People Like Us (The Mamas & the Papas album)

People Like Us
Studio album by The Mamas & the Papas
Released	November 1971
Genre	Pop rock
Length	36:12
Label	Dunhill
Producer	John Phillips
The Mamas & the Papas chronology
The Papas & The Mamas (1968) People Like Us (1971) -

People Like Us is the fifth and final studio album released by The Mamas & the Papas, in November 1971 (three years after the group originally split). This album came to be because the former members of the group were still under contract with Dunhill Records. The group had originally been signed to the label when it was run by their original producer Lou Adler, but by 1971, Dunhill's distributor, ABC Records, had purchased the label and discovered the clause in the group's original contract. According to their contract, the group had to produce one more album, or else be in breach of contract and subject to possible fines. While the album has some memorable songs, it was considered a disappointment by fans and critics, however, sold moderately well upon its release. (#84 on the Billboard Pop Albums Chart.)^[1] It was produced by John Phillips. Michelle Phillips said later in the liner note of a Mamas & Papas CD compilation that the album "sounded like what it was, four people trying to avoid a lawsuit".

All tracks except "I Wanna Be a Star" (co-written by Michelle) were written by John, making People Like Us The Mamas and the Papas' only entirely self-written and produced album. Some of the lyrics refer to John's romance at the time with actress Geneviève Waïte, whom he married in 1972.

Tracks include "Pearl", a tribute to singer Janis Joplin, the single "Step Out" (#81 Billboard Hot 100, #25 Adult Contemporary) and the title track which is the last song the group ever recorded. Due reportedly to the illness of Cass Elliot during the sessions, most lead vocals are handled by Denny Doherty and Michelle, and while present and audible on certain tracks, Elliot does not feature prominently on the album.

People Like Us was reissued on MCA Records and Geffen Records.

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	link
Rolling Stone	(not rated) link

Track listing

All songs written by John Phillips, except where noted.

Side A

1. "People Like Us" - 3:25
2. "Pacific Coast Highway" - 3:04
3. "Snowqueen of Texas" - 2:37
4. "Shooting Star" - 2:54
5. "Step Out" - 3:03
6. "Lady Genevieve" - 3:48

Side B

1. "No Dough" - 3:05
2. "European Blueboy" - 3:39
3. "Pearl" - 2:24
4. "I Wanna Be a Star" (J. Phillips, Michelle Phillips) - 2:17
5. "Grasshopper" - 2:57
6. "Blueberries for Breakfast" - 2:59

Bonus Tracks (Expanded CD Version)

13. "Fantastic Four" [Outtake] 2:33

14. "Lady Genevieve" [Outtake] 4:30

15. "No Dough (Honeymoon)" [Alternative mix] 3:07

16. "Mississippi" [Album version] 3:36

17. "April Anne" 3:20

18. "Revolution On Vacation" [Alternative mix] 2:45

19. "Cup of Tea (Sky Jacked)" [Alternative mix] 3:50

20. "Me and My Uncle (Jack of Diamonds)" 4:20

21. "Andy's Talkin' Blues" 2:53

Personnel

• Denny Doherty – vocals
• Cass Elliot – vocals
• John Phillips – vocals, guitar
• Michelle Phillips – vocals
• Gary Coleman – drums, tambourine, bells, vibraphone, shaker
• Ed Greene – drums
• Bobbye Hall – conga, tambourine, shaker, cabasa
• Jim Horn – flute, saxophone
• Clarence McDonald – keyboards
• Tony Newton – bass guitar
• Earl Palmer – drums
• Donald Peake – guitar
• Joe Sample – keyboards
• Louie Shelton – guitar
• David T. Walker – guitar

Technical

• Gene Page - orchestral arrangement
• Dave Hassinger - engineer
• Rick Heenan, Val Garay - assistant engineer
• Henry Diltz - cover photography

Chart positions

The Mamas & the Papas Denny Doherty Cass Elliot John Phillips Michelle Phillips Jill Gibson Studio albums If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears (1966) The Mamas & the Papas (1966) Deliver (1967) The Papas & The Mamas (1968) People Like Us (1971) Compilations Farewell to the First Golden Era (1967) Golden Era, Vol. 2 (1968) Hits of Gold (1969) 16 Greatest Hits (1969) 20 Golden Hits (1973) Greatest Hits (1998) All the Leaves Are Brown (2001) Singles "Go Where You Wanna Go" (1965) "California Dreamin'" (1965) "Monday, Monday" (1966) "I Saw Her Again" (1966) "Words of Love" (1966) "Dancing in the Street" (1966) "Look Through My Window" (1966) "Dedicated to the One I Love" (1967) "Creeque Alley" (1967) "My Girl" (1967) "Glad to Be Unhappy" (1967) "Dancing Bear" (1967) "Twelve Thirty" (1967) "Safe in My Garden" (1968) "Dream a Little Dream of Me" (1968) "For the Love of Ivy" (1968) "Do You Wanna Dance" (1968) "Step Out" (1972) Related Chynna Phillips Mackenzie Phillips Bijou Phillips Wilson Phillips The Beach Boys Geneviève Waïte Book

References