Folk Rock/Pop: The Grass Roots - Where Were You When I Needed You 1966 (1994 Varese Sarabande)

Before the Grass Roots reached the peak of their pop/rock popularity, they were a much more folk-rock-oriented outfit. Indeed, this debut album is a matter of much confusion; apparently the original Grass Roots were pretty much a front for the songwriting team of P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri, who ended up performing on much of the album themselves.

 In any case, this is decent, though not top-of-the-line, early folk-rock, falling about halfway between the Byrds and more pop-oriented peers like the Turtles and the Mamas & the Papas. Highlights include the hit title track and other Sloan-Barri originals like "Lollipop Train," "Look Out Girl," "This Is What I Was Made For," and "You Baby," which was a hit for the Turtles. (Richie Unterberger, allmusic.com)

 This is the first ''Grass Roots'' album, and even though the band didn't record everything themselves, they still profited from this album for their later albums. One can call the album a success, because it offers some really good folk rock. Those who only know the Grass Roots from their later hits should definitely check out this album. The album is really fun. Enjoy.(Frank)

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