The Dream Is Still Alive

"The Dream Is Still Alive"
The US promotional single cover for "The Dream Is Still Alive" by Wilson Phillips.
Single by Wilson Phillips
from the album Wilson Phillips
ReleasedMay 20, 1991 (1991-05-20)[1]
Recorded1989–1990
GenrePop
Length4:05
LabelSBK
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Glen Ballard
Wilson Phillips singles chronology
"You're in Love"
(1991) 		"The Dream Is Still Alive"
(1991) 		"Daniel"
(1991)

"The Dream Is Still Alive" is a song by the American vocal group Wilson Phillips, written by the trio and Glen Ballard, who provided production for the track. Released on May 20, 1991 to US contemporary hit radio via SBK Records, it was the fifth and final single taken from their eponymous debut studio album (1990) and services as the closer of the album. This was also the first single by the group to feature Carnie Wilson on lead vocals.[2]

The least successful single from their debut record, "The Dream Is Still Alive" broke their streak of top-ten hits in both Canada and the United States, stalling at numbers 11 and 12 on the RPM Top Singles and Billboard Hot 100 charts. It did however continue their success on adult contemporary radio, peaking at number four on the US Adult Contemporary chart. The track had little success internationally, charting in the lower regions of Australia.

Background

[edit]

Co-writer Glen Ballard wrote the song as his daughter was dying of cancer. He said, "When somebody really says something, people pay attention. To me, you use everything in life. Everything doesn't have to be heavy. For that song "The Dream Is Still Alive," that was a heavy moment in my life, but certainly, to me, it's something beautiful."[3]

Critical reception

[edit]

Diane Rufer and Ron Fell of the Gavin Report gave the single a positive review saying, "Their harmonies are so warming that there's been no overkill, just the feeling of wanting more from this fabulous trio."[2] Dave Sholin of the same publication also offered a favorable review saying, "No matter what the human condition, clinging to the hope that things will improve makes getting through difficult times bearable. America's favorite new trio expresses that beautifully in song, both in English and in Spanish, and of course always in harmony."[4]

Track listings and formats

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Count On Wilson Phillips again... "The Dream Is Still Alive", the visionary new single and video". Gavin Report. No. 1856. May 17, 1991. p. 9.
  2. ^ a b Rufer, Diane; Fell, Ron (May 17, 1991). "Inside A/C: Reviews". Gavin Report. No. 1856. p. 28.
  3. ^ Newman, Melinda (June 30, 2001). "Glen Ballard: The Billboard Interview". Billboard. Vol. 113, no. 26. Prometheus Global Media. p. G-4. ISSN 0006-2510.
  4. ^ Sholin, Dave (May 17, 1991). "Personal Picks: Singles". Gavin Report. No. 1856. p. 56.
  5. ^ The Dream Is Still Alive (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Wilson Phillips. SBK Records. 1991. SBK 31, 2044387.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ^ The Dream Is Still Alive (European 7-inch single sleeve). Wilson Phillips. SBK Records. 1991. 016-20 4416 7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. ^ The Dream Is Still Alive (European 12-inch maxi-single sleeve). Wilson Phillips. SBK Records. 1991. 060 20 4416 6.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. ^ The Dream Is Still Alive (UK CD single liner notes). Wilson Phillips. SBK Records. 1991. CDSBK 31, 2044382.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. ^ The Dream Is Still Alive (European CD single liner notes). Wilson Phillips. SBK Records. 1991. 20 4416 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. ^ The Dream Is Still Alive (US maxi-CD single liner notes). Wilson Phillips. SBK Records. 1991. K2-19736.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  11. ^ The Dream Is Still Alive (US cassette single sleeve). Wilson Phillips. SBK Records. 1991. 4KM-07356.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ^ "Wilson Phillips ARIA chart history, received from ARIA on December 22, 2017". N.B. The High Point number in the NAT column represents the release's peak on the national chart.
  13. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 1594." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  14. ^ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 1589." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  15. ^ "Wilson Phillips Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  16. ^ "Wilson Phillips Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  17. ^ "the Gavin Report: Adult Contemporary". Gavin Report. No. 1864. July 12, 1991. p. 30.
  18. ^ "Cash Box Top 100 Pop Singles". Cash Box. Vol. LIV, no. 50. July 27, 1991. p. 2. ISSN 0008-7289.
  19. ^ "the Gavin Report: Top 40". Gavin Report. No. 1863. July 5, 1991. p. 8.
  20. ^ "The Back Page: Adult Contemporary". Radio & Records. No. 900. July 26, 1991. p. 92.
  21. ^ "The Back Page: CHR". Radio & Records. No. 899. July 19, 1991. p. 96.
  22. ^ "RPM 100 Hit Tracks of 1991". RPM. 17 July 2013. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  23. ^ "1991 The Year in Music" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 103, no. 51. December 21, 1991. p. YE-36. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  24. ^ "1991 Top 100: Adult Contemporary". Gavin Report. No. 1885. December 13, 1991.
  25. ^ "1991 Top 100: Top 40". Gavin Report. No. 1885. December 13, 1991. p. 24.
  26. ^ "Top 91 of '91: AC". Radio & Records. No. 920. December 13, 1991. p. 67.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Dream_Is_Still_Alive&oldid=1268223004"