Yes. They went to High Wycombe RAF base in England a little before I did in 74.They played once at least there I believe.I used to but Nabisco saltine crackers at the PX there.My stepdad liked them with his salads.Could not find them in English stores.
@@1BobsYourUncle pretty sure all three of them were Air Force brats But they didn't have to be, a lot of Navy brats went there like myself and my brother. RAF brats too.
You see, guys. THIS is the song you sing when you're cruising along the coast with your friends on a gorgeous day, and you roll down all the windows, the moon roof (or even driving a convertible). And you're singing this song in harmony with everyone in the car. At the top of your lungs. Just jamming. THAT'S what this song is for.
I don't think I've ever bought a greatest hits album with a better greats-to-oks ratio. America isn't anywhere near my favorite band, and yet there are so many songs on History that live in my memory forever. I can't even choose which song I think Andy and Alex should listen to next.
These two guys were army brats whose fathers were stationed in london during Beatle mania. By chance they met Brian Epstein, the Beatles manager, and ended up recording at EMI studios. Their career took off after that with really great writing by both.
I am married to her. In our beginning, she was that hippie chick who had long blond hair down to her waist and lived in LA. Tree hugger likes puppies and kittens and anything that is warm and soft and cuddly. This song brings to mind a picture of her long-legged and tan and beautiful strolling on the sand at Ventura Beach in her bikini and sunglasses. Now in our 60s she is still that beautiful young girl.
America had a ton of hits. Besides "Horse With No Name" and "Sister Golden Hair,'" there is "I Need You", "Ventura Highway", "Tin Man", and "Lonely People", "Sandman" etc, Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley had the golden touch of songwriting. George Martin was taken with the beautiful guitar work and harmonizing and went on to produce them. My go-to band when I'm feeling the "mellow vibes".🎸🎸🎸🎸🎶🎶🎹🎤
Lisa, I'd add to that list, "Daisy Jane", "Sandman", and their '80s comeback hit, "Magic". I love America, they're my third favorite band! (I even love their cover of, "Muskrat Love"!)
@@endorphinzz Actually, there is no such highway. There is a Ventura Freeway, but that is a bit inland and not what Dewey Bunnell based the song on. When he wrote the song he reflected on being a kid and travelling with his family down the Pacific Coast Highway 1 (which did go up to the town of Ventura), marveling at the beautiful southern California coastline and sprawling Pacific Ocean.
@@Cosmo-Kramer The Ventura FREEWAY (heh lol) is also beautiful, and does drive along the coast for a decent amount between L.A. and Santa Barbara. I've watched a school of dolphin swimming along the coast as I drove up to San Fran on more than one occasion. But it's also beautiful when it cuts inland. A woman I was involved with from Australia fell in love with the scenery when it cut inland after Santa Barbara.
Underrated band that should be in the RRHOF ! “They are one of only TWO bands in the ENTIRE history of rock music, to have 3 different members score a number one hit on a song that member wrote , sang lead vocals on it, and played guitar on it. The only other group ? Some band named the Beatles. “.
If one band could epitomize mid 70s "mellow rock" its America. They were really good and I think a bit underrated by many. I don't know of anyone from back then who didn't like them even if they didn't love them.
I think the lyrics to Horse With No Name contribute to the underestimation of their output. Some critics knocked them as derivative of Crosby, Stills and Nash.
@@leonardshevlin7260 you are probably correct. I love Sister Golden Hair. I never really cared for Horse With No Name. No offense to those who like it… but yeah, those lyrics…
With their harmonies, the slide guitar, and that mellow sound with slight echo, this is one of those "Sounds of summer" bands. Listening to them brings back images of early evening with golden skies, warm breezes, good friends and lots of laughter and cruising with the top down
From Wikipedia, America is a rock band that was formed in London in 1970 by Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek, and Gerry Beckley. The trio met as sons of US Air Force personnel stationed in London, where they began performing live.
America were like The Eagles, only less successful and without being egotistical dicks. Ventura Highway, Horse with No Name, Lonely People, and Tin Man are all great songs.
Sorry, but the Eagles leave both of these bands in the dust. Love them both, Their staying power says it all. Plus, who in the world would not want a Don Henley in your band??
It's actually worth mentioning that up to ca. 1975, America were at least The Eagles equal in terms of commercial success. After Americas History Greatest Hits album things went a little sour for our Soft Rock heroes while The Eagles catapulted to a whoooole different league when they released the ridiculously successful Hotel California album in 1976. America put out Hideaway and although containing some fine tracks obviously was no match for The Eagles Hotel California album. Dan Peek leaving America in 1977 didn't help either. Having said that, The Eagles and America were the two finest Soft Rock bands of the 70s, meaning the two finest Soft Rock bands ever and they both have a marvellous music catalogue filled with superb songs.
