The first solo album of the architect of the Mamas & Papas, John Phillips, was certainly one of the more heralded events at the dawn of the 1970s. Phillips, the primary songwriter and vocal arranger for all of the group's great records, however, was not exactly a great lead vocalist. Phillips knew this, and, according to his book -Papa John, he purposely buried his voice in the mix. This proved to be a bit of tragedy, because underneath it all, this is an excellent album. Songs such as "April Anne," "Malibu People," and "Holland Tunnel" bear out what a fine songwriter he really was -- they are indeed some of the finest songs of his career. The performances on this record are spectacular. Backed by an all star group of musicians (most of Elvis Presley's band, including James Burton, as well as The Wrecking Crew among others), the record's decidedly country feel is crafted to the extreme. Mamas co-founder Denny Doherty has always felt that had the Mamas & Papas recorded this album, it would have been one of their finest. There's no doubt.

1. April Anne
   
2. Topanga Canyon
   
3. Malibu People
   
4. Someone's Sleeping
   
5. Drum
   
6. Captain
   
7. Let It Bleed Genevieve
   
8. Down The Beach
   
9. Mississippi
   
10. Holland Tunnel