A High-Spirited Journey: Poco’s Enduring Anthem of Country Rock Freedom
The early to mid-1970s was a particularly dynamic era in American music, witnessing the powerful and ongoing fusion of rock and roll with the traditional sounds of country, folk, and bluegrass. This innovative blend, often termed country rock, produced a distinctively American sound that was both rootsy and adventurous, appealing to a broad audience. At the forefront of this burgeoning genre stood Poco, a band renowned for their soaring vocal harmonies, intricate guitar work, and the prominent, expressive use of the steel guitar. Among their spirited and enduring catalog, one track perfectly encapsulates their zest for freedom and open spaces: “Ride the Country.”
While initially appearing on their 1972 studio album “A Good Feelin’ to Know,” “Ride the Country” found a renewed and significant release on their live album, “Poco Live,” which came out on April 3, 1976. This live version, recorded in November 1974, truly highlighted the band’s exceptional musicianship and the song’s inherent power in a concert setting. By the mid-70s, Poco had already built a loyal following with studio albums and their acclaimed first live album, “Deliverin'” (1971). The 1976 “Poco Live” album, though released by Epic Records after Poco had signed with ABC Records, was a commercial success, creating some market confusion but ultimately benefiting from the band’s growing popularity and their stellar live reputation. “Ride the Country” was a quintessential track on this live album, showcasing the band’s blend of melodic vocals and instrumental prowess. Although it wasn’t released as a separate single from the live album, its consistent airplay on Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) stations and its popularity in concert cemented its significance within their discography and among their dedicated fanbase.
For those of us who recall the laid-back yet musically rich soundscapes of 70s rock, “Ride the Country” evokes an immediate sense of expansive landscapes, open skies, and the pure exhilaration of freedom. It conjures images of dusty roads, winding trails, and the wind in your hair as you embark on a journey of discovery. The story behind “Ride the Country” is rooted in the collaborative songwriting within the band. The track was penned by Paul Cotton, one of Poco’s talented guitarists and vocalists, who joined the band in 1970. Cotton’s songwriting often brought a slightly harder edge and a strong sense of storytelling to Poco’s sound, perfectly complementing the contributions of other members like Richie Furay and Timothy B. Schmit. The live recording, in particular, perfectly captured the band’s collective vision of blending country authenticity with rock energy, showcasing their tightness and improvisational flair.
The meaning of “Ride the Country” is a straightforward celebration of liberation, exploration, and the simple joy of embracing nature and the open road. It speaks to a yearning for escape from the confines of urban life and a desire to connect with the raw beauty of the natural world. The lyrics paint vivid pictures of this journey: “Gonna ride the country ’til the day I die / Never gonna stop, gonna keep on movin’ on.” It’s an anthem for wanderers and free spirits, a testament to the restorative power of leaving civilization behind and finding solace in the vastness of the land. Paul Cotton’s lead vocal, delivered with a hearty, authentic conviction, perfectly embodies the song’s adventurous spirit. The intricate interplay of acoustic and electric guitars, the signature steel guitar work (often by Rusty Young), and the band’s renowned layered harmonies create a rich, inviting soundscape that pulls the listener directly into the journey. The driving rhythm section ensures that while the song feels expansive, it never loses its energetic momentum, especially in its extended live version.
For older listeners, “Ride the Country” is more than just an album track; it’s a quintessential piece of country rock history, a powerful reminder of a time when musical genres blended seamlessly to create something uniquely American. It evokes memories of simpler adventures, of seeking freedom on the open road, and of the pure, unadulterated joy found in a perfectly harmonized melody. It stands as a timeless testament to Poco’s enduring legacy, a spirited anthem that continues to inspire wanderlust and remind us of the boundless possibilities that lie just beyond the horizon, waiting to be explored.