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Tongues and Tails

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Tongues and Tails
Studio album by
Sophie B. Hawkins
ReleasedApril 21, 1992
RecordedJuly 1991 – February 1992
Length52:23
LabelColumbia
Producer
Sophie B. Hawkins chronology
Tongues and Tails
(1992) 		Whaler
(1994)
Singles from Tongues and Tails
  1. "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover"
    Released: 31 March 1992
  2. "California Here I Come"
    Released: 1992
  3. "I Want You"
    Released: 1992

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]

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]

Background

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Hawkins recorded her debut album, Tongues and Tails, after signing a contract with Columbia Records, who had liked a demo tape she circulated to various labels. She was enthusiastic about her relationship with the label, telling Billboard in 1992, "Once it sunk into my brain that I got this deal because [Columbia] believed in me and my music, I was able to dig into making this album without any inhibitions."[6]

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[7]
Robert Christgau(dud)[8]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music[9]
Entertainment WeeklyB+[10]
The Indianapolis Star[11]
Los Angeles Times[12]
Orlando Sentinel[13]
Q (1992)
(1994)[14]
Rolling Stone[15]
Slant Magazine[16]

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."[17] 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".[18] 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."[11]

Track listing

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All tracks written by Sophie B. Hawkins, except "I Want You," written by Bob Dylan.

  1. "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover" – 5:23
  2. "California Here I Come" – 4:38
  3. "Mysteries We Understand" – 4:40
  4. "Savior Child" – 4:45
  5. "Carry Me" – 4:36
  6. "I Want You" – 5:19
  7. "Before I Walk on Fire" – 4:58
  8. "We Are One Body" – 4:49
  9. "Listen" – 3:31
  10. "Live and Let Love" – 4:13
  11. "Don't Stop Swaying" – 5:31

Personnel

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Technical personnel

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  • 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

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Chart performance for Tongues and Tails
Chart (1992) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[19] 38
Canada Top Albums/CDs (RPM)[20] 20
European Top 100 Albums (Music & Media)[21] 54
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[22] 34
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)[23] 13
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[24] 38
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[25] 15
UK Albums (OCC)[26] 46
US Billboard 200[27] 51
US Cash Box Top 200 Pop Albums[28] 32

Notes

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Gettelman, Parry (May 22, 1992). "Sophie B. Hawkins". Orlando Sentinel. p. C8.
  3. ^ "Rollin' & tumblin'". Rolling Stone. August 11, 1994. p. 70.
  4. ^ 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)
  5. ^ "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.
  6. ^ Flick, Larry (April 4, 1992). "Bigger & better prospects for Sophie Hawkins". Billboard. Vol. 104, no. 14. Billboard Publications, Inc. p. 13. ISSN 0006-2510.
  7. ^ Tongues and Tails at AllMusic
  8. ^ "Sophie B. Hawkins". Robert Christgau. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2013.
  9. ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Omnibus Press.
  10. ^ "Protected Blog › Log in". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 27, 2010. Retrieved August 25, 2010.
  11. ^ a b Wolf, Judy (May 8, 1992). "Sophie B. Hawkins Tongues and Tails". The Indianapolis Star. p. C12.
  12. ^ "*** 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.
  13. ^ Gettelman, Parry (May 22, 1992). "Sophie B. Hawkins". Orlando Sentinel.
  14. ^ "Sophie B Hawkins - Tongues & Tails CD Album". www.cduniverse.com.
  15. ^ Rolling Stone review
  16. ^ 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.
  17. ^ "Album Reviews". Billboard. Vol. 104, no. 15. Billboard Publications, Inc. April 11, 1992. p. 43. ISSN 0006-2510.
  18. ^ Zimmerman, Kent (April 17, 1992). "Album: New Releases". Gavin Report. No. 1901. p. 40. OCLC 34039542.
  19. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Sophie B. Hawkins – Tongues and Tails". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  20. ^ "Top RPM Albums: Issue 2023". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  21. ^ "European Top 100 Albums". Music & Media. Vol. 9, no. 39. September 26, 1992. p. 17. OCLC 29800226.
  22. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Sophie B. Hawkins – Tongues and Tails" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  23. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Sophie B. Hawkins – Tongues and Tails". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  24. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Sophie B. Hawkins – Tongues and Tails". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  25. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Sophie B. Hawkins – Tongues and Tails". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  26. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  27. ^ "Sophie B Hawkins Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  28. ^ "Top 200 Pop Albums". Cash Box. Vol. 55, no. 47. July 18, 1992. p. 15. ISSN 0008-7289.
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