America were a GREAT band! Sister Golden Hair was a #1 record produced by Beatles producer George Martin. The entire album 'Hearts' was incredible! ♥️🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦🇨🇦
Haven't listened to the review yet but I must say this. Sister Golden Hair is my favorite song from America. I discovered it at a low point and found that my best friend was a woman I had been close to. Only one who stuck with me through all of it. That was 25 years ago and we have been married 21 of those years (22 in august). Thanks for the song.
Thanks. Long story short, I almost married into a nightmare and became reckless with life decisions. I wouldn't even think of marriage again until my wife and I had to move to different towns for our internships. Within a couple of weeks we were talking about dating because we couldn't stand being apart from each other. Within 2 years I married my best friend. This song and the Search by Survivor were key songs that helped me put it into perspective.
Good pop-rock song, the early/mid 70s way (specifically inspired by Jackson Browne's style, according to Gerry Beckley, the writer). This group of Americans (Dewey was British-American) got together in the UK, because their dads were in the Air Force stationed over there. Their first album was also produced and released in the UK a few months before it was in the US. That debut album went to #1 here, as did the first single - A Horse With No Name - they actually released well before the album came out. That's a pretty darn good start to a career! They then had several Top 10 albums, most of which were produced by George Martin. The Greatest Hits record was a very big seller. They popped up again in the 80s with two hit songs (with the guys from Toto and other famous musicians as session players).
Great info, the other Beatles connection here is that the opening riff was confirmed as being a nod to George Harrison's My Sweet Lord, and the slide guitar is very reminiscent of what Harrison did for Badfinger in Day After Day.
For a moment I was worried that the boys would nick pick the song, but I am majorly relieved they loved it. One of my all time favorite song. A+, Indeed!
Five of their songs are emblazoned into the consciousness of hundreds of millions of people - Horse With No Name, Tin Man, Ventura Highway, Lonely People, and this one. How many bands can say that? Great band with incredible personal stories. The very best in the music business chose to work with them - George Martin, guys from the Wrecking Crew, etc. Don't listen to the "What happened to bangers, man?" clowns on this one. 😆 😆
I'm very happy you liked this song, guys because I really didn't want to unsubscribe just because of one song, lol. But seriously I grew up with this song and it's still one of my absolute favorites from the 70s. Thanks for your great reaction!
This song, in my opinion, is the perfect pop song. Absolutely perfect. And just short enough that you want to hear more. Every time I hear it, it puts me in a better mood.
This was Susie's song. She was my girl in high school. I remember driving along dirt backroads, a little too fast, my arm around her, listening to this real loud, on hot summer nights. Haven't seen or heard from Susie in around 45 years. I wonder how she's doing? 😢
There's a cute moment in the movie "Miss Stevens" where Timothee Chalamet is in the front seat of a car with his teacher and this song comes on the radio. She goes to turn, and recognizing the song, he stops her. The only kid in the car who knows it. Him and the teacher eventually begin singing it together, fueling his infatuation for her. Nice little film.
America is always fun- nothing great or deep, just catchy, light pop rock, and Sister Golden Hair is my favorite. Brings me back to the summer if ‘75 at my aunt and uncle’s summer house, playing it over and over…
Good God! I was like six years old when this came out. It is probably the first rock and roll song I can remember hearing...this and Chevy Van, which is also a love song and has a similar vibe.
Just mellow cool music from the 70s. As much a part of my childhood soundtrack as Zeppelin. It was a time when it seemed every radio station was playing your favorite songs all day long.
I was at school when this came out in the 70s . They are still one of my favourite bands. Great playing and great harmonies, Ventura Highway is one of my favourite songs of all time. Horse with no name, Tin man, Sandman, You can do magic.....need i go on. By the way they were formed in England. They were at school in England but they are all Americans.
American military kids on bases in other lands, meet, make music and call themselves America. They had an iconic run in the seventies and into the eighties. History, America's greatest hits is great start to finish, as long as I skip muskrat love.
"That bass!" Every. Single. Time. You guys notice aspects of songs that I've listened to 100 times and didn't pick up on. Thank you!!! This made my day ❤️ (And a suggestion - CCR, specifically Live on Ed Sullivan - Down On the Corner, or Fortunate Son. Man, they were GOOD! I was so lucky to grow up with older brothers who loved them.)
There were a ton of us kids living overseas when this came out, as our parents worked at U.S. military bases all over the world. For me,Rota,Spain back in the 60's & 70's.
I was a kid in the 70's when this song was a big radio hit. Easily one of my favorites in any genre and it always stuck with me. Glad you guys dig it too. I also vouch for Ventura Highway. Another top notch tune.
I know, Lisa, I was worried! lol Especially about Alex! I thought for sure he was gonna dis them for having "do-wops" in their lyrics, the way he dissed ELO for the same thing in, "Telephone Line". Ugh. And he ALMOST did, he brought it up, but said it didn't bother him here. I'm hoping he heard our gripes from that, "Telephone Line", comments section, and wised up! :)
About the name of this trio: Beckley - American father/British mother. Spent summers in England. Father became commander of AF base near London in 1967. Born in 1952. Peek - Born in Florida. Dad was Air Force. Family moved to London when he was 13. Then Texas. Then Pakistan. Then England. Born in 1950. Bunnell - Born in England to American serviceman stationed there. English mother. Grew up in England, I believe. Born in 1952. They met at Central High School in Bushey Hall in NW London. They were very young when they started the band. Their first album and first hit song was in 1971. Look at their birth years above. So, no, they didn’t attend college.
