Reviews (page 8 of 14)
I really like The Mamas & The Papas; I love this kind of music. I know most of their songs sound similar, but I really enjoy listening to them. I liked this album.
Rv
Love
pleasant
Fine. Most of the non-singles here are nowhere as good as the singles.
Easy listening, california dreaming went platinum as a kid
Hokey but enjoyable -
They don't make them like that any more, do they? It's very antiquated music. It sounds like Oldies. There's nothing wrong with that. You just very rarely get harmonies like that anymore in music. Monday, Monday & all the other hits are great. The slower cover of Do You Wanna Dance is interesting take. The In Crowd was good with the antiquated lyrics: If you're Square, don't go there is hilarious. 3 Ham Sandwich.
Hippie music from the '60s. That was before my time. Still, that era had an influence on my youth. There are a few tracks on the album that I really like. But the album as a whole is more than enough of that sound. I’ll listen to individual tracks again, but probably not the whole album. 3/5
California Dreamin’ may rank in my all time favorite songs. Love the vibe. The rest of the album is fine too. Enjoyed the harmonies and such.
I imagine on release this summed up a lot more going on in the world at the time
I’ve heard this one before. I’m a sucker for a good vocal harmony, and I love the production on these early/mid sixties albums. The radio hits are all good and there are some nice deep cuts as well, although there’s some filler and the last song doesn’t really stick the landing. Altogether a solid album.
Sonido típico de los 60's, claras influencias de los Beatles (no copias, influencias). Bastantes temas similares entre sí. California Dreamin es un temazo y siempre va a ser un temazo. No se salieron mucho del molde, pero los amo aunque sean abusadores.
Meh
Yes, yes, California Dreamin' is legendary. And I'd happily listen to that over and over. But the rest of the album is the generic pop of the 60s.
Well this was alright. Some country vibes, early pop blues and modest harmonizing here and there. Doesn't set the world on fire but quite nice for driving.
Not a bad album, easy listening. I new a few songs already, I will listen to it again a few times. If I will remember it and search for it to listen to, probably not. Some songs I added to my playlist, to remember.
“monday, Monday” and “california dreaming” pretty good… otherwise, sappy wilp/narc music
Escuchando esto un lunes, que coincidencia. No es mucho mi estilo. Cada canción se derrite junto la otra. Buenas melodías. A excepción de 3 canciones, el álbum no me resulta muy memorable.
Si, es el álbum que tiene California Dreamin', mas que ese hitazo no hay demasiado, dos o tres temas más que son lindos y pegadizos, pero es otra banda tratando de replicar la fórmula Beatle, igual está bueno para ponerlo de fondo.
Amazing vocals and harmonies. About 3 classics and the rest are forgettable.
čavoglave dreamin > california dreamin sasvim neloše, al malo svaka pjesma predugo traje, pa postane repetitivna
Enjoyed it. Definitely could see the influence that it had on music throughout the years. Realistically, probably won't listen again though.
It's Monday Monday listening to this album So far so good. Since starting this journey of listening to the whole albums there some good deep cuts.
Eww
Gorgeous vocals. A lovely album.
California Dreamin'
Very middle of the road album but I will admit the lyrics were fire. I dig their blend too. Highlights: California Dreamin (ofc), Spanish Harlem
Swooping pop sounds from some tracks, Beatles sound from others. Straight Shooter sounds a lot like Baby You Can Drive My Car. Go Where You Wanna Go is a great track. The rest of the songs are less remarkable, but I enjoyed the album.
What if we took the Beatles, put them in sunny California, and let them rip. Thats what happened here I am sure of it.
Oh yeah, the Mamas and the Papas. So many songs on here that we've all heard over the years, with their lovely harmonies and memorable tunes. One thing I have to complain about is these apostrophes in the band's name on the album cover. I can't believe (my eyes and ears) that they would let that go through. 3 stars. I know this is objectively good, but this genre isn't for me.
It is of course an album based around the two big hits “Monday, Monday” and pop masterpiece “California Dreamin’” but it is nevertheless a reasonably decent listen all the way through. The blend of the voices is the focus and the flower-power sunshine sound paints an idyllic version of the mid 60s. Probably more culturally significant than musically though.
Hyviä hittejä löytyy. Lopulta ehkä hieman tylsä, mutta hitit pelastaa.
Classic. Very clean sound that manages to blend a lot of genres that hadn't necessarily been done together before. You can hear the folky roots pressing up against the nascent psychedelia of the era, as well as hints of classic post war vocal groups. All together it's a nice listen. Nothing mind blowing, but the vocals especially are really dialed in. I'm going 3.5/5 on this one.
Great harmonies. The album does sound dated though.
California Dreaming is really a pretty fantastic song. The lyrics and haunting backing vocals capture the vibe of a dreary grey day that really resonates this time of year. That said, just about the rest of the entire album I found sleepy and honestly kind of boring. It felt like there was really a lack of creativity. I get that this is a pop album of the time and not something avant garde but I did expect there to be a little more edge to this.
It's quite good. Very enjoyable. 3 & 1/2
Great album, some classics
liked the voice but not really my style
Monday, Monday - 3.5/5 Straight Shooter - 3.5/5 Got a Feelin' - 3/5 I Call Your Name - 3/5 Do You Wanna Dance - 3/5 Go Where You Wanna Go - 3/5 California Dreamin' - 5/5 Spanish Harlem - 3/5 Somebody Groovy - 3/5 Hey Girl - 3/5 You Baby - 3/5 In Crowd - 3/5 California Dreamin' alone makes this album worth it. However, the rest of the album is just mush so that's 2 stars for one song along and 1 for the rest of it. Overall: 3/5 Favorites: California Dreamin'
Don't listen to with only one earphone in lol
3.5 - oddly enjoyed this
Nice classic 60s album with three all time classics. The production feels very dated which does hold it back a little, but a very nice listen. 7/10
It was not my thing but that might've been soured by what happened to the band afterwards so it just feels hollow to me. Favourite: California Dreaming Score: 5/10
came for chungking express and a jens lekman sample-source, stayed for the wonderful vocals! the second half of the record is a bit more cookie-cutter, but it's all so well-sung and pleasant, and the good stuff is genuinely emotionally diverse and interesting. lovely!
