Sony
Pop, 1992
Before Sophie B Hawkins became the sage-like, earthy activist and feminist icon that she is today, she was something of a wild child of the ’90s. Her debut album, Tongues and Tails, is a lush, unfiltered exploration of love in all its forms: sacred, profane, beautiful, and just the right amount of taboo to make your inner prude clutch their pearls.
Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover is the most famous song in this collection, cementing Ms Hawkins as a two-hit wonder (her other claim to fame being the later, much gentler As I Lay Me Down). This track is a fever dream of obsession, jealousy, and, well, jungle books—though not the bedtime story kind. It’s a hypnotic anthem of forbidden love, complete with key changes that mirror the manic mood swings of someone deep in the throes of unrequited passion. Fatal Attraction vibes, anyone? Sure, the lyrics might make you question your life choices, but the tune is so good you’ll probably take the risk.
And then there’s We Are One Body, a cosmic lovefest that feels like it could soundtrack a yoga retreat… if the retreat had a secret after-hours party. Ms Hawkins declares, “One breath, one dream, one life and death, one god… one sex!” in a way that’s equal parts profound and teenager journaling at 2 am. Somehow, her sultry vocals sell it so hard you’ll start believing it’s the mantra you’ve been missing.
But let’s not forget the song that veers straight into Flowers in the Attic territory: Don’t Stop Swaying. Yes, folks, Ms Hawkins goes full VC Andrews acid dream, weaving a moody, atmospheric tale of forbidden love with more stormy drama than a soap opera. The Hensel-and-Gretel-as-lovers angle might make you do a double take, but beneath the shock value lies a poignant exploration of trauma, betrayal, and the complicated ways humans seek connection. Creepy? Sure. Compelling? Absolutely.
For a palate cleanser, there’s Saviour Child, a stunning ode to maternal love. With its slow-burning verses and a chorus that sticks like honey, this track is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. The piano and chorus are so perfectly crafted they might just make you cry, even if you’re the type who pretends to be allergic to feelings.
Not every track hits the mark, though. Ms Hawkins’s cover of Bob Dylan’s I Want You feels more like a karaoke attempt than a revelation. While her talent is undeniable, Bob Dylan’s shadow looms large, and this cover doesn’t quite step out from under it.
The real pièce de résistance is Before I Walk on Fire, a cinematic epic of despair, surrender, and eventual salvation. This track is a full-blown emotional journey, starting with brooding violins and drums and building into a crescendo of hope and redemption. Whether you interpret it as a spiritual awakening or a lover’s plea, it’s impossible not to be swept away by Ms Hawkins’s raw intensity. It’s like a religious experience—if religious experiences came with killer violins and a pop-rock beat.
Tongues and Tails isn’t just an album; it’s a collection of musical novellas, each one telling a vivid, unforgettable story. From the dream-chasing melancholy of California, Here I Come to the sultry wisdom woven throughout, Ms Hawkins proves herself a master of emotional versatility. She can switch from seductive to nurturing to life-coach-in-your-ear with the flick of a vocal cord.
Though often misunderstood and underrated, Sophie B Hawkins’s debut is a must-listen. If you’ve ever wanted an album that feels like a steamy romance novel, a philosophy lecture, and a therapy session all rolled into one, Tongues and Tails is your jam. Just don’t blame me if you end up singing Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover in the shower for weeks.
