Reviews (page 6 of 14)
Good album. It's the Mamas and the Papas
"Monday, Monday" and "California Dreamin'" are of course the bangers. The rest of it is surprisingly summery and delightful.
Here's the deal with me and pop music from the 1960s: most of the time it is just not my jam. I'm not talking about any of the psych-freakout music — whether it be folk or rock. I'm not talking about R&B or Rock 'n' Roll. I am talking about the pure pop with its attention to vocal harmonies and excellent studio musicians backing the song all dressed up in a mostly US West Coast package. I'm not down with 60s sunshine and good vibes most of the time, but when I want to surf that wave this is one of the records that satisfies every time.
Had my hopes set higher than delivered here, nothing bad but nothing life changing either. California Dreamin' is a clear 10/10 song though
Listened to this before it came up on the list. Big love. Not exactly life changing 6/7
I love the mama's and the papas so there's no way this was going to get less than four stars from me and with songs as iconic as "California Dreaming", there's no reason it should.
The only good thing to come out of incest.
Iconic band for me hippie times Solid 4 for me
A few really good songs, mostly just eh
Classic and solid work. A real snapshot in time.
feel good folk rock with admittedly dated references. however, the otherworldly harmonies, which are what the mamas and the papas are known for, are top notch. this one is a classic. highlights: “monday, monday” “california dreamin’ “ “spanish harlem”
Don't read up on the Mama's and the Papa's. Just... ...don't. Purely for the songs, this is four-star album, though.
Not really my deal, but this edges to a four on account of a few factors: First, there are some genuinely great songs - some cool arrangements, and better than decent lyrics. Second, you've got the harmonies - pitched somewhere between folk and Motown, they are impeccable and huge. It's like they hit a resonance and just glide, sounding more than just four people. Lastly, Cass Elliot's voice alone is a thing of beauty. When she's pushed to the fore in the mix, it's a real treat. Quite surprised that 'In Crowd' is the same track I've heard Bryan Ferry crooning, sounding like a dissolute iguana.
Man this album is great. Some all time classics on this one. Listen to this album and then watch some yt videos. They are infinitely more groovy than what we have now. When I was in 1st grade I had a pair of couderoy bell bottoms. They were the best pants I've ever owned.
Those voices together. Even in the songs that were less interesting compositionally, those harmonies just carry it all home
The best part of this album’s the arranging and both of the big hits Monday, Monday, and California Dreamin’ are quality. The harmonies on the rest of the songs are lovely, and the orchestration is great too. This is folk music, making raised to a high standard by vocal and orchestral arrangers who know what they’re doing and singers who can pull off this work with ease. The chord choices colour the otherwise simple songs and the use of chromaticism adds colour that takes this album out of the rock-folk genre and puts in a class of its own, while staying rooted in simple music Between The Mamas and the Papas and the Beach Boys, This kind of lush harmony really took off in this time. If there is a fatal flaw on the album, it’s the heavy use of reverb which actually muddies the musicality and dates the material to a particular era. Even so, they hits from this album, are timeless. Drugs, sex and longing never sounded so sunny.
Most of the album is a 3-star one but California Dreamin’ alone elevates it to a 4.
Good
Great album front to back, it's been a while since I've listened to any Mamas and Papas but, this was a fun listen.
Easy Listening and relaxing
Enjoyable listen from start to finish
Love the Mamas and the Papas, some great songs on this album but not ALL my favs
Solid bangers
first listen this is great
For the album cover, definitely 5⭐️, and to be honest, I think they could’ve fit one more person in for sure. For the album itself, love the sound, beautiful memories about some tunes.
Great classic 60s album, with clear influences from The Beatles' early stuff in some of the tracks, especially Straight Shooter. So many familiar songs, including a few I hadn't appreciated were by them, like Spanish Harlem and The 'In' Crowd. And of course the melodies and harmonies of California Dreamin' and Monday, Monday are divine. Favourite track: You Baby (reminds me of Let Her Dance by The Bobby Fuller Four)
Monday, Monday – 4.5 Straight Shooter – 4.5 Got A Feelin’ – 3.5 I Call Your Name – 4 Do You Wanna Dance – 4 Go Where You Wanna Go – 4 California Dreamin’ – 5 Spanish Harlem – 4 Somebody Groovy – 4 Hey Girl – 3 You Baby – 3.5 The “In” Crowd – 3 Average – 3.87 (4) Hippie Shit
Great sound production, some cookie cutter record label additions but overall maintains a clear theme/sound that defined the late 60s
This was fun. Vibrato kind of over the top, but as Grandpa Simpson would say "that was the style at the time".
Only just now realizing what a great band name that is for young people, haha. Although I wonder if those apostrophes are grammatical errors? 😂 Anyway, I have a soft spot for 'oldies', reminds me of car rides with my mom. California Dreamin' is the shit, but def not the only banger on here. All just feels warm and positive.
listened 3x. solid 3.9/5
Mega hyggelig! Nogle fantastiske numre
Fremragende! Mange sange som jeg virkelig har hørt mange gange igennem mit liv, hvilket er lidt vildt, siden jeg ikke kendte gruppens navn.. Det kan næsten kun argumentere for pladens berettigelse på listen.
