Harbor cover

Harbor

America · 1977

33 min · 12 tracks · folk rock

A blend of introspective lyrics and soft harmonies, merging folk rock with subtle pop sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Political Poachers — This track critiques societal issues with sharp lyrics and a catchy melody, exemplifying America's knack for blending serious themes with memorable hooks.
  • →
    God of the Sun Start here — Opening the album, this song sets an uplifting tone with its rich harmonies and philosophical musings on nature and existence.
  • →
    These Brown Eyes — A poignant ballad reflecting on love and longing, it showcases the band's ability to convey deep emotion through simple yet evocative storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

Harbor features solid songwriting and harmonies but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more somber tone with its slower arrangement.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build on the folk rock tradition, particularly in tracks like 'Sarah' and 'These Brown Eyes'.
  • The album's lyrics frequently address themes of political unrest and personal reflection, creating a narrative thread that runs through multiple tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • short, reflective listening sessions
  • introspective background ambiance
  • melodic and soothing vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Represents a solid entry in their catalog but not a standout for new listeners.
Themes
political critique· philosophical musings· nostalgic love
Career context
Released in 1977, Harbor was America's sixth studio album, following their successful run in the early 1970s. At this point, the band was navigating a shifting musical landscape, attempting to maintain relevance amid changing tastes in popular music.
Stylistic neighbors
Loggins and Messina· Bread· James Taylor
New to America? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 God of the Sun Start here 3:16
  • 2 Slow Down 3:14
  • 3 Don’t Cry Baby 3:19
  • 4 Now She’s Gone 2:28
  • 5 Political Poachers 2:41
  • 6 Sarah 2:47
  • 7 Sergeant Darkness 2:59
  • 8 Are You There 2:53
  • 9 These Brown Eyes 2:32
  • 10 Monster 2:03
  • 11 Hurricane 2:31
  • 12 Down to the Water 2:32

What to play next

Silent Letter
Listen next

Silent Letter

1979

Continues the introspective themes with a similar soft rock sound.
Hideaway
Go back to

Hideaway

1976

Sets the stage with a blend of folk rock and pop sensibilities.
Full America discography Where to start with America Artists like America
folk rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

CSN

CSN

Crosby, Stills & Nash

Shares introspective lyrics and soft harmonies, blending folk rock with a touch of pop sensibility.

JT

JT

James Taylor

Features reflective songwriting and warm melodies, echoing the nostalgic themes found in Harbor.

Sittin' In

Sittin' In

Loggins and Messina

Combines rich harmonies with thoughtful lyrics, resonating with the philosophical undertones of Harbor.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata