"Unconditionally Guaranteed" is the eighth album by American rock band Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band, released in April 1974 by Mercury Records. It marked a departure from Beefheart's more experimentally inclined efforts, with a more accessible, melodic sound. However, the shift was not well-received by many of the band's fans or by critics, who largely viewed it as a commercial sell-out.
After recording seven highly experimental albums and never achieving commercial success, Beefheart intended "Unconditionally Guaranteed" to be more listener-friendly, hoping it would help the band break into the mainstream. The tracks are generally shorter and simpler than on previous records, with a bluesy, straightforward rock feel. The album features the Magic Band lineup of Zoot Horn Rollo, Rockette Morton, Art Tripp, and Alex St. Claire.
In spite of the attempt to appeal to a broader audience, "Unconditionally Guaranteed" sold poorly upon its release, and the subsequent tour was marked by the departure of the entire Magic Band, who were disillusioned with Beefheart's new direction.
"Unconditionally Guaranteed" has since been reassessed by some critics and is viewed more positively than it was at the time of its release, although it is still generally regarded as one of Beefheart's weaker efforts. Despite this, it remains a notable part of Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band's discography.