Clásico entretenido California Dreamin es un temon, y además tienen otras canciones que no se quedan tan atrás
Nice
Incredible harmonies wowee. Just a a lovely listen overall but would I bother listening to the entire album again? Nah Favourite song in this one is California Dreamin (again sorry if that’s basic) the harmonies really shine in that one.
This is a decent album some big hits. I liked Monday, Monday and California Dreamin’. I’m not sure if I liked much else. The harmonies are good. I just think it’s soft pop music.
Very summery, very wholesome, and ridiculously sugar-y 60's pop album. The big hit "California Dreamin'" is of course the best thing here, but the rest is nothing to scoff at. A jolly good time all the way through. Key tracks: Monday, Monday California Dreamin'
This felt a lot longer than it was. I think I've heard the popular ones way too many times and the rest of it was already been digested by pop culture long ago. It sounds really dated and boring. Pretty songs though!
Tiesin avausraidan. Vaikka laulut on taidokkaita, ei oikein iske.
"California Dreaming" me dejo las expectativas muy altas, no es que me haya parecido mal el álbum, he descubierto canciones que suenan muy bien, pero en general me ha decepcionado un poco.
3.5
It's nice folk and groovy. Really nice vibes. If this was my favorite genre it would be a 5.
Monday Monday - I feel like this song kicks of so many movies. Maybe not, but it should. Overall enjoyed this album.
243/1089 starting off with monday monday and they certainly have a distinct and era-specific sound, i don’t hate it California Dreamin’ is SO good, the rest of the album is just nice though i think 53/100
This was pretty good. Very folky but their choices really go together nicely.
This is a 60s, acoustic guitar and harmonies album. Its has a few blues-y moments here and there. Like at the start of "I Call Your Name". But the overall feeling is mostly folk-y or swinging 60s mop-top style rock. The big hit from this album is "California Dreamin'". And there are a handful of other familiar songs too. This is a fun album, full of enjoyable riffs and uplifting vocals. All four voices in the band compliment each other so completely that you cant imagine any of the songs sounding any other way that as they do on this album. I enjoyed this album, but I dont think that it is my preferred style. Im not 100% sure I would listen again. But not because I dislike any of the songs. I just dont love them. (2.500)
Was good for what it is, but wears thin after a while
Monday, Monday, California Dreaming, and Go Where You Wanna Go are all iconic songs from the 1960s. California Dreaming is also on that list of 5 or 6 songs they play in film or TV to make sure you know for sure a scene is taking place in the 1960s. This is not music I generally listen to and it's hard to appreciate the cultural impact of albums like this and 60's folk music in general. Definitely worth listening to just for some of the harmonies alone.
Couple of classics
Cerramos la semana con una banda clásica, que como a tantas de este reto sólo ubicaba por sus temas conocidos. Disco ideal para una mañana fresca de pre-otoño, como todo lo folk/hippie. Me encantó su versión de "Do You Wanna Dance", la cual conocí en su momento por los Ramones. Y demás está hablar de California Dreamin', un clásico eterno. Gracias y hasta el lunes.
While the groovy sentiments are a little hard to stomach, and "The In Crowd" is almost offensive, there's a lot of good music on this record and a few standout tracks. Ultimately, the weak material weighs equally on the scale with the high points.
Firstly, California Dreamin is one of the all time great songs. It’s so great. The rest are mostly middling but do have a nice sound. Secondly, I went down such a Wikipedia rabbit hole and this band was insane actually. John Phillips sounds like he was pure evil. I really feel for Cass Elliot though, particularly as I am about the same weight as she was (that she constantly ostracised etc. for being) and also I am currently the same age she died at (32). So I actually was super moved reading a bit about Cass and I feel like she still hasn’t gotten the justice she seems to deserve. (3.5 stars)
Boring.
The music is pretty fine. It's not the best thing in the world, but I'd listen to it again. California Dreamin' is great, but none of the other songs stood out to me.
Straight shooter "every other day" is perfect. For some reason the in crowd had a very different feel to me than the rest of the album.
Some good songs I know and one or two that are new to me that I liked. Generally samey, and the cover of Spanish Harlem going "lala lala" throughout annoyed me. Generally good tho
Great album spotty but overall great listen!
not being super impressed by this but still nice to listen to, i’d listen to it when i’m struggling about what i want to listen to
California Dreamin’ is a five star banger. The rest of this record bored me.
Reminded me of something that would be played on Euphoria in an ironic way.
Beyond the two hits, there’s not a lot to love on this record, but nothing to hate either.
Mostly enjoyable. Liked CA Dreamin and Somebody Groovy best.
3/3/26 - Listening while doing some work. I was a bit disappointed in this album given what I know about the Mama's and the Papa's. It was fine but not anything I need to listen to again. Top Song - Monday, Monday
hippie classic i guess, not really my mood again
Un par de canciones que conocía, el álbum bien en general
Was a fun listen. No takeaways from me. I was surprised to see this labeled as "pop" music. Apparently I would've enjoyed pop music back then!