It was funny that Alex mentioned that "They are not going to call themselves America if they were from Britain". When in fact they were all in Britain. They were army brats. I believe they chose the Name "America" because they did not want anyone to think they were British musicians who were trying to sound American.
I agree on the DAREDEVILS. They have a deep catalog of great Missouri Country/Southern rock. Country Girl. Walkin Down the Road. Chicken Train. Spaceship Orion. Look Away. You Made it Right. Friend of a Friend of Mine. Etc. Etc.
A very underrated band. They have many great songs. I would highly recommend Tin Man and Sandman, especially Sandman. Here's a little bit of a back story on that song. The three members of America - Bunnell, Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek - were sons of American military service members stationed in England. They formed the band while they were going to high school near London, and stayed in the area when they graduated in 1969 and got a record deal. This being the height of the Vietnam War, the trio would often encounter soldiers that had seen action and hear their war stories. Bunnell wrote this song based on some of those tales he heard, stories about how when stationed in Vietnam, they were afraid to sleep for fear of attack, so they would stay up as long as they could (sometimes with the help of various substances), since sleep could mean death. The "sandman" represents sleep, which they feared. Thus they were always "running from the sandman." .......@Songfacts 2021
Great band everyone in the 70's loved this band. I was personally into hard rock (Deep Purple, ACDC Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath) but these guys were amazing. They have more Gold: Horse with no Name, Ventura Highway and Tin Man, Thanks guys have a great weekend.
Have seen America so many times over the years, mostly at outdoor festivals Was sad to see Dan leave the band, and later passed away, but the boys carried on, and always a good show
I met these guys in a studio in Torrance CA in the 70s. They were very nice to a newbie to LA. Very talented and had fun learning from them while they were recording.
So glad you got to America. The harmonies and acoustic guitars on their first album are unmatched. Hard to believe that album is 50 yrs old and still sounds as good now as it did then. You should definitely consider a full album reaction to the debut album. Great from start to finish. Pick any song.
Props to Alex for not letting the "Doo Wops" tank the song for him. I was concerned it might. But in the end, gotta trust that a great song can make even a pet peeve palatable.
Yup, after the way Alex criticized Jeff Lynne for using them in, "Telephone Line", I was concerned, as well. We really let him have it in that ELO comments section...I'm thinking he got the message. LOL
Yay! Finally a good song this week. Suggesting "Lonely People" and "Horse with No Name" next. This music was radio'd to death back in the day, but good music, none the less.
America from 1970-1977 have a wealth of phenomenally rich inspired easy listening fun songs, many of which were staple plays on AM-FM radio in the seventies. 'A Horse With No Name' is possibly the song they are generally most recognized for with 'Venture Highway' possibly a second favorite. You should do these at some point in time. However for saucy bass and beautiful poetic lyrics, I'd vote for 'Tin Man'.
"The Last Resort" is a song written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, which tells of how man inevitably destroys the places he finds beautiful. It was originally released on the Eagles' album Hotel California on December 8, 1976. It was subsequently released as the B-side of "Life in the Fast Lane" single on May 3, 1977.From Wikipedia
Their whole premier, self-titled album is amazing, especially for the harmonies. That being said, Ventura Highway is a fantastic song that you need to do.
I haven't seen You Can Do Magic in any comments. Probably because it was later in their career. Still a great song. Can't go wrong with Horse With No Name, Ventura Highway, I Need You, or Tin Man. Other bands in this vein would be England Dan & John Ford Coley, Seals and Crofts, or Bread.
Just goes to show... we will never figure you guys out. I've loved the song since it came out but I didn't think it was all that for a channel such as this. A+!
Such a fun song! We loved it!! What’s next from America?! 🙌🏻🔥
Horse with No Name!
Tin Man!!
Gotta do Ventura Highway!
Ventura Highway
Ventura Highway
Welcome to America. Two words..."Ventura Highway". You won't be disappointed. Another great song they have is "Horse With No Name".
Ventura Highway is just simply a beautiful song! You Can Do Magic ain't so bad either.
Definitely looking forward to them doing "Ventura Highway".
These are the definitive America songs in my mind.
Absolutely!
Definitely "Ventura Highway."
One cool fact about America is they were all American Air Force brats stationed in London who decided to make a band.
My brother and I went to school there High Wycombe they immortalize their names above the urinals in the boys dorm
Yes. They went to High Wycombe RAF base in England a little before I did in 74.They played once at least there I believe.I used to but Nabisco saltine crackers at the PX there.My stepdad liked them with his salads.Could not find them in English stores.
