The Mamas & The Papas Songs Ranked
The Mamas and the Papas were an American folk rock vocal group recorded and performed from 1965 to 1968. The group was a defining force in the music scene of the counterculture of the 1960s. The group was composed of John Phillips, Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot, and Michelle Phillips (born Holly Gilliam). Their sound was based on vocal harmonies arranged by John Phillips, the songwriter, musician, and leader of the group who adapted folk to the new beat style of the early 1960s.
The Mamas and the Papas released five studio albums and 17 singles over four years, six of which made the Billboard top 10 and have sold close to 40 million records worldwide. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 for its contributions to the music industry. The band reunited briefly to record the album People Like Us in 1971 but had ceased touring and performing by that time. Here are all of The Mamas & The Papas’ songs ranked.
Don’t miss out on the harmony of The Mamas & The Papas! Click and enjoy the 60’s smashing folk-rock hits!
20. For the Love of Ivy (The Papas & The Mamas, 1968)
“Fantastic song deserves to be great and is a truly inspirational song from a truly inspirational band ‘simply the best’! You just got to listen and admire the sheer creativity and innovation.”
19. My Girl (Deliver, 1967)
“Brilliant theme, wonderful playing, stunning production, amazing musical ambition combined with a wistful, yearning lyric. Beautiful song, when it comes to a switch up at the end, it gets me almost every time”
18. Glad to Be Unhappy (The Papas & The Mamas, 1968)
“You have to be really cool and hip to appreciate such a simplistic song camouflaging the real 60s. Fantastic song deserves to be great and is a truly inspirational song from a truly inspirational band ‘simply the best’!”
17. You Baby ( If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears, 1966)
“A cover of the turtles song, I love it! Just the way it sounds and everything is really just awesome. The words and the melody is just amazing. Marvellous song.”
See more: The Mamas & The Papas Albums Ranked
16. Safe In My Garden (The Papas & The Mamas, 1968)
“Back in 68 before I was about to be shipped somewhere by Uncle Sam, I listened to this gem, and said I will find a garden I will be safe And I was So many great songs by them, this to me is the best”
15. My Heart Stood Still (The Mamas & the Papas, 1966)
“This song is perfection. I love the original sound and the meaningful lyrics! The voice, the music, the beat is simply undying, they listened to it in the sixties and it is still worth listening to in the 21st century.”
14. Dancing in the Street (The Mamas & the Papas, 1966)
“The tune is just fantastic, can’t help but tap my foot to the fabulous song. I’m going to say that this is my favourite song of all time. It is just that fantastic!
13. Words of Love (The Mamas & the Papas, 1966)
“I think this song is absolutely amazing! that quick beat sound and everything up to it! One of their biggest and catchiest hits. It was pure love and friendliness, no hate, just simply wanting to hold you hand.”
12. Twelve Thirty (The Papas & The Mamas, 1968)
“This song to me, actually feels like it has a disco vibe to it. And I like me some disco. Love the piano guided verses and the groove during the choruses in this one. There are a couple of different mixes of this song, but the best one is on the original mono 45 rpm.”
11. Mansions (The Papas & The Mamas, 1968)
“I can listen to this song all day it’s so upbeat and cheerful and is lots of fun. Even though I wasn’t born in the 50’s Or 60’s, this is one of my all time favorite songs.”
10. Spanish Harlem (If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears, 1966)
“One of the greatest tracks ever recorded by the greatest of all music acts. The most grungy cool rifts with the most brilliant lyrics, pitch and structure that are simply sublime.”
9. Got a Feelin’ (If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears, 1966)
“This is just funky, has soul, has bass and a great chorus, for me this is the best. The harmony is perfect. Groovy, great lyrics and creative bassline. A very good song.”
8. Go Where You Wanna Go (If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears, 1966)
“Just a simple but awesome song. I think they were trying to make a point hear in terms of just being simple. That was the great thing about this song”
7. Creeque Alley (Deliver, 1967)
“Such a clever arrangement and for its time so original. Full of urgency with a great driving beat. What a beautiful song, with such a nice and flawless use of the musical instrument in this one… lyrics, are all the more lovely and after hearing this song I get so much calmness and serenity…”
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6. Look Through My Window (Deliver, 1967)
“Very good, terrific song. Never gets tired of this song. Thank you for the beautiful music you’ve left for generations to come!”
5. Dream a Little Dream of Me (The Papas & The Mamas, 1968)
“I’m learning how to play this on the Harmonica. This by The Mamas & The Papas is the best version (in my humble opinion. Love that song! they were great.”
4. I Saw Her Again (The Mamas & the Papas, 1966)
“This song is so amazing it still gives me goosebumps to this day.. This song will manipulate your mood into something you’ve never felt before. The lyrics are so deep and meaningful and the instruments and played perfectly to match them”
3. Dedicated to the One I Love (Deliver, 1967)
“Another One of their hits, at first I didn’t like this song, but after I listened to it a little more, I fell in love with it. Beautiful song, how can you not love it?”
2. Monday, Monday (If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears, 1966)
“This is such an awesome song. It’s so sixties. I love the acapella background vocals and the lyrics. Ba dah ba the the the ba the ba the the it’s stuck in my head.”
1. California Dreamin’ (If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears, 2011)
“This is such a beautiful song. Its so relaxing to listen to. This song is a classic, it’s a number one for me… This is when “make love, not war”… Who doesn’t love this song? Very iconic, and catchy, too.”
