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There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
1971
Wikipedia
Reviews
Like a review? Give it a thumb up to help us display relevant reviews!“There’s a Riot Goin’ On” by Sly and the Family Stone (1971) Never heard this album, but very familiar with SFS through radio airplay and their “Greatest Hits” album of 1970. This album is very good music qua music. Listen to the LYRICS. Deeply introspective personal reflection plus insightful social commentary without being hortatory. This album represents a development from the popular funk of the early SFS. Excellent, beautiful, soulful funk, executed by extraordinarily talented musicians and vocalists, but much more serious than their previous work (although there’s some great comic relief in “Spaced Cowboy “, where we’re treated to a funked-up country piece complete with Sly Stone yodeling the chorus. Yodeling. I shit you not). Experimental musical sounds and recording technique—very well crafted (although there’s an annoying level of tape hiss due to overdubbing—one of the shortcomings of analog). This is a good demonstration of the art of the studio album. Meant to be listened to without distractions. Not party music. Bass bends and guitar wah unsurpassed. Especially on “Africa Talks to You”. Trumpet and sax understated, but effective coloring. The title track “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” is four seconds of silence. This is so profound for 1971. There were many riots in America 1966-1970. But in May 1970, National Guard troops fired on demonstrators at Kent State University, killing four. Fewer riots after that. The years 1971-1976 were a relatively quiet time for civil unrest in America. Not that there wasn’t anything to riot over. It’s hard to imagine a Daft Punk without SFS funk (listen to “Family Affair” and compare to “Get Lucky”). But SFS is heavier and more evocative. Elaborate vocal stylings, but lacking the endearing ‘silliness’ of their earlier work. “Thank You for Talking to Me, Africa” is a dark reset of their earlier hit “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)", which itself features a pastiche of titles of their previous hits. Sort of an SFS diary entry that reviews previous entries, with a more mature perspective. Africa begins to talk to SFS, and they (and we) are listening. Throughout the album, the lyrics reflect deep levels of meaning, expressing the emerging self awareness of Black America. I’m no expert on this, but it seems that this album should have been a huge influence on young urban artists who would go on to produce the hip hop genre. Here SFS grows into an assertive voice, instead of a merely entertaining voice. Sorry I didn’t listen to this when I was young. Very glad I listened to it before I die. 4/5
Funky, dark, and ahead of its time. It’s at once dense and really loose and free. I feel like I need to go back andre-listen a few more times to really be able to assess it — but I’m sure I will. Favourite track: Family Affair
So I know I've listened to this before but not recently, maybe the other times I wasn't paying real close attention because I never noticed that the "title track" was just four seconds of silence. I was prepared to go on here and warn other Spotify listeners in the U.S. about the track being missing. I'm glad I did a little research because that would have been embarrassing. Anyway, great druggy funk album, one of the best I've heard, five stars.
Oh man, I think I just fell in love... It's funny cause I've listened to this album before and enjoyed it and everything, but for some reason, listening to it tonight, this album just absolutely knocked me out. Maybe it's because we're now two years into a global pandemic, in a time of increased social unrest/polarization, and quite possibly on the brink of World War III, but this album is really speaking to me right now (in a way it didn't a few years ago when I listened to it last). There is so much I love about this album but the thing that impresses me most is probably its casualness and playfulness. It's so loose and laid back that it somehow comes back around to coming across as cocky and confident to me. Like the genius just rolls out of him so naturally and effortlessly regardless of his mood. He doesn't have to be "on" to express the truth. Some real honesty here. And that's the other thing I really appreciate about this album: that it captures these states of mind that are not often put into songs, especially at the time it came out. Really shows you that funk isn't all just feel good party jams and I appreciate that. Another thing that I appreciate is the incorporation of the drum machines. Not only is this album an absolute pillar of funk, but it's the album that pretty much single handedly legitimized the use of drum machines in popular music - so I have to give my thanks for that. All that and the mysteriously murky mix give the album a very distinct sound which, to my ear, keeps it a surprisingly fresh and intriguing listen after all these years.
Sly & The Family Stone were one of the more formative bands for me as a bassplayer. I used to pick apart their basslines along with Parliment Funkadelic, Graham Central Station, Mandrill, War and more. They were instrumental in me understanding the idea of "the pocket" as a player. That said, this is NOT Sly's best album by a long shot. It's rough and unfocused. While the great musicianship that one would expect is still on display, the vocals show the strain of a completely drug-addled frontman. The result is a chaotic, fragmented mess of an album. Great band, not such a great album, sadly.
