A companion piece to the luminous
Workingman's Dead,
American Beauty is an even stronger document of
the Grateful Dead's return to their musical roots. Sporting a more full-bodied and intricate sound than its predecessor thanks to the addition of subtle electric textures, the record is also more representative of the group as a collective unit, allowing for stunning contributions from Phil Lesh (the poignant opener, "Box of Rain") and
Bob Weir ("Sugar Magnolia"); at the top of his game as well is
Jerry Garcia, who delivers the superb "Friend of the Devil," "Candyman," and "Ripple." Climaxing with the perennial "Truckin',"
American Beauty remains
the Dead's studio masterpiece -- never again would they be so musically focused or so emotionally direct. [
American Beauty was released on 180-gram vinyl in 2011.] ~ Jason Ankeny