California (American Music Club album)

California is the fifth studio album by American Music Club, released in 1988 on Alias Records. It is widely considered to be one of the band's finest works and a defining album of the alt-country genre.

The album is characterized by Mark Eitzel's introspective and often melancholic lyrics, exploring themes of loneliness, despair, and the disillusionment of the American dream. The music features a blend of folk, rock, and country influences, with a prominent use of acoustic instruments and subtle electric guitar textures.

Notable tracks include "Western Sky," "Firefly," and "Rise." "Western Sky" is perhaps the album's best-known song, a powerful ballad that showcases Eitzel's vocal range and lyrical prowess.

California received critical acclaim upon its release and has continued to be praised by critics and fans alike for its emotional depth and musical sophistication. It is regarded as a classic of the late 1980s alternative music scene and a significant contribution to the development of alternative country music.