We're an American Band [Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered, Extra tracks]

Grand Funk Railroad | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 19, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 1973
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered, Extra tracks
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B000071WY2
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,904 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. We're An American Band

2. Stop Lookin' Back

3. Creepin'

4. Black Licorice

5. The Railroad

6. Ain't Got Nobody

7. Walk Like A Man

8. Loneliest Rider

9. Hooray

10. The End

11. Stop Lookin' Back (Acoustic Mix)

12. We're An American Band (2002 Remix)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Having garnered a confounding mix of loyal fan base and universally bad reviews for the plodding, predictable blues-rock that powered their seemingly endless tours at the dawn of the '70s, Grand Funk Railroad spent the next couple years retooling both their line-up and sound. Keyboardist Craig Frost expanded the trio's musical range, while guitarist/vocalist Mark Farner honed his pop hooks and songwriting skills. But it was the savvy addition of producer Todd Rundgren on this 1973 album that pushed the band (whose name was now shortened to simply Grand Funk) to the top of the charts via the infectious, Don Brewer-written-and-sung title track/anthem/single. Brewer also comes into his own on the hard-charging, pop-rock standouts "Black Licorice" and "Walk Like a Man." This expanded edition features a contemporary remix of the title track, a couple of strong outtakes, and a previously unreleased acoustic mix of "Stop Looking Back." --Jerry McCulley

Product Description

They lost the 'Railroad' in their name but they gained a producer (Todd Rundgren) and a #1 hit single! Originally released in 1973. Includes 4 bonus tracks 'Hooray', 'The End', 'Stop Lookin' Back' (acoustic mix) & 'We're An American Band' (2002 remix).24-bit digitally remastered. Capitol Records. 2002.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great, May 17, 2009

By 

B. E Jackson (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: We're an American Band (Audio CD)

Yeah, it's quite obvious THIS is the album where Grand Funk Railroad turned commercial, but sometimes -though quite rare- an obvious commercial approach is just what a band needs to recharge their batteries, and I think Grand Funk may have been aware of that back in the day, and thus results in an album that radio stations probably found some comfort in.

The funk is still there, though not as noticeable as before. The hard rock is still there, but again, it was more noticeable on previous albums.

What this album does VERY well is succeed in sheer amazing songwriting. You can practically sing along to any one of these vocal melodies, and the album feels like it would work really well at a party scene. How many people were partying back in the 70's with this album playing on the turntable? I'm sure a lot of people were, especially those in the Detroit area.

I just love "Creepin". An EASY highlight for me, because the vocals are fantastic. "Ain't Got Nobody" sounds like it should have been a HUGE hit, a much bigger hit than the title song, but it didn't turn out that way. I almost want to say "I guarantee you'll love this song" but maybe it's not for everyone. Sure FEELS like it could have been a huge hit though.

The closing song "Loneliest Rider" takes the band in a much different direction than I ever heard the band attempt before as far as lyrical matter is concerned, and I enjoy it.

Overall, I think very highly of this album, and I believe you will too.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We're an American Band, November 23, 2007

By 

Harry Brewer (S'port, La.) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: We're an American Band (Audio CD)

Arguably the best album Grand Funk ever did. I still wouldn't call it essential, though. Producer Todd Rundgren was the best thing that ever happened to this group. American Band was Grand Funk's seventh studio album & climbed to #2 on the album charts, the highest position of all their albums. Two singles charted: "We're an American Band" which was a #1 hit & "Walk Like a Man" which peaked at #19.

The album opens with "We're an American Band", penned by Don Brewer. It was the first song that he got a complete writing credit, vocals are by him also. "Stop Lookin' Back" is one of their best album tracks, it's some of the better lyrics that involve doing time. "Creepin'" is Farner's first lead vocal on the album though it's only an average song. "Black Licorice" has another vocal by Brewer. Lyrically, it's similar to the Stones' "Brown Sugar" but not near as good. Most fans of Funk will realize that the Stones were one of their favorite groups. "The Railroad" is Farner's tribute, of sorts, to his father who had been employed (and died) by Grand Trunk Railroad. It's a good track especially toward the end where the sound effects of a locomotive are employed. "Ain't Got Nobody" falls into the average territory. "Walk Like a Man" is a powerful song with lead vocal by Brewer. "Loneliest Rider" is the final song of the original album, it's Farner's tribute to his Native American heritage.

Capitol Records has treated us with four bonus tracks, two which were outtakes from the American Band sessions. In other words, we're not just getting live versions or alternate versions. The first is "Hooray" which is actually a very good song, it's better than at least two songs that ARE on the album. Then there's "The End" which is also great. It's thumping bass line gives it a drive like few other songs have. Keyboardist Craig Frost gets an opportunity to solo which was a rare thing. "The End" is killer & I can't figure out why it wasn't included on the original album. Next is an acoustic version of "Stop Lookin' Back". Farner shows what he can REALLY do playing an acoustic guitar. I really enjoy this track. The last bonus cut is a remix of "We're an American Band" that's not all that different from the original.

It was great to see the success of this Grand Funk album. It was their most successful but, unfortunately, subsequent albums would never get close to the quality of this album. Brewer is featured on more lead vocal than on any previous album &, that too, was an indication that Funk was going in the wrong direction.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My first Grand Funk Album, May 8, 2009

By 

snowdog "johnsrinx" (Vergennes, Vermont United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: We're an American Band (Audio CD)

I bought this album back in the 70's and some older classmates stole it when I brought it to school so I had to go out and buy it again. Now, I have purchased it on CD so it makes the third time I have bought this album. Do I need to say anymore? Of course, it has the classic radio hit "We're an American Band" which I consider kind of bubble gum compared to most of their other music, but the album has a good blend of music to give you an idea of what Grand Funk is all about. Solid Rock n' Roll.