The lack of extras on this mono edition of the group’s 1966 debut album ensures that there’s no detracting from what’s simply a wonderful record, despite it being rushed-released at the time. Typically thrown together to cash in on the group’s two major hits, California Dreamin’ and Monday Monday, there are no less than five covers to add ballast – though these are no mere fillers. Such is the enticing intricacy of The Mamas & The Papas’ singular sound – all glorious harmonies and uplifting arrangements – the four-piece put their stamp on everything, re-inventing the originals by inverting the mood.
Cass Elliot turns the reflective I Call Your Name into a bawdy barroom singalong, Bobby Freeman’s Do You Wanna Dance? becomes slow and sexy, while the group completely inhabits The “In” Crowd, reflecting upon becoming just that in their Bel Air hippie-chic clique. The aforementioned hits are timeless – the only mystery is why Go Where You Wanna Go, the album’s first single, was a flop.
A magical album, If You Can Believe… offers a Phil Spector-like take on folk-rock without its defining guitar sound, owing more to 50s doo wop and girl groups than contemporary trends.