Very good
It's a nice album, interesting, several great songs, specially Monday Monday and the classic California dreaming. However, some of the songs are just a bit boring. 3,4.
another King's Classics album, for sure. wonderful stuff, but why did every white friend group in the 60s decide they would start making music that sounds really ominous and strange sometimes?
I like California Dreaming, and I don't remember the rest of the album (nothing too bad or too great, just good listening).
pleasant as hell
Aurally inoffensive.
Beatles but a lot worse and the stereo-effect/split is haunting on some tracks. But 2 bangers at least.
This was fine, not really my kind of thing. I could enjoy the songs and they were inoffensive but they weren’t anything exciting to my ears.
Dober album
Shana loved this one.
I don’t know. Two classics. Some decent songs. Some fluff. 3 stars for reminding me of the Brady bunch.
Enjoyable if a bit forgettable.
81. all the leaves are brooown
This was the very essence of "easy listening". It was pleasant.
Great
3/5 It's really hard to believe this and my last album (Nina Simone's Wild is the Wind) were BOTH released in 1966. In comparison it feels far from revolutionary or extraordinary. A lot of the reviews on this site seem to say it's "fine" and I would agree. It's very agreeable music that doesn't say a whole lot or engage me as an album past just being some songs. Maybe there's more past that but it's not really engaging enough for me to care to look for more than that. "Monday, Monday" and "California Dreamin" carry the album above a lower score.
Yeah, I didn't hate this but it's not something I'll go back to. You can't deny the greatness of "California Dreamin'" but the rest is just alright.
not bad at all
Kind of one of those albums with lots of songs you know that you don't know you know. So I thought that these were all cover versions in a fine kind of 60s folk pop way but maybe not as good as the more well-known versions like Spanish Harlem. But it turns out these are some of the originals like Monday, Monday... and California Dreaming. So definitely some pretty serious song writing chops going on. But didn't warm to it massively. 3 out of 5 stars because of California Dreaming.
Enjoyable and easy. Some big hits, some covers, and great singing throughout.
Classic jangly folk-pop. I have to admit that those apostrophes really bother me, though.
Musique très sixties. Un peu (beaucoup) dans le style des Beatles, américains, groupe. Ambiance Ivy League. « California Dreamin’» est très connu et représente au mieux l’album. « I call your name » est très sympa. Note : 7/10
#41/1001🇺🇸 60s California - what a time to be alive. Monday, Monday was the perfect start to my Monday morning. California Dreamin' is one of the most perfect songs ever written: the lyrics, the harmonies and the flute solo!! I'll never tire of hearing it. I enjoyed the cover of Spanish Harlem too and the rest of the album just breezed by nicely. A perfect document of its time, there is a lot to enjoy here and i feel a bit mean just giving it a 3 but the review is for the album. Not just one track. Best Tracks: California Dreamin' on repeat.
This album is what you’d expect from a group with this name from the 60s. It’s got a little bit of rock and pop elements and a bit of a groove. It sounds good, but i personally wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to this album.
It's nice. Fun. Would I pay for it? No. Would I turn it off? No. Is it a 3? Yes, about as 3 as an album can get.
2 admittedly great songs do not make an album essential listening. Besides, you've heard these songs a million times already. Unless you're completely immersed in the 60s folk vibe this album gets pretty boringly repetitive. I would go 2.75 but that is not an option here.
Album No. 0153 on my list. Like everyone else, I had of course known "California Dreamin'", and "Monday, Monday". But that was it. I had not ever listened to any other song from "If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears". I know that this is a hallmark record of the hippie era, so I was curious what I was getting into here. To be honest, none of the other tracks quite reach the level of the two aforementioned hits, i.e. the album's two biggest hits. I like the singing on pretty much all tracks - the band really had quite some talent. But I'm not the biggest fan of the lyrics as well as the overall vibe. Yes, it's a pretty good glimpse into the whole hippie thing, but I think it's just not my cup of tea. Beside the two mentioned uber-hits, I'll add "Go Where You Wanna Go" to my playlist, because it's such a peak hippie song. Regarding the final verdict, I'm kinda unsure and torn between 3 and 4 stars. I guess that once again I let fate decide and toss a (virtual) coin, sooooo... ... 3/5 stars.
No. 105 easy listening with a few great songs.
First of all, what's with the apostrophes in their name on the cover. Who approved this? Otherwise, a classic sound and a couple of immortal tunes, the enjoyment of which is significantly dampened by the accusations against bandleader John Phillips.
Some great songs (Monday, Monday; California Dreamin', Go Where You Wanna Go) with a LOT of filler (I Call Your Name, Do You Wanna Dance, Spanish Harlem, the rest of the album pretty much).
A solid three, some nice tracks, some that I couldn't tell you about. A nice pace, was building some flatpack furniture whilst listening to this and had to switch to something a bit faster in order to complete it as I'd fallen behind.
The mixing always feels like they are running around you while playing. Probably the cutest sounding band with almost as many scandals as Fleetwood Mac. The music itself feels very dated, but the production and multilayered vocals are still iconic to this day. The highlights for me are “Monday, Monday,” “California Dreamin’,” and “Straight Shooter.” There are no bad songs on If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears and not counting "California Dreamin'" does not feel like a legendary work in today's music world. 7.5/10.
meh, was misschien goed voor zn tijd ma die tijd is wel voorbij niet echt mijn ding tbh
Harmonious, retro positivity
Dreamy melodies evoking sun, sea and surf boards. But like The Beach Boys, it becomes a bit repetitive
Exactly how I imagine the sixties were
Like a cross between the Beatles and the Beach boys. Two (three with Go Where you Wanna go) beautiful songs carry the album. But we have to judge it as an album, warts and dodgy Spector covers included. 3*
I thought this would be worse than it was. It was fine, but just probably not something I will come back to.
