Reviews (page 3 of 9)
Incendiary title, mild funk.
I find it’s a good album but is not my 100% style!
Breakfast muzak.
Sly & The Family Stone made some really great songs. But except for Family Affairs this album - in my opinion - is not so very interesting.
Spaced Cow-boy 🤠 bons morceaux
Good casual grooves
I enjoyed this when I was out walking Bart, but wouldn’t throw this on on my own. Partially cuz I hear this genre everyday at work
It’s unfathomable that a list this short, given the grand scheme of music, feels the need to not only include multiple funk albums but multiple from the same artist? Please let this have been the last one
Not for me. 1/5
Vrhunski album, baš uživanje! Par stvari tu si često i pustim, ali evo prvi put u komadu slušam i baš dobro sjeda na topli ponedjeljak! 4/5, 8/10
Overall really great, just didn't reach that 5 star quality for me. Solid 70s funk that is a great 4 star album
Wife: "Why is Sly yodeling at us?" Me: "Because he is high." Anyway, great album. Love how dirty it sounds and how unhinged Sly was during this period.
not my thing, probably really significant for its time tho. kinda music you would hear in a store. i do like "thank you for talkin' to me, Africa"
Very funky, but not really my thing.
Pretty funky. Aidan likes
The yodelling song made me want to kms
Je comprends un peu les thèmes, l'impact culturel. Ce que j'aime moins c'est le côté jam un peu informe. Beaucoup de tounes qui sont monoriff et un peu longues/monotones. Sly c'est tout qu'un chanteur par contre J'ajouterais que la toune Spaced Cowboy avec le yoddle c'est assez buzzé merci Bon finalement j'ai commenté et jugé trop vite, il y a des tounes avec formes plus structurées à mesure que l'album avance ex Runnin away
When I first saw that this would be Sly & the Family Stone, I was excited! But this album was a little slower than I was anticipating.
What on Earth even is this? Don’t even know what genre it is. Let’s give it a go, I’m here to learn. I’m sorry man but this is so boring. I really did not enjoy listening to this at all. What the hell is the yodelling? I have to give it a 1/5, I hear basically no redeeming parts or standout tracks or any highlights at all.
got a good funk. on the fence but the worse songs brought it down.
I liked Family Affair. Had a nice vibe to it. Brave & Strong got some cool funk vibes to it. And (You Caught Me) Smilin’ caught me at the perfect time so it was a real good vibe. Just the right amount of funk weird energy to make me happy.
Wasn’t a huge fan at first, but then the end of the album Lwk fire. Very groovy instrument work.
Not bad, a pretty fun listen.
Love me some Sly. "Family Affair" was the big hit off the album, and rightfully so. While not as positive as their earlier work, it's still a funk classic. The long "Africa Talks.." & "Thank You.." set out a blueprint for the funky jam tracks that many after imitated. "(You Caught Me).." hearkens back to earlier Sly in tone and composition. "Runnin' Away.." was way ahead of it's time (stylistically) and belongs on a record 8 years in its future with the heavy horn inclusion. That's not the compliment it may sound like and I don't know if it fires for me. Were "Luv n Haight" & "Brave and Strong" recorded on a stone slab then played over an AM station 25 miles away? The audio quality of what I found was awful, but it sounds intentional.. that's a choice, I guess. And, they really got carried away with the drugs on "Spaced Cowboy" didn't they? It's a country-infused funk track that missed its mark. Overall, this was a mixed bag for me. (3.5/5), rounding up because I love me some Sly. The first half of the album carries the back half where they get carried away experimenting (unsuccessfully) with some tonal shifts. The intentional quality choices on some of the singles are a head scratcher as well. The songs, themselves, aren't bad they're just heavily overdubbed and scratchy sounding. This doesn't do their music any favors, IMO.
When this one popped up, I was pretty excited. Wasn't familiar with the album, but a big fan of funk and really dig what I'd heard of them previously. But this one just didn't cut it. Felt like an emotionless zombie walk at times, or at least a cheap imitation of the other material is heard from them. Still a 2.5/5, but rounded down out of disappointment.
