Wilson Phillips - Wilson Phillips (10 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

Hold on, for one more day...

Daniel J. Hamlow | Narita, Japan | 11/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"1990 was not a great year for new CD acquisitions, but of those that I got, I snagged Wilson Phillips' debut CD because of that comforting first single that I kept hearing over and over on the radio. "Hold On" will probably go on my list of all-time favourite songs, however long that list might be. This song of emotional and mental emancipation and self-affirmation, powerful keys and guitars, with the trio's harmony vocals. And as for "Don't let anyone step all over you", "open your heart and your mind", and "you could sustain, or are you comfortable with the pain," yes... must work on that.. still. And as for that refrain, "things will go your way/just hold on for one more day," I only wish! Oh, Joe Walsh does some rhythm guitar here.The second single "Release Me" still has shades of 80's pop, with those melodic keyboards by producer Glen Ballard. And whoever is singing lead on mid-paced Byrdsy "Impulsive" sounds a lot like Susanna Hoffs. But the solo slide and rhythm guitar is done by Mr. Walsh.I wonder how many figured out the two protagonists in "Next To You (Someday I'll Be)" named via their surnames, Montague and Capulet. Probably the same people who've read their Willie the Shake. For those who haven't, the first names are Romeo and Juliet. This is singleworthy, but the last lines, romantic as they are, do tell of the couples' fate: "wings of love come carry us/to a place that's made for us."However, what deservedly became a single was "You're In Love" which puts a brave and mature face on someone meeting an ex-love and is happy enough that the other's in love, albeit with someone else.They cover Tim Hardin's "A Reason To Believe" a few years before Rod Stewart came out with his cover. They're one of many, and they do it admirably, as their harmonies really enhance this 60's folk chestnut. Steve Lukather does rhythm and solo guitars here; also Joe Walsh shows up with some additional rhythm guitar."Ooh You're Gold" features a skippy, up-tempo acoustic guitar, with girl-who-sounds-like-Susanna doing lead bits. Another nice love song.The next two songs I used to program over and over as a pair. "Eyes Like Twins" for its power harmonies in the chorus and Steve Lukather's trademark Toto guitar. The verses are more mid-paced with low-key vocals, until they come alive. The idealistic and inspirational "The Dream Is Still Alive" ties with "Hold On" as my favourite song, and casts a romantic and favourable light on the 60's Summer of Love and counterculture figures, when "in a purple haze/people dreamed out loud, they were not afraid/they stopped the war but not the dying/some got a little bit lost along the way," referring to those who ended up on the pig farm and later became yuppies. This is sung from the POV of a couple who experienced that time, and the dream that's still alive is also that of the pair. Politically, Wilson Phillips affirms the title of the song despite the Reagan/Bush years.Sweet harmony vocals with polished pop production, with some super songs and a sound that refuses to say goodbye to 80's pop/rock fusion. And the majority of the songs were written by the trio and Glen Ballard. Too bad it only lasted with this and Shadows And Light, their second and last album. Now how about a reunion album?"

One of the greatest '90s pop albums! Beautiful!

Preston L. Moreaux | North Carolina | 05/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I know that I'm writing this in 2004, but since you've featured this on Amazon, I wanted to talk about this classic. Wilson Phillips made a very good pop album in 1990! I played it over and over for some 6 to 7 months during '90-'91! I was so happy that "You're In Love" went to No. 1, because I played that over and over, far more than Hold On or Release Me! It deserved to win Grammys, but it got shut out of its nominations at the awards in '91. The breezy pop, the smooth landscapes and its balance of pop and rock from previous decades are what make it great. With their new album California, just released this week, this just makes everything come full circle for them and makes this first album more respected now. I remembered that their debut album got bashed by critics, but where are those critics now? They need to shut up and listen to this album again and accept the fact that they're back and still performing now! This is a classic many, many times over and it's so beautifully done!!!!! Loved those harmonies of theirs!"