I was surprised by how disappointed I was by the full album. There’s the beautiful harmonious hits (you know ‘em!) but then most of the rest leans into too much orchestrated schmaltz to overwhelm the vocal harmonious and counterculture touches. Funny how the 60’s “Baroque Pop” mode can either sound like lovely pseudo psychedelic (see: Left Banke) or veer too much into Brill Building dreck (see: this!)
I like the hits here well enough, but that's all I need.
Another group that would have been best served with a hits collection. 20th Century Masters is a good one. Anyway, there are two all time killer tracks here, Monday Monday and California Dreamin’. Perfection. The rest? Great harmonies and so so songs
There's a reason everyone knows "Monday, Monday" and "California Dreamin'." They really stand out as pretty exceptionally crafted songs amid a lot of very run-of-the-mill 60s folk, which is just personally not my thing. To be fair, I think their harmonies really sound great, and I was never bored or mad, which I can be with this sort of thing. But aside from those two tracks, nothing really popped for me, and the covers, in particular, were a disappointment because I felt like they didn't do enough to elevate or put a unique spin on the material.
Great harmonies and tunes. I had never really looked up M&Ps before this and didn't realize they were only a band for a small number of years. Got some incredible hits out of them in this time.
why does this feel ominous and sad when it’s not supposed to be? not bad but not my favorite.
3/5
A true classic, with Monday, Monday and California Dreamin' being timeless iconic hits. Much of this does feel dated, though. And I also really struggle with the grammatical inaccuracy of "Mama's and Papa's" on the album artwork. I would have rounded this 3.5 down to 3 anyway, but I don't feel that bad about it because of the grammar.
Such a 60's hippie pop sound that I feel like really can't be replicated anywhere else, I think the vocals are what sell me intensely, something about harmonizing melodies with all group members of the band sound so hypnotic. A very good listen overall usually not my typical genre but great sound.
God damned hippies.
i like it but really a definition of an oldie
Ytterligare ett sånt där album där ett par låtar är toppen och resten är mjääh. Nä, under andralyssningen känner jag starkt att jag var väl hård här ovan. Det är mycket som är riktigt ball och mysigt så det förslår. Mjääh-kvoten väsentligt mindre, även om det måste sägas att denna tråkmåns och normie håller california dreamin’ med god marginal högst här, trots allt. Hyfsat stark 3a.
60-talspop är så tråkigt och det är så svårt att fokusera :( 3:a pga bangern
better than I was expecting tbh
3.5
There’s some interesting cover songs and Monday, Monday and California Dreaming are classics. But for me the last half of this falls off and ends pretty flat.
Good album overall
Again, another album that's ok. Eat to listen to. Couple of hits. Will not be running out to buy it.
I am in fact, California dreamin' on such a winter's day. I liked this album. It's a good listen for when you just want something more chilled out. That's not what I'm always in the mood for, but when I am, I probably would listen to this again. However, after California Dreamin' the album did start to get a bit boring. I just didn't like the last 5 songs that much. I mean they were fine, but when they're compared to the first half of the album, they just aren't as good.
i dont normally fuck with grandpa music but this was alright
Beautiful harmonies.
decent album just not my thing
Not something I'd ever reach for to put on myself, but not a bad listen. Fairly dated sound and nothing that is particularly grabbing, but has some nice moments that make the album enjoyable. Top tracks: Got A Feelin', California Dreamin', Spanish Harlem
I love the hits from The Mamas & The Papas, but I wasn't so captivated by this album. It's the sound of the time, which I appreciate.
Very 60s
First listen
Good album, I like some of the slower songs on this even though that’s typically not my vibe… would not listen to actively but maybe if I was hosting or cooking.
Decent 60s pop/rock, if somewhat generic musically. Pleasing harmonies.
Very on theme for the time, amazing voices paired together for harmony
60s music of the 60s variety.
Classic Mamas & Papas with all the songs you know... 60's grooving would have been better high
The Good: No tom-foolery here! The Bad: Wait.. my eyes and ears have been deceived… The Ugly: Distrust… all about distrust… My first thought when this album presented itself was “oh shit, not another ‘60s psychedelic album”… yet, that opening track was awesome! I couldn’t believe my ears! Of course, the rest of the album, including California Dreaming, was enough for me to look forward to the album ending… Sad really, because the harmonies are nice, they all know how to use their voice… just that I don’t like the era… Straight down the middle as they do deserve some points… 2 1/2 upgraded
Meh?
Alright if you like this sort of thing. I do like hearing their hits...memories of early childhood, time, place etc.
chungking express bumped this rating a whole point.
Another classic album that influenced its own genre to the max and has been sampled so many times. You can feel the chill hippie vibe of California that also brings that dark depressing edge that you think of when you imagine the 60s and the influence of what was happening politically or I would say I guess the lack there of considering the white band members. Some standouts included I call your name and Spanish Harlem. A fun album to get drunk to/dance around to.Probably one of the original concepts of happy upbeat music paired with sad depressing lonely lyrics.
Nice slice of 60s pop, great melodies and harmonies, fun songwriting.
idk why but i feel nostalgic
im sick of constantly getting folky albums pls leave me alone
I'm a proofreader so I immediately hate the cover. Apostrophes do not make plurals. Otherwise, an appropriate assignment on a Monday. Lovely harmonies and harpsichord. Songs did fade into the background a bit, aside from California Dreamin'.
The quintessential 60s band and the quintessential 60s sound. It is dated but in a nostalgic way, not a cringe way. I liked it. 3 stars.
Easy listen, fun and enjoyable
Definitely an album that made history, that was listened a lot in the 70s and formed the music taste of a lot of people. It's not very my genre but the different voices and the instruments blend really well together. I personally think that the are only few chense that I would ever listen again this album. Only maybe in a road trip.