A post-Summer of Love wake up call, I can hear so much of 90's hip-hop in Sly's funky beats. A dark detour from what I normally associate with the band's sound, I really need to listen to this one more.
This album is one of the absolute greatest albums of all time, maybe top 50 material. This album changed my life before I ever listened to it. Virtually everything I love about music has some Sly in it in some way or another. Timeless. TIMELESS. Groove. Sex appeal. Funk. Slap bass. VOCALS. Guitars. Melody. Harmony. This album has everything I want in an album.
Cynicism, defeat, despair and excessive drug taking never sounded so soulfully funky and appealing.
Such a great record. As someone like me who isn't well versed in many of the classics, it's a treat to hear some many of the original sounds that are so we'll sampled in today's music. Obviously Sly & Co. have had such an impactful effect on so many of my favorite artists.
I never knew how much I'd love funk until 1001 albums so I'm grateful for that. I really dig how comparatively dark and contemplative this album is to the other funk I've heard too. Adding it to the "need on vinyl" list.
Funky as hell and I really liked it. Got me into the genre and I am digging the fuck out of it.
Laid-back, slow, druggy groove, tired-vocal sounding but also very funky. Heavy bass mix, crawling, sketchy guitar. One album where you hear its influence on a lot of later 70's funk. Some legendary musicians- Billy Preston, Bobby Womack, Ike Turner. There was a lot of the recording of this album on The Apple TV 1971 music documentary: heavy drug use - Sly unbelievably would record over previously recorded songs, The Dick Cavett interview. Regardless, some incredible music - "Family Affair", "Runnin' Away."
An absolute favorite that grooves the entire album. It’s funky and soulful and has inspired so much of the music that I love listening to today. Had multiple songs I liked for future listening.
It's amazing that such an album exists. Darkly cynical, the grooves a hynpotic and yet you rarely feel at ease.
Another strong 4. Verry groovy, a couple 5-8 minute jams on here. Standout Tracks: Just Like a Baby, Africa Talks to You, Time, Thank You For Talkin' to Me, Africa
I can't say I'm too huge a fan of the production on this, but the songs are great. I know Sly/The Family for more the upbeat songs, but this definitely has a darker edge. Favorite tracks: "Africa Talks to You", "Family Affair", "Smilin'"
If any album was need to show that the happy go lucky, love to all 60's were well and truly dead and buried it is this dark, funky, dirty, muddy album. Mixed to be almost unintelligible at times, this album ushers in the 70's predicting the tough times ahead. Brilliant.
Not quite the level of Stand! A view that might change with repeated listens, other than the two obvious standouts a lot of this just hopped along in the background.
I've listened to a bunch of Sly in the past, but probably never a full album in its entirety. Brought me back to my days of trying to play bass like Flea from the RHCP and all Flea's influences, including Sly and the Family Stone.
Best funky. Hier wil ik meer van horen! Die bekende plaat over familie juist erg gezapig.
Not bad until the yodelling. First few songs were pretty good and ‘family affair’ is a classic.
Geiler scheiß was ist das links, rechts liberal taugt auf jedenfall. Nur die Flagge auf dem Cover turnt mich komplett ab und macht mir Angst.
Larry Graham Jr inventor of the slap bass! Poet has a nice vibe to it and Africa Talks is a great track. Feels somewhat less upbeat than his earlier hits but super funky. Sounds like they may be using some type of drum machine which I'm not a fan of. Great album though.
Solid album. This album was made during a period of tension within the band and escalating drug use. This album is more moody than joyful, and represents a change in direction for the band. Within a few years the rhythm section would be replaced.
This album feels very gentle, that's all that I could say about it. Soul, RnB, a bit of rock - everything comes down to a nice mix.
Now this is tasty, something you can really bop your head to for a while. It is a high four, as I have trouble imagining putting it on as often as a five would suggest.
Who knew funk, nihilism, and a dash of yodeling would end up as such a winning combination?
I liked this one. Had a lot of songs I'd already heard before, but never consciously new were by them or from this album.