Great group and darn good album
The Mothers and The Fathers epitomized everything the ‘60s was shifting to sonically. Not saying that every song here was successful in that sound (there are some definite better ones than others), but everything on here is essentially a template that combined what was done before and what was to flourish as the psychedelic age progressed
Pretty good overall. I knew 3 of the songs pretty well and was pleased by this album. Again, another band I had never really listened to an entire album from. The songs that I knew were from the radio and soundtracks. Most albums seem to end with weaker tracks. Not so on this album. I thought the last two song were the best. A pleasant surprise.
Great album
The sort of album where you go in expecting very little, progressively realise you know half the songs and they RULE, and end with a sense of serenity. Good stuff.
Some of the songs I liked a lot, some of them didn’t seem as substantial Torn between 3 and 4
groovy baby!! ok sorta hokey too but i liked it
Strays into sleepy folky a few times, but more than makes up for it elsewhere. Slowed-down "You Can't Do That" cover is superb; slowed-down "Do You Wanna Dance" loses something. Same-tempo "Spanish Harlem" is as pretty as it was written. And yes, the "California Dreamin" flute solo is still sublime.
I was not not the soft rock/folk music when it originally cam out but I learned to appreciate it over the years. I did come to really like the Mamas and Papas. Great harmonies, great instrumentalist and some really good writing. Even the covers they did brought something unique. Some of their best songs are on this album.
Totally pleasant! Mood boosting stuff that. Warm harmonies and an iconic recording style of the era which I always like
Perfectly pleasant nice stuff. Would be 3 stars but California Dreaming is just too good it gets a whole star for itself.
Their harmonies are unparalleled, and the hits here (such as "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday") are flawless snapshots of the '60s. That said, there are some filler tracks in there, between covers and otherwise less than notable numbers. Overall, though, it's a cozy listen. Too bad the monster that is John Phillips is involved.
The good ones are sublime, the other ones are good. Mama Cass and Michelle Phillips are amazing vocalists 🤩
Muito agradável, atemporal e com músicas extremamente agradáveis sonoramente. Contém o clássico que circula pelo tiktok mas tem outras que são extremamente chiclete que chegam a animar o ambiente
Went back and forth on whether to rate this a 3 or 4, but landing on 4. I can hear mom singing along to California Dreamin’ - major nostalgia factor here!
Solid mid 60s album that is unfortunately marred by what we know about the band mates.
From folk-pop hits to messy and disturbing relationships, The Mama's & The Papas music embodies a lot of the culture of the 1960s. While the album feels old now, you can't deny that they made plenty of hits on their debut "If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears". Best Songs: Got a Feelin', California Dreamin', Somebody Groovy Worst Songs: You Baby
This has great 1966 energy. You can’t help but like it.
Surprisingly pleasant album. Nothing remarkable but enjoyable throughout. Decent 7
I knew a few of these songs going in and was pleasantly surprised. Very good. Not quite a 5 for me but I did consider it.
Classic M&P
3.5/5 Best Track: California Dreamin'
Einige Hits! Sehr oldschool
Gewoon lekkah
This was good. Easy listening. Great harmonies. I have always wanted to hear more than their big songs. Choice cut: California Dreaming
Man, they did record some amazing pop albums in the 60s!
This was groovy and had a nice sound! Might return to it.
Not bad, a few songs I recognised!
Hit or miss. Mostly hit though
Great group, great album!
God stemning og relativt kort. Meget Beatles vibes
Well produced hit making album. 👌
Liked this more than I expected to. It’s more mid 60s jangly folk rock but the songs are solid, catchy and I’m a sucker for a harmony. Discovering so many contemporaries of the Beatles is also making me realise more how special they were, considering they basically pioneered this movement and achieved what they did in just 5-6 years. But I enjoyed this one twice and will keep a few highlights on rotation.
Great harmonies and a very unique style.
The album was NOT mixed for headphone gurlies 😩 (which, I mean, it wasn’t so that is no one’s fault) I really enjoyed the sound of this album - beautiful harmonies, fun melodies, sone really good songs. California Dreamin just simply is an all time classic!
60s fun in the sun vibes. Didn’t loveeeeee it, some songs were pretty boring. Harmonies on every single song slay the boots House down. Liked Monday, monday, and Somebody groovy. California dreaming is obviously one of the best songs of all time Like will listen everyday all day.
Interesting journey of the folkies. These cats lived ludicrous lives. Cool harmonies and tight wrecking crew? Backing. I think its big hal blaine on drums. CA dreaming strong non-tull case for flute rock
It's a pretty fine album overall that's **really** elevated (by a whole star, even) by the presence of "California Dreamin'". Like, imagine how this album would play without it; imagine if Barry McGuire **did** end up recording it—and y'get it, right? I mean, if all the hype sticker covering the toilet had to bring up was their cover of "I Call Your Name"...
