Album: American Son

Introduction
American Son is a studio album by Levon Helm, launched in 1980. Helm, a multi-instrumentalist and singer, is best known for his distinctive drumming and soulful vocals with the iconic rock group The Band. Following The Band's disbandment in 1977, Helm started a solo career that covered over three years. American Son, his 2nd solo work, showcases Helm's roots in American music, blending country, blues, and folk influences and stands as a testimony to his extraordinary profession as a drummer, vocalist, and songwriter. This album is a gem not just for fans of Helm and The Band, but for anyone who has an interest in the genuine soul of American music.

Background
Following his departure from The Band, Helm returned to his home town of Woodstock, New York, and focused on his solo career. The recording sessions for American Son occurred in Nashville, with manufacturers Fred Carter Jr. and Marshall Morgan. The album features a variety of well-known artists, including nation heavyweight Johnny Cash, who co-wrote the tune "China Doll" with Carter. Helm had the ability to create an album that seamlessly intertwines his love for country-blues and rock, leading to a deeply personal and vibrant musical landscape.

Music and Lyrics
The album starts with the foot-stomping, bluesy track "Watermelon Time in Georgia", which sets the tone for the journey listeners will start. The song, penned by Harlan Howard, tells the story of a guy reflecting on his time dealing with the Georgia watermelon patches. Helm's earthy, expressive vocal shipment catches the essence of the Southern lifestyle and carries the listener to a time and location far eliminated from the present.

"Violet Eyes" and "Hurricane" display Helm's flair for country-infused rock 'n' roll. The latter, a song about a powerful storm that destroys a small town, is a rollicking barnburner featuring rollicking piano and driving rhythm. The abundant instrumentation and strong storytelling are truly the album's backbone, with each song carrying the listener to another time and place.

"China Doll", a stunning ballad co-written by Johnny Cash, is a standout track, and its lyrics, which convey a sense of heartache and longing, capture the raw emotional style that made Helm's work with The Band so memorable. The song's sporadic however soulful plan enables Helm's poignant vocal efficiency to shine.

Impact and Legacy
American Son was not a business success upon its release, perhaps because it led its time, eschewing mainstream pop sounds in favor of a more rootsy aesthetic. Nevertheless, the album has actually gradually gotten acknowledgment and gratitude amongst fans and critics alike. Its uniquely genuine noise encapsulates the spirit of an essential American musician, who managed to strike a balance between honoring the musical traditions of his upbringing while likewise creating a singular, notable album.

Levon Helm's American Son works as a testimony to an amazing artist's dedication to the craft, blending rich storytelling with extraordinary musicianship. Although it didn't attain extensive acclaim upon its release, the album remains a necessary listen for anybody with a love for genuine American roots music. With American Son, Helm developed an album that is genuinely reflective of his roots while concurrently standing the test of time as a remarkable artwork.