Grand Funk Railroad
Phoenix

THE REVIEW

When I talk to someone about the Grand Funk Railroad, most people don't even know what I'm talking about, which makes me realize we're really in bad shape if they don't know what I consider one of the greatest hard rock bands of the '70s. Technique, pathos, power, and sweetness, these are the characteristics that can be found in the works of this great group.

But let's get to this album released in 1972. Right from the start, you understand you're in the presence of a formation gifted with incredible skill and creativity; in fact, the opener "Flight Of The Phoenix" is a concentration of power and technique, with a keyboard base that is something frightening, comparable only to the best performances of Ken Hensley and John Lord. But every track on this album is, in my opinion, a gem that fits perfectly with the others throughout the entire listening of the record. A positive aspect of this album is that, beyond the logical predominance of hard rock, the band manages perfectly, without falling into repetitiveness, to incorporate blues, soul, and rock & roll melodies, making it more interesting and more complete.
As for the individual performances, the level is extremely high on all fronts, with the music at moments being devastating while still being able to smoothly transition to significantly softer phases with an impressive ease. The performance of singer Mark Farner is outstanding throughout the album, without excess and with exceptional charisma. The background vocals are also well arranged, always in the right place and again without exaggeration.

In conclusion, it's an album that absolutely must be owned, beautiful throughout its duration, music in its purest form, to make your stereo speakers explode.