Tongues and Tails

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."^[8]

The lead single, "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover", preceded the album and was released in the US on March 31, 1992.^[8] It achieved success in many countries worldwide; in the United States, it reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100.^[5] The second single, "California Here I Come", was released in July 1992.^[9] It failed to appear on any Billboard charts, but did peak at number 79 on the US Cash Box Top 100 Pop Singles chart.^[10] "I Want You" was issued as the third and final single in October 1992, but was not a chart success.^[11] It did, however, reach number 49 on the UK Singles Chart in February 1993.^[12]

More information Review scores, Source ...

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[13]
Robert Christgau	[14]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[15]
Entertainment Weekly	B+[16]
The Indianapolis Star	[17]
Los Angeles Times	[18]
Orlando Sentinel	[19]
Q	(1992) (1994)[20]
Rolling Stone	[21]
Slant Magazine	[22]

Close

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."^[23] 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".^[24] 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."^[17] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine praised the album writing it's "sonically intricate and emotionally raw, it's about as complex as pop music gets."^[22] In 2003, Slant Magazine included it on their list of 50 Essential Pop Albums.^[25]

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