Sunshine pop som skabte Californialyden. Der er en optimisme over det og de viser også hvordan man kan bruge stemmen som instrument på den måde det er layered. Det har inspireret store kunstnere som the Beach Boys. Ellers er det en del af folk revival men viser at den kan forenes sammen med poppen. Så det er meget radiovenlige og korte sange som appelerer til et bredt publikum i tekster fordi det handler om længsel efter et sted og kærlighed og brud osv. ellers er det baroque pop i tidlig form grundet de sofistikerede arrangementer. Jeg har faktisk fundet ud af jeg virkelig godt kan lide musik fra 60’erne, jeg synes godt nok det har en fantastisk charme over sig. Men jeg kan bedre lide velvet underground end det her f.eks. eller fairport convention. Så bare en smule mere rocket end det her, det bliver lidt for poppet til mig selvom det er meget godt. Der er bare noget af det som minder mig om jingle og julemusik tbh.
fabulous. a group i grew to love and appreciate when i got older, their sound was 'too dated' when i was a kid/teen, wasn't digging it - now monday monday is sublime!
The recording itself is the work of art here. Sonically thrilling. Harmonies soar. Singles bang. Everything else is pretty meh.
Lots of songs I didn’t feel compelled to skip. Didn’t realize how many of those songs were theirs.
Liked…didn’t love. Great voices, but some of the songs made me sleepy. Other than California Dreaming (obviously) idk that’d I’d fully listen through any of the other songs again, but I didn’t skip any so that gotta mean something🙈 if there was decimals I’d give it a 2.8 but since there isn’t and I follow the rounding rules I’ll give it a 3.
I’m a sucker for harmonies. Their voices were great. The album was melodic and airy. Loved a lot of songs and didn’t feel like I should skip any. Thought the mix was great. It felt like a good collection of songs but didn’t really have an “album” feel. It felt like they could all be singles.
Great melodies and harmonizing. Enjoyable from front to back.
Standout track is California Dreaming. The rest of the tracks are a bit 'variety show' cover. Even Monday Monday is kinda dull in retrospect. But no doubting the harmonies are great, even though the orchestral and session arrangements behind them sound weak. 3. +1 for California Dreaming. -1 for the album cover apostrophe abuse.
3 out of 5 The epitome of the flower child hippie era. Some great tunes.
It was decent for playing in the background. I get the appeal and obviously there are a couple of great songs on this record, but probably not something I'll purposely search out to hear all of it again. Like much of their music, it's pretty and easy to listen to.
Some outstanding tracks on this album. Some others that wash over you.
Everyone knows the opening track, "Monday, Monday" (118M listens), either from the radio, movies or tv. It's a clean harmonious sound that sounds more 70's than 60's, ahead of it's time I guess. Same can be said for the mega hit "California Dreamin'" (1.2B listens!) which bridges generations and is still a radio/tv/movie staple 60 years later. The glue track like "Straight Shooter" (18M), "I Call Your Name" and "Go Where You Wanna Go" showcase their sound and hold the album together. There's no way their backing band isn't the same one The Monkees used, it just sounds way too similar (and came out the same year). Nice mix of songs, good blend of voices and lead vocal duties, they sound very 60's but not dated. They should have skipped the remake of "Do You Wanna Dance", they drained the soul out of it making it their own. "Spanish Harlem" isn't as bad but not needed. "You Baby" is just weak and syrupy. You can hear influence they had on bands like The B-52's, ABBA, The Go-Go's, Simon & Garfunkel, The Bangles, Head & The Heart, a ton of girl bands and Amy Winehouse (listen to "The "In" Crowd"!). 3.5 stars for two huge hits, influence, longevity/impact - negatives are a dated sound and some weak cover songs.
Cool
"California Dreamin" is still just as great nearly 60 years later. It's become an iconic representation of a musical era, and it's built on perfect harmonies and an instantly memorable melody. The verse sections are often overlooked, with John Phillips' gruffer vocals giving things another dimension. One of the greats. "Monday, Monday" is the other clear standout. Despite how well known it is, I definitely had forgotten just how layered and good a song it is. "The In Crowd" is worth calling out too, bringing a bit of 60s groove into the mix. The harmonies are consistently excellent across the album and are easily its defining feature. Outside of its best-known songs though, the album never really reaches the same heights, but it still remains a very enjoyable and culturally significant listen.
Def reminds me of being dead. Monday,Monday is the best one on here.
I think they are some good songs on there (got a feeling), some are terrible (the in crowd, cause nothing says I'm cool more than saying it litteraly) but ultimately it doesn't matter. I think California Dreamin is one of the whole time great collective songs, that everybody knows, that are truly mainstay and shaping culture as we know it. Every few years, a reprise of the song goes viral and that makes perfect sense to me it is that good. Therefore yes it's not awesome as an album, but it should be there anyway.
3.4/5 some beautiful harmonies and singles
Somewhat blends together for me, good but idk if I’ll ever enjoy it more than passingly. At the time it may have been sick but doesn’t stand out to me.
the songs you know are great the rest are songs
There were not as many standouts as I thought. 3 stars
A decent album not really my taste
Whilst the singles are definitely the standouts - especially California Dreamin' which is forever linked with Chungking Express for me - this is still a pretty lovely record. Great harmonies and some very breezy music behind it all.
Solid and same-sie - good for a bop in the kitchen
a very fun and chill listen. there are several very good songs that have been added to my playlists, but there were also a couple that i’ll definitely never seek out again.
Great hits, beautiful vocals. Very 60s
Nice 60s pop album, but there are lots of other 60s bands that do this style better.
