It was suggested to Cale that he should take advantage of this publicity and cut a record of his own. His first album, "Naturally", released on 25 October 1971, established his style, described by "Los Angeles Times" writer Richard Cromelin as a "unique hybrid of blues, folk and jazz, marked by relaxed grooves and Cale's fluid guitar and iconic vocals. His early use of drum machines and his unconventional mixes lend a distinctive and timeless quality to his work and set him apart from the pack of Americana roots music purists." His biggest U.S. hit single, "Crazy Mama", peaked at No. 22 on the U.S. "Billboard" Hot 100 chart in 1972. In the 2005 documentary film "To Tulsa and Back", Cale recounts the story of being offered the opportunity to appear on Dick Clark's "American Bandstand" to promote the song, which would have moved it higher on the charts. Cale declined when told he could not bring his band to the recording and would be required to lip-sync the words.