If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears · The debut album by The Mamas & the Papas was released in February 1966 on Dunhill Records. The producer was Lou Adler. The group consisted of Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot and the married couple John and Michelle Phillips, supported by session musicians. The album cover caused an uproar: the four sat in a bathtub with a toilet in the background, which was considered indecent. The cover was withdrawn from the shops and replaced.

Musically the album combines folk rock, pop and soul. It centres on the harmony singing, in which the voices play against each other and complement one another. The record includes Monday, Monday and California Dreamin'. Contemporary critics praised how well the voices were attuned to each other. Later reviewers saw it as their most important work. It is the only album by the group to top the Billboard 200.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Monday, Monday (Single)3:28Apple Music ↗
2. 2Straight Shooter2:59Apple Music ↗
3. 3Got a Feelin'2:53Apple Music ↗
4. 4I Call Your Name2:39Apple Music ↗
5. 5Do You Wanna Dance3:01Apple Music ↗
6. 6Go Where You Wanna Go2:29Apple Music ↗
7. 7California Dreamin' (Single)2:42Apple Music ↗
8. 8Spanish Harlem3:22Apple Music ↗
9. 9Somebody Groovy (Single/)3:17Apple Music ↗
10. 10Hey Girl2:31Apple Music ↗
11. 11You Baby2:23Apple Music ↗
12. 12The "In" Crowd3:12Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