Synopsis

The video follows Adam Duritz through a lively New York neighborhood as women play in the street, enjoy themselves at a beauty salon, and go about their daily routines. Duritz observes the activity with a mixture of curiosity and boredom before the women dress up and head to a Counting Crows performance. The lighthearted presentation emphasizes energy, style, and the contrasting worlds of everyday life and rock spectacle, with playful details including a Chihuahua and an American flag.

Factoids & Trivia

• "American Girls" was released in 2002 as the first single from *Hard Candy*, the Counting Crows' fourth studio album.

• Adam Duritz wrote the song. Sheryl Crow contributes prominent backing vocals, making her presence a key part of the recording even though the video centers on the Counting Crows.

• The song was produced by Steve Lillywhite, with Jack Joseph Puig involved in the mixing.

• The single reached No. 1 on the U.S. Triple-A chart.

• The CD single issued in the United Kingdom included the music video, along with the non-album tracks "Start Again" and "Someday."

• The video received television exposure during the summer of 2002, including regular play on VH1.