10 spanish harlem - 5/10 hey girl - 6/10 you baby - 7/10 the “in” crowd - 6/10 i have no clue why this album is getting so much hate? i understand it’s highly beatles influenced due to it being made in the sixties but it’s very catchy with its sunshine pop and folk-rock elements! i really enjoy the switch of lead singers from the women to men ratio giving the album a great balance of harmonic arrangements. as much as it sticks to the same sound it has many different touches of 60s elements like folk, jazz, slow music, empowering music, etc. after a while i see it’s repetitive course. although besides that its a very classic 60s piece with good vocals. overall album rating: 5.7/10
Okay, I liked this album a lot more than I expected! I wish I could go back and edit my previous ratings cause now I'm getting influenced. Of course California Dreamin' is such a classic, and it holds up so well. I also really liked Got a Feelin'. I honestly feel like this album is beyond it's time, and it's very dance-y
müthis
California Dreamin is basically THE song of the 60s. This album has a few other great songs as well.