Impulsive

Album: Wilson Phillips (1990)
Charted: 42 4
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Wilson Phillips' self-titled album was one of the most successful debuts in history, with four hit singles released about three months apart, keeping them on the air for over a year. "Impulsive" was the third single, following "Hold On" and "Release Me," and preceding "You're In Love." All went to #1 in the US except "Impulsive," which still had a very strong showing, reaching #4.

    Much of their success owes to their producer, Glen Ballard, who used their killer app - their harmonies - as the bedrock of their songs. The group's fan base was mostly female and mostly older than the group, which was in their early 20s at the time. Every song from their first album got loads of airplay on VH1 and Adult Contemporary radio.
  • In this song, Wilson Phillips want to be impulsive, casting caution to the winds with their latest love. Perhaps they've been rewarded for holding on just one more day. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mike - Santa Barbara, CA
  • This was the only single from the Wilson Phillips album the group didn't co-write. It was composed by Steve Kipner and Clif Magness. Kipner's credits include "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John and "If She Would Have Been Faithful..." by Chicago. Magness wrote the Jack Wagner hit "All I Need."
  • The group is comprised of the sisters Carnie Wilson and Wendy Wilson, and their childhood friend, Chynna Phillips. The Wilsons are Brian Wilson's daughter; Chynna's parents are John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas. They took pains to stay on equal footing, with no "leader." On "Impulsive," Wendy sang lead but Carnie and Chynna are quite prominent.
  • The slide guitar licks on this track came courtesy of Joe Walsh, who was usually heard rocking out with the Eagles or the James Gang, but did some softer stuff too - he produced an entire album for Dan Fogelberg (Souvenirs).

    Also playing on "Impulsive" is Bill Payne, another guy known for rock. His previous clients include Little Feat and The Doobie Brothers.

Comments: 1

  • Chris from Birmingham, AlThis was also the only Wilson Phillips's hit where Wendy Wilson was lead vocal.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

They Might Be Giants

They Might Be GiantsSongwriter Interviews

Who writes a song about a name they found in a phone book? That's just one of the everyday things these guys find to sing about. Anything in their field of vision or general scope of knowledge is fair game. If you cross paths with them, so are you.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.

Second Wind Songs

Second Wind SongsSong Writing

Some songs get a second life when they find a new audience through a movie, commercial, TV show, or even the Internet.