Review
"America," the debut album by the band America, hits all the right notes in the folk-pop genre, much like a well-seasoned dish that satisfies the soul. Dropped into the world in early 1972, this self-titled album simmered with potential and truly set the stage for Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley, and Dan Peek's flourishing career. At first, the album arrived without its secret ingredient, "A Horse with No Name," but once that track was stirred into the mix, its success was inevitable.
Musically, "America" is like a warm broth accented with high tenor harmonies that really stick to the ribs. Whether it's the flavorsome "Riverside," the savory "Sandman," or the delicate "Three Roses," this album showcases a way of crafting alluring, gentler folk-rock songs. "A Horse with No Name," a later addition, swiftly rose to become a worldwide favorite, drawing some lyrical spices from that era's folk panorama, reminiscent of the vibes given by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.
Not to be underestimated is how much of a hit this album turned out to be, stocking its pantry with accolades as it topped the Billboard 200 chart. Amid these charming tracks, "I Need You" also earned its fair share of applause by reaching ninth place on the Billboard singles chart, flaunting both heart and harmony like a perfectly balanced dessert. Patrons from countries far and wide, including the UK and Japan, devoured this folk-pop concoction, certifying it as platinum-worthy in the States. Critics bit into this carefully baked album and praised its delightful execution, appreciating the polished feel brought to life by Ian Samwell's production and Ken Scott's engineering. Fans of the genre ought to give "America" a listen—it's like comfort food for the ears. - Abby
