Number 5

Steve Miller's first release of the 70's, NUMBER 5, saw the guitarist still bridging the adventurous psychedelic blues of his early work with the radio-pumping classic rock that he would perfect by the middle of the decade. Producer Glyn Johns (Rolling Stones, The Who) adds some interesting sonic experimentation to the album, which adds a new dimension to Miller's music and approach, especially on songs like "Industrial Military Complex Hex."
The album opens on a mellow, somewhat countrified note that reflects the record's Nashville recording base and the presence of session hands like harmonica player Charlie McCoy and fiddler Buddy Spicher. These acoustically-based songs ("Good Morning," "I Love You," "Going to the Country"), segue into some of Miller's most underrated rockers --"Going to Mexico" and "Jackson-Kent Blues," for example. #5 would be one of the last strict blues-rock albums Miller would make before dedicating himself full-time to a successful career as an FM radio pop star.