America - Hearts (2005) Hi-Res

Among America's first four albums, only their third, Hat Trick, was not an outstanding commercial success. Then former Beatles producer George Martin came to the rescue for Holiday, whose tasty, well-structured arrangements of simple material helped reestablish the band's popularity with the singles "Tin Man" and "Lonely People." America's strengths are catchy melodic hooks and clean vocal harmonies; its weaknesses -- shallow song lyrics and lack of instrumental virtuosity. Like Holiday, Hearts engages at the Top 40 level. The harmonies on "Daisy Jane," "Bell Tree" and "Sister Golden Hair" are somewhat Beatles-like in their sweetness and precision. "Old Virginia" and especially "Tomorrow" boast catchy tunes, while "Midnight" fades on an especially pretty George Martin string arrangement. Hearts is better than average radio fare and nothing more.