A nice, simple, and groovy collection of pop tunes that have some lovely vocals. Short, but oh so sweet.
Perfect 60s music with big hits on it. 9/10
2 gigantic movie hits in California Dreamin and Monday Monday but I also really enjoyed the energy this album brought. 60's albums that manage to bring that happy go lucky vibe while singing about serious subjects are always great. 8/10
Two absolute bangers that defined the 60s and a bunch of wholesome tunes. 7/10
Pure ear candy that doesn't matter.
Awesome.
Great vocals harmonies with nice folk rock backing
❤️❤️❤️
Major slay
Classic 60s album!
The Mama’s & the Papa’s represent an era and a whole genre of music from the 60’s. Their music, which can be considered folk-rock and sunshine pop, is iconic for the California hippie vibe. “California Dreamin’” and “Monday, Monday” are smashing hits from this album.
About half of these songs have aged into cliche, but just because they’re pretty good.
Great 60s album
Schöne Zeitreise in die 60er.
Slick, easy listening
two great ones on here
Catchy album. Didn't know them outside of California Dreaming, but there's great harmonies across the board. And cool changes of style from the 60's pop vibe, to a swing.
Love those harmonizing voices.
B+ Monday, Monday 5 Straight Shooter 4 Got A Feelin' 5 I Call Your Name 5 Do You Wanna Dance 4 Go Where You Wanna Go 3 California Dreamin' 5 Spanish Harlem 4 Somebody Groovy 3 Hey Girl 3 You Baby 3 In Crowd 3 This is a classic 60s album and one of the few albums on here that I own on Vinyl. Hip, hip, hooray!
not bad
Westcoast Pop der 60er, schön anzuhören und man kann erahnen, wir unsere Eltern ihre Jugend erlebt und ihre Freiheit genossen haben
Wud have gotten a 5 star. But their best is the 16 greatest hits. We know greatest hits aren’t really albums per se. But that one is awesome😀
Pretty good
Pretty enjoyable! I can definitely see my self revisiting this in the future.
Bangin, production, writinng, melodies, tracks, slappin
I can’t believe my eyes quand je vois l’affreuse pochette. Qui affiche ses chiottes sur son premier album? C’est la plus grosse faute de goût d’un album qui en contient très peu. L’inusable “California Dreamin’” assure déjà un beau score à l’album. Le reste est fort sympathique, une ballade dans une atmosphère cotonneuse d’harmonies vocales et d’orchestrations tout en douceur. “Monday Monday” en ouverture, Mama Cass charmante sur “I Call Your Name”, reprise des Beatles, la douceur retro de “Do you wanna dance”. Lovely.
Great harmonies. Alfa Beatles cover. California Dreamin’ is amazing.
California dreamin' mostly but I've given worse a 4
A classic, many hits, pretty dark lyrics on a bed of jangly hippie tunes
Nobody Papas like The Mamas
Good album. California Dreaming is one of the all time best
Personal opinion 4 stars, but I see why it’s a big deal for the time. Cool music overall
Muy buen rollero, muy de los 60. Me ha gustado identificar canciones que conozco y así ubicarlas.
Nice tambourines in the background - hippie and folky.
Good album with a couple of great songs
8/10
I really like a lot of the music from the 60s. Simple melodies and easy to listen to. Mamas and Papas had great harmony. Some really good music on this album like California Dreamin and Come Monday.
I admit to having owned this album already for many years, though I think my version had the toilet censored with the graphic box listing the songs within. Overall a great selection of strong melodies.
About what I would have expected. Good album, easy listening. Some well-known classics in there.
I liked it!
Felt like a mix between the Beatles and Todd Rundgreen but also could have just been the sound of that era. Cool but probably wouldn’t listen to again
Pretty groovy! A subversive call to the Flower Children, wrapped in lush vocal harmonies. Also notable for the presence of "The Wrecking Crew", the studio musicians who actually played the music.
Nice one
they made their time
Very chill, great harmonies Definitely an album to come back to
Songs sind z.T. Klassiker. Melodien eingängig. Wieder LMR-Mix. Schlecht für Kopfhörer. Mix so lala.
I love the sound of this band, I always remember them as sounding more cinematic than the standard fare 1960's pop music that was out there. Like the way the first chorus of "Monday, Monday" comes in- it doesn't start on the downbeat of a measure, it's just some perfectly early pick up note that makes the chorus super memorable. It feels slow but in a good way. It feels more organic and less produced, like someone said "let's make the chorus like this because it sounds good", instead of "let's make the chorus like this because it's nice to sing it like this". "Do You Wanna Dance" is a nice version but I think the best is the Beach Boy's boppin version. If you're asking me to dance you better be playing for me some music to bop to. I don't know if maybe this was the version that made the song popular though. "California Dreamin'" is another example of a cinematic sound for me. Maybe because I think I heard it in movies and TV shows and commercials when I was growing up but there's some special quality to it. It's a nice album. I think it's one of my mom's favorite bands so there's no surprise that I like it so much.
Fun, vocal harmonies, magical.
