"The Dream Is Still Alive" is a song by the American vocal group Wilson Phillips, written by the trio and Glen Ballard, who provided production for the track. Released on May 20, 1991 to US contemporary hit radio via SBK Records, it was the fifth and final single taken from their eponymous debut studio album (1990) and services as the closer of the album. This was also the first single by the group to feature Carnie Wilson on lead vocals.[2]
The least successful single from their debut record, "The Dream Is Still Alive" broke their streak of top-ten hits in both Canada and the United States, stalling at numbers 11 and 12 on the RPM Top Singles and Billboard Hot 100 charts. It did however continue their success on adult contemporary radio, peaking at number four on the US Adult Contemporary chart. The track had little success internationally, charting in the lower regions of Australia.
Background
Co-writer Glen Ballard wrote the song as his daughter was dying of cancer. He said, "When somebody really says something, people pay attention. To me, you use everything in life. Everything doesn't have to be heavy. For that song "The Dream Is Still Alive," that was a heavy moment in my life, but certainly, to me, it's something beautiful."[3]
Critical reception
Diane Rufer and Ron Fell of the Gavin Report gave the single a positive review saying, "Their harmonies are so warming that there's been no overkill, just the feeling of wanting more from this fabulous trio."[2] Dave Sholin of the same publication also offered a favorable review saying, "No matter what the human condition, clinging to the hope that things will improve makes getting through difficult times bearable. America's favorite new trio expresses that beautifully in song, both in English and in Spanish, and of course always in harmony."[4]
^The Dream Is Still Alive (European 7-inch single sleeve). Wilson Phillips. SBK Records. 1991. 016-20 4416 7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^The Dream Is Still Alive (European 12-inch maxi-single sleeve). Wilson Phillips. SBK Records. 1991. 060 20 4416 6.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^The Dream Is Still Alive (UK CD single liner notes). Wilson Phillips. SBK Records. 1991. CDSBK 31, 2044382.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^The Dream Is Still Alive (European CD single liner notes). Wilson Phillips. SBK Records. 1991. 20 4416 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^The Dream Is Still Alive (US maxi-CD single liner notes). Wilson Phillips. SBK Records. 1991. K2-19736.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^The Dream Is Still Alive (US cassette single sleeve). Wilson Phillips. SBK Records. 1991. 4KM-07356.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
