Impulsive (song)

Last updated
"Impulsive"
Wilsonphillipsimpulsive.jpg
Single by Wilson Phillips
from the album Wilson Phillips
B-side "Next To You (Someday I'll Be)"
ReleasedOctober 1990
Genre Pop [1]
Length4:33
Label SBK
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Glen Ballard
Wilson Phillips singles chronology
"Release Me"
(1990)
"Impulsive"
(1990)
" You're in Love "
(1991)
Audio video
"Impulsive" on YouTube

"Impulsive" is a song by American vocal group Wilson Phillips. It was released in October 1990 via SBK Records as the third single from their eponymous debut studio album (1990). The track was written by Clif Magness and Steve Kipner, with production provided by Glen Ballard. It was the first single to feature Wendy Wilson as the lead vocalist instead of Chynna Phillips and also included a slide guitar solo provided from Joe Walsh.

Contents

Although less successful than the previous two singles, "Impulsive" still continued the group's streak of top ten hits. It peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming their third consecutive top-five hit. The track also became their second number one single on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart. The track proved less successful internationally, cracking the top-forty in Austria, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland. Billboard ranked the song at number 99 on their list of the "100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time". [2]

Composition

"Impulsive", according to the sheet music published by Alfred Publishing Co., Inc on Musicnotes.com, is written in the key of E major. Wendy Wilson's vocals on the track range from A3–C. [1] In The Oxford Handbook of Impulse Control Disorders, they described the lyrics as "the troubadour [singing] about longing to be free from thinking of consequences, not wanting to overanalyze the situation, and wanting to just be impulsive and to fall into a romantic embrace." [3]

Critical reception

Diane Rufer and Ron Fell of Gavin Report responded positively to "Impulsive", writing that the track "broadens their horizons with a fresh new edge to their sound." [4] Their colleague Dave Sholin also gave the track a favorable review saying, "The trio tops off what will turn out to be an unforgettable year with yet another bright and totally accessible gem." [5] Billboard also wrote favorably of "Impulsive" saying, "Third-single ballad from mega-hot debut album should keep the flame smoldering, with its brain-imbedding chorus and luscious harmonizing. Radio remix pumps up the guitar lines, providing a harder edge missing from previous efforts. [6] Pan-European magazine Music & Media said, "A constrained, guitar-based song with a good chorus and some fine West Coast harmony vocals." [7]

Track listings

Charts

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesOctober 1990 Contemporary hit radio SBK
United KingdomOctober 29, 1990
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
[42]
JapanNovember 28, 1990Mini-CD [43]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wilson Phillips</span> American pop vocal group

Wilson Phillips is an American pop vocal group formed in Los Angeles in 1989. The group consists of sisters Carnie and Wendy Wilson, the daughters of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, and Chynna Phillips, the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emotions (Mariah Carey song)</span> 1991 single by Mariah Carey

"Emotions" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey for her second studio album of the same name (1991). It was written and produced by Carey, Robert Clivillés, and David Cole of C+C Music Factory and released as the album's lead single on August 13, 1991, by Columbia Records. The song's lyrics has its protagonist going through a variety of emotions from high to low, up to the point where she declares, "You got me feeling emotions." Musically, it is a gospel and R&B song heavily influenced by 1970s disco music and showcases Carey's upper range and extensive use of the whistle register. Jeff Preiss directed the song's music video.

"Last Kiss" is a song written by Wayne Cochran and first recorded by Cochran in 1961 for the Gala label. Cochran's version failed to do well on the charts. Cochran re-recorded his song for the King label in 1963. It was revived by J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers, who took it to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Wednesday, Pearl Jam, and several international artists also covered the song, with varying degrees of success.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waiting for That Day</span> 1990 single by George Michael

"Waiting for That Day" is a song by English singer-songwriter George Michael. It was released on 22 October 1990 in the United Kingdom via Epic Records as the second overall single from his second solo studio album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 (1990).

<i>Wilson Phillips</i> (album) 1990 studio album by Wilson Phillips

Wilson Phillips is the debut album by American vocal group Wilson Phillips, released in 1990 by SBK Records. The album was successful in the United States, where it peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart for 10 weeks starting August 4, 1990. It spent 125 weeks on the charts, including one year in the top 10. The album has sold five million copies in the United States and over eight million worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Back at One (song)</span> 1999 single by Brian McKnight

"Back at One" is a song written and performed by American recording artist Brian McKnight, taken from his fifth studio album of the same name (1999). The single was released on August 9, 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hold On (Wilson Phillips song)</span> 1990 single by Wilson Phillips

"Hold On" is a song by American vocal group Wilson Phillips, released on February 27, 1990, by SBK as the lead single from their debut studio album, Wilson Phillips (1990). The song topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for a week in June 1990 and was the most successful single of that year in the US. It also became a worldwide hit, peaking within the top three in Australia and Canada and the top 10 in Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The song received platinum sales certifications in Australia and the UK and a gold certification in the US. Julien Temple directed its music video.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I've Been Thinking About You</span> 1990 single by Londonbeat