Pretty good album with many well-known songs! I feel in general like they must've been a bit behind their time though, this feels more like late 50s music in some ways to me. Another downside is that I get a bit tired of their formula after a while, but it's still held together pretty well so it'll be a 4 for me!
I was a fan. I be California Dreamin - 9/10
Overall enjoyable, there’s a few songs I’ll def listen to again 8/10
8/10 - The panning is crazy in the whole album. I loved the vibes of the whole album and would listen to it again.
Wow. So many beautiful harmonies on one album. “Monday Monday” and “California Dreamin” are two of the best songs of the 1960s, in my opinion. But “Go Where You Wanna Go” really highlights the dysfunction of this volatile foursome. This is a great example of music where it’s difficult to separate the artist(s) from the music. Even though I adore their iconic sound, I can’t hear a Mamas and Papas song without also thinking about how truly dysfunctional a foursome they were. Michelle is the only one still living, and I hope that she’ll get behind a biopic some day.
The pinnacle sound of the 60's. I really dig the flower power good vibes of this album but lyrically it's nothing impressive. Undeniably influential though. California dreaming is a absolute powerhouse of a song. That flute solo is iconic.
Classic 60s hit. Good stuff.
Lots of hits!
i feel bad for the thicc one for having the most awkward expression, I do not know what straight shooter means, spanish harlem sucks hard but the rest is all pretty good, bit dated I guess,
Altijd lastig, zo'n album waarvan je een paar nummers al 100.000 keer gehoord hebt, en de rest nog nooit. Ik vond deze samengestelde familie altijd een heel fijn geluid hebben, direct herkenbaar en volgens mij nog nooit succesvol door een ander groepje nagedaan. En zelf hebben ze ook niet al te lang bestaan. Het is geen gecompliceerde muziek, maar het is wel een mooi potje samenzang, met het al meer dan een halve eeuw grijsgedraaide California Dreaming als hoogtepunt. Een paar van de andere nummers schieten er net naast (vooral Spanish Harlem klinkt voor geen meter), anders had ik waarschijnlijk wel een 5 gegeven.
Solid listen with some great classics.
The best of their best are here and their distinctive harmonies made you know right away you were listening to the Mama's and the Papa's. I always thought that flute solo in California Dreaming was iconic. It really set the mood and tone for a great song. They definitely made their mark in their time and this was an enjoyable listen.
Some classic songs on there
good listen, will go in oldies playlist
This is actually a very good album. You can tell that every song is made skillfully and is catchy yet has some elements that surprise you and can even make a song. Pretty enjoyable listen overall.
Some great songs, but slowed down in the middle
4.5
I feel like this is exactly what the mid 60s music sounded like outside of The Beatles and The Beach Boys. Some great songs, some ok songs, some covers that were fine. California Dreamin still slaps. 4/5
Bonne vibe qui me rappelle le debut des Beatles
Groovy!
Gorgeous 60s music, with (obviously) beautiful vocal harmonies. Favourite tracks: Monday Monday, Do You Wanna Dance, California Dreamin' (a stone cold classic), The "In" Crowd.
Bunch of classic songs. The stereo mix is a bit extreme
1. It's an album that shows what comes after. And it's simply good music, sung with passion and harmony. Also with a straightforward message. 2. Do I give this album higher score because of "California Dreamin"? Yes.
Good album with sold hits.
Fun and poppy
California Dreaming
Schönes Album, gut zum nebenbei hören. Entspannend.
1 listening is just not enough. Take you to the 60’ where the folk the pop and the psychedelic meet
Many bops. Symbolic of good 60s albums, lots of really good stuff on here. Some lush instrumentals also. To improve: more prominent mama cass and it would be a five star album (and less of the "dude")
Next 5 songs played by my Spotify Algorithm: Van Morrison- Brown-Eyed Girl Buffalo Springfield- For What it's Worth Carole King- I Feel the Earth Move Paul McCartney- Little Woman Love Bad finger- come and get it
Rating: 8/10 Best songs: Got a feelin’, Go where you wanna go, California dreamin
Great album, has aged well. Well produced: Highlights: Monday, Monday Straight Shooter Got a feeling’ I call your name California dreaming Somebody groovy
All the hits are 5's. Some not so great filler in there but some special non-singles.
Classic
Not bad at all
I think this was an instant classic at the time. I’d give it 5 stars for the time, but the style has clearly not aged well. It sounds dated but there are 2 hits that people still know 50+ years later. That’s a classic.
Few bangers and easy listening
Not bad, somewhat repetitive
I loved this thank you mamas and papas
Top notch folk pop
I like: Monday, Monday California Dreamin' Spanish Harlem
Honestly one of my favourite music genre and era. I love the group and I loved this album. Great songs!
Love ❤️
Gorgeous writing but uncomfortable production. The panning was soooo agressive.
This is a great album especially if you enjoy the folky rock music of the late 60s! Although I did not enjoy every track, it was pretty solid all the way through.
Lots of good vibes, great background music but not an everyday seek out.
