The song “impulsive” will surely bring up memories from the early nineties and earlier if you know the back story. Wilson Phillips isn’t a solo recording artist. Instead, Wilson Phillips is two last names put together to make a popular 1990s pop music trio. Wilson is Carnie and Wendy’s last name; Philips is Chynna’s surname. These names might not mean much to most people born after 2000. But mention those names to people that love the oldies genre, and two sixties mega pop-rock bands come to mind.

The Beach Boys and the Mamas and Papas were major recording artists in the sixties. So much so that collectively their music serves as a cultural glimpse into 1960s American pop culture. Sisters Carnie and Wendy are Brian Wilson’s Daughters; Chynna Philips’ parents are John and Michelle Philips. Combined, it would be a challenge not to find Beach Boys and Mamas and Papas’ music not coming from radio stations throughout the sixties.

With such musical lineage, it was almost ordained that the trio would one day be famous as nineties cultural icons. Imagine growing up in Southern California with parents always in a performance spotlight. Wilson Phillips were little girls experiencing pop rock stardom from a unique perspective, contributing to their success even as they found their own “So Cal” sound and vibe.

Fun Facts:

• The group’s self-titled debut album was released on May 8, 1990.
• Wilson Phillips stayed on the Billboard 200 LP Chart for more than two years, with ten weeks in the Top Ten.
• The pre-album released single “Hold On” spent only a week at the top spot on the Billboard 100 charts before securing the spot as the top song of the year in 1990.
• “Impulsive” reached number 4 on the Billboard 100 Chart.
• Wilson Phillips had 5 hit singles.
• The song squeaked in at the 99 spot on Billboard’s 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time. 

Lyrics 

The secret of love, I thought I understood

the way it’s supposed to be.

I never imagined you could blow my theory apart.

But now you’re running away with my heart

I don’t wanna think about it,

don’t wanna think clear, don’t analyze what I’m doing here.

Wanna be impulsive, reckless, and lose myself in your kiss.

Arrows through hearts drawn on a misty window.

You’re taking me home in the rain.

My heart is beating. Don’t say no.

My head keeps saying take it slow.

I don’t wanna think about it, don’t wanna think clear,

don’t analyze what I’m doing here.

Wanna be impulsive, reckless, and lose myself in your kiss.

You’re giving me a feeling it’s a sudden rush.

Acting on the moment, it’s spontaneous.

Wo wo oh.

This is not like me to follow my heart so easily.

I am reckless, impulsive.

I never imagined you could blow my theory apart.

But you’re running away with my heart, my heart.

I don’t wanna think about it,

don’t wanna think clear, don’t analyze what I’m doing here.

Wanna be impulsive, reckless and lose myself in your kiss.

You’re givin’ feeling.

It’s a sudden rush.

Acting on the moment, it’s spontaneous.

Wanna be impulsive, reckless, and lose my self in your kiss.

Impulsive, I wanna be impulsive.

I’m gonna be impulsive, reckless and lose myself,