Under the Gun
Poco · 1980
38 min · 10 tracks · country music
A blend of country rock and soft rock, infused with introspective lyrics and smooth harmonies that reflect the band's seasoned artistry.
Top tracks — play these first
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Under the Gun — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of urgency and self-reflection, blending catchy melodies with poignant lyrics about life's pressures.
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While We're Still Young — This song stands out with its heartfelt exploration of fleeting youth and relationships, complemented by rich harmonies typical of Poco's signature sound.
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Reputation — With its catchy chorus and engaging narrative about personal identity and societal judgment, this track effectively showcases Poco's lyrical depth and musical evolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Poco's polished sound and harmonious arrangements mark a solid entry in their catalog, though it doesn't stand out significantly.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and rich harmonies, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective mood.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a lush sound, particularly in the choruses.
- The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, allowing for a softer finish that contrasts with the earlier energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 flow for relaxed listening
- heartfelt narratives with melodic harmonies
- for afternoon drives
- reflective moments with friends
- easygoing tunes for casual gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1980, Under the Gun was Poco's sixth studio album, coming after their 1978 release Legend. At this point in their career, the band had established a solid fanbase but was navigating the changing landscape of country rock as they sought to maintain relevance in a shifting musical environment.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Eagles· America· Firefall
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Under the Gun 3:13
- 2 While We're Still Young 3:53
- 3 The Everlasting Kind 4:20
- 4 Down to the Wire 2:55
- 5 Footsteps of a Fool (Shaky Ground) 3:59
- 6 Reputation 4:51
- 7 Midnight Rain 4:26
- 8 A Fool's Paradise 3:21
- 9 Friends in the Distance 3:41
- 10 Made of Stone 4:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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