Requested by: Kathy D. of Raleigh, N.C.
Band: Supertramp
Album: Breakfast in America
Year of release: 1979
Label: A & M
Production: Peter Henderson; band
Standout track: “Goodbye Stranger”
Quotable: “I believe in what you say is the undisputed truth. But I have to have things my own way, to keep me in my youth.”
Other highlights: “Breakfast in America”, “The Logical Song”, “Take the Long Way Home”
Lowlight: “Casual Conversations” (A song even Billy Joel would be embarrassed to put on one of his better albums)
For fans of: the Bee Gees, Rush, Queen, Styx, Head East, Frankie Valli
Track-by-track score: 4.13/5 (82%)
Album cover score: 3.5/5
Album title score: 3.5/5
Opening track score: “Gone Hollywood” – 4/5
Closing track score: “Child of Vision” – 3.25 (Too long and gaudy)
For a band that once had a number one album (this one) and a healthy handful of perfect pop hits (including one of the best of all-time, “Goodbye Stranger”), you don’t hear a whole lot about Supertramp. I’m not sure exactly why that is. I’m sure they were talked about a lot more when this album came out, but I was 3 at the time, so I don’t remember. But one thing is clear. From what I’ve gathered over the years, this is their most well known album and it’s most likely their best. They are also the rare UK outfit that seem to have been a lot more popular here than they are there.
If I had to take one guess as to why Supertramp doesn’t necessarily come to mind when you think of the best classic rock bands of all-time, I’d say that they probably came around a little too late. By the time they were in their prime-the mid-to-late 70s-most of their would-be counterparts had either disbanded or were about to and the music world was shifting. By the time the early 80s hit, the majority of rock being played on top 40 radio wasn’t rock at all, but a pale imitation. But this album stands on its own as a superb display of what Supertramp were and what they were capable of. Maybe if they spent less time bitching with each other and more time continuing to perfect pop music, they’d be remembered among the greatest bands of all time, but regardless, this is a landmark album.
I had always loved the 4 songs from this album that I was familiar with, but had never heard the record in full until now and other than a few misfires, the album does not disappoint. The best songs are still the ones you’ve probably already heard, but nonetheless, Breakfast in America is a passionately theatrical, jumpy, good time, pop classic.
If you’re a fan of the band, you already have this. If you like what you’ve heard and are curious to hear more, definitely get it. The only thing that stops this from being a masterpiece are 3 or so mediocre songs.
pocket knives AND lint 