Feature Photo: CarlaVanWagoner / Shutterstock.com
Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman, known as Wendy & Lisa, are a musical duo recognized for their work as part of Prince’s backing band, The Revolution, before establishing themselves as independent artists after Prince broke up the Revolution. I always thought he broke up that band way too soon; He had gold in Wendy & Lisa
Throughout their career, Wendy & Lisa have released several studio albums, incorporating elements of pop, rock, and funk into their distinctive sound. They have also made significant contributions to film and television soundtracks, earning them critical acclaim and awards, including a Grammy for their work on the Dangerous Minds soundtrack.
Their collaborative work showcases not only their instrumental talents—Melvoin on guitar and Coleman on keyboards—but also their skills as songwriters and producers. Despite not achieving massive commercial success, their albums have been praised for their innovative production and sophisticated musicianship. Wendy & Lisa’s influence extends beyond their recordings, as they have been sought-after collaborators and contributors to the works of other artists, reflecting their respected status in the music industry.
Wendy and Lisa
Released: 1987
Wendy and Lisa, their debut album, marked the duo’s emergence as a formidable musical force following their departure from The Revolution. The album featured a fusion of pop, rock, and funk, showcasing their versatility and ability to craft compelling, melodic music. The lead single, “Waterfall,” exemplified their knack for combining catchy hooks with intricate musical arrangements, earning them critical and commercial recognition.
The album was produced by Wendy & Lisa themselves, with additional production by Bobby Z. It was recorded at Sunset Sound Factory and Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, California. The project highlighted their multi-instrumental talents, with both artists contributing vocals, keyboards, guitars, and other instruments, supported by a select group of session musicians to enrich the sound.
CD Track Listings:
- “Honeymoon Express” – 3:46
- “Sideshow” – 4:43
- “Waterfall” – 4:58
- “Stay” – 4:23
- “White” – 1:00
- “Blues Away” – 4:56
- “Song About” – 4:28
- “Chance to Grow” – 3:18
- “The Life” – 4:56
- “Everything But You” – 3:58
- “Light” – 4:21
Fruit at the Bottom
Released: 1989
Their second album, Fruit at the Bottom, saw Wendy & Lisa pushing the boundaries of their sound, incorporating more electronic elements and sampling into their music. The album’s eclectic mix of genres showcased their adventurous musical spirit and technical prowess. Tracks like “Are You My Baby” and “Lolly Lolly” received positive attention for their infectious rhythms and innovative production techniques.
Produced by Wendy & Lisa with contributions from other producers, the album was recorded at several studios, including Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood, California. The duo continued to handle a wide range of instruments, further establishing their identity as multi-talented artists in the music industry.
CD Track Listings:
- “Lolly Lolly” – 4:23
- “Are You My Baby” – 4:43
- “Satisfaction” – 4:57
- “Always in My Dreams” – 4:38
- “Everyday” – 4:56
- “From Now On (We’re One)” – 4:36
- “Tears of Joy” – 4:55
- “Someday I” – 3:58
- “I Think It Was December” – 4:21
- “Fruit at the Bottom” – 4:32
Eroica
Released: 1990
Eroica, their third album, represented a significant artistic leap, blending orchestral arrangements with their established sound to create a rich, textured musical landscape. The album featured ambitious compositions that ranged from pop and rock to more experimental and symphonic pieces. Notably, the track “Strung Out” demonstrated their willingness to experiment with structure and genre, earning praise for its creativity and depth.
Recorded at various locations, including their personal studio, Eroica was co-produced by Wendy & Lisa and David Z. The album underscored their growth as artists, willing to explore new territory while maintaining their unique musical voice.
CD Track Listings:
- “Rainbow Lake” – 4:39
- “Strung Out” – 4:13
- “Mother of Pearl” – 5:25
- “Don’t Try to Tell Me” – 3:37
- “Crack in the Pavement” – 4:12
- “Porch Swing” – 4:45
- “Why Wait for Heaven” – 4:56
- “Turn Me Inside Out” – 4:12
- “Skeleton Key” – 4:18
- “Valley Vista” – 4:06
- “Staring at the Sun” – 4:31
Girl Bros.
