VIDEO | The Guess Who – "American Woman" by The Guess Who

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"American Woman" by The Guess Who

Last updated 📅 2025-04-19

Stay away! Feel the power of The Guess Who's iconic 1970 hard rock anthem, "American Woman." Driven by Randy Bachman's legendary fuzzy guitar riff and Burton Cummings' commanding vocals, this track became a massive number one hit and a defining moment in rock history.

Released as the title track and smash single from their 1970 album American Woman, this song solidified The Guess Who's international stardom. Its heavy blend of hard rock, blues rock, and psychedelic rock elements created a powerful sound that dominated radio airwaves and resonated deeply.

Built around one of rock's most recognizable guitar riffs, "American Woman" delivers raw energy and intensity. This 1970 hard rock classic, often paired with its B-side "No Sugar Tonight," remains a staple of classic rock, showcasing the band's powerful musicianship and impactful sound.

SONG MEANING: Despite the title, the band has stated the song is not about a specific woman but rather a critique of American culture, materialism, and politics during the Vietnam War era ("American woman, stay away from me," "I don't need your war machines"). It expresses a desire to be separate from what they perceived as negative aspects of the United States at the time.

HASHTAGS: #TheGuessWho #BluesRock #HardRock #PsychedelicRock #CruisinClassic #March01
BAND: The Guess Who
GENRE: Blues Rock, Hard Rock, Psychedelic Rock
OTHER: Cruisin Classic
RELEASEDAY: March 01
YEAR: 1969

Band

"The Guess Who"

The Guess Who, one of Canada's most successful rock exports, achieved international fame with gritty hits blending rock, blues, and pop. Led by Burton Cummings' powerful vocals and Randy Bachman's early guitar work, they defined late 60s/early 70s rock. Discover the classic sounds of The Guess Who.

The Guess Who's lengthy history began back in 1958, with their primary influential period running until 1975, followed by various reunions and activities including specific years like 1979, 1983, 1999, and a phase from 2000 to 2003. Their major international breakthrough occurred around 1969, showcasing a potent mix of blues rock, hard rock, and psychedelic rock influences. This powerful sound produced driving rock anthems often hailed as quintessential cruising classics. The Guess Who skillfully combined heaviness with melodic hooks during this peak era, defining their significant contribution to rock music. The band's most globally recognized and impactful song emerged during this peak period, becoming a defining anthem of the era and their signature track. Built around a heavy, instantly identifiable guitar riff and a smoldering, bluesy groove, the song carried powerful vocal delivery and lyrics often interpreted as sharp social commentary veiled in metaphor...

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