"An American Prayer" is the ninth and final studio album by The Doors. In 1978, seven years after lead singer Jim Morrison died and five years after the remaining members of the band broke up, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore reunited and recorded backing tracks over Morrison's poetry (originally recorded in 1969 and 1970).
Moody and mesmerizing, "An American Prayer" is an interesting album of Jim Morrison reading his poetry over the Doors' music. "An American Prayer" was finished by the remaining members of the Doors after Morrison's death and finally released in 1978 (it was remastered and re-released in 1995 with bonus tracks). Those familiar with the lyrics of the Doors will not be surprised, but others may be put off because Morrison is unafraid to use crude imagery and talk unabashedly about taboo topics such as sex and religion. Although many dismiss his poetry as simplistic random musings, Morrison is a gifted lyricist with a vivid imagination. The album also demonstrates how the other musicians in the band create a mood that breathes life into Morrison's dark, twisted visions. The music excerpts of "Peace Frog" and "Wasp (Texas Radio and the Big Beat)" provide a welcome air of familiarity, and the definitive live version of "Roadhouse Blues" in the middle of the album provides a nice respite from the barrage of stories and metaphors. However, An American Prayer must be listened to in one sitting to be fully appreciated, preferably at nighttime when one is alone and can devote full attention to the listening experience. This album is not for everyone, but is a must-own for Doors completists and fans of Jim Morrison's poetry.
Track listing
01. Awake - 0:36
02. Ghost Song (edit) - 2:50
03. Dawn's Highway - 1:21
04. Newborn Awakening - 2:26
05. To Come of Age - 1:01
06. Black Polished Chrome - 1:07
07. Latino Chrome - 2:14
08. Angels and Sailors - 2:46
09. Stoned Immaculate - 1:33
10. The Movie - 1:35
11. Curses, Invocations - 1:57
12. American Night - 0:28
13. Roadhouse Blues - 5:53
14. The World on Fire - 1:06
15. Lament - 2:18
16. The Hitchhiker - 2:15
17. An American Prayer - 3:04
18. Hour for Magic - 1:17
19. Freedom Exists - 0:20
1995 Bonus tracks
21. Babylon
22. Bird of Prey - 1:03
23. The Ghost Song (Extended Version) - 5:16 (There's a "hidden track" at about 4:41)
Released: November 17, 1978 (Vinyl LP) 1995 (CD)
Recorded: March 1969 and December 1970 (spoken word) 1978 (music)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Spoken Word, Poetry
Length: 38:28
Label: Elektra / Asylum Records / Rhino
Producer: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek, Frank Lisciandro, John Haeny
Poetry, lyrics and Stories by: Jim Morrison; music by Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore
Personnel
Jim Morrison – Vocals, spoken Word
John Densmore – Drums
Robby Krieger – Guitar
Ray Manzarek – Keyboards, Keyboard, Bass
Arthur Barrow - Synthesizer Programming
Reinol Andino – percussion
Bob Glaub – Bass
Jerry Scheff – Bass
