The 5 Best Cass Elliot Songs You Should Listen To Now
If you’re a fan of the classics, chances are you’ve heard of Ellen Naomi Cohen, better known as Cass Elliot. With her unforgettable voice and captivating presence, she made her mark in the music world, both as a member of the Mamas & the Papas and as a solo artist.
No matter if you’re a long-time supporter or a new fan who just found out about Cass Elliot while browsing around the web, there’s no better way to celebrate her legacy than by listening to her best songs. So, grab your headphones and let Jukebox Saturday Night guide you through five of her top tracks.
And if you’re curious to learn more about her remarkable life, don’t miss the interesting stories that Cass Elliot’s daughter has to tell. You can check out all of these and learn more about other stars in R’n’R Heaven right here on our website.
So, without further ado, let’s talk about Elliot’s most prominent hits.
1. ‘Make your own kind of music’
Behind the song
‘Make your own kind of music’ was a creation of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, released by Elliot in 1969 as part of her album, Make your own kind of music/it’s getting better. Steve Barri, the producer behind the album, aimed to catapult Elliot back into the charts by focusing on bubblegum music, aligning with her vibrant personality.
Elliot had a complicated relationship with bubblegum music, considering the genre to be pleasant but unsubstantial. That said, she has acknowledged that it does match her light vocal style very well.
Meaning behind the lyrics
The lyrics of ‘Make your own kind of music’ deliver a clear and powerful message: celebrate your individuality and don’t bow to societal pressures. The song encourages you to embrace your unique style and to create art true to yourself, even if others don’t join in.
These themes resonated deeply with music fans, especially during a time when authenticity was considered a rebellious act.
Impact on pop culture
‘Make your own kind of music’ quickly garnered popularity, ascending the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at #36. It has since grown into a classic, getting featured in iconic TV shows like Lost and Dexter.
2. ‘Dream a little dream of me’
About the Mamas & the Papas version
Elliot was the lead singer of ‘Dream a little dream of me’, which appeared on the Mamas & the Papas’ 1968 album, The Papas & The Mamas.
Despite initial hesitations about the song’s perceived “campy” nature, Elliot’s take aimed to capture the essence of its original time period. They also added a unique spin to it, featuring an intro with Cass and John Phillips speaking and Cass clearing her throat.
Elliot’s vocals also shine in this track, setting this cover version apart from others that focus more on traditional delivery.
Chart performance
- The song marked the group’s final major hit.
- It peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- It achieved #2 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart.
- In the UK, it reached a peak of #11.
- It also landed on charts in Ireland, South Africa, and Australia.
- In Australia, it topped the charts for two weeks.
3. ‘It’s getting better’
Significance to Elliot
‘It’s getting better’ was released on Elliot’s 1969 album Bubblegum, lemonade, and… something for mama. The track brought together iconic musicians such as James Burton and Hal Blaine.
Here’s why this song mattered:
- Key milestone: This release marked an effort by Elliot to carve out a distinctive solo career, separate from the Mamas & the Papas.
- Commercial triumph: The song saw significant commercial success, and Elliot appreciated the recognition despite grievances that it didn’t fully align with her artistic vision.
Cover version’s popularity
The song’s popularity trajectory led to many notable achievements, including the following:
- Billboard Hot 100: It peaked at #30 in August 1969, maintaining a remarkable 19-week presence.
- City-specific success: It climbed to #2 in Minneapolis-Saint Paul and San Diego, selling around 500,000 copies in the US.
- UK impact: It achieved a notable peak at #8 in October 1969, surpassing Elliot’s earlier hit, ‘Dream a little dream of me’.
- Irish recognition: It reached #3, significantly outperforming ‘Dream a little dream of me’ in Ireland (#13).
4. ‘Move in a little closer, baby’
Context behind the song’s release
‘Move in a little closer, baby’ was a song originally recorded by Harmony Grass in 1968. Elliot’s version, however, was released as the lead single from her second solo album, Bubblegum, lemonade, and…something for mama.
Despite some reluctance and a desire to set herself apart from the Mamas & the Papas, Elliot took on the track, seeing it as a fun experiment.
Differences from the original version
Elliot’s rendition is distinct from the original version in various ways:
- Vocals: Drawing on her experience with the Mamas & the Papas, Elliot herself handled the background vocals, adding layers of harmony to the final release.
- Bubblegum pop influence: Elliot’s producers at Dunhill Records pushed her towards a bubblegum pop angle, which enriched this cover version with playful, buoyant notes.
5. ‘New world coming’
Musical style
‘New world coming’ stands out for its hopeful and uplifting message, seamlessly blending pop with a touch of grandeur.
This song boasted a rich arrangement featuring horns and strings orchestrated by Jimmie Haskell, adding depth to the song. Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil worked on the lyrics, which emphasised change and optimism.
Steve Barri, the producer, noted that this track carried a significant, hopeful message, setting it apart from other songs in the genre, which tended to focus on less meaningful themes.
International success and cover versions
Although it didn’t become Elliot’s biggest hit, ‘New world coming’ still made a notable impact. It peaked at a respectable #42 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it secured the #4 spot on both the US Billboard Adult Contemporary and Canada RPM Adult Contemporary charts.
What’s more, various artists have covered the song over the years, notably Nina Simone and Melba Moore.
Key points to remember
- Cass Elliot was a prominent figure in the music industry, both as a member of the Mamas & the Papas and as a solo artist.
- ‘Make your own kind of music’ is a significant solo hit by Elliot, promoting individuality and self-expression, and it has been featured in popular TV shows like Lost and Dexter.
- ‘Dream a little dream of me’ was one of the last major hits by the Mamas & the Papas, with Elliot’s unique vocal style distinguishing it from other versions.
- ‘It’s getting better’ was a commercially successful solo effort by Elliot, peaking at #30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and gaining international recognition.
- ‘Move in a little closer, baby’ showcases Elliot’s ability to reinterpret songs with her own style, blending bubblegum pop with layered harmonies.
- ‘New world coming’ has an uplifting message and a rich musical arrangement, achieving moderate success and being covered by various artists over the years.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, music history is often based on available documentation and interpretation.
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