Made in America cover

Made in America

The Blues Brothers

33 min · 10 tracks · rhythm and blues

A vibrant blend of rhythm and blues, showcasing energetic performances and classic covers that evoke a lively, soulful spirit.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Soul Finger — This track kicks off the album with infectious energy and showcases the band's ability to reinterpret instrumental classics into a vocal-driven piece.
  • →
    Going Back to Miami — The track's upbeat tempo and playful lyrics encapsulate the duo's fun-loving spirit, making it a highlight of their live shows.
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    Green Onions — This iconic instrumental piece is transformed through engaging vocals, allowing the band to pay homage to its roots while infusing their unique flair.
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    Riot in Cell Block Number Nine — The song’s narrative depth contrasts with its lively arrangement, showcasing the band's knack for storytelling within a vibrant musical context.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album features energetic performances and classic covers but lacks strong cohesion in its flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Soul Finger', setting a lively tone that continues through the first half.
  • Several tracks feature prominent horn arrangements, which are a hallmark of the band's sound and add to the vibrant atmosphere.
  • The inclusion of classic covers like 'Green Onions' and 'I Ain’t Got You' showcases the band's ability to reinterpret well-known songs while maintaining their unique style.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 grooves for dancing
  • energetic fun with friends
  • nostalgic vibes for gatherings
  • lighthearted moments of joy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer serious, introspective music
  • seek lengthy, complex compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1980, Made in America was the Blues Brothers' fourth studio album, coming after their successful film and preceding their reunion tour. The album continued to solidify their reputation as a premier R&B act, showcasing their ability to reinterpret classic songs while giving them a fresh spin.
Stylistic neighbors
James Brown· Otis Redding· Wilson Pickett

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Soul Finger 2:06
  • 2 Who’s Making Love 3:33
  • 3 Do You Love Me 2:55
  • 4 Guilty 3:41
  • 5 Perry Mason Theme 2:05
  • 6 Riot in Cell Block Number Nine 3:31
  • 7 Green Onions 5:46
  • 8 I Ain’t Got You 2:44
  • 9 From the Bottom 3:25
  • 10 Going Back to Miami 4:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata