The Mamas & The Papas Greatest Hits

iTunes Review

The Mamas and the Papas defined a harmonious mid-60s pop with their very first album and its unquestionably catchy hit singles. “California Dreamin’” and “Monday Monday.” Those songs, alongside P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri’s “You Baby” and other well-known tunes such as the Beatles’ “I Call Your Name,” established the foursome as a group with big ears and hypnotizing vocals. Each member had a distinct persona and role within the group that made him or her immediate relatable stars. Their career was fraught with inner turmoil which led to the group’s quick splintering, but the music kept them on better behavior as these timeless and energetic studio recordings bear witness. As long-time folk-scene professionals, they could do Motown (“Dancing in the Street”), girl-group pop (“Dedicated to the One I Love”), R&B (“Twist and Shout”), and their own self-referential folk-rock (“Creeque Alley”) with equal grace and aplomb. This collection sports all the highlights of their brief, magical career.