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Rating:
The Grand Funk Railroad are among the lesser-known bands in the 70s hard rock scene, but they are a band deserving the attention of genre enthusiasts. The trio born in Flint, the industrial suburb of Detroit, recorded "Closer To Home" in 1970. The difference with the three previous albums is a greater sophistication in the compositional phase. An acoustic guitar introduces us to the riff of "Sin's a Goodman Brother," a song that exudes power and seems on the verge of exploding into a chorus that never arrives, but in this case, it's not necessary, given the excellent inspiration in the verses with chilling vocals and the entire band grinding out notes. The second track is "Aimless Lady," a compelling rock-funky-soul tune in which Mark Farner's particularly soulful voice (who is also the band's guitarist) and Mel Schacher's ever-present bass brimming with excellent rhythmic ideas stand out. It's the bass that introduces the third song, "Nothing Is The Same," another truly powerful song with a great performance by the entire band. "Mean Mestreater" is the ballad of the album, introduced by electric piano. The vocal interpretation is very beautiful, adding an extra touch to a simple yet impactful song. "Get It Together" is a fairly repetitive song but contains beautiful female gospel choirs that perhaps save the most forgettable episode of the album. The music returns to a "Funk-Soul-Rock" with "I'Dont Have To Sing The Blues," another powerful and melodic song that is very successful. "Hooked On Love" starts slow and then moves to a more rhythmic and engaging part. The highlight of this seventh track is the exchange of vocals between the leader and drummer Don Brewer, who has a truly interesting voice. The last track, perhaps the most sophisticated on the platter, is: "I'm Your Captain/Closer To Home," a more than nine-minute song that is very well-structured, complete with string arrangements in the middle part and sustained this time by the acoustic guitar. In conclusion, a very good album from a band that has always been mistreated by critics because they are considered too raw and noisy; but true hard rock fans should not miss it given the great dose of energy and melody that coexist in Grand Funk's songs.
Tracklist Lyrics Samples and Videos
02 Aimless Lady (03:29)
Aimless lady, is this your home town?
Tell me baby, tell me where you're bound.
When our eyes met, you were in the very first row.
I couldn't even guess your name, but I just had to know.
You were meant for me, would you grab your coat and flee?
You were a mystery, but you just had to be ...
An aimless lady.
Aimless lady.
Aimless lady.
Should I try, and satisfy, you lady?
Ain't no lie, now we'll get by, my baby.
If you can stand, a real good man, now lady,
Take my hand, and understand, me baby.
Take your time, you're doing fine, now lady.
You got yours, and I got mine, now baby.
Can you see, the way to be, now lady.
Stay with me, and set me free, now baby.
Aimless lady.
Aimless lady.
Aimless lady.
You're mine aimless lady.
Yeah, aimless lady.
You're mine aimless lady.
Mine, aimless lady.
Oooo ...
03 Nothing Is the Same (05:14)
When I was feeling 'bout sixteen, I never had no idea.
Listen to me if you want to know what I mean, your expression will let me see.
I never knew what I was looking for, I never had the time.
And now that time has opened up my door, now I'm looking forward just to see what, just what's mine.
When I was feeling 'bout eighteen, it's then when I began to see.
No matter how hard you push on the door, it won't open without the key.
Opportunity only knocks once, if you shut it out it's a sin.
And when something keeps right on poundin', then, my friend, you'd better let it in.
Now I feel just a little bit old and, sadness fills my brain.
I can flash to future years and nothing is the same.
Nothing is the same.
Nothing is the same.
Nothing is the same.
04 Mean Mistreater (04:27)
Mean mistreater, you make me cry,
You lay around, and watch me die.
Mean mistreater, can't you see I'm real?
Are you satisfied, with the way you feel?
I've tried hard to live without you, in so many ways.
I just can't help myself from thinking of you, for the rest of my days.
Heartache is at my door step, won't leave me alone.
I just can't get used to it, now that I'm on my own.
I know all about you, your childhood days,
Your mom and dad, your pretty face.
Mean mistreater, if you need me,
I'm needin' you to set me free.
Mmmm ...
05 Get It Together (05:10)
Got to get it together.
Got to get it together.
Got to get it together.
Got to get it together.
Got to get it together.
Get together now, baby.
Got to get it together.
Get it, get it, get it together.
Got to get it together.
I'll tell you right now, get it together.
Got to get it together.
Everybody has to get it.
Got to get it together.
and so on ...
06 I Don't Have to Sing the Blues (04:37)
I've got this good lookin' woman back home, let me tell ya'
She cooks good and she looks good, and she just can't do no wrong.
She cooks me cornbread in the morning, she's my dinner and my midnight snack.
She sits up and she begs, and she even rolls over on her back.
CHORUS
Please don't tell me that's the way that it goes, 'cause I've tried hard and I know.
I ain't been playin' in your back yard, 'cause I got my baby and she loves me so.
She don't treat me mean, and she loves my machine, yeah.
I digs her 'cause she's funky, and she sure keeps it clean, now.
I'm a loafer, she's my chauffeur, and she sure likes to drive me, uh-huh.
I lay my life on the line, and she steps right up besides me, yeah.
CHORUS
I don't have to sing the blues no more.
A girl like mine is hard to find for sure.
She lays it on me each and every night.
She's my pleasure and my world's delight.
I don't have to sing the blues no more.
A girl like mine is hard to find for sure.
She lays it on me each and every night.
She's my pleasure and my world's delight.
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