"Stage Fright" is the third studio album by the Canadian-American group The Band, released in 1970. The album features two notable tracks: The Shape I'm In, sung by Richard Manuel, and the title track Stage Fright, with lead vocals by Rick Danko. Both songs became staples in the group's live performances.
The album is characterized by its blend of upbeat music with introspective and melancholic lyrics, exploring themes of peace, escape, and the darker aspects of anxiety and fatigue. This juxtaposition led to a mixed critical reception compared to the group's earlier, highly acclaimed albums. Critics generally praised the musicianship highlighting Garth Hudson's diverse textures, Robbie Robertson's guitar work, and the rhythm section of Danko and Levon Helm but opinions varied on the album’s tone and cohesiveness.
Stage Fright marked a shift towards a more rock-oriented sound, moving away from the vocal harmonies that defined their previous work. The album showcased the band's ability to switch instruments and included contributions from each member on multiple instruments. It also featured two of the last compositions by pianist Richard Manuel, who co-wrote them with Robertson.
The album achieved commercial success, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard albums chart and being certified gold for sales exceeding 500,000 copies. Over time, Stage Fright has been reappraised positively, with many critics recognizing it as a strong entry in The Band's discography, demonstrating their continued high level of artistry.
