"Phoenix" is the sixth studio album by American rock band Grand Funk Railroad. Released in October 1972, the album marked a shift in the band's sound, moving away from their signature hard rock style towards more acoustic and folk influences. This transition was sparked by a change in production; instead of self-producing, as on previous records, they enlisted the help of renowned producer and engineer Todd Rundgren.
The album is composed of ten tracks, including the hit singles "Rock 'N Roll Soul" and "Flight of the Phoenix". Despite the change in musical direction, the album has been met with generally positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Over the years, it has come to be recognized as one of the band's more progressive and ambitious releases.
The album's title, "Phoenix", is symbolic, referencing the mythical bird that is reborn from its own ashes, signifying a rebirth or a fresh start. This effectively mirrored the band's own situation at the time, as they were undergoing significant line-up changes.
Despite the adversity surrounding its release, "Phoenix" managed to reach number seven on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States, solidifying Grand Funk Railroad's status as a key player in the 70s rock scene.
