What makes Tribute to the American Duck by The Dillards notable?

This album is significant for its fusion of bluegrass with elements of folk rock, which helped expand the genre's appeal beyond traditional audiences. It received positive critical reception and contributed to the band's reputation as pioneers in the progressive bluegrass movement, influencing future artists in the genre. In 1973, The Dillards released 'Tribute to the American Duck' as their fifth studio album, following their notable work on 'Wheatstraw Suite' in 1970. This album came during a period when they were transitioning from being a purely bluegrass band to incorporating more diverse musical influences, showcasing their growth and experimentation in sound.

How many songs are on Tribute to the American Duck?

Tribute to the American Duck has 10 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Tribute to the American Duck

The Dillards · 1973

32 min · 10 tracks · bluegrass music

A vibrant blend of traditional bluegrass and playful storytelling infused with a touch of humor and social commentary.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dooley — The lively arrangement and catchy chorus make this track a quintessential example of The Dillards' ability to blend humor with traditional bluegrass themes.
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Hot Rod Banjo — Showcasing virtuosic banjo playing, this instrumental track highlights the band's technical prowess while capturing the playful spirit of the album.
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You've Got to Be Strong — This song features poignant lyrics about resilience, reflecting both a personal depth and broader societal themes that resonate throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional bluegrass with folk rock, featuring playful storytelling and strong instrumentation.

What we noticed

The lyrics often employ humor and storytelling, with some songs directly addressing social themes, creating a narrative thread throughout.

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

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

You've Got to Be Strong

The moment shifts from personal struggle to an uplifting call for perseverance during challenging times.

The change in tone serves as an empowering pivot that reinforces the song's message, making it a standout moment in the album's narrative.

Tracklist

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

1 Music Is Music 3:16
2 Caney Creek 3:31
3 Dooley 2:06
4 Love Has Gone Away 3:24
5 You've Got to Be Strong 4:02
6 Carry Me Off 3:54
7 Smile for Me 3:53
8 Hot Rod Banjo 2:52
9 Daddy Was a Mover 3:25
10 What's Time to a Hog 2:14

What to play next

Listen next

Mountain Rock

1979

Go back to

Roots and Branches

1972

Full The Dillards discography Artists like The Dillards

bluegrass music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata