Poco-Crazy Eyes (1973)

Poco was an essential band within country rock; however, their legacy has been somewhat overshadowed by the enormous commercial success of their contemporaries, The Eagles. While it's true that Poco never had the same media impact as The Eagles' albums, their exceptional quality has made them one of the indispensable bands in rock history. Poco rose from the ashes of another legendary American band, Buffalo Springfield. Two of its members, Richie Furay and Jim Messina, along with drummer George Grantham, bassist Randy Meisner, and guitarist Rusty Young, founded the band in 1968. A constant feature of Poco was the frequent lineup changes. Meisner left the band before the release of their first album, "Pickin' Up the Pieces", in 1969, while Messina did the same after recording the live album "Deliverin'" in 1970. Later, Meisner joined The Eagles, and Messina formed the duo Loggins and Messina. Their positions would be filled by bassist Timothy B. Schmit (interestingly, B. Schmit would replace Meisner in The Eagles years later) and guitarist Paul Cotton. In 1972, Poco released their fifth album, "Crazy Eyes", and although "Deliverin'" had already definitively established Poco, "Crazy Eyes" would be their definitive breakthrough, a marvelous work containing all the essential elements for enduring popularity. A work brimming with memorable and glorious songs, eight tracks that became absolute classics for the group, where the band flirts with different musical nuances. From the country song "Blue Water" to the instrumental "Fool's Good", passing through "A Right Along", a splendid, straightforward rock song, while the country rock song "Let's Dance Tonight" is the prelude to what The Eagles would do some time later, which together with the remaining tracks "Brass Buttons" and "Magnolia", make up a perfect and tremendously addictive album and a true masterpiece of country rock.