Calefornia Dreamin 👌
Lots of songs I recognize. Definitely 60s. Influenced and influential
perfecto pop
cool
Very simple and straight forward - It's an entertaining album full of spectacular sounds and harmonies. The album cover is funny, silly... don't know how they come up with this other than it was a joke and decided to go for it. Standouts: Monday Monday, California Dreamin', Do You Wanna Dance, Go Where You Wanna Go, Spanish Harlem Others: Straight Shooter, Got a Feelin', 4/5
I was about to dismiss this as another band that would have been better served by a greatest hits. But the two singles aside - California dreaming is one of the great songs of the sixties. Monday Monday is superb. But the covers on this are pretty terrific. One of the more dysfunctional sixties bands, which is saying something, they were capable of moments of sublime transcendence. 4 stars.
I have this on vinyl, although unfortunately not with the valuable cover - the toilet bowl beside the bathtub has been covered, having been considered indecent. Really?? I was a big fan of the band, and I think Side 1 is the best album side they ever did. The four originals are all terrific, especially the opening & closing tracks. The 2 covers are both really interesting because they totally change the tempo in both - The Beatles’ I Call Your Name & Bobby Freeman’s Do You Wanna Dance are both slowed down to good effect. Monday Monday was the first M’s & P’s track I ever heard & I hadn’t heard anything quite like it before. However it was the 3rd single released off the album, making the Top 5 in Australia, after Go Where You Wanna Go, which charted nowhere & California Dreamin’, which was Top 5 in America but only made 87 in Australia & I have no memory of hearing it on the radio at the time, which is amazing, considering it may be the best thing they ever did. It opens Side 2, on which half the 6 songs are covers. Side 2 is less impressive - they don’t do much with 2 great songs - Spanish Harlem & In Crowd. And, apart from California Dreamin’, the originals aren’t as good as those on Side 1. But it’s still a hell of an album. Some of the Wrecking Crew provide the backing, most notably Hal Blaine on drums. Jazzman Bud Shank provides the flute solo on California Dreamin’. But it’s John Phillips songwriting, and the band’s harmonies that made their name. And the fabulous voice of Mama Cass.
Great background music. Occasional HIT in there too. How good is California Dreamin'
Nice to see an album use stereo well. It's almost weird how manufactured parts of this feels knowing they were an early hippy band. Can't believe a debut album would have two covers. Their voices and the musical harmonies are great for sure, you can tell everyone was trying to figure out how to blend (beach boys, them, Etc).
Amazing production. Such a polished album. Besides the hits the lyrical content for the most part isn't for me. The final song The In Crowd was cool but left me with an unsettling feeling.
ok 😎
this is where california dreamin is from
Fun rock, solid throughout, nothing special.
Some good hits. California dreamin was good.
Vocal harmony goodness
Easy to listen to. Very 60’s shoegazy.
4--
Not really my cup of tea but had its monents
Strong album, with some hits in there that have lasted the distance. 4 stars
Nää biisit on tullut kuultua toki monilla kokoelmilla, mutta musta tuntuu että tää eka täyspitkä on ehkä se paras kokonaisuus kyl! Yllätyksekseni tykkäsin tästä tosi paljon, joten nyt tulee kyl hyvän bongot 4/5
Biisit perussanantoistopoppitasoa.. Kuitenkin jo ennen revelaatiota oli albumissa yllättävän hyvä harmonia biisien välillä.. Albumi kriitikkokin häpeissään täällä numeroolleen..
Such nice melodies and composition, and the harmonies their four voices created were great.
Good, classic album.
4.5
California Dreaming still slaps
Good one!
The dreamiest, most gorgeous harmonizing in rock n' roll history. This is a phenomenal 60's record, a true joy from start to finish.
Solid album, really like it and this is the type of rock that I can comfortably listen to. Really good riffs and vocals and the cover art is timeless. The songs in this album sounds like Tarantino or Scorsese could use them in their films. This one is going to be one I listen to alot. 7/10.
I like the folky ABBA vibe California Dreamin best 3/4****
Vet du varför Mammutarna dog ut? Det fanns inga Papputar.
It goes without saying, but the vocals on this are just unreal. I have probably heard all of these songs before, but loved hearing them assembled together too. Also great to hear the first (I think) appearance of a Beatles cover in my 1001 review!
Well, I'll admit that I'm a sucker for vocal harmonies, so this is an album that I'm predisposed to like. Listening to it, I feel like it's about what I expected. The hits are fucking spectacular songs that I love. The other songs are fine, though unspectacular. I feel like the mix is a bit off on these tracks (though that could be the combination of YouTube quality and my speakers), since the vocals feel a little less prominent than they should be. They are the only thing about this music that is truly interesting, and yet they feel buried in some of the songs when they should be leading the way. On the other hand, this album sounds pretty advanced for 1966 4/5
Fun and catchy, obviously California Dreamin is super famous but I really did like the rest of the album as well. Pretty harmonies, I like the group composition and I don’t feel like we see many like it anymore now that most groups have a single singer or all one gender.