@@mongo4384 '78 '79
I don’t recall them all being AF brats, my two brothers went to school with them.
@@1BobsYourUncle pretty sure all three of them were Air Force brats
But they didn't have to be, a lot of Navy brats went there like myself and my brother. RAF brats too.
A fine, fine band here. "Ventura Highway" is a no-brainer. Just stellar.
One of the greatest Summer day cruising songs of all time!
@@thegatheringgloom7261 Agreed!
You see, guys. THIS is the song you sing when you're cruising along the coast with your friends on a gorgeous day, and you roll down all the windows, the moon roof (or even driving a convertible). And you're singing this song in harmony with everyone in the car. At the top of your lungs. Just jamming.
THAT'S what this song is for.
Ventura Highway, Tin Man, Daisy Jane, Horse With No Name, Don't Cross The River, to name a few. Loved them.
Plenty of options
"Only In Your Heart" too please!
Yes! All of these. The opening of Venture Highway is a classic.
Hold me tight great tune
That is a good tune. I think the actual name is Woman Tonight. But just the same - as you say, good tune.
History: America’s greatest hits is one of the essential albums of the 1970s
Agreed. I still have that album.
I don't think I've ever bought a greatest hits album with a better greats-to-oks ratio. America isn't anywhere near my favorite band, and yet there are so many songs on History that live in my memory forever. I can't even choose which song I think Andy and Alex should listen to next.
These two guys were army brats whose fathers were stationed in london during Beatle mania. By chance they met Brian Epstein, the Beatles manager, and ended up recording at EMI studios. Their career took off after that with really great writing by both.
@@urbeatle Well--Muskrat Love isn't too good.
@@michaelanderson2881 Says U ! I love that sappy song shit!
I am married to her. In our beginning, she was that hippie chick who had long blond hair down to her waist and lived in LA. Tree hugger likes puppies and kittens and anything that is warm and soft and cuddly. This song brings to mind a picture of her long-legged and tan and beautiful strolling on the sand at Ventura Beach in her bikini and sunglasses. Now in our 60s she is still that beautiful young girl.
That's too awesome for words.....
Hell yeah man, love that
America had a comeback hit in 1982 called "You can do Magic," which is a brilliant piece of pop perfection.
America had a ton of hits. Besides "Horse With No Name" and "Sister Golden Hair,'" there is "I Need You", "Ventura Highway", "Tin Man", and "Lonely People", "Sandman" etc, Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley had the golden touch of songwriting. George Martin was taken with the beautiful guitar work and harmonizing and went on to produce them. My go-to band when I'm feeling the "mellow vibes".🎸🎸🎸🎸🎶🎶🎹🎤
Lisa, I'd add to that list, "Daisy Jane", "Sandman", and their '80s comeback hit, "Magic". I love America, they're my third favorite band! (I even love their cover of, "Muskrat Love"!)
Very mellow group and great harmonizing
@@Cosmo-Kramer Yes!!
Don't forget, You're The Love!
@@kenperk9854 don't forget it, but do remember that it was Seals and Crofts!
Definitely "Ventura Highway" next from America. Some more Jackson Browne is called for too: maybe "Rock Me On the Water"!
Any Jackson Browne song is awesome but "The Pretender" is required listening imho.
Any Jackson Browne song before the Lawyers in Love album.
How about the double song but single track hit, Load Out and Stay from Running on Empty album?
You beat me to it,@@umpdaddy1... I love this guy, and love that song.
Red Neck Friend by JB is my go to by him…
"I've been one poor correspondent" is such a great line.
And I've been two too hard to find.
Gold record. Everyone over a certain age knows every note.
indeed:)
Its an Incredible record, that age is about 65-70 now
I consider myself OF a certain age, not over it. ;)
Tin Man by America is amazing, intertwining vocal harmonies, and a very funky rhythm...
Also heavy use of major 7 chords makes it an interesting listen from a music theory nerd point of view.
@@sourisvoleur4854 this theory nerd agrees with you wholeheartedly.
Love the Maj7 sound..
@@lisarainbow9703 💚
Love the song, but will be fun to hear them rip up the lyrics!!
Tin Man ...'and Oz never did give nothin' to the tin man that he didn't didn't already have' I love this song so much!!
Ventura Highway by them is one of the absolutely best driving songs you'll ever hear.
It's in my Top 5 of ALL SONGS ALL BANDS EVER.
Especially when you're actually driving ON Ventura highway lol...
@@endorphinzz Actually, there is no such highway. There is a Ventura Freeway, but that is a bit inland and not what Dewey Bunnell based the song on. When he wrote the song he reflected on being a kid and travelling with his family down the Pacific Coast Highway 1 (which did go up to the town of Ventura), marveling at the beautiful southern California coastline and sprawling Pacific Ocean.
@@Cosmo-Kramer The Ventura FREEWAY (heh lol) is also beautiful, and does drive along the coast for a decent amount between L.A. and Santa Barbara. I've watched a school of dolphin swimming along the coast as I drove up to San Fran on more than one occasion. But it's also beautiful when it cuts inland. A woman I was involved with from Australia fell in love with the scenery when it cut inland after Santa Barbara.
