AMERICA

America's debut album is a classic case of being in the right place at the right time--a world where the noisier sounds of '60s rock had given way to the gentler strains of James Taylor and Crosby, Stills and Nash. America's particular gift was to combine Taylor's singer/songwriter esthetic with CSN's ripe harmonies, and their own unerring ear for a commercial hook. Which is why this album's "A Horse with No Name," and to a lesser degree "Sandman," despite a certain lyrical incoherence, were all over the radio in 1972. Though AMERICA's overall air of pastoral hippiedom ensures that it remains very much of its time, it's still well crafted enough to remain a good listen.

Estimated despatch 5-10 days after ordering.