C'est du propre
album matinal crew
very lifting mood music and simple, but at the same time great lyrics!!
Starts off well with "Monday Monday," the first classics among many classics on this album. Some songs sound dated at this point, but overall pretty solid
To my knowledge, the only song by The Mamas & The Papas that I know is California Dreamin’. I have nice memories of driving to the Lake District while singing this so I’m quite looking forward to an album in full. Songs I already knew: California Dreamin’ Favourites: California Dreamin’, Do You Wanna Dance, Somebody Groovy This was a great album. The vocal harmonies, as we as the different vocal lines blended together sound excellent. The instrumentation stays interesting at all times. This made me want to throw on a tie-dye shirt and flares. I never expected to enjoy this album quite so much, but it was generally a lovely listen. Like honey for the ears. I’d definitely recommend this. Give it a try.
Even though a lot of 60's music runs together for me, I can't deny this one had some bangers. The worst tracks felt pretty formulaic for the time but the best ones were super catchy
Favourite tracks: Monday Monday; straight shooter; California dreamin; somebody groovy; the "in" crowd
Right on members of the In Crowd! This slice of 60s pop has a glow about it. There are the Mama and Papa singles everyone knows and they hold up. Good harmonies and a clean mix makes this a Time Machine of an album. It did make me think of the Monkees. I also can hear the B52s in some of the harmonies. Mama and Papa Dreaming of California Makes me feel groovy
Very fun very groovy
Hmmm it's alright
A lot of great harmonizing in this. Some really strong tracks, as well. Doesn't really carry through with the times, but still enjoyable to listen to.
Sound of an era!
Good stuff
Mama Cass, what a voice! CA pop from a bygone era.
Gewoon lekker, zondag muziek
Zoals de top review al zegt je hoor een boel Beatles en boel Beach Boys. Ik hou van vocal harmonies dus vond dit een leuk album, en natuurlijk een paar hits erop als straight shooter en californa dreaming die nooit echt saai worden. Solide 4 sterren
Yeah fine. Didn't know this is where the Ramones got their inspo from!
Simple pop songs, reminiscent of early Beatles, drenched in gorgeous harmonies and orchestration. This record juxtaposes sad lyrics with joyous melodies and arrangements, which is one my favourite music things. So good that I can overlook the gratuitous toilet and appalling grammar on the album cover. Rating: 4.5/5 Playlist track: California Dreaming Date listened: 04/07/23
So many great tunes, would have been incredible to be around at that point with classic songs being dished out daily. Most of this would be on a Greatest Hits
Really nice album!
California Dreamin' is amazing and the others songs are also good
Very pleasant
Encapsulates something about its era, though not an altogether unproblematic thing. That kind of peace and love vibe without that much actual content or thoughtful philosophy behind it. Beautiful music and especially signing though, and the lyrics, while often kind of vacuous, are winsome.
Solid
Dreamy
What can I say? I'm a sucker for vocal harmonies. The Mamas & The Papas have a sound making every song sound instantly recognizable.
california dreamin
Was very original for older music, unexpectedly subverted expectations.
Not aged that well. The songs are well written but the arrange and others instruments seems kinda lack deep
This is true 60s rock album. I think that it might stay with me for a long time
Such a good album, bit all over the place but overall a good album
I just can’t help but love the 60s. This album is definitely good and i’d love to give it a 4.5. But since there are so many amazing 60s albums, I’ll leave it at a 4
i knew i’d like the hits, and expected to be disappointed with the rest. that was true, but the rest was better than i expected. the vocal harmonies are often lovely, sometimes boring. the songs have a nice variety, but still relied heavily on covers. overall, a high 3 to low 4. i’ll bump them up to a 4, but it’s close
Certainly interesting reading about the founder, John, and of his escapades… but with that aside we are left with some classic 60s pop folk rock. There are some cataclysmic hits on this record, with some slower gap fillers. Overall, the male and female harmonization and lead singing hand offs come across with receptive enjoyment. The music is not highly mastered or having the highest fidelity. The music is reminiscent of Beatles, and beach boys, and I would generalize them by calling them fleetwood from the valley. But seriously, the founding member was a troubled human.
Another record that I was shocked by. For 1966, there are some great melodies and harmonies in here. Reminds of The Beach Boys as well.
Hard panning freaked me out but solid album
3.5 stars
When I think of the 60’s, I think of the beatles. But if you lived in that time you think of groups like this. Lesser known now but nearly as, it as influential as those big name bands. Listening to this album I went in with bias but was also hesitant. California Dreamin was one of the songs that got me into this music. This album is what keeps me loving this music. The songs may sound similar throughout but each show you exactly what was going through the minds of those growing up back then. The vocal harmony that the 4 members create is amazing and doesn’t let me down at all while listening. Michelle Phillips has one of my favorite voices of all time and you hear it on every song. I could go on and on about how great this album is, but I wont. If you want to listen to the pinnacle of early 60’s hippie/folk music, this is the album.
listened to this while driving home through rural illinois and felt like i was in a 60s road trip.
