I loved America growing up in the 70’s and I’m not religious at all but I read an article online that said he left the group on his own accord because he wanted to pursue Christian music. He had already quit drugs and became a born again Christian or become religious and no longer wanted to be part of America.
This was a comeback hit. Their last top-40 (Billboard) hit was in 1976, then after a long dry spell, they hit with this one in 1982. This was after Dan Peek left the group in 1977.
He left the band after the 1977 tour when life as a "rock star" got to him. He, like Randy Bachman of the Guess Who, decided there was more to living than life in the fast lane
Shawn, America became a duo after Dan Peek left the group in 1977. This was the first hit they had after 7 years. The songwriter you mentioned, Russ Ballard (pronounced BAL-lard) wrote this song specifically for America. He also played all the instruments on this record except drums and he sang back up vocals. Russ Ballard was the guitarist for the band Argent in the early 70s. ie: "Hold Your Head Up" (1972)
Dan Peek's years of life on the road with America had taken a toll on him. He renounced drugs and alcohol, renewed his Christian faith, and began to seek a different artistic direction than Beckley or Bunnell. He went on to sign with Pat Boone's Lamb & Lion Records and found renewed success as a pioneering artist in the emerging Christian pop music genre. from Wikipedia
When I first heard this song I didn't realize it was by America. This was because it didn't sound the same as their other songs. I found out soon after that it was them. I love this song. It's great music as well as their earlier music. Great musicians.
Hey Shawn, there were many bands back then that were basically three or four songwriters/ musicians that were backed by ( at least ) drums and bass. Examples are CSN&Y and Three Dog Night
America was good in the 70’s but not a fav band to me but when this song came out it instantly clicked for me. The vocals and guitar playing and lyrics are literally pure magic. When I began teaching myself guitar three years ago I thought I could easily play the acoustic chords but nope. It sounds deceptively easy but is more intricate than I as a beginner could get down. Three years later I’ve learned nearly 50 chords and can play many songs decently enough but this one is still outta my reach 😣 Great reaction to an amazing song!
With all their great tracks, this has always been my favorite. Here they are - live in 2008 - and still sounding incredible: ua-cam.com/video/yXG0E6xmdyU/v-deo.html FYI, Russ Ballard wrote songs for nearly 50 other artists (including Argent - where he was also lead guitarist, Roger Daltry, Rainbow, Kiss, Night Ranger, Uriah Heep, Santana, Olivia Newton-John), and released 10 solo albums.
America was wonderful back in the 70's and 80's! They all brought much happiness to us teenagers back then.
Wikipedia
Finally you are playing my all time favorite America song!!!👍
1982 hit. Great song.
100% agreed.
My favorite America song even though I loved "Horse With No Name"
As I recall, their last hit... I saw them in concert after this tune, they put on a great show.
I loved America growing up in the 70’s and I’m not religious at all but I read an article online that said he left the group on his own accord because he wanted to pursue Christian music. He had already quit drugs and became a born again Christian or become religious and no longer wanted to be part of America.
This was a comeback hit. Their last top-40 (Billboard) hit was in 1976, then after a long dry spell, they hit with this one in 1982. This was after Dan Peek left the group in 1977.
He left the band after the 1977 tour when life as a "rock star" got to him. He, like Randy Bachman of the Guess Who, decided there was more to living than life in the fast lane
Shawn, America became a duo after Dan Peek left the group in 1977. This was the first hit they had after 7 years. The songwriter you mentioned, Russ Ballard (pronounced BAL-lard) wrote this song specifically for America. He also played all the instruments on this record except drums and he sang back up vocals. Russ Ballard was the guitarist for the band Argent in the early 70s. ie: "Hold Your Head Up" (1972)
Dan Peek's years of life on the road with America had taken a toll on him. He renounced drugs and alcohol, renewed his Christian faith, and began to seek a different artistic direction than Beckley or Bunnell. He went on to sign with Pat Boone's Lamb & Lion Records and found renewed success as a pioneering artist in the emerging Christian pop music genre.
from Wikipedia
One of those FM-radio hits that, if heard early enough in life, sticks with you for years and years.
One of their Best, for sure.
When I first heard this song I didn't realize it was by America. This was because it didn't sound the same as their other songs. I found out soon after that it was them. I love this song. It's great music as well as their earlier music. Great musicians.
Love how you enjoy this music as much as many of us have for so long ❤
America helped define 70s AM radio
they have such a wonderful sound. love them!
Hey Shawn, there were many bands back then that were basically three or four songwriters/ musicians that were backed by ( at least ) drums and bass. Examples are CSN&Y and Three Dog Night
Going to see them in Atlanta GA in August.
America was good in the 70’s but not a fav band to me but when this song came out it instantly clicked for me. The vocals and guitar playing and lyrics are literally pure magic. When I began teaching myself guitar three years ago I thought I could easily play the acoustic chords but nope. It sounds deceptively easy but is more intricate than I as a beginner could get down. Three years later I’ve learned nearly 50 chords and can play many songs decently enough but this one is still outta my reach 😣 Great reaction to an amazing song!
Did you check out "Sister Golden Hair"? If not, it's one of the best America songs!
They are FANTASTIC! Check out Bread. They are excellent as well. Guitar man everything I own
With all their great tracks, this has always been my favorite. Here they are - live in 2008 - and still sounding incredible: ua-cam.com/video/yXG0E6xmdyU/v-deo.html FYI, Russ Ballard wrote songs for nearly 50 other artists (including Argent - where he was also lead guitarist, Roger Daltry, Rainbow, Kiss, Night Ranger, Uriah Heep, Santana, Olivia Newton-John), and released 10 solo albums.
😊
💖💖💖
3 piece ...
Just Enjoy the music
Always down when youmg people listen to good tunes
The days when they wrote this were very difficult and different
He got tired of the road and fell deep into religion
still prefer "the moon song" "i need you" "california revisited" and "old man took"
Don't give up until you drink from the silver cup.
Total ‘80s vibe. I think Peek left to pursue a Christian music career. They evolved from the ‘70s like all musicians evolve.
A+..... Todays music F- .