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Rating:
When I come home in the evening exhausted from a very tough day, I take a shower and usually put on this great album by Grand Funk.
The record was released in 1976, and it’s the last from the group before the various reunions to come. It's definitely not considered among their best discography, in fact, it is remembered solely for the participation of Frank Zappa; however, I consider it one of my favorite records, even though the distance between the early Grand Funk and these final career days is immense. It's still them, though, Don, Mel, and Craig, led by the great and unparalleled Mark! So, let's move on to the analysis of the album!
It starts with the first bomb, "Just Couldn't Wait", a very driven track but nothing special, unlike the following "Can You Do It", which is an excellent song where Farner highlights his unique vocal qualities. In the next piece, "Pass It Around" control passes into the hands of the immortal Don Brewer, who besides beating the skins gives us a truly thrilling performance!
The next track is a classic Grand Funk piece, "Don't Let 'Em Take Your Gun" it stands out only because it’s not a ballad; this decent track introduces us to the masterpiece of the album which is "Miss My Baby" a 7-minute track, another ballad boasting an extraordinary performance. And to think it could have been a deserving heir to "Stairway To Heaven", but unfortunately, it went unnoticed!
However, here comes Mister Frank Zappa, who duets with Mark on guitars in an exhilarating "Out To Get You" where Mel activates his pulsating bass of the old days. Moving on, we find the second masterpiece of the album, "Crossfire", which starts as a ballad but then unleashes in the final part.
And finally comes a great old-school style piece called "1976", which very much reminds of "Rock N' Roll Soul" for those who know it. It's a great satisfaction to hear this piece, proof that Grand Funk of the old days were still around; the following two tracks are two more ballads; "Release Your Love" with a mild and simple atmosphere, "Goin' For The Pastor" a bit more massive and strong. At the end of the record, there’s an extraordinary track, an incredible track really ..!! "Rubberneck!" is indescribable, to give you an idea, try to imagine "Loneliness", there you go! An 8-minute piece of wonderful sweetness!
Well, what to say a very enjoyable album that I recommend only to lovers of soft rock, because most of the tracks are ballads, but of notable caliber. If you loved them as I did, since their beginnings, don’t miss this gem, I really mean it!
The real Grand Funk, in 1976, were still around!!!! See you soon, goodbye!
Tracklist and Lyrics
08 Crossfire (04:19)
You win or lose a penny.
What does it matter any.
We all are gamblers just by livin'.
You hold a hopeless token.
Even though your heart is broken.
'Cause you've nothin' left for the love you're givin'.
(CHORUS)
Caught in the crossfire.
Caught in the crossfire ... of love.
Caught in the crossfire.
Caught in the crossfire ... of love.
Caught in the crossfire.
Caught in the crossfire.
You played your hand at poker.
But do you understand this joker.
Who shot down all your hopes and dreams.
Why do they always hurt you.
You think they won't but you know they're sure to.
Can't trust a soul no more it seems.
(CHORUS)
Caught in the crossfire.
Caught in the crossfire.
You caught your love red handed.
Been stuck up like a bandit.
Crossfire.
Low down dirty underhanded.
Just ain't right can't understand it.
Crossfire.
(CHORUS)
Caught in the crossfire.
Caught in the crossfire.
Caught in the crossfire.
09 1976 (04:20)
Hey ...
Ohhhh ...
Oh, happy birthday America.
Lord knows you ain't no sweet sixteen.
But, we love you 'cause you're beautiful America.
We still beleive in the American dream.
We better all keep remembering this land now.
This land full of people been' gettin' their kicks Lord, Lord.
I think we all better pick up the sticks.
In 1976.
God put man on this planet.
But man forgot that he was heaven sent.
Man takes the planet for granted.
I thought American people would 'a had more sense.
We better keep all remembering this land now.
This land full of people bent on gettin' their kicks Lord, Lord.
I think we all better pick up the sticks.
In 1976.
Hey ...
We better keep all remembering this land now.
This land full of people bent on gettin' their kicks Lord, Lord.
I think we all better pick up the sticks.
In 1976.
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