People Like Us is the fifth and final studio album released by the American folk rockvocal groupThe Mamas and the Papas. Released in November 1971 (three years after the group originally split), the album came to be because the former members of the group were still under contract with Dunhill Records. The group had originally been signed to the label when it was run by their original producer Lou Adler, but by 1971, Dunhill's distributor, ABC Records, had purchased the label and discovered a clause in the group's original contract. According to their contract, the group had to produce one more album, or else be in breach of contract and subject to possible fines up to 1 million dollars (according to Denny Doherty). The album is considered a disappointment by fans and critics with some notable exemptions such as “Snowqueen of Texas” and “Lady Genevieve”. Despite its reputation, it sold moderately well (#84 on the Billboard Pop Albums Chart).[1] It was produced by John Phillips. Michelle Phillips later wrote in the liner note of a Mamas & Papas CD compilation that the album "sounded like what it was, four people trying to avoid a lawsuit". This mostly had to do with the spark in the group's original content leaving as the group had parted ways and had pursued personal gains.
All tracks except "I Wanna Be a Star" (co-written by Michelle) were written by John, making People Like Us The Mamas and the Papas' only entirely self-written and produced album. Some of the lyrics refer to John's romance at the time with actress Geneviève Waïte, whom he married in 1972.
Tracks include "Pearl", a tribute to singer Janis Joplin, the single "Step Out" (#81 Billboard Hot 100, #25 Adult Contemporary) and the title track which is the last song the group ever recorded. Due reportedly to the illness of Cass Elliot during the sessions, most lead vocals are handled by Denny Doherty and Michelle, and while present and audible on certain tracks, Elliot does not feature prominently on the album.
The 2016 4-CD collection Ultimate Anthology features a full remix of the album, restoring various instrumental and vocal parts, including vocals by Cass Elliot that were originally mixed out by John Phillips.
