The American Dream (Emitt Rhodes album)

The American Dream is the fourth and final studio album by American singer-songwriter Emitt Rhodes, released in 2016. The album was a collaborative effort, primarily produced by musician and filmmaker Chris Price, who had long been a fan of Rhodes' work. Decades after Rhodes effectively retired from the music industry, Price approached him with the idea of creating a new album.

Production involved recording sessions in both Rhodes' home studio and Price's studio, with Price often contributing instrumentation and arrangements to Rhodes' compositions. The album features a blend of newly written material and older unreleased songs that Rhodes had composed over the years. The tracks explore themes of love, loss, and reflection on the passage of time, characteristic of Rhodes' earlier songwriting.

The American Dream was generally well-received by critics, who praised its melodic songwriting, Rhodes' vocal performances, and Price's sensitive production. Many reviewers noted the album's melancholic and introspective atmosphere, as well as its connection to Rhodes' earlier work, particularly his self-titled debut. The album is considered a significant comeback for Rhodes, marking his return to the music scene after a hiatus of several decades and offering a final chapter to his recording career before his death in 2020. It stands as a testament to his enduring musical talent and influence.