What makes Stacked Deck by Amazing Rhythm Aces notable?

Stacked Deck features the hit single 'Third Rate Romance,' which reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying the band's place in the music scene. The album received critical acclaim for its blend of genres and lyrical depth, influencing subsequent artists within the Americana and country rock spheres. Released in early 1975, Stacked Deck was the Amazing Rhythm Aces' third album, following their successful debut, which established them as a significant force in country rock. At this point in their career, the band was refining their sound and gaining recognition for their clever songwriting and unique fusion of genres.

How many songs are on Stacked Deck?

Stacked Deck has 12 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Stacked Deck

Amazing Rhythm Aces · 1975

41 min · 12 tracks · country rock

A vibrant blend of country rock and soul that effortlessly captures heartache and storytelling through rich melodies and harmonies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Third Rate Romance — This track stands out for its witty narrative about a doomed romance, combining catchy hooks with a storytelling approach that exemplifies the band's style.
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The Beautiful Lie — With its poignant lyrics and smooth melody, this song showcases the band's ability to blend emotional depth with an engaging musical arrangement.
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Who Will the Next Fool Be — This track features a memorable chorus and explores themes of love and loss, demonstrating the band's knack for relatable songwriting.

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 blends country rock and soul effectively but lacks a strong cohesive narrative throughout.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate rich vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Third Rate Romance 3:26
2 The Ella B 4:36
3 Life's Railway to Heaven 4:24
4 The Beautiful Lie 2:58
5 Hit the Nail on the Head 2:25
6 Who Will the Next Fool Be 2:49
7 Amazing Grace (Used to Be Her Favorite Song) 3:20
8 Anything You Want 3:54
9 My Tears Still Flow 3:27
10 Emma-Jean 2:56
11 Why Can't I Be Satisfied 3:07
12 King of the Cowboys 4:01

What to play next

Listen next

Too Stuffed to Jump

1976

Full Amazing Rhythm Aces discography Artists like Amazing Rhythm Aces

country rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata