"Hat Trick" is the third studio album by the American folk rock band, America, released in 1973. Following their success with their first two albums, the band aimed to expand their sound and recording techniques with this release. However, the result was considered less accessible, and it did not chart as well as their previous records.
The album was produced by famed Beatles producer George Martin, who also worked with the band on their subsequent seven albums. "Hat Trick" features complex vocal harmonies and expansive tracks that showcased ambitious songwriting by the band members. However, part of the album was criticized for the complexity and length of its songs which impacted its reception.
The album's lead single was "Muskrat Love," which went on to become a bigger hit for Captain & Tennille a few years later. It also featured a 10-minute suite named "Hat Trick", which showed both versatility and an attempt at progressive pop. Additionally, the album's closer, "Green Monkey", demonstrates the band's use of mythology and storytelling.
Overall, while "Hat Trick" did not achieve the commercial success the band hoped for, it did showcase their growing musicianship and songwriting skills and remains an integral part of their catalog.