Now this was the sort of thing I was hoping for from this generator, something that fills in some of the large gaps, something I probably should have listened to by now. With that drumming, fat bass and the wah guitar, you know within 20 seconds that it's going to be a classic, even before anyone sings. The female vocals are what makes it. Some songs are better than others, I lost a bit of interest in the middle but pretty good overall.
Pretty good. I was expecting it to make me feel like the whitest man alive, but it didn't. So either I'm woke or I'm turning black. I really really really hope I'm not woke.
Good tunnnneezzz. Can't decide between 4 and 5. Favorite track is probably Thank You for Talkin' to Me, Africa
This put me in a pretty good mood. Helped create a chill & relaxed atmosphere, while maintaining an insane amount of musical energy.
This album played a role in my pre adolescent burgeoning live for music. My older sister had their greatest hits album and I played it over and over again. Came to There's a Riot Going On much later and again every song is excellent. Not exactly overflowing with hits still the feel of the album makes it a classic. 4.5 🌟
I never thought I needed yodelling funk in my life, and after listening to Spaced Cowboy by Sly and the Family Stone, I realise that I was totally correct. The rest of the album, thankfully, is much better.
absent the historical context, this is a great record with one too many instances of an adult man making baby sounds.
2/18/2022 Today's Album: "There's A Riot Goin' On" by Sly & The Family Stone - Score: This is an incredibly groovy and bass heavy album that captures a lot of great African intrumentation, tunes, and melodies. The bass and guitar playing throughout the album is incredibly impressive and the production really brings everything to life with different percussive and funky hits appear throughout the mix. The performances are next level. These songs are extremely expressive and just about every track has a very strong aspect to it. The vocals are really great and in some instances they are brought really forward in the mix and sound really cool, like on the track Family Affair. I feel a lot of R&B and soul influence as well, with some production choices that indicate a more nuanced understanding of Black music from across a few generations. There isn't too much to say about this album outside of that. It sounds absolutely fantastic, super warm, and very very expressive. Give it a listen if you like funk, African percussion, soul, rock, or honestly just want something groovy to have on in the background. 8.5/10 Grooooovy Highlights: Just Like a Baby, Poet, Family Affair, Africa Talks to You ("The Asphalt Jungle"), Spaced Cowboy, Runnin' Away, "Thank You for Talkin' to Me, Africa", Spaced Cowboy, My Gorilla Is My Butler - Instrumental
Oh, shit yes! This is some funky stuff as I recall. Much darker and introspective than “Stand!” which is probably Sly Stone’s magnum opus- I actually prefer “There’s a Riot Goin On” because it has an edge. This is some seriously funky stuff. The lineup on this album is absolutely spectacular, it’s like a 1970s “Who’s Who” of funk legends.
2/27/22 I think this album would be great study music. For me, it feels like background kinda music, but I’m going to give it a four because I would intentionally play it again. I also really liked the use of the trumpets. Lead singer has a very groovy voice. Favorite song: Family Affair
An unholy and totally groovy mess. Sounds like late night sessions, alternately mellow and angry and despairing. 3.8
This LP is definitely murkier and less punchy than "Stand!". It has that greasy sound that Exile on Main Street had, like they all got high and started jamming, though that's not possible here since the instruments were recorded separately. There's a free-form jazz influence, lots of keyboard solos and some real plucky bass playing. I guess I can presume that's Larry Graham, though Sly plays every instrument at one point or another. The longer jams I could do without and it would be a lower mark from me, if not that Family Affair is such a unique song. There was nothing before or after that sounded anything like it. In fact, Sly and the Family Stone have never sounded anything like it - maybe because he had guest musicians brought in. "Running Away" is another song that sounds nothing like the rest of the LP with it's sixties Burt B-type trumpet line that I like. "Spaced Cowboy" is cute.
First time listening to a Sly album, this one is very good, so much funk and grove but also so dark. This album has clearly been sampled a lot and inspired so much of the hip-hop music that was to follow so many years later. A great dark funk album
I had never heard an album so funky and groovy, but at the same time so smooth and executed with restraint. A very nice discovery for me and I hope to find this one on vinyl.
Well, I've listened to Stand! a few times and liked it a lot, but I was surprised to see how this one is different, especially considering it only came out two years after it. Riot is much more hypnotic than Stand!, it's also more serious. I'm used to hear funk that's uplifting and optimistic, but this one's feel cynical, and that gives the album an emotional depth that I've rarely heard in that genre before. This is a unique album that is fully deserving its spot in this list.
