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Hat Trick

by America

Released: October 26, 1973

Country rock, folk rock, soft rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Hat Trick" is the third studio album by the American folk rock band, America, released in 1973. "Hat Trick" features complex vocal harmonies and expansive tracks that showcased ambitious songwriting by the band members. Additionally, the album's closer, "Green Monkey", demonstrates the band's use of mythology and storytelling.

Inside the Recording

The album was produced by famed Beatles producer George Martin, who also worked with the band on their subsequent seven albums. Following their success with their first two albums, the band aimed to expand their sound and recording techniques with this release.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album's lead single was "Muskrat Love," which…

The album's lead single was "Muskrat Love," which went on to become a bigger hit for Captain & Tennille a few years later.

It also featured a 10-minute suite named "Hat…

It also featured a 10-minute suite named "Hat Trick", which showed both versatility and an attempt at progressive pop.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

America - Hat Trick

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Then

Reception

Overall, while "Hat Trick" did not achieve the commercial success the band hoped for, it did showcase their growing musicianship and songwriting skills and remains an integral part of their catalog. However, the result was considered less accessible, and it did not chart as well as their previous records. However, part of the album was criticized for the complexity and length of its songs which impacted its reception.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Hat Trick" is the third studio album by the American folk rock band, America, released in 1973. Following their success with their first two albums, the band aimed to expand their sound and recording techniques with this release. However, the result was considered less accessible, and it did not chart as well as their previous records.

The album was produced by famed Beatles producer George Martin, who also worked with the band on their subsequent seven albums. "Hat Trick" features complex vocal harmonies and expansive tracks that showcased ambitious songwriting by the band members. However, part of the album was criticized for the complexity and length of its songs which impacted its reception.

The album's lead single was "Muskrat Love," which went on to become a bigger hit for Captain & Tennille a few years later. It also featured a 10-minute suite named "Hat Trick", which showed both versatility and an attempt at progressive pop. Additionally, the album's closer, "Green Monkey", demonstrates the band's use of mythology and storytelling.

Overall, while "Hat Trick" did not achieve the commercial success the band hoped for, it did showcase their growing musicianship and songwriting skills and remains an integral part of their catalog.