Jim Morrison - An American Prayer

Moody and mesmerizing, An American Prayer is an interesting album of Jim Morrison reading his poetry over the Doors' music. An American Prayer was finished by the remaining members of the Doors after Morrison's death and finally released in 1978 (it was remastered and re-released in 1995 with bonus tracks). Those familiar with the lyrics of the Doors will not be surprised, but others may be put off because Morrison is unafraid to use crude imagery and talk unabashedly about taboo topics such as sex and religion. Although many dismiss his poetry as simplistic random musings, Morrison is a gifted lyricist with a vivid imagination. The album also demonstrates how the other musicians in the band create a mood that breathes life into Morrison's dark, twisted visions. The music excerpts of "Peace Frog" and "Wasp (Texas Radio and the Big Beat)" provide a welcome air of familiarity, and the definitive live version of "Roadhouse Blues" in the middle of the album provides a nice respite from the barrage of stories and metaphors. However, An American Prayer must be listened to in one sitting to be fully appreciated, preferably at nighttime when one is alone and can devote full attention to the listening experience. This album is not for everyone, but is a must-own for Doors completists and fans of Jim Morrison's poetry. ~ Vik Iyengar, All Music Guide

Name Credits Art Kane Photography Arthur Barrow Synthesizer, Programming Babe Hill Engineer Bernie Grundman Mastering Bob Glaub Bass Bruce Botnick Producer, Engineer, Remastering Cheech d'Amico Engineer Edmond Teske Photography Frank Lisciandro Director, Producer, Engineer Frank Lusciandro ? Fritz Richmond Engineer James Ledner Engineer Jerry Scheff Bass Jim Morrison Vocals, Poetry, Illustrations, Voices, Talking Joe Bradsky Photography Joel Brodsky Photography John Densmore Director, Drums, Producer John Haeny Engineer, Producer John Lee Art Direction John Van Hamersveld Art Direction John Weaver Engineer Johnny Lee Art Direction Jonathan Harvey ? Paul Black Engineer, Producer, Assistant Producer, Assistant Engineer Paul Ferrara Engineer, Photography Paul Rothchild Remastering, Producer Ray Manzarek Vocals, Keyboards, Producer, Director Reinol Andino Percussion Rik Pekkonen Engineer Robbie Krieger Director, Guitar, Producer Ron Coro Art Direction Ron Garrett Engineer The Doors Producer Thomas G. Stockham Engineer