FizzyPop!!: Album Assessment: Wilson Phillips ~ Dedicated

I adored Wilson Phillips when they first came onto the scene in 1990. Both Hold On & Release Me were exactly the sort of sunny, perfectly harmonised pop gems that I worshipped and adored. From that point on, I was smitten and I've followed them collectively and individually through their 2 early 90s albums, Chynna's solo, Carnie & Wendy's Hey Santa set, the Wilson sisters team up with their papa (Miracle, Everything I Need and Monday Without You are particularly lovely), Carnie's own Christmas and lullaby albums, and of course the reformation of Wilson Phillips in the 2000s with their California album and fuzzy, warming Christmas set. And now they are back again! With a reality tv show (not airing in the UK yet! BOOOOO) and a brand new album called Dedication. Let's discuss how gorgeous the latter is...

Wilson Phillips ~ Dedicated:

For those of you who only know Wilson Phillips because of Bridesmaids, you are missing out. There are two sumptuous early 90s albums (epononymous debut; Shadows & Light), a 2004 album of west coast inspired covers (California) and 2010's delicious Christmas set. This new album coincides with a new reality show and features songs made popular by their famous folks, most notably the Beach Boys and the Mamas & Papas. The focus of this collection of songs is the girls innate ability to fuse together their vocals in the most delightful way, that makes their vocal blend as essential as any of the instruments backing them. They manage to stay true to the essence of the songs, while giving them the Wilson Phillips signature sound. It comes across as a real labour of love from start to finish. It's all quite, quite wonderful but highlights include...

• California Dreaming ~ Chynna takes lead vocal here and the familiar vocal repeat works so very well for the group. It has a brilliant, jangly backing track and the electric guitar in the middle 8 gives the tune some real bite.
• Dedicated To The One I Love ~ the joy here comes from the addition of Owen, Cass Elliot's daughter, who integrates herself vocally beautifully and provides added layers to this beautiful tune. It's so earnest and heartfelt that it would melt the most hardened of hearts. Joyous...
• Wouldn't It Be Nice ~ Wendy gives such a sweet reading of this track that it gives the song a whole new interpretation, particularly taking on the male point of view. It's slightly softer than the original but just as effervescent and sparkling, a real ode to celebrating the possibilities life has to offer...
• Monday Monday ~ they already tackled this on California, but rather than just repeat themselves here, they have rerecorded an entirely new version. The acapella opening is a shimmering treat and their faithful interpretation shows how the song was quite literally their birthright to perform. A gently flowing backing track wisely keeps the vocals front and centre, letting you luxuriate in one of the tightest, most exquisite harmonies I've heard for years...
• God Only Knows ~ one of my all time favourite songs and I'm pleased to report that Wilson Phillips do the song the justice it deserves. They imbue the song with the appropriate amount of reverence and hope, & it all comes through as a deliriously uplifting tune that just makes the world seem a better place to live in. Essential

Entirely gorgeous from start to finish. Buy it now :)