Humorously, one of the members of the band America, Dewey Bunnell, was not born in America, but in Britain. Bunnell, Dan Peek, and Gerry Beckley formed the band after coming into contact in Air Force bases their fathers attended. They would maintain a soft folk rock sound for their run, starting with “America” in 1971. Chart successes motivated America to add more texture to their second release, “Homecoming”. They recruited successful session musicians like Hal Blaine. There was more than acoustic guitar present on this album, for a more diverse sound.
The album’s major hit is the song “Ventura Highway”. The acoustic guitar’s simple riff begins the song, then it’s joined by the dazzle of a second guitar and repetitive drumming. The harmonies of America’s members soon create an acoustic symphony. The feeling of driving down a sunlit highway, such as on the cover, becomes more tangible. The song has no deep meaning, but basks in simple pleasures. Not quite an evolution of their sound, but fresh all the same. A song that pushes the boundaries more is “Only In Your Heart.” Not beginning with guitar, the song creates a punchy piano beat. We learn more about our character Mary, who helps the ones she loves to have a good path. It subverts the male dominant to woman in a lot of love songs, all while being touching. It’s not cryptic, but kind. Emotions build … until the song seems to stop. That is, before blasting into a psychedelic rock ballad, the spacey excess pure bliss. The song changes and evolves, like the relationships it talks about. The songs on this album indulge in simple, relaxing pastimes, like the game of river crossing in “Don’t Cross The River,” or the urban dance of “California Revisited,” a perfect album for a road trip.
The album “Homecoming” became a large success, charting at the U.S. Billboard number nine spot, and producing several big singles. It also started a humorous trend of America having their albums start with the letter “H”. “America” came to be called the “Horse With No Name” album. “Homecoming” is an album that works in any environment, and still feels homely. A big recommendation.
A similar album I’d recommend is “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme” by Simon & Garfunkel. Being commercial folk rock juggernauts, Simon & Garfunkel craft careful melodies using unconventional and orchestral instruments. “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme”, released in 1966, is a clear realization of their great production. Another album I’d recommend is “Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac. “Homecoming” had soft rock stylings that are in full force here, with Fleetwood Mac including folk, pop rock, and pop into a diverse package that’s sure to be both surprising and soothing to the ears.