"Back in the USA" is the second studio album by American rock band MC5. Released in January 1970, it marked a shift from the protopunk sound of their first album to a more commercially viable, hard rock style. Produced by Jon Landau, it was a critical success, being named the 446th greatest album of all time by Rolling Stone in 2003. However, commercially it didn't fare well, and it was the last MC5 album released before they left their original label, Atlantic Records.
The album was inspired by and named after Chuck Berry's song of the same name, and a cover of the song is the album's opening track. The remainder of the album contains original material composed mainly by MC5, including popular tracks like "The American Ruse", "Shakin' Street", and "The Human Being Lawnmower". Despite the lackluster sales, the album's themes of rebellion and working-class frustration have ensured its status as a significant record in the history of rock music.
The band MC5 (short for Motor City Five) was formed in Lincoln Park, Michigan, in 1964. They gained early recognition for their energetic live performances and are considered one of the trailblazers of punk music. Following "Back in the USA", they produced another studio album before disbanding in 1972. Two of the band's original members, guitarist Wayne Kramer and drummer Dennis Thompson, continue to occasionally perform as MC5.
