AMERICA

The classic rock group America was formed in the United Kingdom (you read that right) in the late sixties by the sons of soldiers in the United States military stationed there. Unlike many rock bands of the day who were experimenting with harder, heavier sounds, or sticking to the psychedelia of the sixties, the group took on a mostly-acoustic, folksy sound that is often said to have echoed that of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. The band released their first album, the self-titled one, on Warner Bros. Records in 1971.
There's really not a whole lot I can say about this album, so I'll keep this review short and to the point. If you're a fan of acoustic, folksy rock and roll, you can't go wrong with America's debut album. The band would release a number of albums over the years, often experimenting with different musical trends of different eras, but their debut album is probably their most consistent and their most fulfilling. The album beautifully captures the group's sound, as well as the talent of its young up and coming group members. A Horse With No Name, the band's first big hit, can be found on this album. This song shot straight up the charts, and it's the success of this track that often leads many people to believe that the band was copying Neil Young (these claims are false - the group was obviusly INSPIRED by Young, but it's just insulting to both parties to say that they copied him.) A minor hit, Sandman, can also be found on this album. I actually prefer this song over the big hit on the album - this one is quite possibly my favorite America song. There are a plethora of underrated tunes here - Donkey Jaw, Riverside, and Clarice to name a few. Even the frequently-bashed Pigeon song isn't bad (it's probably the weakest song on the album, but is still far from bad.) In the end, this stands as one of the band's finest, most consistent albums, and as one of the best records in its genre.
This album seems to be becoming more difficult to find, implying that it has probably gone out of print. The record company really should reissue this album, since it's one of the finest ones of its type. Any album this good should be readily available in stores!
I can't say very much else. If you're a fan of this kind of music, or just a fan of classic rock in general, America's debut is essential listening. When other artists were all sounding alike, going for similar rock sounds, America was on a cloud all their own - these guys really diversified. And their first album is their masterpiece. - Darth Kommissar

On the first part of the journey

I was looking at all the life

There were plants and birds and rocks and things

There was sand and hills and rings

The first thing I met was a fly with a buzz

And the sky with no clouds

The heat was hot and the ground was dry

But the air was full of sound

I've been through the desert on a horse with no name

It felt good to be out of the rain

In the desert you can remember your name

'Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain

La, la ...

After two days in the desert sun

My skin began to turn red

After three days in the desert fun

I was looking at a river bed

And the story it told of a river that flowed

Made me sad to think it was dead

You see I've been through the desert on a horse with no name

It felt good to be out of the rain

In the desert you can remember your name

'Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain

La, la ...

After nine days I let the horse run free

'Cause the desert had turned to sea

There were plants and birds and rocks and things

there was sand and hills and rings

The ocean is a desert with it's life underground

And a perfect disguise above

Under the cities lies a heart made of ground

But the humans will give no love

You see I've been through the desert on a horse with no name

It felt good to be out of the rain

In the desert you can remember your name

'Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain

La, la ...

Tracks

1. Riverside

2. Sandman

3. Three Roses

4. Children

5. A Horse With No Name

6. Here

7. I Need You

8. Rainy Day

9. Never Found

10. Clarice

11. Donkey Jaw

12. Pigeon Song

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