ALLL THE LEAVESSS ARE BROWNNN AND THE SKYYY IS GRAYYYY I love that song so much and I had no idea it was in this album So that was a pleasant surprise hehe Also Monday Monday was really relatable, and I loved how soft I Got a Feelin was. The whole album was generally great and I rly enjoyed listening to it
Favorite Song: Probably Monday, because, again, I'm basic. This album was so fun! My first introduction to The Mamas & The Papas was through the Peter, Paul, and Mary song "I Dig Rock and Roll Music", in which they poke fun at various other musicians, including TM&TP. Honestly though, I quite enjoyed this album. My only complaint was that all the songs sounded a bit similar, but with such beautiful harmonies, who minds?
that is really good, has california dreaming but honestly isnt the best song on there
heat: got a feeling do you wanna dance go where you wanna go california dreamin p good but nothing super special 7/10
That was pretty damn good. Loved the vocal layers. Will have to revisit it.
I was a fan of this. Pretty easy and solid listen
Another classic, full of hits!
The randomizer has kept me in the mid-60's Los Angeles, probably worse places to be. "If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears" is the debut album by the folk rock vocal group The Mamas and The Papas formed in LA and consisting of Americans John Phillips, Cass Elliot and Michelle Phillips and Canadian Denny Doherty. John Phillips was the group leader, arranger, musician and songwriter who adapted folk to the new beat style of 1960's with a sound based on group harmonies. As typical with albums at this time, five of the twelve songs are covers. The lyrics take a dark look at the sin and sleeze of the 60's LA culture with groovy and optimistic sounds. The album was their biggest commercial success reaching #1 on the US Billboard Album Chart. An interesting fact: there were five album covers created due to initial one with the controversial picture of a toilet. The Stones would take that toliet further a few years later adding graffiti. Their #1 hit "Monday, Monday" starts things off. The criss-cross vocals and harmonies. The baroque background with The Wrecking Crew as the backing band. Denny Doherty on lead vocals. Won the Grammy for best pop song. Well deserved. The fourth and final single released is the Bobby Freeman cover "Do You Wanna Dance," also covered by The Beach Boys. It's slower. Orchestral background again. A nice song. The first single released was "Go Where You Want to Go," based on a real-life story of Michelle Phillips having an affair with songwriter Russ Titelman. Michelle Phillips is the lead singer too. That's great. Fleetwood Mac taking copious notes. Side Two begins with one of the best harmonizing songs (may be the best) of all time in "California Dreamin.'" That Spanish-style guitar open. John Phillips wrote this song while in New York and longing for the California warmth. Michelle Phillips takes lead vocals on "Somebody Groovy." More 60's beat. It is pyschedelic and groovy. More criss-crissing vocals on "Hey Girl." He's warning the girl that the guy she's after is just trying to score. I'd be hard pressed to name better harmonizing vocals on an album. I was impressed with the darker lyrics of romance probably unique at that time in music. This is a really good album overall with not really a bad song on it.
Decent album, very swingy, feels like the Beatles for adults
Best hits with their classic harmonies
Gosh, I'd forgotten how many great pop tunes from my childhood emanated from this group. Some great stuff.
Nózia chodzi nie tylko przy "California Dreamin'"!
When you listen to their album you see that The Mamas & The Papas are often closer to a folksy sort of swing music with their interpretation of standards. 'California Dreamin' and other songs might give a different impression. This combination this album a worthwhile collection of songs.
3.5
Lots of great tunes on this, a very nice little listen
Ich mag die meisten Songs, weil sie sehr ruhig sind und ich die Stimmen mag. Bisher eine der Besten Alben bei der Website:)
Also ich mochte es aber so richtig besonders war es nicht. Also es war kein Song dabei den man nicht so ähnlich irgendwo schon mal gehört hat. Wenn es das geben würde, würde ich 3,5 Sterne geben
Album cover looks like it belongs to a facebook album from a year nine's house party. Like a combo of CSN and the Beach Boys, but with a Fleetwood Mac ratio. A charming listen. Didn't clock California Dreamin' was on this which puts it into very healthy territory. NB: want it known that I relistened to Jimi's album from yesterday not hungover and now disagree with myself. I'll be issuing a statement shortly.
Perhaps it was the name; perhaps it was one or two songs I'd heard before, but I always thought these were basically some parents on the governing board of a primary school or something. Meant I wasn't expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised. Many of the tunes on here are catchy, and Monday Monday came along at the right time. In fact, when it comes to songwriting, there's more to like on here than not to like, so fair play to them. In fact, I reckon if the same tunes came out now without that typical 1960s vibe we'd be raving about it. Not literally raving of course, that'd be difficult. Album art, what the hell are they doing, but if anything that's increased its score for me. They changed the album art in later editions, which I thought was understandable until I found out it was just to cover the toilet up because they didn't want poo on the album.
Excellent old-school pop/rock album. Similar to early Beatles and Pet Sounds. Would definitely listen again on a laid back day.
