America - Hideaway (1976)

posted by all-musicrecords

Hideaway is the sixth studio album by American folk rock trio America, released by Warner Bros. Records in April 1976. 

The album was produced by longtime Beatles producer George Martin, the fourth of seven consecutive albums he produced with America.

It was recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado in February 1976, with the album cover and inner sleeve photos reflecting the wintry environment. Deciding that they needed a contrast, the group recorded its next album Harbor in Hawaii.

This album was a hit in the US, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard album chart and being certified Gold by the RIAA. It produced two hit singles: "Today's the Day",and "Amber Cascades".

Released in 1976, Hideaway is the sixth studio album by the American rock band America. While the music on this album would showcase further evolution within the band’s production style and songwriting, this evolving nature isn’t to the band’s detriment for on this release they took their acoustic-driven folk-rock style even further by adding higher production values and a fuller musical presentation. The result is one of the greatest rock albums of the 70s and one of the best releases in America’s illustrious career.

While the album artwork is mundane, it’s effective and is a perfect visual counterpart to the musical style of the album. Granted, the music surpasses the album cover in terms of quality, for there isn’t a dull song to be heard on the album, and while each fan will have their own preferred favourite America release, Hideaway is certainly mine; followed by Hat Trick and their self-titled debut, America. 

Speaking of the music contained within this classic release, Hideaway demonstrates America's ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles while staying rooted in their signature folk-rock sound. Incorporating elements of pop, soft rock, and a touch of country, Hideaway is one of those pleasurable listens that has a smooth well-balanced mix that allows each instrument and vocal harmony to shine. 

While America’s legacy is legendary, when you have a producer of the calibre of George Martin producing Hideaway, one of five studio albums that he would produce for the band, there’s little wonder as to why Hideaway is so exceptionally pleasing. For those really interested in geeking out, Geoff Emerick was also the engineer for this recording. With two of the core Beatles’ production team behind the scenes, there’s little doubt as to why Hideaway is such a compelling release. Of course, America had to have musical skill in the first place and the songwriting throughout delivers a strong set of compositions that are introspective and often contemplative, exploring themes of love, longing, and self-discovery. Overall, the songwriting maintains a poetic quality, complemented by the band's trademark harmonies, and this, along with the quality of production further validates the importance of every aspect in the creation of a timeless record.

Tracklist

1.  Lovely Night   (Gerry Beckley) - 2:32 

2.  Amber Cascades   (Dewey Bunnell) - 2:50 

3.  Don't Let It Get You Down   (Bunnell) - 2:58 

4.  Can't You See  (Dan Peek) - 2:22 

5.  Watership Down  (Beckley) - 4:58 

6.  She's Beside You   (D. Peek) - 2:58 

7.  Hideaway Part I (Bunnell) - 1:30 

8.  She's a Liar   (Beckley) - 3:28 

9.  Letter  (Bunnell) - 3:05 

10.  Today's the Day  (D. Peek) - 3:15 

11.  Jet Boy Blue  (D. Peek, Catherine Peek) - 3:21 

12.  Who Loves You  (Beckley) - 4:33 

13.  Hideaway Part II  (Bunnell) - 2:03

America

• Dewey Bunnell – guitar, lead and backing vocals
• Gerry Beckley – guitar, lead and backing vocals, keyboard
• Dan Peek – guitar, banjo, lead and backing vocals, keyboard

with:

• David Dickey – bass guitar
• Willie Leacox – drums, percussion
• George Martin – piano on "She's Beside You" and "Hideaway Part I"

Companies, etc.

• Distributed By – WEA Records Ltd.
• Published By – Warner Bros. Music
• Recorded At – Caribou Ranch
• Produced For – Air Studios
• Printed By – Gothic Print Finishers Ltd.
• Mastered At – CBS Studios, London
• Pressed By – CBS Pressing Plant, Aston Clinton

Credits

• Art Direction, Design – Phil Hartmann
• Bass Guitar – David Dickey
• Drums, Percussion – Willie Leacox
• Engineer – Geoff Emerick
• Engineer [Assistant] – Mark Guercio
• Instruments, Vocals – America 
• Lacquer Cut By – Allen
• Photography By – Henry Diltz
• Producer, Arranged By, Conductor – George Martin

Notes

Released: 9 April 1976

Recorded:  February 16–28, 1976 Studio Caribou Ranch, Nederland, Colorado

Genre:  Folk rock, pop rock

Length:  39:59

Producer:  George Martin

Label - Warner Bros. Records