342/1089 - It was pleasant but definitely went in one ear then out the other.
Lovely harmonies and some classic tracks. Hard not to like.
Averaged: 5/10 Favorite: California Dreamin'
me da muchas vibes de dirty dancing alfkks
Nice enough 60s folk with the monster hits in "California Dreamin'", "Monday, Monday" and "Go Where You Wanna Go", but suffers immensely from that 60s era split stereo production where one voice or instrument is in one ear and other voices and instruments in the other. I've always hated that
Sounds like they set out to make the most 60s sounding record possible. Also terrible album cover. California Dreamin' is an excellent song though.
Competent.
This is pleasant, competent, and I don’t feel compelled by it. I know it stands at a pivotal point in rock/pop history, but I guess I agree that the songs come across as anodyne because the album won. This is pop, unremarkable almost today, but it hit at exactly the right time.
A little bit cooler than expected
Groovyyyy babyyyy
Nice vocal harmonizations, but I barely listen to it.
Great harmonies of course and honestly, it's Mama Cass' voice that pushes these songs to great heights. I wish I could ding this for John Phillips as a human being, but maybe keeping it at 4 does that. I can only take so much of their easy folksy melody/harmony thing. A whole album is tough. Actually, I will ding to 3.
Three really great songs and some great harmonizing.
It was just fine, very 60s, feels a lot like "beach boys but with some women too"
Harmonies blend nicely on these catchy folk pop tunes. Can see why they were liked in the 6Os. My rating 3.3
Aye man California Dreamin’ is an all timer so this album spawned at a 3 🤷🏾♂️ Honestly it was a good listen overall, the 60s pop sound is either a hit or miss for me. They shined on enough of a chunk of the album that qualifies for a 3
The Mama's and The Papa's are a band I have heard the name of many times and are only really familiar with their iconic single California Dreamin', so when I got told to hear their debut album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears by the 1001 albums to hear before I die challenge I was curious to see what would be in store. If you are a fan of 60s Pop music then you will definitely get a kick out of the vocal stacking the band does here as it gives off that sunny feeling akin to Beach Boys. The songwriting here isn't the most sharp or even compelling but I think the showmanship of this album is really the shining star of the entire album. The chemistry of all 4 members is so defined and striking that you can't help but adore the charm of it all. I can see why someone would call this an essential album but personally I think it is a product of its' time with a few notable songs and nothing more. Nuff said.
Catchy tunes and good vibes all around on this one
Enjoyable, straight shooter is great.
Best Track - "California Dreamin"
DEI Beatles
Some good l. Some not so good. A bit cheesy and dated.
Pretty catchy
Boring
Nice vibe. California dreaming
5.0/10
California dreaming is their best song, good album
My favorite thing about The Mamas and the Papas is when Mama Michelle ate a banana on the talk show because she was mad about having to lip sync.
Contiene sus dos mas famosos hits. Impresionante para un primer album aunque como se suele decir " Tienes toda la vida para preparar un buen primer album pero poco tiempo para mejorarlo en el segundo" Es un album entretenido aunque flojea en el resto de temas en comparacion.
Big Mama and Little Papa still slap 3/5
3 1/2 Stars: There's a little bit of finger-in-the-cheek cheese about this 60s-era sounds, but damn, do these harmonies wiggle there way in and take hold. Love the whole stereophonic Girls to the left Channel, Guys to the right coming out of the speakers. Lyrically not a lot of depth, but it's still a fun capture of that 60s sound.
California dreamin is good
7/10
Decent album, one with their most popular song on it!
Good album to have at home. Unique.
Initially I thought: "I see, so California Dreaming alone put this album on the list..." but turns out the whole album is not half bad :) California Dreaming is a 5, but the rest is a 3
Cover 4 Before this, was only familiar with Monday, Monday.
Some good songs and harmonies, especially "Go Where You Wanna Go", nothing especially mind-blowing however.
Some real bangers on this but also some snoozers (especially the covers) so it's a mixed bag. The vocal harmonies are still pretty amazing. Favorite: California Dreamin' Would I listen to it again: Probably
It started well with Monday, Monday but with that and California Dreaming that was all I think I knew. It's not entirely surprising: accomplished schmaltzy pop which is largely not very exciting and hasn't aged particularly well.
Cheerful, old-school pop with nice harmonies. California Dreamin' is an absolute gem, one of my favourite songs of all-time. The other songs are pleasant but not that memorable. Overall, a nice listen.
Why do I accept this, yet find Simon & Garfunkel rage-inducing? I'm not sure. Both of groups have songs that liberally use the word "groovy," which is cringey. And there's plenty of cringe here beyond "Somebody Groovy," like "Spanish Harlem." But "California Dreamin'" is an undisputed classic, and "Monday Monday" is lovely. The rest doesn't do much for me, which is to be expected. That said, justice for Mama Cass.
I love California, it's my home and my favorite place in the world. And given that I spent almost all of the first 34 years of my life in the gray of Ohio and the slush of NYC, California Dreaming to me is the greatest song ever written about California. Otherwise this is some dated stuff.
Super-sweet 60s pop, sounds like pure sunshine. I'd probably go for the Beach Boys if I was looking for this kinda vibe, but overall not bad.
Decent pop songs, I’ll give this one its flowers for perseverance in culture, however manufactured the sound may be.
The only review this album needs was written May 01 2021. I have nothing else to add!
The harmonies are good, but as an album., it feels like.a hot mess. The songs are all over the place I guess they did all they did in 4 years, so the songs came as they came. Still, it feels like the record has a veneer of cheese whiz O can’t get over.
Mid
Groovy, nice relaxing tunes!
