America — Hat Trick
album review

LYRICS FROM "RAINBOW SONG"
Window frames a picture of winter time within my room;
Sometimes then I laugh at the funny times we had in school . . .
Blowing leaves, broken dreams,
Seventeen, dancing queen, dancing queen . . .
I am asleep on a rainbow,
Hiding from the wake of the tide;
I am asleep on a rainbow,
Hoping for the rest of the ride . . .

Album Review: Hat Trick, America's third album, found the band moving to a slightly softer, less exploratory sound than had been found on their first two albums. It seemed like an intentional choice to abandon the progressive-rock explorations that were sprinkled here and there in their first two albums so they could focus fully on the easy-going sound that had garnered them four Top 10 hits on those early albums.

But that does not mean America started churning out songs with no purpose other than to make hits—the music on Hat Trick is still intricate and the lyrics are still thoughtful and engaging. "Rainbow Song," one of the best tracks on the album, is a reminiscence about high school days that combines delicate piano and verses with a lush, upbeat hook. "Molten Love" and "Wind Wave" waft over you, gently grabbing you by your melodic core.

"Goodbye" is one of those nice, light America songs that grows on you over time, that never becomes a favorite but is undeniably enjoyable when it plays. The boys don't forget to throw in a little rock for good measure—"Green Monkey" has revved-up guitars and a driving rhythm juxtaposed with a lush hook.
The title track to Hat Trick is arguably the most ambitious effort of America's career. True to its name, "Hat Trick" weaves together three song snippets into a beautifully flowing, 8-minute-long epic, giving us a glimpse of what could have been an interesting alternate direction for the band.

And then there is, of course, the big hit from the album—"Muskrat Love." The song seems to stir hatred in many people—no doubt partly because of the insipid cover done by The Captain and Tennille in later years—but apparently enough people liked America's version to make it a major hit. Even if you're in the "I hate Muskrat Love" camp, fear not—the remainder of Hat Trick finds America in top creative form, doing non-sappy songs that will more than compensate anyone who has to hit the skip button that one time.

The first five America albums — America,   Homecoming,   Hat Trick,   Holiday,  and  Hearts — all made their mark in various ways. Hat Trick is an eminent member of that quintet.

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