"Grand Funk" is the second studio album by American rock band Grand Funk Railroad. The album was released on December 29, 1969, by Capitol Records. Just like their debut album, this record was also produced by Terry Knight.
The album has been known for its characteristic hard rock sound. It features the original lineup of the band - Mark Farner on guitar and vocals, Mel Schacher on bass, and Don Brewer on drums. The term "Grand Funk" was a play on words of the Grand Trunk Western Railroad, a well-known rail line in the band's home state of Michigan.
Many critics regard "Grand Funk" as the album that truly defines the band's music. It includes some of their biggest hits, like the opening track, "Got This Thing On The Move". Despite the commercial success, the band was often criticized for its simplistic lyrics and musicianship, but this didn't deter the band from gaining a mass following.
Reflecting the social and political unrest of the time, some songs were heavily influenced by the band's thoughts about the Vietnam War. The album's lengthy track "Inside Looking Out", actually a cover of the Animals' song, is a challenging piece of proto-prog rock with anti-war themes.
The album's cover, showing the band members in raw, sweaty close-ups, is just another element setting Grand Funk apart from the typical late '60s music scene. Devoid of any psychedelic influence, it presented them as they were - hard-working, hard-playing rock n' roll men.
Overall, "Grand Funk" played a pivotal role in Grand Funk Railroad's career, helping them to establish their unique sound and style in the early stages of their prolific career.