Released: 1998
Girl Bros. represented a poignant moment in Wendy & Lisa’s career, serving as a tribute to Wendy’s brother, Jonathan Melvoin, who passed away in 1996. This album marked a departure from their earlier, more pop-oriented work, embracing a more introspective and experimental approach. The tracks blend elements of rock, jazz, and ambient music, creating a deeply personal and emotionally resonant album.
Wendy & Lisa took on the roles of producers, writers, and multi-instrumentalists for this album, recording it in their home studio in Los Angeles, California. The DIY approach to Girl Bros. allowed for a more intimate and unfiltered expression of their artistry, resulting in one of their most critically acclaimed works.
CD Track Listings:
- Reaching One – 4:10
- Love & Trouble – 3:29
- I Will – 3:37
- All Nite – 3:09
- Bring You Back – 4:11
- I’ve Got A Big Bowl Of Cherries – 3:13
- Uh-Uh, Don’t Look Down – 4:33
- All I Wonder / Anyway – 5:15
- If I Were Brave – 2:44
- Jonathan – 3:46
- Let’s Say – 3:30
- I’ve Got No Strings – 4:43
- Worth Your Weight In Colds.
White Flags of Winter Chimneys
Released: 2008
White Flags of Winter Chimneys is a self-released album that showcases Wendy & Lisa’s matured sound and artistry. The album is a blend of atmospheric soundscapes, intricate melodies, and thoughtful lyrics. It reflects a broad range of influences, from rock to ambient, demonstrating their growth as musicians and songwriters.
This album was a direct result of Wendy & Lisa’s desire to create music that was true to their artistic vision, free from commercial pressures. Recorded in their home studio, the album’s production values highlight their skills as producers, capable of creating rich, layered compositions that are both complex and accessible.
CD Track Listings:
- “Balloon” – 4:47
- “Invisible” – 5:03
- “Ever After” – 4:19
- “Salt & Cherries (MC5)” – 3:26
- “Niagara Falls” – 4:31
- “Red Bike” – 4:48
- “You and I” – 4:22
- “White Flags of Winter Chimneys” – 5:28
- “Sweet Suite (Beginning at the End)” – 4:35
Heroes: Original Score
Released: 2009
The Heroes: Original Score showcases Wendy & Lisa’s exceptional talents in the realm of film and television scoring. Known for their work on the NBC series Heroes, this album compiles their original compositions that underscored the show’s dramatic narrative and complex characters. The score blends orchestral elements with electronic music, creating a sound that is both cinematic and deeply emotive.
As composers for the series, Wendy & Lisa’s work on the Heroes score is a significant part of their career, demonstrating their versatility and the broad scope of their musical abilities. The compositions on this album are marked by their atmospheric quality, thematic depth, and the duo’s innovative approach to blending different musical genres.
CD Track Listings:
- “Heroes Theme” – 3:27
- “Fire and Regeneration” – 2:21
- “He’s Frank” – 1:03
- “All for Swinging You Around” – 4:01
- “Glad It’s Over” – 4:17
- “Nine in the Afternoon” – 3:14
- “Weightless” – 3:43
- “Natural Selection” – 2:50
- “ABoneCroneDrone 3” – 3:55
- “Chills” – 3:29
- “Jealousy Rides with Me” – 2:26
- “Not Now but Soon” – 3:46
- “Homecoming” – 3:36
- “All Things Must Pass” – 3:45
- “Man in the Long Black Coat” – 4:35
- “Maya’s Theme” – 3:55
- “Keeping My Composure” – 4:42
- “Heroes” – 1:18
Snapshots
Released 2011
This was an EP of previously unreleased material. This is a great piece that all Wendy & Lisa fans should check out.
TrackListings
- Perfect Stranger – one of the best songs I have ever heard from the duo.
- Time
- Water To The Wave
- Rosalyn
- Rock Song
- Lemon Chiffon
Professional Sources, research, experience, and citations
Charting information used in the analysis and research of the commercial success of these songs comes from Billboard Magazine Charts
https://www.billboard.com/charts/
Other sources for important factual information include the band’s website
https://wendyandlisa.com/
Further analysis and original thoughts are provided by the writer Brian Kachejian’s experience as a professional musician and music collector for over 50 years and his experience as a New York State certified music and history educator and professional music journalist with the New York Press.
These articles are updated regularly.