The
Mamas & the Papas broke up in 1968, but they still owed an album on their contract with Dunhill Records (later absorbed by
MCA). So, three years later, they reunited to make
People Like Us and complete their obligation. The result isn't as bad as that scenario might suggest, though the songs have more in common with
John Phillips' 1970 solo album than with the group's hits of the 1960s. But the release did not rekindle interest in
the Mamas & the Papas, and this was their last new album. ~ William Ruhlmann