Don McLean – American Pie

Don McLean – American Pie

Released in 1971 on United Artists Records, American Pie is Don McLean's landmark second studio album and one of the defining singer-songwriter records of the early 1970s. Recorded at The Record Plant in New York during May and June 1971 and produced by Ed Freeman, the album reached No.1 in the US and No.3 in the UK, establishing McLean as one of the era's most distinctive folk-rock artists.

The album's legendary title track, "American Pie", is one of the most recognisable songs in popular music. Inspired in part by McLean's memories of learning about the 1959 plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson, the epic song reflects on American culture, rock 'n' roll and the social changes of the 1950s and 1960s. Its extraordinary length and cryptic lyrics helped make it one of the most discussed and enduring songs of the rock era.

"Vincent", subtitled "Starry Starry Night", provides the album's other major highlight. McLean's deeply melodic tribute to Vincent van Gogh became a major international hit, contrasting beautifully with the expansive narrative of "American Pie". Alongside them, "Till Tomorrow" and "Crossroads" demonstrate McLean's understated acoustic style and gift for combining intimate songwriting with memorable melodies.

The second half of the album moves through "Winterwood", "Empty Chairs", "Everybody Loves Me, Baby", "Sister Fatima" and "The Grave", before closing with "Babylon". The latter is McLean's arrangement of the traditional song derived from Psalm 137, giving the album a haunting final statement. The result is a remarkably cohesive collection that balances folk, acoustic rock, traditional music and sophisticated singer-songwriter writing.

The original album is particularly appealing to collectors because of its historical importance and the strength of the complete programme rather than simply its two famous singles. The 1971 United Artists LP was dedicated to Buddy Holly, while later reissues have differed from the original sequence; notably, the 1980 reissue omitted "Sister Fatima".

For collectors of Don McLean, classic singer-songwriters, folk rock and early-1970s vinyl, American Pie remains an essential record. With "American Pie" and "Vincent" at its centre, alongside "Crossroads", "Winterwood", "Empty Chairs" and "Babylon", this is a landmark album that deserves its place in any serious classic rock or folk-rock collection.

Tracklist

One Side

1. American Pie
2. Till Tomorrow
3. Vincent
4. Crossroads

Another Side

1. Winterwood
2. Empty Chairs
3. Everybody Loves Me, Baby
4. Sister Fatima
5. The Grave
6. Babylon