We're an American Band

We're an American Band
Studio album by
ReleasedJuly 1973 (1973-07)[1]
RecordedJune 12–15, 1973
StudioCriteria, Miami
GenreHard rock
Length39:48
LabelCapitol
ProducerTodd Rundgren
Grand Funk Railroad chronology
Phoenix
(1972)
We're an American Band
(1973)
Shinin' On
(1974)
Singles from We're an American Band
  1. "We're an American Band"/"Creepin'"
    Released: July 2, 1973[2]
  2. "Walk Like a Man"/"The Railroad"
    Released: October 29, 1973[2]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[3]
Christgau's Record GuideB−[4]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide[5]

We're an American Band is the seventh studio album by American hard rock band Grand Funk Railroad, credited as Grand Funk. The album was released by Capitol Records in July 1973, and was certified gold by the RIAA a little over a month after its release.[1] Two singles were released from the album. The title track was the first single from the album released on July 2, 1973 and the second, "Walk Like a Man", was released on October 29, 1973.[2] Both were sung by drummer Don Brewer. There was also an addition to the band's membership with this release - Craig Frost - who played the organ, clavinet and Moog. Prior to We're an American Band being released, Grand Funk Railroad had been a power trio. Craig was credited as an additional musician on Phoenix, which was released the previous year.

The album cover was originally covered in gold-colored foil on the outside, and the initial run of pressings were pressed in clear, dark yellow vinyl to simulate or suggest a "gold" record. The album has been reissued many times and is currently available in the Compact Disc format. A Quadraphonic mix of the album was available in the Quadraphonic 8-Track cartridge format.

The album is #200 of the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) Definitive 200 albums of all time.

  1. ^ a b "Gold & Platinum Searchable Database" (PHP). Recording Industry Association of America. Search for "Heartbreakers" to see results.
  2. ^ a b c Tedds, David K. (2006). Greatest Hits (CD liner). Grand Funk Railroad. Hollywood, California, United States: Capitol Records. 509992-34915-26.
  3. ^ Ruhlmann, William. "Review: We're an American Band by Grand Funk Railroad". AllMusic. United States: Rovi Corporation. Retrieved July 8, 2011.
  4. ^ Christgau, Robert (1981). "Consumer Guide '70s: G". Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies. Ticknor & Fields. ISBN 089919026X. Retrieved February 24, 2019 – via robertchristgau.com.
  5. ^ The Rolling Stone Album Guide. Random House. 1992. pp. 286–287.