Before there was NSYNC (for me), there was Wilson Phillips. Wilson Phillips was (they broke up in 1993) a vocal, harmonizing group consisting of Chynna Phillips (child of famous Mama and Papa parents John Phillips and Michelle Phillips) and Carnie and Wendy Wilson (children of Beach Boy Brian Wilson).

Shadows and Light is the second effort by Wilson Phillips. Overall, the album is more mature than their debut effort. It addresses serious societal issues like child abuse (from Chynna's childhood) and abandonment by a parent (that would be Brian Wilson abandoning Carnie and Wendy).

Unlike other pop bands, Chynna, Carnie, and Wendy take a chance and write most of their tunes. Carnie arranged their instrumental, I Hear You. The harmonies are lots of ahhhh'sss and oooooh's. It's beautiful just as it is. I suspect that one day, someone will pick it up and add words to it.

You Won't See Me Cry was the first song released from this album. The message of the song is that you've hurt me, but I won't show you how much you've upset me. The video was a little on the racy side for the girls. Chynna was dressed in lingerie that I'm sure embarassed her boyfriend (now husband) Billy Baldwin.

Give It Up was released as the second single. This is where I think Wilson Phillips falls apart. Wendy Wilson, although extremely attractive, has the least vocal talent of the group. Her voice is on the high side and she doesn't put any strength behind her notes. Therefore, when she has a solo part, her voice sounds weak and shaky - like she lacks confidence.

Flesh and Blood was the third and final release and probably the most emotionally charged song on the cd. Written by Carnie and Wendy, it was a message to their estranged father Brian. They weren't able to connect to him in any other way so they hoped that a song would do it. Years later, we find out that the song had a significant impact on him and this would lead him to reconciling with his daughters. He even contributed to an album that Carnie and Wendy did a couple of years ago.

For some reason, fans from the first album didn't necessarily connect with this album. They had a tour lined up to promote the album and I intended on seeing them in concert. The day I called to get my tickets (of course the moment they were supposed to go on sale), I found out that they were canceling all of their dates and breaking up. I was very disappointed. Since the breakup, we've seen all of them in the limelight for something or another but never again as a group. I hold out a small hope that they may sometime regroup.

Interesting facts for diehard fans: The liner notes of the first cd contained lyrics and thoughts that were expressed in a bronze type font. This was so difficult for people to read that the second printing of the cd replaced the bronze font with a white font.

Tracks include:
1. I Hear You
2. It's Only Life
3. You Won't See Me Cry
4. Give It Up
5. This Doesn't Have To Be Love
6. Where Are You
7. Flesh And Blood
8. Don't Take Me Down
9. All The Way From New York
10. Fueled For Houston
11. Goodbye Carmen
12. Alone
13. I Hear You (Reprise)




Recommended: Yes