Underrated band that should be in the RRHOF ! “They are one of only TWO bands in the ENTIRE history of rock music, to have 3 different members score a number one hit on a song that member wrote , sang lead vocals on it, and played guitar on it. The only other group ? Some band named the Beatles. “.
If one band could epitomize mid 70s "mellow rock" its America. They were really good and I think a bit underrated by many. I don't know of anyone from back then who didn't like them even if they didn't love them.
The Eagles had loads of great mellow rock songs too.
I think the lyrics to Horse With No Name contribute to the underestimation of their output.
Some critics knocked them as derivative of Crosby, Stills and Nash.
@@leonardshevlin7260 you are probably correct. I love Sister Golden Hair. I never really cared for Horse With No Name. No offense to those who like it… but yeah, those lyrics…
They also had Abracadabra & You Can Do Magic in the 80s. Those were songs! ❤️
@@kimberelydavis379 abracadabra was Steve Miller band 👍
God this song throws me back to my childhood. Careless days.
I was going to say the same thing. I have not heard this in ages.
So many great memories with this one! It was our song. 😊
Same 😊 this song brings me back 12 yrs old in the back seat and this on the radio 😘
I hope they were more carefree than careless! Don't want anyone hurt! lol!!
The nostalgia is strong on this one
It's a song I've heard a million times, but it just happens to be great.
Try “Sandman”, by American. Far and away their darkest song.
My favorite
Wonnnnnderful song.
@@sourisvoleur4854 fun fact: The terminator in Logan’s Run is called Sandman.
@@shyshift - Nice bit of trivia! I saw that movie years ago but remember almost nothing.
Sandman and Tin Man!
With their harmonies, the slide guitar, and that mellow sound with slight echo, this is one of those "Sounds of summer" bands. Listening to them brings back images of early evening with golden skies, warm breezes, good friends and lots of laughter and cruising with the top down
"Lonely People" is a true masterpiece.
From Wikipedia, America is a rock band that was formed in London in 1970 by Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek, and Gerry Beckley. The trio met as sons of US Air Force personnel stationed in London,
where they began performing live.
America were like The Eagles, only less successful and without being egotistical dicks. Ventura Highway, Horse with No Name, Lonely People, and Tin Man are all great songs.
:D about the Eagles. an even better alternative would be Poco. Great musicianship, songs and no Don Henley :P
Why the hating on the Eagles? The Eagles were the real deal. They have so many great songs. Don Henley is great too.
Sorry, but the Eagles leave both of these bands in the dust. Love them both, Their staying power says it all. Plus, who in the world would not want a Don Henley in your band??
Ha, great description!
It's actually worth mentioning that up to ca. 1975, America were at least The Eagles equal in terms of commercial success. After Americas History Greatest Hits album things went a little sour for our Soft Rock heroes while The Eagles catapulted to a whoooole different league when they released the ridiculously successful Hotel California album in 1976. America put out Hideaway and although containing some fine tracks obviously was no match for The Eagles Hotel California album. Dan Peek leaving America in 1977 didn't help either. Having said that, The Eagles and America were the two finest Soft Rock bands of the 70s, meaning the two finest Soft Rock bands ever and they both have a marvellous music catalogue filled with superb songs.
America! Sounds of the 70’s nothing better🎶❤️
Now you need to do "Guitar Man" by Bread for more cool listening 70's
"Everything I Own" is another good Bread song.
That song is amazing.
Bread has a song from their other lead singer, James Griffin, called "Our Lady Of Sorrow", about a woman fighting addiction. Absolutely haunting.
@@padfolio Yes! That song doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
A chilling song.
I saw Guitar man and immediately the Ray Steven's song Guitarzan popped into my head.
Horse With No Name is their biggest hit, but I'd go with Ventura Highway. Get crazy and do em both! You'll be happy you did. Welcome to America!
America were a GREAT band! Sister Golden Hair was a #1 record produced by Beatles producer George Martin. The entire album 'Hearts' was incredible! ♥️🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦🇨🇦
Hearts is like a greatest hits album. Every song is so good!
Haven't listened to the review yet but I must say this. Sister Golden Hair is my favorite song from America. I discovered it at a low point and found that my best friend was a woman I had been close to. Only one who stuck with me through all of it. That was 25 years ago and we have been married 21 of those years (22 in august). Thanks for the song.
That is so sweet, thankyou for sharing.💛
Thats a great story
Thanks. Long story short, I almost married into a nightmare and became reckless with life decisions. I wouldn't even think of marriage again until my wife and I had to move to different towns for our internships. Within a couple of weeks we were talking about dating because we couldn't stand being apart from each other. Within 2 years I married my best friend. This song and the Search by Survivor were key songs that helped me put it into perspective.
Songs have gotten me through a lot of rough times, as well. That's why they're so dear to us.
