Wilson Phillips burst onto the music scene and quickly dominated the charts in the early 1990s. For a brief period, they were among the biggest pop acts globally, achieving massive success comparable to Paula Abdul. Between 1990 and 1992, this female trio delivered two multi-platinum albums that resided in the top 5, generating an impressive seven top 40 singles. Notably, three of these soared to the coveted #1 spot on the U.S. Hot 100 chart. Following this initial wave of success, the group temporarily splintered, with Chynna Phillips embarking on a solo career while Carnie and Wendy Wilson continued as a duo, even releasing a Christmas album featuring the now-classic holiday tune, “Hey Santa.” Arguably, for many, “Hey Santa” rivals “Hold On” as one of their most recognizable hits.
Wilson Phillips eventually reunited in the early 2000s and have since released several cover albums, including two volumes of 60s and 70s covers and another Christmas collection. They maintain an active touring schedule across the United States, likely bringing their signature sound to a city near you soon. Despite opportunities, including their headlining performance at the D.C. Capital Pride Concert in 2015, seeing them live remains on my to-do list.
This ranking focuses specifically on their initial two studio albums, which consist entirely of original material. While their cover albums showcase their versatility and are part of their live performances, it’s undeniably the first two albums that cemented their legacy and defined Wilson Phillips’ career. This list, while subjective, aims to highlight the essential recordings from this defining period.
10. Ooh You’re Gold
Wendy Wilson’s solo performances within Wilson Phillips Songs often lean towards the more upbeat and pop-infused side, a characteristic that is quite appealing. “Ooh You’re Gold” exemplifies this style. While it’s not necessarily her strongest solo track—hence its status as a deep cut rather than a single, unlike two other Wendy-led songs that will appear higher in this ranking—it remains a delightful and catchy pop song, showcasing a lighter, more playful side of Wilson Phillips.