Hee hee. Grammatical error in big, bold lettering on the album cover. I'm expecting this to be another pop rock album, if only due to the decade of release and there being a millionty billion of these kinds of albums on the list. Yup, right on the money. This is a respectable album. Between punk and 60s pop rock, if there's one thing I appreciate about the genres that I normally feel disaffected by, it's that they never overstay their welcome. I enjoyed briefly dipping my toes into some solid instrumentation, good vocals and endearing songwriting. "Monday, Monday" has pretty good vocal melody, and I like the backing vocals. The backing instrumentation during the outro of the song is pretty good, too. "Go Where You Wanna Go" has a good energy to it thanks to that percussion. The chorus is also solid. "California Dreamin'" came as a surprise. I've heard it before, as I'm sure everyone else has. The interplay between the male and female vocalist is pretty great. Gonna rifle through the book once more. Topped the US charts and had a few successful singles. Nothing much beyond that, over to Wikipedia I go. There also isn't much in here beyond a modest critical response. It was amusing to read about how this album cover was censored five different times because of the toilet pictured on the cover, however. Take me back, honestly. I've bitched about this list having too many 60s pop rock albums many-a-time at this point, but I can let this one slide. I need to hold onto my replacement albums, and that album was pretty polished for what it sets out to do. I cosign this inclusion.
I knew exactly what this entire album was going to sound like before I put it on.
not bad
It sounds like everything else from the era. Didn’t not like it, recognized lots, but until today would have told you in full confidence that I couldn’t name a single mamas and papas song.
A fine pop album, showing its age
6/10
Great album! Lovely harmonies and sound
Beautiful vocals. California Dreaming one of the great 60s tracks, the rest a tier or two below.
california dreaming is goat stuff and the rest is whatever
Other than the obviously couple of songs - felt a bit generic 1960s soul. Hard to differentiate the other songs.
Monday monday is a great start to any album. Those harmonies are perfect. Straight shooter starts like we’re about to launch into ‘last train to clarksville’ and has a very similar vibe to it, which having checked was also released in 1966. Got a feeling is more gentle and whilst this drifts along nicely it feels out of place. I call your name is an interesting choice of Beatles cover and is a mixed bag with the first part feeling dated, even for the sixties with this changing for the chorus that tries to emulate the original too much and the ending is like some cheesy stage performance. Do you wanna dance also fails to quite land. I struggle to pinpoint why but it may be slightly too slow. It feels odd to include these covers when their own material felt generally stronger and obviously more cohesive. Go where you wanna go is pleasant enough and leads nicely into the undoubted classic of California Dreamin. California Dreamin has everything harmonies, soul and a great tune. In fact the only thing it doesn’t have is a ‘g’ regardless of what Apple’s autocorrect thinks. Spanish Harlem is another track that doesn’t work for me and again leads me to question the decision to include these covers. Somebody groovy suffers for sounding a bit like other mainstream music of this era and detracts from the things that made them standout. Heygirl for all that is quite enjoyable and manages to blend a more contemporary backing with their trademark harmonies, which really works. You Baby has a wonderful layered vocal element and despite being relatively simple sounding makes it an enjoyable listen . For all that i’ve said about the other tracks ‘the In Crowd’ may be in the exception both in terms of vocal and being a cover as their arrangement really works. The focus of the single lead vocal with the other voices generally lower in the mix really delivers power. I’ll even overlook the hammond organ solo which could’ve easily grated.
This was a perfectly inoffensive 35 minutes of background music (12(!) songs in 35mins - take note prog rockers.) “Monday, Monday” is lovely, so opening with it was nice and, until you get to “California Dreamin’”, the rest is all just perfectly pleasant background music which I liked. It’s not an album I’d go out of my way to listen to again, but it really was a nice relaxing time.
I was actually surprised because, I normally don't like music from 60's unless it's the Beatles, but this was actually fire. The strings were amazing at times, and the songwriting and singing was amazing!
The squarest hippie music of all time.
Better than Coldplay
Haven't listened to this in forever - it's not great! California Dreamin is potentially the finest single of the 60s, though, and gets it an extra star.
Simply too dated for my ears.
Nice enough album, well delivered. I'm not sure how it sits in the 2020s. The two hit singles (Monday, Monday and California Dreaming) are very good.
Pretty mellow album, but it's not really the kind of album for me.
Не люблю первую половину 60х. Весь этот рок-н-ролл в духе beach boys и Beatles. Этот альбом ничем сильно не выделяется. Неплохой танцевальный рок-н-ролл, не более
A few big hits and a lot of meh.
Starts strong but loses steam as it goes. The first two tracks are excellent — catchy, well-arranged, and full of the group’s signature harmonies. Unfortunately, the rest of the record doesn’t live up to that early promise. Overall, it’s a decent effort with a few highlights, but nothing that really stands out beyond those opening songs.
This was fine. I had high hopes considering the strength of “California Dreamin’” which is excellent and “Monday Monday”. But the rest of the album I found a little boring. I did appreciate the cover of The Beatles’ “I Call Your Name” but I didn’t think this version lived up to the original
Sounds a bit repetitive and pedantic, but pleasant
Pretty good. A fun album with some great songs.
Finished. 7/10
Bit all over the place stylistically with some very obvious Beatles and Beach Boys influences. The album has one of the greatest songs of the 60s and some weaker covers. Not too familiar with the story of the band but based on the comments I'll be jumping down a youtube rabbit-hole later. 3/5.
