The influence for America came from bands like The Beach Boys and the British Invasion in the 1960's. They each contributed to the vocals that gave such harmonies that were second to none, as is heard throughout all their music. The writing for such lyrics as in "A Horse With No Name" and "Ventura Highway" come from personal experience throughout Dewey Bunnell's life. The music of America is still highly recognized by many generations. It is featured in pop culture around us, and is still featured in films, most recently in American Hustle. In 2001, almost thirty years since its composition, the melody from "Ventura Highway" was sampled into a popular hit by Janet Jackson entitled, "Someone To Call My Lover" that would earn her a top 5 hit.
Fast forward to 2014 and here we are about to dissect the Greatest Hits album of America and why they have stood the test of time.
A Horse With No Name
One of the most influential and successful songs for America. It has a perfect blend of harmonies and folk rock instrumentation. With only a couple of chords on the acoustic guitar, this would earn America their first of many hits. Inspired by a Salvador Dali painting, and travels as a young child through the desert with his parents, Bunnell has received some negative criticism for supposedly referencing drugs. Nevertheless, the track reached the top spot on Billboard's 100. To this day "A Horse With No Name" is still as popular and recognized by many new generations.
I Need You
The vocals and lyrics are so powerful in itself that it is poetry accompanied by instrumentation. The simple chords serve as guidance to the harmony of the vocals. The lyrics in the chorus remind me of a love letter which we have all at one point written (though not as good), "I need you, like the flower needs the rain. I need you. Yes I'll start it all again, I need you, like the Winter needs the Spring...". I am betting we have all heard a different song of any genre entitled "I Need You", but this one was written by Gerry Beckley and it feels pure and the reception of it earned them another hit on the charts.
Sandman
Very dominant on the downbeat carrying a quarter note sequence on the guitar that makes you want to stomp your foot keeping tempo, with your head bopping. The chorus is very catchy and quite eerie. I dig it. "I understand you've been running from a man who goes by the name of the sandman". It is known that the inspiration for the song comes from conversations writer Dewey Bunnell had with returning Vietnam veterans and their fear of being attacked or killed in their sleep so they relied on medication to fight the urge to sleep and meet the unavoidable, sandman.
Ventura Highway
Another of the most recognized tracks in the history of America (the band) and folk and rock music alike, Ventura Highway has that audio-addicting guitar lick that triggered the 1972 hit. This song just shows so much contribution of talent. Lyrics, written by Bunnell, recalling the memories as a child, to Gerry Buckley and Dan Peek complimenting each other on guitar, "Ventura Highway" was developed one day while his father was replacing a flat tire on the side of the road and then child, Dewey, gazed upon a sign of a road named Ventura Highway, the rest as they say, is history (literally) ! The song also had a personal attachment for Bunnell in that he must seek further than where he lived, which was Omaha, Nebraska and head west towards California. "Where the days are longer and the nights are stronger than moonshine. You're gonna go, I know". In 1972 "Ventura Highway" spent 9 weeks on Billboard's top 40 and topped off at number 8. The iconic guitar sequence was sampled in 2001 for Janet Jackson's track "Someone To Call My Lover" which gave her a top 5 hit and also re-directed attention back to America almost 30 years after its inception.
Don't Cross The River
Such a perfectly crafted song. From the instrumentation, to its meaning in lyrics, this is truly one of America's greatest hidden gems. Written by the late Dan Peek and taking lead vocals, the songs meaning is great advice to many. "Don't cross the river if you can't swim the tide. Don't try denying living on the other side". The song has a smooth flow that just drives steadily through. The back up vocal harmonies are simply, heavenly. Featuring the rolling banjo on this track is just the perfect addition to an already great song and adds an element that without it, would be an entirely different sound. One of my all-time favorite tracks.
Only In Your Heart
This track has a bit more of a pop rock feel with the piano carrying that eighth note sequence throughout. Another one of Gerry Beckley's compositions that even upon the ending of the track, it comes back for a bit more of the melody. Smooth track and is easy listening.
Muskrat Love
Soft feeling as well in "Muskrat Love". I really dig the wavering of the harmonies that change the element of the song. Amazing how the instrumentation of the track is so minimal as it is to accent and appreciate the vocals. Not an original by the members of America but a cover they featured on their 1973 album, Hat Trick. The track gained a great response.
Tin Man
Released in 1974 for the album, Holiday and earning America another top 10 hit on the Billboard 100. Written by Dewey Bunnell in reference to his favorite movie, The Wizard of Oz. A unique combination of long strumming with accented staccato guitar strumming. Excellent track !
Lonely People
"Lonely People", written by Dan Peek, is yet another track with a set of powerful lyrics. Although highly influenced by The Beatles, Peek wanted an "optimistic response to Eleanor Rigby". In The Beatles' track it states, "All the lonely people, where do they all come from...where do they all belong?" Peeks response, "This is for all the lonely people thinking that life has passed them by. Don't give up until you drink from the silver cup, and ride that highway in the sky." This was a top 10 hit on the Billboard charts in 1974.
Sister Golden Hair
One of the greatest songs of America's career. A number 1 hit released in 1975 that was written by Beckley. The blend of guitars and harmonies are impeccable. The meaning of the song is tricky, but so fun to theorize ! Many believe it's a love directed towards a nun who cannot return the feeling. It is somewhat fitting to the song. I would love for Gerry to weigh in on this masterpiece.
Daisy Jane
From the album Hearts, Daisy Jane is a softer song that has a slight jazz feel to it. Released in 1975, it became a top 20 hit on the charts as well for America. The featured cello on the track helps with the element of the song and message it's getting across.
Woman Tonight
Seems like quite the different track than the rest of the America songs that have been compiled in this Greatest Hits album. With different rhythms, it is almost as if the trio is tapping into a little bit of funk on this one. I love it.
I have unknowingly been a fan of America for many years. Unknowingly, because when I first listened to songs like "A Horse With No Name" or "Ventura Highway", I had no idea they belonged to the same band. Now I will say I am not of the generation that was there when they were released, but lets just say, I was sitting in the back seat when we would take our drives and had no control over the radio settings... Thank goodness for that !
America currently still tours with two of the three founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell. In 1977, Dan Peek decided to part ways for a more Christian based life and unfortunately passed away on July 24th of 2011. He left behind a legacy that is very much alive in his music. It is said that America still performs "Lonely People" in honor of Dan Peek. My deepest love and admiration for America and the music they have and continue to create.
The Scientist
"Either write something worth reading, or do something worth writing"
-Benjamin Franklin
"Hey ho, let's go"
-The Ramones