American Songwriter highlights four songs by the band America from the 1970s, arguing that they remain compelling examples of the group’s distinctive soft-rock sound.

– “A Horse With No Name” (1972): America’s debut single, written by Dewey Bunnell; some radio stations reportedly banned it because “horse” could mean heroin.
– “Today’s The Day” (1976): Written by Dan Peek for the album *Hearts*; it was the band’s last Top 25 single for seven years.
– “Ventura Highway” (1972): Bunnell wrote the lead single from *Homecoming*, drawing on an idea he first had in seventh grade.
– “Tin Man” (1974): From *Holiday*, Bunnell’s song was loosely inspired by *The Wizard of Oz*.