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

Colbie Caillat

Colbie CaillatSongwriter Interviews

Since emerging from MySpace with her hit "Bubbly," Colbie has become a top songwriter, even crafting a hit with Taylor Swift.

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

Emilio Castillo from Tower of Power

Emilio Castillo from Tower of PowerSongwriter Interviews

Emilio talks about what it's like to write and perform with the Tower of Power horns, and why every struggling band should have a friend like Huey Lewis.

Trucking Songs That Were #1 Hits

Trucking Songs That Were #1 HitsSong Writing

The stories behind the biggest hit songs about trucking.

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the Song

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the SongSong Writing

How a goofy detective movie, a disenchanted director and an unlikely songwriter led to one of the biggest hits in pop history.

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?