Customer Reviews

Dedicated

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Once an unpredictable and daring move, cover albums have become the norm in the music industry. It's easier to sell songs that are already known and loved by the public, especially in an era where the art of crafting personal and meaningful songs has been replaced by the art of manufacturing disposable recordings from disposable singers. Let's face it: forty years from now, nobody will be covering the paint-by-number recordings that currently pollute the charts.

Wilson Phillips' "Dedicated" comes off as an endearing but odd concept. On one hand, the concept totally makes sense; it features twelve classic songs formerly written and/or performed by their parents, who were members of the legendary Beach Boys and The Mamas & The Papas. These covers are flawlessly executed; and while none of these new versions will eclipse the originals, they are great reminders of the exceptionally gifted bands who brought them to life ("Wouldn't It Be Good", "Twelve Thirty", "California Dreaming", "God Only Knows", "Don't Worry Baby"). Although most of these songs closely follow the original arrangements, the album does provide a few surprises; "Dedicated To The One I Love" features a sweet cameo from Owen Elliot (daughter of Mama Cass and originally considered as a fourth member of Wilson Phillips) and the band's a capella rendition of "Good Vibrations" is daring and stunning. The track selection is also quite interesting, since it provides lots of big hits and a few unexpected selections ("Got A Feeling", "I Can Hear Music", "Do It Again"). Best of all, the band hasn't lost its knack for intricate vocal harmonies; Chynna, Wendy and Carnie sound just as fine as they did on their 1990 self-titled debut. You can feel how connected they are to this material and how hard they worked to make it their own.

On the other hand, they've already done this on their last album. 2004's "California" (recorded after a twelve year hiatus) was a cover album, and it already included two Beach Boys songs ("Dance, Dance, Dance", "In My Room") and one song from The Mamas & The Papas ("Monday, Monday" which, quite oddly, shows up again on "Dedicated"). For a band whose biggest hits were self-penned ("Hold On", "Release Me", "You're In Love") and who wrote quite a few intensely personal songs (check out lesser-known gems such as "Flesh and Blood", "The Dream Is Still Alive", "Where Are You" and "All The Way From New York"), it's a strange decision. It's as though the band is merely content to sing nowadays; and while they still do this extremely well, the emotional impact of "Dedicated" is nowhere near the intensity of their self-penned material. Given its quick rise to fame and its even quicker breakup in the early 90s, Wilson Phillips hasn't released many albums; however, as of this day, 1992's sadly underrated "Shadows and Light" remains their swan song as singers-songwriters.

But perhaps it's unfair to judge this album for what it isn't. Taken for what it is, "Dedicated" is a surprisingly enjoyable collection of songs that vintage pop music lovers (and fans of Wilson Phillips) will definitely enjoy.

Fantastic CD! I have always loved Wilson Phillips' harmonies, and having them revisit the best harmonies of the 60's (and their parents) is really a double bonus. Best track is Dedicated To The One I Love. The appearance of Owen Elliott (Mama Cass's daughter) gave me shivers. She sounds very much like her mom. All in all, a great CD.