You can understand why he wasn't a big hit. His music isn't necessarily mainstream, it's more dark and unique. The album as the whole misses that little smack of excellence that makes artists like Pink Floyd, the Beatles, the rolling stones, ELO, and tons of other artists popular. However, that doesn't mean that there isn't certain moments in the album that catch you. American Gothic is full of those little sparks of magic that make it a good album. If you don't have the patience to listen to the less attractive and more contemporary, you're not going to pick out the feel-good classic rock moments. David Ackles knows what he's doing, but the audience he's intending it for isn't exactly a large population. American Gothic, the title track, is one of these contemporary songs that may not be easy to listen to but it has that interesting, dark aspect that takes a different perspective to understand it's brilliance. If you look at the lyrics you can put yourself into the shoes of the character being described, and suddenly the music kind of surrounds you and puts you into a complicated, dark, somewhat somber, but creative world that Ackles creates. Love's Enough is the main moment in the album. I would've made it the title track but that's not my choice. It's a sobby ballad but it has that harmonic center that's unique but mainstream enough to be a feel-good song. Very ahead of it's time in a way but still great. Not much more to say. Just a nice song The next two songs were an interesting listen. They were kind of similar in a way but I apriciate the uniqueness and while others may not like it I found it pleasing. That's just personal taste. Oh how I wish that Oh California was a longer piece. It's another moment that's worth listening to, something I'd play again. It's a bit more groovy and I live in California so that's a W. It's a happy atmosphere that gives a break from Ackles' relentless somber feel. Good song in general as well, it's very inspired and satisfying. Another Friday Night just felt off a little bit. sort of misplaced in the album and it kind of felt like what you were thinking about last friday. eh Family Band had a kind of reminiscince and nostalgic feel to it. Enlightening in a way that makes you feel bittersweet. It's a very evoking piece, that's for sure. Midnight Carousel was interesting to say the least. It was weird, simply put Now I loved waiting for the moving van. It was similar to Love's enough but different enough to not sound repetitive. It creates an atmosphere while still having a relatively normal tonal center. It took a tone of harmonic twists that weren't jolting but rather pleasing. feel-good is the best way to name it blues for billy whitecloud is a blues. no more explanation lol Montana song was great but just a little long. I absolutely adore that orchestration though I'm tired of writing. You get my point. It's not a great album but it's not a bad album. 4/5 for uniqueness and captivatingness (not a word lol)