The Mamas & The Papas – California Dreamin’
“California Dreamin'” is a song written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips and originally recorded by the American folk rock group The Mamas & the Papas in 1965. It was released as the second single from their debut album, If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears. The song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number one in the United Kingdom.
Background and composition
“California Dreamin'” was written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips. The song was inspired by John Phillips’s experience of driving across the country from New York to California in the early 1960s. He was struck by the beauty of the California landscape and the laid-back lifestyle of the people he met there. The song’s lyrics are full of vivid imagery and detail, and they paint a picture of a carefree life in California.
Recording and production
“California Dreamin'” was recorded at the RCA Studios in Hollywood, California in 1965. The song was produced by Lou Adler.
The recording features Michelle Phillips on lead vocals. Phillips’ vocals are soft and dreamy, and they perfectly convey the song’s laid-back atmosphere. The song’s instrumentation is simple, yet effective, with a strummed acoustic guitar and a gentle piano accompaniment.
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“California Dreamin'” is a beautiful and moving song that will be cherished for generations to come.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips.
- The song was inspired by John Phillips’s experience of driving across the country from New York to California in the early 1960s.
- The song was released as the second single from The Mamas & the Papas’ debut album, If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears.
- The song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number one in the United Kingdom.
- “California Dreamin'” has been covered by many artists, including The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.