Very good. Sounds old in a way I thought would get boring for 40+ minutes, but it stays interesting and enjoyable the whole way through
This album has a lot of famous songs. The three singles, of course, but also covers of the Beatles and Ben E King, among others. I listened to the originals of the covers to compare. (You Baby's provenance is so muddled that I don't know what to call it. Is it a cover? Kinda? Not really? Is there a term for songs that are released by separate artists close enough together that nobody can really claim ownership?) They seem to trade personality for technical performance, which is not bad, but is limiting. Overall, though, it's a pleasant sound, and the harmonizing is fantastic. I'm not that into it, but it's a very well made record. Although it's tainted a bit by the big hit telling us that California is better than where you're from. Californians are the musical equivalent of vegans or Ivy League alums, but with less justification.
Consistently strong vocals in an inconsistent track list.
A chill and harmless little album you could play in front of your grandmother. Yea, I can't hate this. This is 60s music in its purest form. Also it just casually has one of the greatest songs of the decade on it... Favorite track: Take a fucking guess...
I do love their vocals. The popular hits are awesome. The songs I hadn’t heard were ok. 3/5
I have a soft spot for the M's & P's, some of the sweetest music to come from terrible and terrorized people, but I don't know that they are really an album band. A greatest hits would probably do you better. A great undersung (though likely offensive by modern standards) album to come out of their poisoned honey universe is John Phillips The Wolfking of LA.
3.5 stars. Solid album. Strong flavors of hippie culture while maintaining relevance today. Favorite songs: Go Where You Wanna Go, I Saw Her Again, Monday
Very 60s not bad but a few too many poor covers to make it a classic! Nice harmonies though.
2 felt 2 harsh. It was alright, a bit woo-woo, but that is not the worst thing in the world
Average, except for California Dreaming which is mesmerising
I’ve never really liked the “group” vocal stuff, it always sounds more like a show choir or something- not very rock and roll. Obviously, a couple of classic tunes on here, but most of it just seems a little lacking to me
I honestly was expecting a little more just by seeing it had California dreaming on it but it was still pretty good nonetheless. It felt a bit repetitive and I’m not really a fan of their style of constant harmonies basically making up the whole song. I liked how the vocalists changed though and despite how constant the harmonies were, they did vary a bit in how they were delivered for each song, despite this though it was still repetitive but with some variation in instrumentation which I can appreciate. Favourites: I call your name, California dreamin’ and Somebody groovy. Overall, 6/10 (maybe a bit too nice).
It's good for what it is, I think I just don't care much for this era and genre
Fine. California Dreamin is great. Not my favourite 60s album.
Almost bang on a 3.5. Two great songs and very inoffensive for the remainder. The question is whether it’s inoffensiveness pushes it up 0.5 (because it didn’t annoy me) or down 0.5 (because it was too blah)……I think down, unfortunately, but it’s a very strong 3, which I’m sure will be solace to them.
Almost a 4.
1 great song and some tolerable background noise
California Dreamin is an all time classic but the rest was just ok
Tja.. Ikke min greie ihvertfall, men åpenbart kompetent musikk. Svak 3.
A few great songs and lovely vocal performances throughout. Production and instrumentation aren’t really anything to write home about - it’s warm late-60s folk pop fare. It’s a little slight and also feels longer than it is, but it’s a good record.
There's one big standout and the rest are above average 1960s songs.
Starting a Monday morning with “Monday, Monday” is kinda fun, but otherwise I wasn't excited about this one. Based on some of the other album selections on this list, the fact that this record contains the Billboard number 1 single of 1966, "California Dreaming'", is probably enough to warrant its inclusion. However, even if you throw that one out, you still get "Monday, Monday" "Go Where You Wanna Go" and "Do You Wanna Dance"(admittedly not the most iconic cover of this song) along with a slew of other smooth 60s pop-folk songs. Not quite my thing, but it's hard to argue with the reach and influence of this album and of the group.
A couple great songs and the worst version of Do You Wanna Dance I've ever heard.
Yes, I can believe them! This is totally fine.
It has always sounded nostalgic to me. Music of a time and place...some good tunes but not timeless.
I guess this is fine but it is very confused.
Great combination of vocals and a grezt representation of the flower power era.
This still feels pretty creative and not overly dated. This probably blew peoples minds when it came out.
It's fine... it just sounds like a group trying to be like the Eagles or the Beach Boys. But California Dreamin' is a good song
An entire album of music which would work well in a '60s flashback scene. The majority of the album is solid, albeit nothing that will live long in the memory. California Dreaming is the obvious standout, of course., but it would've been good if the extended cut were on here.
Perfectly good doo wop style pop music but I’m a bit bored of the 60s bias towards ‘classics’. A lot of this is forgettable and if it wasn’t for the one big single, I don’t think we’d listen to them much at all.
A nice, breezy 60s pop record with terrific singing and harmonies. The songs are simple and unthreatening. I like it but can't think I'll listen to this one often. Top tracks: "California Dreamin'," "Monday, Monday"
"Monday, Monday" & "California Dreamin'" are great songs that earned their place in the pop/rock music canon. I also really like "The 'In' Crowd". Everything else is forgettable
A couple of songs I enjoyed, but overall not my favorite genre.
The more I listen, the more I dislike all these 60's albums. It's obviously a fine album, but nothing really spectacular besides, you know, "California Dreaming" so just listen to that and your favorite Beatles album and call it good.
A fun album, I really thoroughly enjoyed it as a nice, easy listening exercise. The heads are pretty solid, nothing really popped to me, but I would definitely listen again. I think three out of five is good, it’s almost 4.
Me he guardado los clásicos "Monday, Monday" y "California Dreamin'", me gustó también "Spanish Harlem", pero en general me ha parecido un album que seguía la estela de los Beatles y que ya no fueron a más. Todo el mundo no pude ser igual que esos genios, pero hubiera estado bien algo más de ellos después de hacer canciones tan buenas.
This was the music my father enjoyed. So I knew most of the songs. Not my type of music but I did enjoy listening.