I enjoyed this, but it is bleak and loose. There are some pop gems on there and some very dark stuff too - it feels like 50 years on it's very relevant all over again, as the civil rights gains of previous years are once again under threat and the world seems scary again. It's not going to be on heavy rotation for me - it's a 5 for important and a 3 for enjoyable here! Also, there is one dreadful track of yodelling. Don't do drugs, kids.
El funk en la seva forma més punyent. No basant-se només en la forma i el concepte, com Clinton i Funkadelic i tants d'altres en els anys que havien de venir, sinó prioritzant les cançons, i les lletres, acompanyant-les d'uns ritmes endiablats o seductors com poques vegades més s'ha igualat en el génere
Good, but not really my cup of tea. Dont think ill come back to it. Family Affair is pretty great though
I’ve tried so many times to get into it, but I just can’t. I love funk, I love things inspired by this record; I just do not love this record.
this kinda goes hard wtf? british boyband rock but a little harder than the beatles and a little bit \"drier\" if that makes any sense, like someone wrung the beatles out and their hair got greasier and they stopped wearing matching suits. thats just the energy i'm getting i have no idea if this is actually what they look like. it's also giving me sing street/the cure energy. interesting. really like her actually. best described as \"pirate rock\" i think lmao
Pretty generically fine to listen to, nothing caught my ear, but provided good inoffensive background tunes.
Heard that song Family Affair before loads - no idea it was them, a classic. Rest of album was ok, didn't grab me though
Weirdly flat production really brings this down. It’s also not nearly as fun as I remember it, all feels very subdued.
Hmm, there were a few on here that I enjoyed but I have to say some of them merged together. I thought I liked funk but perhaps I only have a limited capacity for it. It was a bit of a schlep towards the end.
WARUM SCHON WIEDER SO VIEL INSTRUMENTAL. Bezahlts die Sänger richtig, dann liefern die auch auf jedem Track. Zefix. Klar auch nochmal 3 Songs ohne Voice Tonspur auf die Scheibe geschmiert. Warum nicht. Nun zum Album an sich: ist halt da wa. Ob ichs gehört haben MUSS, da stelle ich mal ein Fragezeichen dahinter. Ich habs jedenfalls gehört. Was ist der Witz an "There's a Riot Going on"? 4 Sekunden Stille? Große Kunst. Endlich wird mal die Fresse gehalten. Auf Spaced Cowboy wird einfach Gejodelt?! Müssen geile Drogen damals gewesen sein. Mit Afrika wird viel gespochen und sich dann nochmal recht ausführlich auf 7:16 dafür bedankt. Isch koi schlechte Musik ned würd ich sagen. Aber hat mich jetzt nix ergriffen und in seinen Bann gezogen. Let's leave it like that. Werd's nimmer hören. War heute aber auch ned im Mood für diese Musik. Daher 3*
Veldig kult med litt funk. Mange kule grooves, bra bassing, mye kult å lese om dette albumet. Tror likevel ikke det er noe jeg har så lyst å høre på igjen. Klarer ikke forklare hva det er, men tror jeg bare mistet interessen halvveis gjennom. Får gi det en 3
Primera presa de contacte amb Sly Stone. Aquest és el darrer disc de la seva època daurada, on donen bona mostra de la seva base funk amb una clara obertura a tota classe de gèneres, des del rock fins al disco (aquí hi ha la primera cançó de la història amb una caixa de ritmes). Variat, inspirat, amb cançons inconformistes, amb bones progressions i una cuidada producció. M'ha agradat per la barreja de sonoritats i estils, però que alhora sona cohesionada. Interessant.
Vaikeita valintoja. Osa biiseistä oli menevää kamaa, mutta osa oli semmosta semikamaa. 2-3 tähteä, Arvotaan 3, jos Brian oli 2.
Feeling a strong 6-7 on this one - solid grooves, shoutout the bot. saxophone go brrrrrrr
De eerste helft van het album vond ik nogal chaotisch. Maar na een tijdje beviel het me wel
It's as if 'running away' and 'family affair' are by a different band. The rest of the album never gets close to that level. Some nice grooves, but too slow and ponderous - it needs an injection of energy.
I don't think I have the full context of musical history to appreciate what was new and exciting about this group or album, however I did enjoy it.