Power ballads and female harmonies at their best

J. Derek Reardon | KC, MO, USA | 06/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When Wilson Phillips first hit the airwaves back in late 1989 with their smash "Hold On," I was at a point in my freshman year of college when this song really hit true. After purchasing the single and enjoying its uplifting message (as well as the beautiful b-side "Over and Over"), I was compelled to purchase the full release. Much to my pleasure, the entire CD is filled with beautiful harmonies and full-on power pop tunes that are emotional, uplifting, and simply a joy to sing along with. It's no wonder the release resulted in 5 hit singles, and it's easy to see why many of those singles are still light rock pop station standards to this day. Wilson Phillips' debut is a great addition to anyone's pop collection. And for those who enjoy experiencing music to its fullest, it is a great source of inspiration and positive energy. The release starts off with the first single, "Hold On," which is still in fairly high rotation today. The music are lyrics are uplifting and empowering; the line "you've got no one to blame for your unhappiness, you got yourself into your own mess" still hits me with a dose of healthy reality. Another huge hit single, "Release Me" is a great power ballad for those who have had to face the difficult challenge of letting go of a loved one. "Impulsive" was another single that is a fun, upbeat song for those who have ever been hopelessly in love. Positive and light, yet deep, "Next to You (Someday I'll Be)" is a lovely tune that speaks of hopeful love that has yet to be fully realized. A lovely and beautiful ballad, "You're in Love" was another hit single that is a wonderful tribute to those who have kept as a friend one who used to be a lover and has since moved on. "Over and Over" is a plaintive call for those suffering from unrequited love and for broken hearts everywhere. Although a remake, "A Reason to Believe" was new to me at the time, and it is honestly the best version I have ever heard (if you're a fan of a previous version of the song, you may disagree on that point); the orchestration and harmonies are just perfect. "Ooh You're Gold" is an upbeat power pop tune that might be a tad trite, but it still puts a smile on your face and spring in your step. Hauntingly beautiful, "Eyes Like Twins" is a deep and emotional tribute to one's soul mate. The release closes with another upbeat power ballad single, "The Dream is Still Alive." Obviously upbeat and hopeful, this is a great tune to send you on your way to conquer the world. This release definitely deserves a 5 star rating. While perhaps over-produced pop, the orchestrations are deep, lush, and wonderfully executed -- and besides, I love over-produced power pop. Then there are the girls' harmonies, which are flawless and beautifully matched. This is one release where I actually I enjoy singing along with and listening to the harmonies rather than the melody. Finally, the overall message on this release is upbeat, positive, and real. Every element is there to make a great release, and I appreciate it for every ounce of passion and emotion contained within. This release should be recommended to many people on many different levels. If you are a fan of light rock radio and have enjoyed "Hold On" or "Release Me," then you will definitely appreciate the entire release. For anyone who enjoys great female vocals and harmonies (even if they are studio produced), this is an absolute must have. And for any fan of late 80s/early 90s power pop, how can you not have this in your collection. The next time you've had a stressful day and just want to relax and escape from it all, pop in this CD. You'll be treated to a really upbeat, empowering, and beautiful journey."

Talented Singer/Songwriters + Killer Harmonies = Perfect Pop

John Lucas | Liverpool, UK | 11/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wilson Phillips were succesful, but critically undervalued in the early 90's. Written off as an example of pop nepotism, their brief career was blighted by critical sneering. However, while this record may not be particularly inventive or challenging, it stands the test of time as a classic piece of well written, and extremely well sung pop music. Hold On is the best known hit, a chart-topping smash, it boasts a ridiculously infectious bridge/chorus and the astoundingly close harmonies that became their trademark. Pretty Chynna Phillips takes lead on this and several other album cuts, but it was Carnie Wilson who stood out as the greatest talent of the group, her rich, warm vocals adding real conviction and gravitas to some of the albums best cuts "Next To You" and "Eyes Like Twins". Wendy Wilson's Susannah Hoffs-ish voice was better suited to the lightweight numbers, and the sweet, light pop of "Ooh You're Gold" and "Impulsive" served her well. The real standouts though, are the songs which the group sing together, showcasing those phenomenal harmonies. "You're In Love" is a beautiful and genuinely moving ode to a lover and a friend who has moved on with his life, while "A Reason To Believe", famously recorded by Rod Stewart, is powerful and genuine. 2 week US chart-topper "Release Me" features the strongest vocals on the album, a perfect, slightly folk sounding pop song. The girls would delve into deeper waters on their underrated followup, "Shadows And Light", but this album remains a perfect memento of a time when pure pop was not a dirty word, and a truly talented trio of singers could find real success without resorting to desperate publicity seeking measures. An album to treasure."

Great Girl Group

John Lucas | 12/13/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is Wilson Phillips' best album. I've been listening to it since it was released in 1990. I think they are the best girl group for this decade; their sun drenched harmonies is simply superb. The first five cuts in the album are the best ones; four of those went to the #1 spot in the Billboard charts."

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