"I've Been Thinking About You" is a song by British-American band Londonbeat, released in August 1990 by Radioactive and Anxious as the lead single from their second studio album, In the Blood (1990). The song was produced by Martyn Phillips, and written by band members Jimmy Chambers, George Chandler, Jimmy Helms, and William Henshall. It became a major worldwide hit, reaching the number-one spot in more than 10 countries—including Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States—and peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song became the no. 1 radio airplay record in the US and was the BMI Awards Winner for 1992 Song of the Year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Release Me (Wilson Phillips song)</span> 1990 single by Wilson Phillips

"Release Me" is a song written and performed by American pop group Wilson Phillips, released as the second single from their debut album, Wilson Phillips (1990). The song reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in September 1990 and spent two weeks at number one. It also topped the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary chart for one week and reached number one in Canada the same month.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anything Is Possible (Debbie Gibson song)</span> 1990 single by Debbie Gibson

"Anything Is Possible" is a song by American singer-songwriter Debbie Gibson. Entirely written, arranged, and produced by Gibson and Motown writer Lamont Dozier, it was released on November 13, 1990, as the lead single and title track to her third studio album Anything Is Possible. In Europe, a version remixed by Harding and Curnow of PWL was released in place of the original.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If You Go (song)</span> 1994 single by Jon Secada

"If You Go" is a song written by Jon Secada and Miguel Morejon, recorded for Secada's second English-language album, Heart, Soul & a Voice (1994). The song's lyrics detail a desire that a female subject not leave the singer, for, if she does, "there'll be something missing in [his] life." A Spanish version, "Si te vas", was also released for the Spanish-language market.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3AM (Matchbox Twenty song)</span> 1997 single by Matchbox Twenty

"3AM" is the third single and the third track from American rock band Matchbox 20's debut album, Yourself or Someone Like You (1996). Written by Rob Thomas, Jay Stanley, John Leslie Goff, and Brian Yale, the song was inspired by Thomas dealing with his mother's cancer as a teenager. The song was officially serviced to US modern rock radio in October 1997 and was given a commercial release outside North America the following month.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Promise of a New Day</span> 1991 single by Paula Abdul

"The Promise of a New Day" is a song by American singer and entertainer Paula Abdul, recorded for her second studio album Spellbound (1991) and services as the album's opening track. The track, written by Abdul, Peter Lord, Sandra St. Victor, and V. Jeffrey Smith and produced by Lord and Smith, was released as the album's second official single in July 1991 in the United States. The song lyrically finds the singer singing optimistically about a relationship, with a vague sub-context of improvement of the world. It was also her first single released under her own label, Captive Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You're in Love (Wilson Phillips song)</span> 1991 single by Wilson Phillips

"You're in Love" is a song by American pop rock band Wilson Phillips. It was written by the band with Glen Ballard, while he produced it. Released in January 1991 by SBK as the fourth single released from the group's self-titled debut album (1990), it reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the group's third and final number-one single in the United States. At the 34th Annual Grammy Awards, it received a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blowing Kisses in the Wind</span> 1991 single by Paula Abdul

"Blowing Kisses in the Wind" is a song by American singer and dancer Paula Abdul, taken from her second studio album Spellbound (1991). Written by Peter Lord and produced by Lord and V. Jeffrey Smith, it was released as the album's third official single on October 17, 1991, exclusively to North America, Australia, and Japan, as the album's next single "Vibeology" would be released in Europe instead of this song. "Blowing Kisses in the Wind" utilizes the harpsichord. Sweet Pea Atkinson provided background vocals to the track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'll Be Your Shelter</span> 1990 single by Taylor Dayne

"I'll Be Your Shelter" is a song by American singer Taylor Dayne from her second studio album, Can't Fight Fate (1989). Written by Diane Warren and produced by Ric Wake, the song was released on April 2, 1990 via Arista Records as the third single from the album. The track was initially offered to Tina Turner, who declined it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Someday (Sugar Ray song)</span> 1999 single by Sugar Ray

"Someday" is a song by American rock band Sugar Ray. First serviced to American radio in June 1999, the song was released on September 7, 1999, as the second US single and third single overall from the band's third album, 14:59 (1999). The song reached number seven on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Modern Rock Tracks charts, number four on Canada's RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart, and number 25 in New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give It Up (Wilson Phillips song)</span> 1992 single by Wilson Phillips

"Give It Up" is a song by American vocal group Wilson Phillips, taken from their second studio album Shadows and Light (1992). The group wrote the track with songwriter Glen Ballard, who also produced the track. It was released on July 27, 1992, via SBK Records as the second single from the album. This was the second single from the group to feature Wendy Wilson on lead vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Dream Is Still Alive</span> 1991 single by Wilson Phillips

"The Dream Is Still Alive" is a song by the American vocal group Wilson Phillips, written by the trio and Glen Ballard, who provided production for the track. Released on May 20, 1991 to US contemporary hit radio via SBK Records, it was the fifth and final single taken from their eponymous debut studio album (1990) and services as the closer of the album. This was also the first single by the group to feature Carnie Wilson on lead vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Won't See Me Cry</span> 1992 single by Wilson Phillips

"You Won't See Me Cry" is a song by American pop music group Wilson Phillips from their second studio album, Shadows and Light (1992). The song was released on April 28, 1992, by SBK Records. It was released as the lead single from the album, reaching No. 1 in Canada and Finland, No. 18 in the United Kingdom, and No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was the group's last top-50 hit in most countries.

