Five For Fighting - America Town

Five For Fighting - America Town

Five for Fighting's America Town, released on September 26, 2000, is the second studio album by singer-songwriter John Ondrasik, who performs under the moniker Five for Fighting. This album marked a significant breakthrough in his career, blending introspective lyrics with melodic pop-rock arrangements.

 

🎶 Album Overview

  • Artist: Five for Fighting (John Ondrasik)

  • Release Date: September 26, 2000

  • Label: Aware Records / Columbia Records

  • Genre: Rock, Soft Rock, Pop

  • Length: 45:39

  • Producer: Gregg Wattenberg

  • Recording Locations: EMI Studios (Santa Monica, CA) and Mad Dog Studios (Burbank, CA)

🌟 Notable Tracks

  • "Superman (It's Not Easy)": This poignant ballad became the album's standout hit, earning a Grammy nomination and resonating deeply with listeners, especially in the post-9/11 context.

  • "Easy Tonight": Initially released as the lead single, it gained renewed attention after the success of "Superman," showcasing Ondrasik's knack for crafting emotionally charged melodies.

📈 Commercial Performance

  • Certifications: Certified Gold by the RIAA on November 1, 2001, and Platinum on October 22, 2004.

  • Sales: Over 966,000 copies sold in the U.S. as of November 2009.

🎧 Critical Reception

Critics praised America Town for its heartfelt songwriting and polished production. AllMusic described it as "a bright and clean effort that delivers some heavy themes," highlighting the album's lyrical focus and effective vocal delivery.

💿 25th Anniversary Vinyl Release

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, America Town was released on vinyl for the first time on January 31, 2025. This limited edition features 1,000 individually numbered copies on translucent blue vinyl, accompanied by a 4-page booklet.