Tongues and Tails is the debut album by American singer-songwriter Sophie B. Hawkins, released in 1992 on Columbia records. It was produced by Rick Chertoff and Ralph Schuckett.[1][2]
Tongues and Tails | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | April 21, 1992 | |||
Recorded | July 1991 – February 1992 | |||
Length | 52:23 | |||
Label | Columbia | |||
Producer | ||||
Sophie B. Hawkins chronology | ||||
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Singles from Tongues and Tails | ||||
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The album includes a cover of Bob Dylan's "I Want You"; in Rolling Stone, Paul Evans described the style of her version as "breathy techno-MOR".[3] It was released as a single, backed with "Live and Let Love" as the B-side.[4] The music video, which was shot in Paris, was directed by Lydie Caller and produced by Odille DeVars.[5]
Critical reception
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [6] |
Robert Christgau | [7] |
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | [8] |
Entertainment Weekly | B+[9] |
The Indianapolis Star | [10] |
Los Angeles Times | [11] |
Orlando Sentinel | [12] |
Q | (1992) (1994)[13] |
Rolling Stone | [14] |
Slant Magazine | [15] |
Billboard believed that Tongues and Tails "distinguishes itself from the femme-fronted confessional genre by contrasting sensitive lyrics with insinuating pop grooves, '70s soul stylings, and African-tribal percussion". They added that Hawkins "reveals a unique voice and charisma that's well worth the attention."[16] Kent Zimmerman of Gavin Report described the album as "one of this year's prime releases". He noted how Hawkins has "carved a personality niche right alongside her textured and keyboard-drive recordings", which "emphasizes sex and affection during dangerous times".[17] The Indianapolis Star stated that "Hawkins' music ranges from churchlike keyboards to what should be instant favorites on the dance floor—sort of an early Springsteen to current Madonna."[10]
Track listing
All tracks written by Sophie B. Hawkins, except "I Want You," written by Bob Dylan.
- "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover" – 5:23
- "California Here I Come" – 4:38
- "Mysteries We Understand" – 4:40
- "Savior Child" – 4:45
- "Carry Me" – 4:36
- "I Want You" – 5:19
- "Before I Walk on Fire" – 4:58
- "We Are One Body" – 4:49
- "Listen" – 3:31
- "Live and Let Love" – 4:13
- "Don't Stop Swaying" – 5:31
Personnel
- Sophie B. Hawkins – keyboards, vocals
- Eric Bazilian – guitar
- Café – percussion
- Mino Cinelu – percussion
- Rick DiFonzo – guitar
- Mark Egan – bass
- Roger Greenawalt – twelve-string guitar
- Omar Hakim – drums
- Gary Lucas – guitar
- Sammy Merendino – rhythm, rhythm collage
- Ralph Schuckett – keyboards
- Peter Wood – synthesizer
- Frederick Zlotkin – cello
Technical personnel
- Studio: Messina Music
- Producers: Rick Chertoff, Ralph Schuckett
- Engineers: John Agnello, Steve Churchyard, Stewart Lerman, Martin Brass
- Assistant engineers: Ted Trewhella, Michael White
- Mixing: Steve Churchyard, David Leonard
- Mastering: George Marino
- Art direction: Christopher Austopchuk, Nicky Lindeman
- Paintings: Sophie B. Hawkins
Charts
Chart (1992) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australian Albums (ARIA)[18] | 38 |
Canada Top Albums/CDs (RPM)[19] | 20 |
European Top 100 Albums (Music & Media)[20] | 54 |
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[21] | 34 |
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)[22] | 13 |
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[23] | 38 |
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[24] | 15 |
UK Albums (OCC)[25] | 46 |
US Billboard 200[26] | 51 |
US Cash Box Top 200 Pop Albums[27] | 32 |
Notes
- ^ Flick, Larry (October 10, 1992). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 78. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 8, 2022. Retrieved September 27, 2021 – via World Radio History.
- ^ Gettelman, Parry (May 22, 1992). "Sophie B. Hawkins". Orlando Sentinel. p. C8.
- ^ "Rollin' & tumblin'". Rolling Stone. August 11, 1994. p. 70.
- ^ I Want You (Single label). Sophie B. Hawkins. United States: Columbia Records. 1992. 38-74747.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Music Video: Production Notes" (PDF). Billboard. October 31, 1992. p. 40. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 8, 2022. Retrieved September 27, 2021 – via World Radio History.
- ^ Tongues and Tails at AllMusic
- ^ "Sophie B. Hawkins". Robert Christgau. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2013.
- ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Omnibus Press.
- ^ "Protected Blog › Log in". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 27, 2010. Retrieved August 25, 2010.
- ^ a b Wolf, Judy (May 8, 1992). "Sophie B. Hawkins Tongues and Tails". The Indianapolis Star. p. C12.
- ^ "*** SOPHIE B. HAWKINS "Tongues and Tails" Columbia". Los Angeles Times. April 19, 1992. Archived from the original on April 2, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
- ^ Gettelman, Parry (May 22, 1992). "Sophie B. Hawkins". Orlando Sentinel.
- ^ "Sophie B Hawkins - Tongues & Tails CD Album". www.cduniverse.com.
- ^ Rolling Stone review
- ^ Cinquemani, Sal (October 26, 2003). "Review: Sophie B. Hawkins, Tongues & Tails". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
- ^ "Album Reviews". Billboard. Vol. 104, no. 15. Billboard Publications, Inc. April 11, 1992. p. 43. ISSN 0006-2510.
- ^ Zimmerman, Kent (April 17, 1992). "Album: New Releases". Gavin Report. No. 1901. p. 40. OCLC 34039542.
- ^ "Australiancharts.com – Sophie B. Hawkins – Tongues and Tails". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ "Top RPM Albums: Issue 2023". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ "European Top 100 Albums". Music & Media. Vol. 9, no. 39. September 26, 1992. p. 17. OCLC 29800226.
- ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Sophie B. Hawkins – Tongues and Tails" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Sophie B. Hawkins – Tongues and Tails". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Sophie B. Hawkins – Tongues and Tails". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Sophie B. Hawkins – Tongues and Tails". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ "Sophie B Hawkins Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ "Top 200 Pop Albums". Cash Box. Vol. 55, no. 47. July 18, 1992. p. 15. ISSN 0008-7289.