The Mamas & the Papas released us from our contracts and we were history, though we still owed the label another album." Elliot (billed as Mama Cass) had released her solo debut "Dream a Little Dream" in 1968, Phillips released "John Phillips (John, the Wolf King of L.A.)" in 1970, and Denny Doherty followed with "Watcha Gonna Do?" in 1971. Dunhill maintained momentum by releasing "The Best of the Mamas and the Papas: Farewell to the First Golden Era" in 1967, "Golden Era Vol. 2" in 1968, "16 of Their Greatest Hits" in 1969, and the Monterey live album in 1970. Dunhill was determined to
People Like Us (The Mamas & the Papas album) had to produce one more album, or else be in breach of contract and subject to possible fines. The album is considered a disappointment by fans and critics. Nevertheless, it sold moderately well (#84 on the Billboard Pop Albums Chart). It was produced by John Phillips. Michelle Phillips would later write in the liner note of a Mamas & Papas CD compilation that the album "sounded like what it was, four people trying to avoid a lawsuit". All tracks except "I Wanna Be a Star" (co-written by Michelle) were written by John, making "People Like Us" The Mamas and the