Good pop-rock song, the early/mid 70s way (specifically inspired by Jackson Browne's style, according to Gerry Beckley, the writer). This group of Americans (Dewey was British-American) got together in the UK, because their dads were in the Air Force stationed over there. Their first album was also produced and released in the UK a few months before it was in the US. That debut album went to #1 here, as did the first single - A Horse With No Name - they actually released well before the album came out. That's a pretty darn good start to a career! They then had several Top 10 albums, most of which were produced by George Martin. The Greatest Hits record was a very big seller. They popped up again in the 80s with two hit songs (with the guys from Toto and other famous musicians as session players).
Wow - great info! Thanks for posting this!
Great info, the other Beatles connection here is that the opening riff was confirmed as being a nod to George Harrison's My Sweet Lord, and the slide guitar is very reminiscent of what Harrison did for Badfinger in Day After Day.
@@Wungolioth, thank you, I didn't know that!
America is known for their vocal harmonies and great lead vocals by each member
For a moment I was worried that the boys would nick pick the song, but I am majorly relieved they loved it. One of my all time favorite song. A+, Indeed!
I'm also happy they loved it. Not much to nitpick: it's a perfect pop song.
Please review Seals and Crofts "We May Never Pass This Way Again" - a masterpiece for sure - Then Nine Houses, Diamond Girl, and Summer Breeze.
Yes!!!
Going to go seals and crofts? Do I'll play for you.
That song, we may never pass this way Again, has always hit me where it hurts. Now that I'm 61, it hits me even harder.
Love is the Answer dovetails perfectly with America for good reason.
Good call on the Summer Breeze choice suggestion!
Five of their songs are emblazoned into the consciousness of hundreds of millions of people - Horse With No Name, Tin Man, Ventura Highway, Lonely People, and this one. How many bands can say that? Great band with incredible personal stories. The very best in the music business chose to work with them - George Martin, guys from the Wrecking Crew, etc. Don't listen to the "What happened to bangers, man?" clowns on this one. 😆 😆
What about Daisy Jane? It’s a great one too.
@@tashakomaroff2982 A lot of their songs! But *everyone* knows these five.
Make that 6 with Sandman.
For sure
Facts
I'm very happy you liked this song, guys because I really didn't want to unsubscribe just because of one song, lol. But seriously I grew up with this song and it's still one of my absolute favorites from the 70s. Thanks for your great reaction!
This song, in my opinion, is the perfect pop song. Absolutely perfect. And just short enough that you want to hear more. Every time I hear it, it puts me in a better mood.
Dirt roads and bare feet...this song takes me back to my country childhood..love it.
Same here! I always think of this spring I used to walk to and the pond we played around - great memories.
This was Susie's song. She was my girl in high school. I remember driving along dirt backroads, a little too fast, my arm around her, listening to this real loud, on hot summer nights. Haven't seen or heard from Susie in around 45 years. I wonder how she's doing? 😢
Don't ya' love how songs take you back to those days and loves long gone? (sigh)
@@annw.7624 times are so different now. I wouldn't give up high school in the 70s for anything. 😀
@@knarf_on_a_bike me either!!
She's still got golden hair...
💛🎶
Lonely People is another song with fantastic harmonies and it has one of the most beautiful musical interludes ever.
Fun fact: My dad was a great buddy of Boyd Elder, the artist of the Eagles album cover on the shelf behind Alex.
That's so cool! One of These Nights is their coolest album cover, too!
That’s frickin awesome! Those skulls are legendary in the art world.
Phil Hartman drew the cover of one of the Albums.
@@wren7777 I didn't know he did any of the Eagles' covers. I knew he did a couple for Poco.
@@stpnwlf9 Sorry no Eagles but America's cover.
THE sound of my youth…so many memories.
An often overlooked and forgotten band but one that should never be overlooked.
There's a cute moment in the movie "Miss Stevens" where Timothee Chalamet is in the front seat of a car with his teacher and this song comes on the radio. She goes to turn, and recognizing the song, he stops her. The only kid in the car who knows it. Him and the teacher eventually begin singing it together, fueling his infatuation for her. Nice little film.
ua-cam.com/video/hicpA33X8_s/v-deo.html
I play this song at nearly every gig and it always goes over.
America is always fun- nothing great or deep, just catchy, light pop rock, and Sister Golden Hair is my favorite. Brings me back to the summer if ‘75 at my aunt and uncle’s summer house, playing it over and over…
A ton of people, myself included, find them both great and deep. You should pay attention to the lyrics more.
so did i! over and over and over! good stoned days of yore....
Good God! I was like six years old when this came out. It is probably the first rock and roll song I can remember hearing...this and Chevy Van, which is also a love song and has a similar vibe.
Chevy Van! I forgot that one.
One of the most sublime pieces of music from the 70s
Just mellow cool music from the 70s. As much a part of my childhood soundtrack as Zeppelin. It was a time when it seemed every radio station was playing your favorite songs all day long.