Ik vond het in het begin nogal veel filler en niet echt iets speciaals maar de laatste nummers gingen hard en hebben wel wat goed gemaakt. you caught me smilin , space cowboy en vooral running away ga ik zeker en vast vaker beluisteren.
Nota: 3/5 Hi sento en James Brown i en Prince. Àlbum funk que acaba massa distorsionat. Les últimes pistes se'm fan llargues i repetitives.
A bit patchy and a little too smooth for my tastes. Not as raw and funky as my favourite Sly & The Family Stone.
Enjoyed it, more mellow than I expected from Sly. On the fence on whether I would give it a second listen.
A paranoid and soupy stew. Difficult to decipher, this isn't a favourite, though there are a couple of moments which stand out. Production is *very* strange.
i’ve heard of them and I know if you songs by them so I was excited when I first saw this was the album however it was honestly really bored nothing was wrong with it but I just don’t remember any specific part and I didn’t really like it
Eh. Instrumentals were kinda boring. Songs that weren't instrumentals were rather forgettable. It was fine for background if I'm in a funky mood but definitely wasn't my favorite.
Track 01 - 3/5 Track 02 - 3.25/5 Track 03 - 3/5 Track 04 - 3.5/5 Track 05 - 3.25/5 Track 06 - 2.75/5 Track 07 - 3/5 Track 08 - 3/5 Track 09 - 3.5/5 Track 10 - 3.25/5 Track 11 - 2.5/5 Track 12 - 3/5 Track 13 - 2.5/5 Track 14 - 3/5 Track 15 - 2.75/5 Track 16 - 2.75/5 Overall: 3/5 Album Art: 3.25/5
Yeah, not bad... not quite as straight-up funky as I remember, but some cool things happening on this album. Not my absolute favorite, but still pretty cool.
Pretty good, not one I would have heard without taking on this list. Family affair and spaced cowboy were my favourites. Did not enjoy the instrumental/alternate versions as much
Funkt und soult. Die Umstände der Entstehung sind fast noch interessanter als das Album.
It was fun to listen to this album. My first Sly and Family Stone album. Love the drum machine and the grooves are really good.
I'm a little familiar with Sly and the Family Stone but I've never really explored their discography too much beyond Dance to the Music. I was going in expecting some funky beats. While the beats are certainly funky, that magic touch just isn't there. Reading a little about the making I see there was lots of drugs involves. Also the social setting of the US played a roll too but being 50 yeads removed causes it to hit not as hard.
I know they have a cult following, but i'm not a subscriber. doesn't sound particularly groundbreaking to my ears
Funky as fuck. Definitely don't know much of Sly & The Family Stalone but I'm digging it. Poet is really fun. I have heard Family Affair though, honestly it's just ok for me. Unfortunately as the album went on the songs weren't as good for me, which is a same since I really liked a few songs.
Listened to on 2/2/22 3/5 Favorite song: Just like a baby, Spaced Cowboy All in all good vibes - very 70s easy listening
I think this is probably one of those albums that's more important than it is enjoyable & rewarding to listen to.
Still looking for a perfect funk record, but this is not it. I’m more in the Parliament camp than Sly or James Brown.
Nice slappy bass and funky grooves. Sly was apparently stoned out of his gourd when recording this so his vocals here aren’t his best work, I think Stand was a better record overall but this has some nice moments.
I was never a fan of Family Affair so the biggie on this album was a negative. It moved well enough as one would expect from Sly but it wasn't as good as the last Sly offering.
Interesting if nothing else by its influence on funk, definately a product of its time. I liked some of the rhythmic tribal beats but otherwise not really my cup of tea..
3.5 i can see how this influenced a lot of artists. my favorite songs were "family affair" & you caught me smilin"
I wasn't really in the mood for funk/soul stuff, but it was good nonetheless. Nothing out of the extraordinary, though.
