Roots (The Everly Brothers album)


Roots is a 1968 studio album by close harmony rock and roll duo the Everly Brothers. Originally on the Warner Bros. label, the album was re-released on CD in 1995 by Warner Bros. and in 2005 by Collectors' Choice Music. The album is a classic example of early country rock.

Critical reception

On its release, Roots was not a commercial success for the Everly Brothers, failing to widen their fanbase in spite of their excursion into the new field of country rock. At the time of its release, Rolling Stone, which awarded the album 4 stars in its coverage of the band in The Rolling Stone Album Guide, described the album as "a showcase for the superb talent of the Everlys as they are today", asserting that anyone "interested in the so-called country revival now sweeping rock should pick up this album". In his reviews of the bands subsequent albums, critic Robert Christgau often utilized Roots as a touchstone, referring to it as "sweet", "thoughtful, even-tempered, and unique". Today, the album is touted as "one of the finest early country-rock albums".

Track listing

;Side 1
  1. "The Introduction: The Everly Family " - 1:11
  2. "Mama Tried" - 2:18
  3. "Less of Me" - 3:03
  4. "T for Texas" - 3:31
  5. "I Wonder If I Care as Much" - 2:59
  6. "Ventura Boulevard" - 2:50
  7. "Shady Grove" and Venetia Everly ) - 2:31
;Side 2
  2. "Illinois" - 2:12
  3. "Living Too Close to the Ground" - 2:16
  4. "You Done Me Wrong" - 2:16
  5. "Turn Around" - 2:47
  6. "Sing Me Back Home" - 5:18
  7. "Montage: The Everly Family /Shady Grove/Kentucky" - 2:43

    Personnel

Performance