America - 9

Some albums just sound good, however many times they are played. Some are just part of the growing up experience. Here is one of those albums - part of my musical heritage. The album oozes class and warmth. It's full of period pieces with attitude, close harmonies and instantly humable choruses and hooks.

In the folk rock canon this album has undeniable beauty and as a first album compares with and betters most in its genre. Songs of love, songs of desire. America could at times be obtuse with their lyrics, never more so than on the hit single Horse with No Name. This track was excluded from the vinyl album I first bought but has subsequently been restored and the album is more representative of the group with it included. It's just one of those albums that sits well with the world from which it comes. Individually I Need You is one of the most romantic songs. This album made me sit up to close harmony groups like The Eagles, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young etc. It also made America enter into my consciousness as one of my favourite bands

Despite my love of the band I find this one of their least satisfying albums. The sweet, distinctive harmonies are there but some of the lyrics are trite.

Having said that the album has a quirky feel to it which somehow evokes the American countryside and feelings of peace and calm.

Tin Man, Lonely People, Glad to See You and Mad Dog are the best tracks.