America - Cast The Spirit

claudesbianchi

Review by Claudia Bianchi

Album Review: Cast The Spirit by America (1983) Released in 1983, Cast The Spirit is a curious little gem from the legendary soft rock band America. With its mix of pop sensibilities and mellow rock vibes, this album feels like a warm hug on a rainy day. Produced by Russ Ballard—who also penned the tracks—it's got that polished yet heartfelt touch you’d expect from Capitol Records. Sure, it might not be their most iconic work, but it’s still worth a listen if you’re into laid-back tunes with depth. The title track, “Cast The Spirit,” kicks things off with a gentle groove that sneaks up on you. It’s one of those songs where the melody sticks around long after the record stops spinning. You can hear Ballard’s influence all over this one—his knack for crafting catchy hooks shines through without feeling forced. What stands out? Probably the harmonies; they’re smooth as silk and give the song an almost ethereal vibe. Then there’s “My Dear,” which hits different. It’s softer, more introspective, and kinda feels like reading someone’s diary entry. The lyrics are simple but effective, tugging at your heartstrings just enough to make you hit repeat. There’s something about the way the piano blends with the vocals here—it’s understated brilliance, really. Tracks like these remind you why America has always been so good at making music that feels personal yet universal. One thing I gotta say: mastering engineer Wally Traugott deserves props for keeping everything sounding crisp. Even decades later, the production holds up well. And kudos to John Stanley, the executive producer, for steering the ship behind the scenes. These guys clearly cared about putting together something cohesive. Looking back, Cast The Spirit came out during a weird time for rock and pop music. The ‘80s were all about big hair, bigger synths, and flashy excess—but America stuck to what they knew best: crafting sincere, melodic tunes. That decision makes this album feel refreshing in hindsight, even if it flew under the radar when it first dropped. So yeah, while Cast The Spirit may not redefine genres or break new ground, it’s a solid addition to any soft rock playlist. Honestly, listening to it now feels like rediscovering an old friend you forgot you had. Isn’t that kinda magical? Oh, and fun fact: turns out the Netherlands gave this album some love too. Who knew Dutch fans were vibing to American soft rock back then? Definitely adds a quirky twist to the story.

Download America - Cast The Spirit
Artist: America
Album: Cast The Spirit
Rating: 4.0

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: america-cast-the-spirit.zip
  • MP3 size: 8.6 mb
  • FLAC size: 106.4 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Cast The Spirit3:43
My Dear4:20

Video

America - Cast The Spirit

Images

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Catalog Numbers

  • 1A 006.1868037
  • P-B-5275

Labels

Capitol Records

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Formats

  • Vinyl
  • 7"
  • 45 RPM
  • Single
  • Promo

Companies

RoleCompany
Phonographic Copyright (p)Capitol Records, Inc.
Produced ForRujo Production
Mastered AtCapitol Mastering
Pressed ByCapitol Records Pressing Plant, Jacksonville
Published ByApril Music Inc.

Credits

RoleCredit
Executive-ProducerJohn Stanley
Mastered ByWally Traugott
Written-ByRuss Ballard
ProducerRuss Ballard

Notes

  • Capitol DJ promo in company sleeve
  • Same label-track on both sides
  • (from the LP "YOUR MOVE" ST-12277)
  • Both are an edit of the album version

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Runout A etched (ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀᴇᴅ ʙʏ ᴄᴀᴘɪᴛᴏʟ 0 stamps)): B·5275 S45-X98806-A F-1 #2 MASTERED BY CAPITOL Wally 0
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout B etched (ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀᴇᴅ ʙʏ ᴄᴀᴘɪᴛᴏʟ 0 stamps)): B·5275 S45-X98806-A F-2 #2 MASTERED BY CAPITOL Wally 0
  • Pressing Plant ID (Runouts, stamped): 0
  • Rights Society: ASCAP

About America

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Formed in 1969 by (guitar, piano, vocals), (guitar, vocals) and (guitar, keyboards, vocals) who were all sons of US Servicemen stationed in England. They achieved success with their debut single "A Horse With No Name" which showcased their pop rock vocal harmony style. Further appearances in the singles charts followed with "Ventura Highway" and "Tin Man" along with album hits. The band has seen various reincarnations as anything from a duo to a 7 piece outfit, with Dan Peek leaving in 1977 (although he did rejoin for a few live appearances). America are still touring and releasing live and studio albums and consists nowadays, in their 16th personnel line-up, of the core duo of Beckley & Bunnell with (drums/percussion), (guitar/vocals) and (bass/vocals). Peek & Beckley have both released solo material.

Name Vars

  • American
  • América
  • Gpo. America
  • ¢áê«

Members

  • Tom Walsh
  • Gerry Beckley
  • Bryan Garofalo
  • David Dickey
  • Dan Peek
  • Dewey Bunnell
  • Jimmy Calire
  • Willie Leacox
  • Rich Campbell
  • Brad Palmer
  • Steve Fekete
  • Michael Woods

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: The album *Cast The Spirit* by America, released in 1983, was a blend of rock and pop with a soft rock vibe. Fun fact—Russ Ballard not only wrote the songs but also produced the album. It’s like he was the mastermind behind the whole project! Tracks like "Cast The Spirit" and "My Dear" came from this collaboration. And get this, it was released in both the US and the Netherlands under Capitol Records. Not bad for an album that’s nearly 40 years old, right?

Comments

Antichrist spirit I cast you out in Jesus name! You are defeated by the Blood of the Lamb!
adriana97609
2025-03-14
I was reminded of this song by watching an Exorcism ASMR video. Great stuff!
abdurrahmanakgn2
2025-03-14
Argh. Far too fast. Irony is that it is Russ playing it as he played on virtually all the instruments on the whole album whether the songs were his or not. I much prefer his original version on "At the Third Stroke". I wish his guitar at the end was in a constant loop .
weespiesclothing
2025-03-13
America liked Russ Ballard. And he was good! That's probably why they chose him to do 2 albums with them. This song was just another America song that got thrown in the trash. I was appauled at something that went wrong. Can someone tell me what it was?
thebuganville
2025-03-13
Listening to this on the Your Move LP, original release. Amazing, as are all the songs on that record.
soeuncarlysohn
2025-03-13
Reminds me of The Alan Parsons Project, of all people.
sietesnoticias
2025-03-12
I don't think it sounds like another version of the Border it's just another great song America the band has recorded
melisasatry
2025-03-12
It's one of my fav's from "Your Move".
dannis83
2025-03-12
Ahhh, America , the Russ Ballard period...1982-84'? America remerges from what seemed like a deep commercial slumber to hit the adult contemporary charts, however briefly, with Magic, Border and this? A strange period for them that had them performing light drum machine propelled rockers and ballads penned primarily by other artists. No breakthru albums here, but some memorable cuts have stood the test of time.