A Mother's Gift: Lullabies From the Heart
Carnie Wilson won't be the first singer-turned-mother to climb aboard the lullaby train in search of new career scenery, but at least she comes by the urge honestly. Listen closely to any Wilson Phillips disc and it's clear hers is a voice that would make any recruiter's short list for new baby whisperers: it's soothing, it's rich, and it's tender. It's also plainly in a place where pleasing budding musical senses has become pretty important. "Lola Sofia," a love song for Wilson's 1-year-old, trickles off the disc like maternal tears of joy, and so do a couple of other originals--"When You Dream," co-written by Wilson and lucky little Lola Sofia's father, and "With the Sun," written by sister Wendy. But the real feast for tots on a scoot toward the Sandman (as well as their Beach Boys-loving parents and grandparents) arrives in the form of covers. "You Are So Beautiful," a duet with father Brian Wilson, is shot through with the senior Wilson's signature sun-warmed quality, and "Heaven," written by Carl Wilson, captures more of the well-woven, brightly lit family sensibility. Good vibrations sometimes come packaged in lullaby form, too.--Tammy La Gorce