Written by: Dewey Bunnell
Released: 1972
US Charts: #8
UK Charts: #42
Other Charts: N/A
Have you ever wanted to go on a road trip in such a relaxed mood that you could constantly and intensely feel nature’s elements such as the air and wind and be taken away while reminiscing about your childhood home town? If you do, then there is no better song for you. “Ventura Highway” is possibly the best example of classic soft rock from the 70s and it is mesmerizing for those in the right state of mind.
“Ventura Highway” deals with the person travelling from the cold northern part of the United States to the warm southern part of California. The singer talks about his childhood in the snow during the dark winter months while contrasting this to Ventura Highway where “the days are longer and nights are stronger than moonshine.” There is a tinge of sadness throughout that he is leaving where he came from for a place with a better climate.
“Ventura Highway” became the third hit single for the Anglo-American group America in 1972 and has remained one of their most popular songs since. It reached number 8 on the US Billboard Charts while it only reached number 42 in the UK.
The highlight of this song is the acoustic guitar riff which rings out constantly throughout the song and which puts you in a relaxed state of mind from the very beginning. The vocal performance of Dewey Blunell also helps to achieve that effect.
I hope you truly appreciate classic rock as much as I do and enjoy this great classic tune from America.
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