Found it quite samey. Songs started to drag towards the end. Not my cup of tea but would shut this off if given the choice. Better towards the end with single versions and instrumentals
Czarny soulowy funk z lat 70, sadzilem ze moze bede kojarzyl, jakies sample, najwieksze hiciory, ale nie nic, czarna dziura w pamieci i nie moge zalapac zadnego skojarzenia zarowno z albumikiem jak i banda, jak sama nazwa wskazuje banda rodzinna, bo doliczylem sie 4 stonow, problemem jest to ze po przesluchaniu mam nadal czarna dziure w glowe, bo ciezko o cos co naprawde zapada w pamiec, mocno psychodeliczne brzmienie i mruczenie na wokalu wcale w tym nie pomaga, ale najwiekszym problmem dla mnie byl mix tej plyty wszystko na maxa w glosnosci musialem podbic zeby przesluchac niektore traki, bo jesli polowa liryki sa pochrunkiwania i mruczenie to glownym punktem uwagi staja sie instrumentale, ktore sie nieraz traca przez dziwny balans glosnosci miedzy nimi, nie wspominam juz nawet o bolaczkach produkcji jak zaszumienie, ktore pojawia sie do bolu, kolejna dziwnoscia plyty jest to, ze trak tytulowy ktory zazwyczaj jest mocnym punktem kazdego materialu i jego twarza tak tutaj ma 4 sekuny i ma byc niemym skitem, jesli dobrze go zrozumialem, chyba ze to odniesienie do tego ze revolucja nie bedzie ztelewiryzowana, ale to pewnie nadinterpretacja, kolejnym punktem do ktorego mozna miec wonty w spotifajowym wypadu jest pierdolnik ktory panuje na trak liscie, edycja z 71 zawiera w sobie traki z reedycji z 2007, 4 nowe traki w tym running away ktory jest najbardziej zapadajacym w ucho songiem jaki tu uslyszalem, glownie za sprawa zenskiego wokalu, oraz 3 instrumentalne traki, ktorych historii powstania nie znam, ale wyraznie slychac lepszy mastering, bo sa o wiele wyrazniejsze w odsluchu, na plejke dodam running away i luv and haight
Eipä jäänyt hirveästi käteen tästä levystä. Mikähän tässä on ollut erityistä, että on noussut listalle? Spotifyssakin on Family Affair -biisiä kuunneltu päälle 38 miljoonaa kertaa.
Smooth, Jazzy, solid background music - don't know if I'd play it on its own though. 7/10 you are nitpicking and biased. I win. Bye bye! the album is very influential and i hear a lot of it in the contemporary funk/jazz that i listen to today, but it doesn't have any of the initial appeal that i get from modern funk or jazz. the production is very dated and hurts my ears so i have to listen to it at a low volume. 4/10
Vaikea arvioida genreä, jota ei juuri yhtään kuuntele. Ihan letkeetä, mutta ei näin tammikuussa räntäsateen keskellä kuunneltuna lähtenyt.
I started out liking it and thinking "well, this is interesting". But after the first two songs the quality and my interest dropped off. It has its moments, but on the whole I didn't enjoy it.
Mastering is still a little rough. All vocals sound extremely faded, almost distanced from the microphone
2.5 ik voel het gewoon niet man, als het op de achtergrond opstaat wil je toch meer aandacht aan besteden om dan uiteindelijk teleurgestelt te zijn. its a no for me
Weer leuk voor op de achtergrond; lekker relaxed. Voelde alleen wel weer wat te lang..
I was really looking forward to this album, and it turned out to be a weak fart. The yodeling attempt did not work. Best track: Family Affair
Slow Uninteresting Not a fan of the voices or the instruments or the pace Did not enjoy
Didn't do much for me. Had a Parliament album the day before and loved it. Hadn't heard of either before listening. This lacked that Parliament BDE.
I've tried hard with this album over the years, it feels like it should be something I really like but I just don't really get it. It wanders into aimless, hookless meandering nothingness far too often for an album with such a massive reputation.
This is shite. Yeah, I'm bored. Robert Plant's favourite from this is Just Like a Baby. He eats placentas.
well, this wasn't a riot at all. it wasn't funny OR violent...it was just super 70s funky. only...i still didn't like it. i don't know what else to say, besides that i don't seem to like them very much in general.
Nothing too interesting to me in here, maybe it was more impactful at the time it came out. I also think the production got in the way, it was way to quiet and flat sounding.
