Hey America
1970
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Hey America is the 30th studio album by James Brown, released in December 1970 by King Records. It is also considered his third Christmas album. The album features a blend of funk and Christmas music. A CD version of the album was released in Japan on November 2, 2022, as a stand-alone CD for the first time, packaged with a four-page color insert, a 12-page booklet with Japanese lyrics and liner notes, and an OBI strip.
Another album with the same title, Hey America, was released in 1972 in Italy. This version is a compilation album featuring single sides recorded between 1970 and 1972, plus a live track from the Apollo Theatre in 1967. It showcases Brown's vocals and the transition of his backing band. A CD reissue of this compilation album was released by Elemental Music.
Recording Info
Instrumentals were recorded on October 6, 1970, vocals on October 7, 1970, and strings and vibes on October 8, 1970. Track 5 vocals were recorded on October 19, 1970. The album was primarily recorded at King Studios in Cincinnati, Ohio, with track 5 vocals recorded at Bobby Smith Studios in Macon, Georgia. James Brown produced the album.
Track Highlights
Personnel
- James Brown (Vocals, Producer)
- Nat Jones (Organ)
- Bobby Byrd (Organ)
- David Matthews (Piano)
- Kenny Poole (Guitar)
- William “Beau Dollar” Bowman (Drums)
- Addie Williams (Writer)
Significance
Spin magazine characterized the title track as "a churning, overwrought orchestral groove, over which JB apparently improvises a totally incoherent rant about Christmas, peace protesters, God, partying, and (tellingly) wine".
James Brown initially didn't like Christmas or the idea of Christmas albums, possibly due to not receiving many toys as a child. However, he released three Christmas albums in six years, including Hey America. The song "Hey America" reached #47 on the UK Singles Chart in 1971.
Track List
Apple Music
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