GRAND FUNK RAILROAD — On Time (review)

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD — On Time album cover Album · 1969 · Heavy Psych Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"On Time" is the debut full-length studio album by US hard rock act Grand Funk Railroad. The album was released through Capitol Records in August 1969. "On Time" wasn´t initially a commercial success for the band, but after the success of their self-titled second full-length studio album in late 1969, "On Time" was certified gold in 1970.

The music on the album is hard edged blues based rock. The rhythms are hard and pounding and the band occasionally turn up the distortion and play what can only be described as heavy metal sounding riffs (check out the heavy section about midway through "Anybody's Answer"). That´s only a small part of their sound though and most of the music on the album is more "regular" 60s blues influenced rock in the vein of Cream. The three-piece act are very well playing and lead vocalist/guitarist Mark Farner has a fairly powerful vocal delivery (nicely backed up by drummer Don Bewer). While Mark Farner definitely gets room to shine, it´s the rhythm section of drummer Don Bewer and bassist Mel Schacher that steal the show in my book. Their instruments are placed pretty high in the mix and that provides the overall sound with quite a bit of power and bite. Both are really well playing too (check out the busy drum solo in "T.N.U.C.") and it´s just an absolute joy listening to how they interact.

Highlights include the semi-progressive "Anybody's Answer", the hard edged "Call Yourself a Man" and the power ballad "Heartbreaker", but there are several great tracks on the album that could have deserved a mention. Upon conclusion "On Time" is a quality rock album from the late 60s. It´s quite adventurous, very well produced and very well played. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
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UMUR wrote:
more than 2 years ago
On this one it´s elements.
siLLy puPPy wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I know that but proto usually sounds llike its on its way to being metal. I ll have check out full albums and will probly make sense
UMUR wrote:
more than 2 years ago
They are not...they are considered proto...
siLLy puPPy wrote:
more than 2 years ago
What a surprise these guys are on here. Only know their hits which never hit me as metal

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