Really disappointing compared to Stand... Meanders along without much purpose or direction, and crappy production. Shame
I'm conflicted on this one. On the positive side - I like a lot of Sly & The Family material, and in general love a lot of early 70s funk/rock. So there's an immediate connection here. But... I've never been able to get into this specific album. There's very little of the band cohesion and unpredictability of their best work and there were reasons ... drum machines dominate this, which give a cold/sterile feel to most of the songs, and Sly's vocals overall tend to reflect who/where he was at the time: often in bed and on drugs :P - literally recording some vocals from bed. Even the hit single "Family Affair" should have been so much better; to me it comes across more like a great demo. e.g. "Africa Talks To You" goes on and on and never goes anywhere - but so many times it's so close. You hear constant echoes of Sly vocal melodies and some keyboard riffs here and there but ... that's the song. Like a collection of musical phrases patched onto a repetitive chord/beat. Definitely focusing on the negative which isn't entirely fair - there are some great grooves on this record which to me is sort of the bare minimum for a Sly record. I respect the wide (eventual) acceptance and praising of the album due to it being an accurate portrayal of the seeming betrayal of the 60s and entering the grime and fading dreams of the 70s. But honestly who cares. Am I or am I not drawn into the music... or at least entertained? I am not. It's a frustrating and hollow 2 stars because I've always wanted to like this album but there's just a solid disconnect that I'll never get by. p.s. Graham Central Station were better. 5/10 2 stars
“At first I hated it for its weakness and its lack of energy and I still dislike these qualities. But then I began to respect the album's honesty.”
This album is a sequence of backing tracks. Something one finds on YouTube to practice lead guitar over. That’s a bit harsh as there is a little more than that here, but it’s not far off. I was expecting a funktastic adventure. Instead I got a great album to put on at bed time.
They say "There's A Riot Goin' On," but I'm not sure where it is? This came out in 1971, after several very tumultuous years. So I figured "Riot" would be filled with anger, turmoil, intensity, at least passion? But that was missing throughout. "Brave & Strong" gave me a little bit of a feeling of the times, but most of the rest felt dull and low-energy, with much of it feeling like unfinished experiments in songwriting. This time I waited until I was mostly finished listening to look up the history of the album. And now it makes more sense. I knew Sly and the Family Stone were well-regarded and influential. But it's not for this album, which had too little family and too much Sly and too many drugs involved in the production.
Because I listen and am a fan of this genre, I was expecting something more but I was let down. It wasn’t anything special, for me.
Well i’am don’t really like this sort of music nothing personal… The album starts off with the song luv n haight its alright it has a good intro but it’s too repetitive anyone who praises the albums lyrics… I don’t see it yet. Just like a baby actually has some very good instrumental parts the few lyrics feel quite weirdly pasted on and still no real passionate lyrics. Poet doesn’t say too much but the lyrics are at least a little passionate, the instrumentals alright just got some annoying funk bits but what are you to expect. Okay, family affair is probably the best written song so far but the instrumental is a bit annoying. I will have to say although I don’t like the funk bits pasted on them the keyboard work is solid especially in Africa talks to you ( the asphalt jungle) I think I just don’t like funk vocals to be fair, but wow these lyrics are good, at 8 mins though I did get bored. Theres a riot going on is just useless… why? The first bit of brave and strong has great lyrics, the saxophone work is a bit unnecessary but the songs okay. You caught me smillin’ is dull annoying and repetitive with some nice keyboard work to cover for it. Time on the other hand is quite good a much slower track nothing too overdone like the rest of the album and songs like this with passionate lyrics kinda makes up for the mess that feels like the majority of the album. Strong cowboy is has good lyrics but I hate everything else about it. Running away is surprising good, I can really see the appeal of this song it’s still a bit bloated but it’s fine. Thank you for talkin’ to me Africa serves as a good closer but that intro is unnecessarily long the lyrics are great and while it’s not really my kinda thing. Good closer. It’s half enjoyable but it’s really not for me!
That was boring and quite. Not like poorly recorded they just sang softly, but not enjoyably.
I respect what the group was trying to do here, but this is way too long and droning for my tastes. I'm sure the lyrics were great - if I could hear them. And I understand the instrumentation was unheard of for the time, but the only thing - in my opinion - that makes this album stand up so much today is that it feels like a collection of tailor-made beat samples for songs that would probably better benefit from them. STANDOUTS: -Family Affair -(You Caught Me) Smilin'
The most obvious of cocaine albums. It's bold and confident, but busy like a big mess. It does not sound good. 1.5/5
some rock vibes with yacht type
what the fuck
Very easy listening at the beggining but getting more and more into it from "Africa..." Space cowboy made me enjoy the walk to an appointement in spite of the rain. Belle découverte as we say in French
meh