Search - America :: History America's Greatest Hits (Rpkg)

America Plays Well-Crafted Pop/Folk-Rock!

Chappa | Olympus Mons, Mars | 05/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This old Greatest Hits package includes twelve selections from the following albums: the self-titled debut (1971), "Homecoming" (1972), "Hat Trick" (9173), "Holiday" (1974), and "Hearts" (1975). It was produced by George Martin who is remembered today for his work with the Beatles although he has worked with many notable artists including Jeff Beck, Cheap Trick, and UFO among others. The group is composed of three official members who play guitar and sing lead or backing vocals: Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, and Dan Peek. All songs included were written by one of them on his own, the exception being the cover of "Muskrat Love".



The three guys show great songwriting that incorporates different styles into their pop formula. From Bunnell's mind come the band's biggest hits for example their folk-rock debut single "A Horse With No Name" featuring great vocal harmonies, the mid-tempo "Sandman" (killer rhythm guitar here), "Ventura Highway" (great lead guitar line), and "Tin Man" (cool bass line in the chorus).

The songwriting talent of Beckley is showcased in the excellent ballad "I Need You" (it has a Beatles Abbey Road-era feel), another ballad called "Only In Your Heart" which features a backward electric guitar solo at the end, the country sounding "Sister Golden Hair" (one of my favorites!) and a third ballad with great piano work "Daisy Jane".

Last but not least, Dan Peek shows his songwriting skills in another country flavored song that's another one of my favorites with amazing harmony vocals plus some banjo as well: "Don't Cross The River", the Neil Young sounding "Lonely People" with its prominent harmonica and the slightly funky sounding "Woman Tonight".

Completing the selection is the band's take on the Captain & Tennille number "Muskrat Love" that finds the band in a jazzier mode.



So which one of the three is the band's best songwriter? Well...I'd say all three are the best! If you are into well crafted pop with folk-rock/country leanings, just take a listen to this! I'm pretty sure you'll think its great! If you want to dig a little deeper, you should try the "Complete Greatest Hits" CD that has 22 tracks instead!

Thanks for taking the time to read!

Later..."

Fantastic collection from the band's peak period

Dave Deubler | Pennsylvania | 10/05/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A superlative collection of pop/folk/rock hits from the early 70's. Massive kudos go to the producer, who manages to mold these bright little songs into exquisite audio confections. And for once a greatest hits release really is packed with great material. Dewey Bunnell has an amazing talent for writing lyrics that just verge on making sense without really saying much. The secret is in the imagery: "alligator lizards in the air", "eagle in the eye of a hurricane that's abandoned", "soap glass green light bubbles". In less capable hands, these bits of nonsense could come off as silly; here they create a sense of mystery, one is tempted to say complexity, that's otherwise lacking in the rather simple sentiments these songs express. The only downside to this CD is that it's been obviated by more recent collections that include the same material plus tracks from the band's later releases. But this one still represents their very best."