Starland Vocal Band (album)

Starland Vocal Band is the self-titled debut album by American pop band Starland Vocal Band. It was released in January 1976 by John Denver's label, Windsong Records.

The album peaked at number 20 on the Billboard 200, and features the band's most well-known song, "Afternoon Delight," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1976. California Day peaked at number 20 in October.

Critical reception
Scott Garside of the Daily Record wrote in an August 1976 review, "Their smooth, rich vocals and harmonies are unbeatable. However, when the instrumentation becomes prominent, the Starlnnd [sic] Vocal Band sounds like an average folk quartet."

In another contemporary review, Joan Baez of The Daily Utah Chronicle wrote, "This album is one of the gratifying surprises of the year so far. [...] Highlights are 'Boulder to Birmingham,' 'California Day,' 'Baby, You Look Good to Me Tonight' and a gorgeous accapella [sic] version of Paul Simon's 'American Tune.' Get it, it's worth the gamble."

Rob Theakston of AllMusic gave the album a rating of four out of five stars, writing, "Those looking for nine songs that are on par with "Afternoon Delight" will be sorely disappointed, as most of the songs are somber in nature and don't come anywhere close to the pleasantries of their one major hit. But that's not to say the songs are of poor quality." and "As debut records go this isn't too bad, but those just looking for their finest moments should check their greatest-hits compilation. This one's for die-hards only."

Track listing
Track order sourced from Spotify.