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American Beauty

by Grateful Dead

Released: November 01, 1970

Folk rock, country rock, psychedelic rock

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Why This Album Matters

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

The Album

"American Beauty" is the fifth studio album by the Grateful Dead, released in November 1970 by Warner Bros. The songwriting was a collaboration between Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, with more contributions from other band members than in previous albums. Notable tracks include Phil Lesh's "Box of Rain" and Bob Weir's "Sugar Magnolia." The album was produced during a challenging period for the band, including managerial issues and constant touring.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Following their earlier album Workingman's Dead, it continues…

Following their earlier album Workingman's Dead, it continues the band's blend of folk rock and country music.

The album's cover features a rose and was…

The album's cover features a rose and was designed to reflect its themes.

Musically, American Beauty is characterized by its acoustic…

Musically, American Beauty is characterized by its acoustic sound and harmony, drawing influences from American folk traditions and contemporaries like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Its notable tracks, including "Truckin'," "Friend of the…

Its notable tracks, including "Truckin'," "Friend of the Devil," and "Ripple," received significant radio play and remain staples of the band's live performances.

It has been well-regarded over the years, appearing…

It has been well-regarded over the years, appearing on multiple lists of the greatest albums of all time.

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Grateful Dead - American Beauty

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Reception

The album peaked at number 30 on the Billboard 200 and has been certified Gold, Platinum, and Double Platinum over the years.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"American Beauty" is the fifth studio album by the Grateful Dead, released in November 1970 by Warner Bros. Records. Following their earlier album Workingman's Dead, it continues the band's blend of folk rock and country music. The album peaked at number 30 on the Billboard 200 and has been certified Gold, Platinum, and Double Platinum over the years.

The songwriting was a collaboration between Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, with more contributions from other band members than in previous albums. Notable tracks include Phil Lesh's "Box of Rain" and Bob Weir's "Sugar Magnolia." The album was produced during a challenging period for the band, including managerial issues and constant touring.

Musically, American Beauty is characterized by its acoustic sound and harmony, drawing influences from American folk traditions and contemporaries like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Its notable tracks, including "Truckin'," "Friend of the Devil," and "Ripple," received significant radio play and remain staples of the band's live performances.

The album's cover features a rose and was designed to reflect its themes. It has been well-regarded over the years, appearing on multiple lists of the greatest albums of all time. In recent years, it has seen various remastering and re-releases, including a 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition in 2020.