Customer Reviews

Survival

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is truly one of the greatest albums ever done by Grand Funk. It was a driving force for me when I was a young man. It is a rare item and rarely found, even in music stores. If you like "Funk" this is for you.

Folks, this album is truly beautiful. Here's just a theory as to why it wasn't quite as hugely popular as their others from the trio era: the 3 studio recordings before this one ("On Time", "Grand Funk", and "Closer To Home"), the one after ("E. Pluribus Funk"), and especially the "Live Album" that was apparantly purposefully done in the format and sound quality (or lack thereof) of a bootleg, were very rowdy and sometimes raucous musically and lyrically. At that time, the typical Grand Funk fan was the American teenage boy at the peek of hormonal haze. Some even refer to GFR as one of the original predecessors of what we now call 'heavy metal'. And we haven't even mentioned "We're An American Band" (but I just did, didn't I?). All of a sudden, in the middle of this testosteronal turbulence, Mark and the boys introduce a very positive, mature (I hated that word at 14), spiritual album that expressed a desparate need for love on both individual and collective levels, a disdain for materialism and greed, a much needed call for true freedom, and even a cry for spirituality and godliness! The melodies and arrangements were still true-to-form Grand Funk, but appropriately smoother. And beautiful! "Comfort Me", "I Want Freedom", and "I Can Feel Him In the Morning" are breathtaking and still give me chills. Mark Farner just also happened to have one of the best voices in the business (then and now) and his writing and arranging was at it's creative peak. There is no better example of pure, honest, soulful American rock.

I'm not a big fan of Terry Knight, but he found a way to make GFR's big sound gentler with out giving up that big sound. The bass is resounding, the drum sound is so much different then the previous albums done by the band, and seems to fit the sound of this album, singing is wonderful with Donnie Brewer's voice on "I can Feel him in the Morning" and on "Gimmie Shelter". "Comfort Me" is one of my favorite Mark Farner tunes, and he's doing this on his solo tour this summer which sounds awesome live even if it's missing Mel and Don. Maybe they can include this on the next GFR (if) tour. This is a very different album compared to their earlier ones, a different sound. The cover picture is fun too! The next one, E Pluriblus Funk then went back to that big sound we all know and love. Survival is in their early years the most innovative record they produced and a must for GFR fans even if it has two songs not penned by the band.

the first band i've seen live '73 and the best band i've seen live and i,ve seen many bands in the 70's survival is my favorite album although closer to home runs close. i can feel him in the morning is a classic!!!! GFR KICKS @$$

I always thought this was there best album. I saw them perform with Yes at Yale Bowl in 1971. No one knew who Yes was but I do remember GF as being excellent! This album is definately one to keep in your collection....

Grand Funk Railroad hit some serious commercial success in early 70s, with most of their records achieving either gold or platinum status in the US. Listening to this record, you don't ask yourself "why?" The band demonstrates impressive maturity that, being mixed with undeniable creativity, produced this excellent record. As usual, GFR's music is loud hard-rock with a huge bluesy influence. But this time Mark, Don & Mel chose to play it in a different way. They play it calmer, more melodic, more soulful. Even though the songs are quite long, they never get boring (like they did on the red album), because for once the band seems to clearly envision what they are up to with this series of songs. And, as usual for GFR, there's a lot of groovy rhythms and hooky melodies, and all the members of this trio shine with their playing skills. There are 2 cover-songs on this album, but if I wasn't paying attention, I wouldn't have recognized them, for they are seamlessly integrated with the rest of the album. "Survival" is arguably the best, or one of 3 best Grand Funk Railroad albums ever, and anyone interested in this band cannot go wrong with it. Highly recommended!

The first GFR album I ever heard was Survival. I still listen to it off and on. I think it is their best album next to their first 3 albums. I can't wait for it to be remastered like the first 3 were not to long ago. Also, Feelin' Alright was written by Dave Mason on the second Traffic album.

I had this album inthe 1970's. Grand Funk was a personal favorite. I did see them once in concert just after the release of We're An American Band. But this album to me is their best overall effort. Mark Farner and the gang really stretched themselves. It never received the play time or recognition it should have. Their version of "Gimmie Shelter" is better than the 'Stones; more raw and eclectic in its delivery. "I Can Feel Him in the Morning," has a spiritual feel to it that is unmistakeable. The flavor of the entire album is just as the cover presents; primitive and rough edged. I purchased this CD again to add to my collection of lost rock n'roll classics, which it definitely is.

I don't see much mention of my favorite cut from this album. Country Road. Can't help but hear that tune and be transported back to 71/72. I Can Feel Him In The Morning, Gimme Shelter. Great album!

I've wanted this CD forever, It's not the kind of music you pick up at Target. The import sound quality is excellent and Grand Funk rocks! The collection of songs on this CD are a nice variety. I highly recommend the investment to any classic rock fan.