References

  1. 1 2 Phillips, Wilson (December 22, 2008). "Wilson Phillips "Impulsive" Sheet Music in E Major — Download & Print". Musicnotes. Alfred Publishing Co., Inc . Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  2. "100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time: Critics' Picks". Billboard . Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  3. Patton, Jim H.; Stanford, Matthew S. (August 2011). "21: Psychology of Impulsivity". In Grant, Jon E.; Potenza, Marc N. (eds.). The Oxford Handbook of Impulse Control Disorders. Oxford University Press USA. p. 262. ISBN   9780195389715.
  4. Rufer, Diane; Fell, Ron (September 28, 1990). "Inside A/C: Reviews". Gavin Report . No. 1826. p. 34.
  5. Sholin, Dave (September 28, 1990). "Personal Picks". Gavin Report . No. 1826. p. 64.
  6. "Single Reviews: Pop". Billboard . Vol. 102, no. 40. Prometheus Global Media. October 6, 1990. p. 71. ISSN   0006-2510.
  7. "New Releases: Singles". Music & Media . Vol. 7, no. 51. December 22, 1990. p. 24.
  8. Impulsive (US cassette single sleeve). SBK Records. 1990. 4JM-07337.
  9. Impulsive (UK 7-inch single sleeve). SBK Records. 1990. SBK 16.
  10. Impulsive (UK CD single liner notes). SBK Records. 1990. CDSBK 16, 20 4103 2.
  11. Impulsive (European 12-inch single sleeve). SBK Records. 1991. 060 20 4240 6.
  12. インパルシヴ (Japanese mini-CD single liner notes). SBK Records. 1990. TODP-2220.
  13. "Wilson Phillips ARIA chart history, received from ARIA on December 22, 2017". N.B. The High Point number in the NAT column represents the release's peak on the national chart.
  14. "Wilson Phillips – Impulsive" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  15. "National Airplay: Austria". Music & Media . Vol. 8, no. 7. February 16, 1991. p. 20.
  16. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 9136." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  17. "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 9148." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  18. "European Airplay Top 50". Music & Media . Vol. 8, no. 7. February 16, 1991. p. 20.
  19. "Wilson Phillips – Impulsive" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  20. "National Airplay: Germany". Music & Media . Vol. 7, no. 51. December 22, 1990. p. 51.
  21. "National Airplay: Italy". Music & Media . Vol. 8, no. 6. February 9, 1991. p. 24.
  22. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 3, 1991" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  23. "Wilson Phillips – Impulsive" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  24. "Wilson Phillips – Impulsive". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  25. "Wilson Phillips – Impulsive". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  26. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  27. "Wilson Phillips Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  28. "Wilson Phillips Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  29. "Top 100 Singles". Cash Box . Vol. LIV, no. 22. December 29, 1990. p. 6. ISSN   0008-7289.
  30. "the Gavin Report: Adult Contemporary". Gavin Report . No. 1834. November 23, 1990. p. 20.
  31. "the Gavin Report: Top 40". Gavin Report . No. 1835. November 30, 1990. p. 8.
  32. "The Back Page: Adult Contemporary". Radio & Records . No. 867. November 23, 1990. p. 88.
  33. "The Back Page: CHR". Radio & Records . No. 868. November 30, 1990. p. 88.
  34. "Top 100 Hit Tracks of 1990". RPM . Retrieved April 11, 2019 via Library and Archives Canada.
  35. "Top 100 Adult Contemporary Tracks of 1990". RPM. Retrieved April 11, 2019 via Library and Archives Canada.
  36. "1990 Top 100 – A/C". Gavin Report. No. 1836. December 7, 1990. p. 28.
  37. "1990 Top 100 – Top 40". Gavin Report. No. 1836. December 7, 1990. p. 23.
  38. "R&R Top 90 of '90 – Adult Contemporary". Radio & Records. No. 870. December 14, 1990. p. 72.
  39. "Billboard Top 100 – 1991". Archived from the original on July 7, 2009. Retrieved September 15, 2009.
  40. "1991 The Year in Music" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 103, no. 51. December 21, 1991. p. YE-36. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  41. "Top 91 of '91: AC". Radio & Records. No. 920. December 13, 1991. p. 67.
  42. "New Singles". Music Week . October 27, 1990. p. 41.
  43. "インパルシブ | ウィルソン・フィリップス" [Impulsive | Wilson Phillips] (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved September 8, 2023.