I love 60s pop music. This one also definitely has some 50s influences here and there but I also like that. Pretty fun album. Not the biggest world changing experience or anything but I don't think it has to be. Songs I Already Knew: Do You Wanna Dance (the Ramones version), California Dreamin' Songs I Really Liked: Straight Shooter, I Call Your Name, Do You Wanna Dance, California Dreamin', Somebody Groovy, Hey Girl, You Baby, The "In" Crowd
60s baby
A bit dated, but never not interesting.
Goof folk stuff, California Dreamin slaps, rest of album is good
Fun, relaxing, nice listen
Always great, always underrated.
Liked it.
I like it!
A gem for me. It starts to tire a bit by the end as there isn't a lot of variation, but beautiful harmonies, good production, and great songwriting. I feel like I'm transported directly to 1966 (in the best way). There isn't a bad track on this album. The treatment and subsequent early death of Cass Elliot was a tragedy. 8/10
Strong influence from the Beatles and the Beach Boys. Vocals carry the album, lots of good harmonizing. Not too much filler front to back. Standouts are "California Dreaming" which is a great song, a cut above the rest. And "Monday, Monday."
Incredible vocal performances, solid riffs and catchy melodies!
Pretty classic! Enjoyed it!
Man, California Dreamin is a great song. The rest was not bad - some was pretty catchy. I assume this was pretty influential so it gets a light 4.
Overall I enjoyed the album, I like the feel of this music. Laid back feel, mostly up beat. It has 2 absolute bangers and a couple decent songs also. It looks cheap online, I dont think ill order but I will be on the lookout for it.
nice pleasant 60s sound, some great tracks on there
8/10 - Although California Dreamin' was memed to death it's a solid album and a really good listen
Bit of a mixed bag. Some glorious songs, particularly Sunday, Sunday and the sublime California Dreaming but many of the other tracks are so, so and the covers ( especially Spanish Harlem) don't really add anything to the originals. Would give it 3. 5stars if that was possible, but California Dreaming knocks this up to 4 stars
Great album lots of good songs on here
Really enjoyed this project, great songwriting and despite its age it really holds up well. Well rounded overall, its enjoyable track after track but nothing on here is perfect. Just a great overall listen and definitely worth your time
01/02/2023 - 09/10/2023
Beautiful album, really interesting dynamic. It's a classic.
Never listened to the full album front to back - but I've heard almost all these songs before. This is an absolute classic and I still play some of these songs.
Nice album
Some good standout songs but a bit slow for my taste
Rebellion doesn't get any gentler than this
I actually liked the “other” songs on this album as much as the hits. Great bluesy piano and organs and great energy. Harmonies all throughout this album are fantastic
Some great songs on here that really hold up, especially California Dreaming and Monday Monday. A smooth transition of folk into folk rock.
A nice collection of 60s pop songs. It was an easy listen with California Dreaming being the clear standout track (though I liked straight shooter too). I’d give this a 3.5 if possible.
Mjööög góð plata very chill og næs
Loved this so much. Great album.
Monday Monday is nice I'm liking straight shooter very 60s vibe yes I never weep at night mmm I call your name I'm liking the sounds wait I never knew California dreamin was from them ayy very nice song I like it quite a lot
60’s gorgeousness Know more of these than I realised already
California Dreamin! This is an all-time hit, that will be celebrated for the years to come. Amazing song, followed by a very solid list of great songs in a very specific (at the time) genre of folk rock with a tsunami of harmonies. I think this is one of those albums that has so much fame, it's hard to overcome it and rate properly. Nevertheless, the soft and gentle voices of the quartet, together with unassuming music created really magical album.
bem clássico, agradável
All the leaves are brown
4/5 The more I hear it the better it gets. Still an older style, but it's good.
Incredible harmonies & beautiful arrangements. Fantastic album.
T3Bz 1. California Dreamin’ 2. Monday, Monday 3. Straight Shooter This album is a banger, nothing to really discuss, I knew going in what I liked from this, nothing changed after listening. Mandatory for this list. Solid 4!
Love the Mamas &The Papas.
I enjoyed this album a lot! One of my grandma's favorite groups and it's not hard to see why. The 60's just ooze out of every note of this album. Maybe not every song can reach the heights of Go Where You Wanna Go or California Dreamin' but they sure try and there is no fat on this album. You're in for 12 Ms & Ps tracks distilled down to their purest form. 4/5
Straight Shooter riff isn't a million miles from Last Train to Clarksville. The vocals have a passing resemblance to the Hollies. The last four songs are filler. It does contain sponge of the greatest pop ever recorded. I love the fact that John Phillips went from Svengali to being cuckolded and writing about it. He was a genius, and a twat.
mama cass fucking rules. this is carried by some laurel canyon heavy-hitters, monday monday and do you wanna dance, but it's really solid throughout. i prefer the beach boys "do you wanna dance" cover but i really like the feel they give this one. got a feelin' is really simple, but really emotional because they give it such texture. that's the name of the game for the mamas and the papas - they take something pretty simple, but give it layers that are delightful to hear
Not bad. Obviously has two massive hits on it. The rest isn't bad but such big drop offs.