My teenage years were spent listening to K-EARTH 101, the local oldies station. I was obsessed with music from the 60s, particularly British invasion rock. That era of music is still something that I hold near and dear to my heart. I can sing along to many of the major hits.
But as I’ve gotten older, my musical tastes have also aged. I am now proudly in my dad-rock era. I understand dad-rock means something different to everyone, largely because everyone’s dads are different ages. Mine was a 70s rocker.
So, it’s perhaps no surprise that 70s rock, pop, and easy listening tend to be my comfort music these days. It’s something I can put on and feel completely at ease. I know I’ll like it.
It’s no wonder that my first three albums of this series are from the 70s. The Sergio Mendes album was released in 1975, the Malo album in 1972, and now Hearts by America, released in 1975.
Hearts is the fifth album by America, who is perhaps best known for their song A Horse with No Name. The album consists of 12 songs and runs just over 36 minutes. Hearts was recorded in Sausalito, California and produced by George Martin, who is best known for his work with the Beatles. I will save my Beatlesmania for another day, but Martin’s style comes through clearly on this record, and I’m sure that it is no small part in why I really enjoy this album.
I undoubtedly purchased this particular album for my collection because it includes Sister Golden Hair—a song that has held a special place for me during many emotionally dramatic periods of my life. It feels weird to talk about now, probably because it always feels weird to reflect on our past selves, but I’m sure we all have songs we like to listen to when we want to indulge ourselves in our despair. Sister Golden Hair specifically has gotten me through many lovelorn days.
Well, I keep on thinkin' 'bout you
Sister Golden Hair surprise
And I just can't live without you
Can't you see it in my eyes?
There is not one specific subject of affection that I think of when I play this one. In truth, I have used it in many contexts, day-dreaming about someone who will just not give me the time of day. This is a song you listen to when you want to feel sad, when you feel like all you deserve are morsels of attention.
Will you meet me in the middle?
Will you meet me in the air?
Will you love me just a little?
Just enough to show you care?
Fortunately, I’m past the state in my life where I want to bask in the feelings of unrequited love. I listen to this song now in moderation, rather than as a repetitive prick to a fresh bruise. To be honest, I actually can’t remember the last time I sought this song out. And truth be told, listening to this song gives me a slight pang of embarrassment. Not because I don’t think the song is good anymore. No, this song is still incredible. Rather, now, as I listen, I am reminded of those days in the past, of men I once cared about so deeply, of feeling so helpless. I look to my younger self thinking, you silly girl, your life is so much bigger than this.
But the positive to owning Hearts on vinyl is that now I can explore and appreciate all the songs on the record. And this record is full of that 70s easy-listening dad rock that I personally have come to love. In my opinion, every song on here stands out on its own. So, if you’re like me and dad-rock helps you self-soothe, and you don’t want to hear the same 15 song recommendations from Spotify, then I suggest you explore this record.
Before I end, I wanted to share a random fact that I learned while reading about this album. Apparently, the album cover was designed by Phil Hartman, who was a graphic designer before he went on to become a comedian and actor.