Montrose (album)
Montrose is the debut album by the American hard rock band Montrose, released in 1973 on Warner Bros. Records. It is widely regarded as one of the seminal albums in the development of hard rock and heavy metal.
Overview:
The album features the original Montrose lineup of Ronnie Montrose (guitar), Sammy Hagar (vocals), Bill Church (bass), and Denny Carmassi (drums). It is characterized by Ronnie Montrose's innovative and powerful guitar work, Hagar's energetic vocals, and a tight, driving rhythm section. The songs are generally short, direct, and feature strong hooks and memorable riffs.
Track Listing:
- Rock the Nation
- Bad Motor Scooter
- Space Station #5
- I Don't Want It
- Good Rockin' Tonight (Roy Brown cover)
- Rock Candy
- One Thing on My Mind
- Make It Last
Personnel:
- Sammy Hagar – lead vocals
- Ronnie Montrose – guitar, backing vocals
- Bill Church – bass
- Denny Carmassi – drums, percussion
Production:
- Ted Templeman – producer
- Donn Landee – engineer
Impact and Legacy:
Montrose had a significant impact on the hard rock and heavy metal scenes. Ronnie Montrose's guitar playing was highly influential, and the album's raw energy and aggressive sound paved the way for many subsequent bands. The album is considered a classic and a cornerstone of the hard rock genre. Several songs, including "Rock the Nation," "Bad Motor Scooter," "Space Station #5," and "Rock Candy," became staples of rock radio and concert setlists. Despite not achieving massive commercial success upon its release, Montrose has gained a dedicated following over the years and remains highly respected by musicians and fans alike.