We Just Disagree

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some sweet vibes as The Zoo Crew spins "We Just Disagree" by Dave Mason from his 1977 album Let It Flow! This track, a heartbreaking yacht rock gem, was penned by Mason’s guitarist, Jim Krueger, who also played the 12-string guitar and sang harmony vocals. Mason told Songfacts he loved the song’s unusual chord arrangement and timeless theme, deciding to record it after hearing Krueger play it solo with just a guitar. The song’s stripped-down feel stood out amidst the disco-heavy airwaves of 1977, peaking at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Krueger and Mason even took it on an acoustic “unplugged” tour in 1981, one of the first of its kind. Sadly, Krueger passed away in 1993 at age 43, missing the song’s later yacht rock revival.

Another cool tidbit: "We Just Disagree" has been covered by artists like Billy Dean, who took it to #9 on the country charts in 1994, and even Bob Dylan, who performed it during his 1980 tour. Mason himself connected deeply with the song’s lyrics about parting ways without blame, reflecting his own struggles with bandmates, record labels, and personal relationships. He once shared in an interview with AZ Central that he had no idea it would climb the charts, saying, “Whether it was gonna be a hit or not, I had no idea.” The song’s emotional depth and smooth production, with contributions from Stephen Stills on backing vocals, make it a staple of Mason’s live shows and a fan favorite.

Dave Mason got his start in Worcester, England, born on May 10, 1946. As a teenager, he dove into the music scene, forming the rock band Traffic in 1967 with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood. Mason’s songwriting shone early with tracks like "Hole in My Shoe", a psychedelic pop hit that reached #2 in the UK. His time with Traffic was rocky—he left after their debut album Mr. Fantasy in 1967, rejoined briefly for their second album, and left again in 1968. Craving creative freedom, Mason moved to the U.S. in 1969 to launch a solo career. His 1970 debut Alone Together was a critical and commercial hit, featuring guest stars like Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett. Mason’s soulful voice, skilled guitar work, and knack for collaboration—working with legends like Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, and The Rolling Stones—cemented his place in rock history.

You can keep up with Dave Mason on his official website, where you’ll find tour dates, his memoir Only You Know and I Know, and his latest single "Mangos". Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and behind-the-scenes goodies. Fans can also join the Dave Mason Fans group on Facebook to share stories and celebrate his music. For more fan-driven content, check out ClassicRockHistory.com, which dives deep into Mason’s discography and legacy. Keep it locked to THE ZOO for more classic cuts!