I was at school when this came out in the 70s . They are still one of my favourite bands. Great playing and great harmonies, Ventura Highway is one of my favourite songs of all time. Horse with no name, Tin man, Sandman, You can do magic.....need i go on. By the way they were formed in England. They were at school in England but they are all Americans.
One word... HARMONIES. Some of the best harmonies for sure. All around a very pleasing track that's perfect for a....... ROAD TRIP.
The group America is the epitome of easy listening. So laid back and pleasant. Great group
Anyone remember Seals and Crofts? No one reacts to their music.
Yes! Summer Breeze!
@@allisonreed7682 Diamond Girl!
Hummingbird!
@@catherinelw9365 LOVE Summer Breeze! Saw them live in '73.
Wilburn Reactions has reacted to 2 of theirs. JayveeTV and Sincerely K.S.O. have reacted to 1 each
They had a great song in the 80z called YOU CAN DO MAGIC. one of their best that no one seems to mention.
American military kids on bases in other lands, meet, make music and call themselves America. They had an iconic run in the seventies and into the eighties. History, America's greatest hits is great start to finish, as long as I skip muskrat love.
These guys had the sound that made my summers down here in Australia. Glad you have got to them.
You have to due Ventura Highway next! (Also reminder and 19th comment in a row for Crack the Sky, do their song Ice)
Any time I hear an America song I'm always smiling and feeling better after it's over. Their music just has that effect.
I agree with Andy! A+! I love the 70's so much!
Glad you really liked this one!! I forgot to add Joe Jackson, Todd Rundgren and Def Leppard to my comments
"That bass!" Every. Single. Time. You guys notice aspects of songs that I've listened to 100 times and didn't pick up on. Thank you!!! This made my day ❤️
(And a suggestion - CCR, specifically Live on Ed Sullivan - Down On the Corner, or Fortunate Son. Man, they were GOOD! I was so lucky to grow up with older brothers who loved them.)
There were a ton of us kids living overseas when this came out, as our parents worked at U.S. military bases all over the world. For me,Rota,Spain back in the 60's & 70's.
I was a kid in the 70's when this song was a big radio hit. Easily one of my favorites in any genre and it always stuck with me. Glad you guys dig it too. I also vouch for Ventura Highway. Another top notch tune.
YAY!!! THEY LIKED IT, THEY REALLY LIKED IT!!" phew!😅 No special effects. Just perfect harmonies.
I know, Lisa, I was worried! lol Especially about Alex! I thought for sure he was gonna dis them for having "do-wops" in their lyrics, the way he dissed ELO for the same thing in, "Telephone Line". Ugh. And he ALMOST did, he brought it up, but said it didn't bother him here. I'm hoping he heard our gripes from that, "Telephone Line", comments section, and wised up! :)
@@Cosmo-Kramer I was thinking the EXACT same thing about "Telephone Line". Great minds think alike.😉
@@lisamorrison2149 LOL
Need more YES!!!
America has so many good songs. Daisy Jane is one of them. I love this band. 💗
You gotta hear “Daisy Jane”. One of my favorites of theirs.
Pleeeeeeeease (with sugar on top) do “Ventura Highway” by them. Fantastic song!
About the name of this trio:
Beckley - American father/British mother. Spent summers in England. Father became commander of AF base near London in 1967. Born in 1952.
Peek - Born in Florida. Dad was Air Force. Family moved to London when he was 13. Then Texas. Then Pakistan. Then England. Born in 1950.
Bunnell - Born in England to American serviceman stationed there. English mother. Grew up in England, I believe. Born in 1952.
They met at Central High School in Bushey Hall in NW London. They were very young when they started the band. Their first album and first hit song was in 1971. Look at their birth years above.
So, no, they didn’t attend college.
It was funny that Alex mentioned that "They are not going to call themselves America if they were from Britain". When in fact they were all in Britain. They were army brats. I believe they chose the Name "America" because they did not want anyone to think they were British musicians who were trying to sound American.
1952 to 1971 is 19 years, 1950 to 1971 is 21 years. They could have attended, but it's doubtful they graduated.
Okay, Peek headed off to college in the U.S., but it didn’t last. But they weren’t college boys as A&A surmised.
@@moniphil Agreed. I think he took one look at Bleckley's glasses and thought he looked studious.
@@kindking8009 They crack me up how much they get wrong, but I appreciate their uninformed approach to their reviews.
Do "The Tin Man", you and your audience won't be disappointed!
Severely under rated group and probably one of the most talented from back in the day
Was in high school when America came out,we all loved their music,alot of great songs 😎🏹
From the same period, you should check out Jackie Blue by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils...!!!
This!
I agree on the DAREDEVILS.
They have a deep catalog of great Missouri Country/Southern rock.
Country Girl.
Walkin Down the Road.
Chicken Train.
Spaceship Orion.
Look Away.
You Made it Right.
Friend of a Friend of Mine.
Etc. Etc.
They also went through the desert on a *Horse With No Name* ...
