Poco never quite got their due. Born from the breakup of Buffalo Springfield in 1968, the group’s crucial early lineup featured Richie Furay and Jim Messina alongside Rusty Young, George Grantham and Randy Meisner, who would go on to help found Eagles. In many ways, Poco was the missing link between Buffalo Springfield and the California country-rock explosion that followed. [When bassist Meisner departed Poco to help found Eagles, he was replaced by Timothy B. Schmit. In an odd twist, when Meisner left Eagles in 1977, it was none other than Schmit who again stepped into his role!]

Significant commercial success eluded them—just two of their albums achieved Gold status—but the music has endured. These 13 tracks make the case that one of country-rock’s true pioneers deserved far more recognition than it ever received.

“Pickin’ Up the Pieces” (Pickin’ Up the Pieces, 1969)

Written by Richie Furay, this bright debut title track served as a definitive declaration of independence from Buffalo Springfield’s shadow. The effortless blend of country roots and rock energy immediately established the band’s signature melodic template.

“You Better Think Twice” (Poco, 1970)

The energetic Jim Messina composition proved the group could deliver plenty of rock and roll muscle alongside their acoustic influences. Driven by crisp guitar interplay and tight vocal harmonies, the track stood out as the centerpiece of their sophomore LP.

“Bad Weather” (From the Inside, 1971)

This atmospheric Paul Cotton composition beautifully showcased his emerging importance as a principal songwriter for the group. Highlighted by a memorable, reflective melody and a polished studio arrangement, it quickly became an enduring fixture in their live sets.

“Just for Me and You” (From the Inside, 1971)

Serving as the gorgeous closing track to their third studio album, this warm ballad perfectly balanced rich acoustic textures with the band’s hallmark vocal chemistry. The track showcased a sophisticated, radio-friendly pop accessibility while maintaining their core country-rock integrity.

Related: Our Album Rewind of Poco’s Deliverin’ LP

“A Good Feelin’ to Know” (A Good Feelin’ to Know, 1972)

Anchored by a driving rhythm and an infectious, optimistic hook, this strong anthem stands as a towering cornerstone of the entire country-rock movement. Despite receiving heavy airplay on progressive FM radio, the song remarkably failed to break into the Hot 100 chart.

“Sweet Lovin'” (A Good Feelin’ to Know, 1972)

An easygoing Furay track seamlessly blends a soulful, gospel-inspired warmth with polished, early-’70s California studio production. Driven by an infectious chorus and swelling, organ-like pedal steel textures, the standout closing track beautifully highlighted the band’s remarkable resilience and evolving maturity.

“And Settlin’ Down” (A Good Feelin’ to Know, 1972)

This understated Furay gem features a relaxed, soulful groove that perfectly complements the increasingly sophisticated vocal blend of the era. The tasteful arrangement allows the band’s elegant, multi-part harmonies to take complete center stage.

“Fool’s Gold” (Crazy Eyes, 1973)

A blistering, fast-paced bluegrass instrumental written by Rusty Young serves as a masterclass in lightning-fast solo picking. Clocking in at a tight two minutes, this acoustic tour de force highlighted the formidable musicianship that anchored the final album of the original lineup.

“Rocky Mountain Breakdown” (Seven, 1974)

Following Furay’s departure, the band forged ahead as a four-piece with this lively, fast-paced bluegrass showcase written by Young. The track leans heavily into spirited banjo picking and a rowdy barn-dance vocal delivery, proving the group’s foundational identity remained firmly intact.

“Keep On Tryin'” (Head Over Heels, 1975)

Timothy B. Schmit delivered one of the band’s most enduring triumphs with this breathtaking, heavily a cappella-driven ballad. Released as a mainstream single, the gorgeous showcase for Schmit’s crystalline tenor climbed to #50 on the Hot 100.

“Rose of Cimarron” (Rose of Cimarron, 1976)

Inspired by the legendary Oklahoma outlaw tale of Rose Dunn, “Rose of Cimarron” stands as Rusty Young’s definitive songwriting achievement. The sweeping epic combines atmospheric Dobro flourishes with some of the grandest vocal harmonies in the entire catalog.

“Crazy Love” (Legend, 1978)

After a decade of perseverance, Young finally delivered the massive commercial breakthrough the band long deserved. This breezy, acoustic-led ballad scaled the charts, becoming their biggest career hit, peaking at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending seven weeks at #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart.

“Heart of the Night” (Legend, 1978)

Featuring an unforgettable saxophone hook and a stellar lead vocal from Paul Cotton, this atmospheric tribute to New Orleans nightlife served as the perfect follow-up single. The hit track successfully kept the band’s commercial momentum alive, climbing to #20 on the Hot 100.

Poco’s catalog is available in the U.S. here, in Canada here and in the U.K. here.