"Crazy Eyes" is the fifth studio album by American country rock band Poco, released in 1973. It is notable for being the final album with founding member Richie Furay during his original tenure with the band. The album features a blend of country rock and folk influences and showcases the band's signature harmonies and instrumental style.
During this period, Poco was transitioning through various phases of their sound, and Crazy Eyes reflects the band’s evolution as they continued to refine their musical direction. Richie Furay’s departure marked the end of an era for Poco, as he was a key member in shaping the band's early sound and success.
Crazy Eyes is the fifth studio album by the American country rock band Poco, released on September 15, 1973. It marks the band's final album with founding member Richie Furay during his initial tenure.
Recorded at RCA Victor Studio in Los Angeles from May 21 to 27, 1973, Crazy Eyes was produced by Jack Richardson, who had previously worked with Poco on their 1972 album A Good Feelin' to Know. Although A Good Feelin' to Know was seen as a significant attempt at mainstream success, it did not perform well commercially. As a result, Poco and their label were looking for a turnaround with Crazy Eyes.
Richie Furay, who had been a key songwriter and vocalist for the band, was offered a chance to join the Souther–Hillman–Furay Band by David Geffen but chose to complete this final album with Poco. He kept his departure plans private until the album was nearly finished. Furay's tenure with Poco ended with their concert at Worcester Polytechnic on September 4, 1973, just before the album's release.
The album features a mix of Furay's compositions and covers, including "Crazy Eyes," which Furay wrote about Gram Parsons, and "Brass Buttons," a Parsons composition. This track was notably released on Crazy Eyes before Parsons' own version appeared on his posthumous album Grievous Angel. Furay credited producer Jack Richardson and Bob Ezrin for the orchestral arrangement that enhanced the song.
Other notable tracks include Furay's "Let's Dance Tonight" and Poco's cover of J.J. Cale's "Magnolia," which was released as a single. The album also includes "Here We Go Again," the first Poco single written by Timothy B. Schmit, and "Fools Gold," an instrumental by Rusty Young. Despite these efforts, neither single achieved significant success, though "Magnolia" became a concert staple later in the band's career.
Crazy Eyes provided Poco with their highest-charting studio album up to that time, reaching #38 on the Billboard 200. The album's release marked the end of Furay's first era with the band, although he would return for a second tenure in 1988–89.
