"American Made" by Oak Ridge Boys

Song#:  1382
Date:  03/19/1983
Debut:  82
Peak:  72
Weeks:  5
Genre:  Country



Pop Bits:  Coming off of two major hit albums, the platinum "Fancy Free" and the gold "Bobbie Sue," the Oaks issued what would be their third big crossover LP, the gold "American Made." The album would reach #2 on the country chart (#51 pop) thanks to two #1 country hits; this first title-track single and "Love Song." The title track did well enough to cross over onto the pop chart for a few weeks. It would be the Oak's last song to do so. However, they continued to have success on the country chart throughout the remainder of the 80s grabbing nine more #1 hits.

ReduxReview:  You can't really deny the chorus of this song. It's very catchy and easy enough where everyone can sing along. Its use in a commercial (see below) was spot on. However, the song as a whole borders on country-corny for me. Don't get me wrong - I enjoy some delicious corn every once in a while, but I'm just not a fan of this ear.

ReduxRating:  4/10

Trivia:  The song's crossover appeal was helped along by its use in a TV commercial. Miller Brewing Company used the song for their ads. However, the lyrics were changed to be about the product rather than a girl with the chorus beginning as "Miller's made the American way, born and brewed in the USA." Apparently, the idea of using this song for the ads did not sit well with the Oaks and they didn't want anything to do with it. But since they did not write or publish the song, they couldn't stop its use. Other vocalists were then used for the commercial. It's been mentioned that the Oaks took this song out of their live sets during the time period Miller used it for their ads.

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