One of those rare songs the radio just can't kill.
A very underrated band. They have many great songs. I would highly recommend Tin Man and Sandman, especially Sandman. Here's a little bit of a back story on that song.
The three members of America - Bunnell, Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek - were sons of American military service members stationed in England. They formed the band while they were going to high school near London, and stayed in the area when they graduated in 1969 and got a record deal.
This being the height of the Vietnam War, the trio would often encounter soldiers that had seen action and hear their war stories. Bunnell wrote this song based on some of those tales he heard, stories about how when stationed in Vietnam, they were afraid to sleep for fear of attack, so they would stay up as long as they could (sometimes with the help of various substances), since sleep could mean death. The "sandman" represents sleep, which they feared. Thus they were always "running from the sandman."
.......@Songfacts 2021
I actually went to the same school. It was called London Central High School and was in town called High Wycombe north west of actual London.
Great band everyone in the 70's loved this band. I was personally into hard rock (Deep Purple, ACDC Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath) but these guys were amazing. They have more Gold: Horse with no Name, Ventura Highway and Tin Man, Thanks guys have a great weekend.
Have seen America so many times over the years, mostly at outdoor festivals Was sad to see Dan leave the band, and later passed away, but the boys carried on, and always a good show
I met these guys in a studio in Torrance CA in the 70s. They were very nice to a newbie to LA. Very talented and had fun learning from them while they were recording.
So glad you got to America. The harmonies and acoustic guitars on their first album are unmatched. Hard to believe that album is 50 yrs old and still sounds as good now as it did then. You should definitely consider a full album reaction to the debut album. Great from start to finish. Pick any song.
This one really takes me back to my teen years in the 70s and my own "sister golden hair". Great song!
Props to Alex for not letting the "Doo Wops" tank the song for him. I was concerned it might. But in the end, gotta trust that a great song can make even a pet peeve palatable.
I like the Doo Wops!
Yup, after the way Alex criticized Jeff Lynne for using them in, "Telephone Line", I was concerned, as well. We really let him have it in that ELO comments section...I'm thinking he got the message. LOL
I'm going to see if I can incorporate "what's up, saucy girl" into my everyday speech habits 😂
You should probably wear a batting helmet if you do.
lovin this react !!! this whole album was a journey .. even in your off time do yrself a favour and have a listen .. great road trip stuff xx
America is a fantastic band. I’d also recommend checking out “Sandman” and “Tin Man” from America
Sister Golden Hair is a great yacht rock song, all I'm missing is the yacht. Give "Lonely People" a listen for the harmonies.
Yay! Finally a good song this week. Suggesting "Lonely People" and "Horse with No Name" next. This music was radio'd to death back in the day, but good music, none the less.
I'm 54 years old.....one of my most favorite songs I recall as a little kid. I love it! Thanks for doing this reaction!
This my go to music when I am down, it never fails to bring me up.
Please listen to Rare Earth - I want to celebrate another day.
Yes please.
Randall Barnes That song rocks big time!
America from 1970-1977 have a wealth of phenomenally rich inspired easy listening fun songs, many of which were staple plays on AM-FM radio in the seventies. 'A Horse With No Name' is possibly the song they are generally most recognized for with 'Venture Highway' possibly a second favorite. You should do these at some point in time. However for saucy bass and beautiful poetic lyrics, I'd vote for 'Tin Man'.
Always happy when this comes on the radio. (Yes, I still listen to the radio.)
The more you listen to this it grows on you.
Great song writing and harmonies, it's melodic, has the rhythmic acoustic element and it's catchy AF. Check out Tin Man for more of this magic.
Agree. Tin Man is my favorite.
Absolutely agree!
Don’t forget horse with no name and Ventura highway
"The Last Resort" is a song written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, which tells of how man inevitably destroys the places he finds beautiful. It was originally released on the Eagles' album Hotel California on December 8, 1976. It was subsequently released as the B-side of "Life in the Fast Lane" single on May 3, 1977.From Wikipedia
They reacted to it a while ago. It's on Patreon.
@@kennet7837 Sorry! We are disabled and sadly have to avoid things like that. Thanks...
America....vastly underrated band.
Their whole premier, self-titled album is amazing, especially for the harmonies. That being said, Ventura Highway is a fantastic song that you need to do.
I haven't seen You Can Do Magic in any comments. Probably because it was later in their career. Still a great song. Can't go wrong with Horse With No Name, Ventura Highway, I Need You, or Tin Man. Other bands in this vein would be England Dan & John Ford Coley, Seals and Crofts, or Bread.
You Can Do Magic is Cheez Whiz compared to their previous songs.
Great song! Ventura Highway is their coolest song though (or gets the best reaction when I play it of all their songs) 👍😄👍
Just goes to show... we will never figure you guys out. I've loved the song since it came out but I didn't think it was all that for a channel such as this. A+!
They had a lot of airplay when I was stationed at the Presidio of Monterey attending DLI. Great song!