AMG Review of Pursuit of Happiness

Matthew Greenwald
All Music Guide

The final studio album for the Beat Farmers saw a change in the lineup. Second guitarist/vocalist Buddy Blue was replaced by Joey Harris, who had sung on the group's two previous albums. Harris proves to be a more than competent singer and guitarist, and also shares lead vocals with Jerry Raney on some songs. "Ridin'" is one of the finer songs on the record, fitting in easily with the band's country-rock, bar-room style. An excellent Paul Kamanski original titled "Hollywood Hills" opens the album, and it's one of the finest tracks the group ever recorded. Raney comes up with a few good originals such as "King of the World," but the cracks in the foundation are evident. It's an excellent album in the end, but there is evidence of some alienation (in terms of band identity) in the grooves.