Variety: 2 Adequacy: 3 Listenability: 3 Uniqueness: 2 Emotionality: 2 = 2.4 rounded down to 2 "I'm so tired, I haven't slept a wink / I'm so tired, my mind is on the blink." Think I might only be familiar with the one song off of this. The group has a lot of good stuff, but I think I've mainly experienced them via radio and compilations. The hits are great, but honestly don't have much of an opinion otherwise. THE TRACKS Side one "Luv n' Haight" - A lot going on here, but nothing really captured me. Enjoyable enough in the moment, but nothing too hooky or memorable when it was over. "Just Like a Baby" - This opens up like a depressed Stevie Wonder wandered over to the keyboard and decided to half heartedly fiddle around, and it never really leaves that arena. Fine, but again nothing too memorable. "Poet"- Yikes. Three very middle of the road tracks in a row. Starting to worry about this one. "Family Affair" - Here we go. Nothing bad to say about this other than I was surprised at how short it was. Been a while since I heard it, and in my mind it's like pushing 6 minutes. Sly's delivery is very low key and almost languid throughout, but he never feels tired or exhausted. "Africa Talks to You 'The Asphalt Jungle'" - This lazy river ride of a track showcases some fine playing, but found my interest waning about halfway through. "There's a Riot Goin' On" --- Side two "Brave & Strong" - This is a move in the right direction, and more of what I was expecting to hear on this album. Strong funk number, but not sure if it's enough to bring us up out of the deep well. "(You Caught Me) Smilin'" - This was nice as well. It felt much more like a whole composition, and not just a jam session. "Time" - And the doldrums return hard and heavy here. This isn't awful by any means, but damn, man... Either shit or get off the pot. I'd much rather hear this as a full throated soul barn burner. But instead it feels like an afterthought. "Spaced Cowboy" - On an album full of stuff that sounds like improvised ham sessions, this feels the most like that. "Runnin' Away" - Light breezy upbeat bit of cotton candy with a dark, despairing center. Almost kind of nihilistic vibes here. Nothing matters, and you're going to fail a everything, but at least the sun is shining and the bluebirds are singing. "Thank You for Talkin' to Me Africa" HIGHLIGHTS - "Family Affair" - "Brave & Strong" - "(You Caught Me) Smilin'" - "Runnin' Away" MIDLIGHTS - "Luv n' Haight" - "Just Like a Baby" - "Poet" - "Africa Talks to You 'The Asphalt Jungle'" - "Time" LOWLIGHTS - "Spaced Cowboy" FINAL THOUGHTS Overall this just felt kind of lifeless and downbeat compared to what I was expecting. Kind of half baked, like Sly had some top tier musicians, but not enough material for them. Would be very interested to read more about the production of this. I may be WAY off the mark. Go listen to Stand! instead. PLAYLIST ALTERATIONS - Just the highlights FURTHER LISTENING - Stand! by Sly & The Family Stone - Cabbage Alley by The Meters - Last Days and Time by Earth, Wind & Fire - Maggot Brain by Funkadelic - The Wild Tchoupitoulas by The Wild Tchoupitoulas
I just wasn't feeling this one today. Sly and the Family Stone have quite a reputation, and I went in curious, but there was something... distant, about the album overall. Then I read that most of this album was recorded by Sly himself, alone in his house, locked in a room, lying on his bed, recording his vocals into a wireless microphone and using a drum machine to lay down beats. Well that certainly checks out. I get that the result is a half-hearted overdubbed funk album. Yes, musical critics, it is dripping with drug fueled cynicism but at what cost. Is the artist reflecting the disillusionment of the times or just contributing to it?
Fav song - Family Affair Very groovy, vocals have old recording artifact sound.
It has good tracks. I am starting to enjoy more of the Sly & The Family Stone albums
I spent most of my time hating the sound quality of the vocals on this album. I enjoy the funk/soul vibes but I couldn't get past the poor recording quality and sometimes just uninspired lyrics.
There are multiple ways I could assess this legendary record. The drug-filled circumstances of its creation that led to Sly Stone’s one-man band effort. The combination of a murky production and technological firsts with Sly’s use of drum machines. I’ll go with the stark turn of attitude that marked the album. If people know the band it is from their endearingly upbeat, huge beat filled songs that represented the apex of late 1960s hopefulness and oneness through music. Lyrics carried a message that would suit wokefulness of any generation. They would not seem out of place on “Sesame Street.” And then this record. Bruce Springsteen’s “Nebraska” came to mind while listening. The master of Wall of Sound rock who found hope in pulling out of dead end towns in a series of American muscle cars, dropped a record of murderers, ne'er-do-wells and their kin. Set to only an acoustic guitar and harmonica on a tape recorder, “Nebraska” offered a bleak assessment of the familiar characters in Springsteen’s world. But even that album closed with “Reason to Believe.” This record neither plunges to depths of “Nebraska”, lyrically or musically, but nor does it offer the bonds and shreds of hope that occasionally make their way through Bruce’s darkness. “Luv” must meet “Haight.” The two brothers in “Family Affair”, well at least they both love Mom. It’s all murky and unclear as Sly can barely raise his voice. He is reduced to sore throat whispers and croaking. When he attempts an actual vocal, the high notes crack. Only rarely do we get the enchanting back and forth vocals between the band members that marked their earlier work. Sly twice slows the album to an extended crawl with "Africa Talks to You 'The Asphalt Jungle'" and “Thank You For Talking to Me Africa.” The keyboards jab in and out. The guitars refuse to play hard rock and James Brown style scratching. It is a challenging record. Like “Nebraska” and “Astral Weeks” from Van Morrison, “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” gains greatness in subtle fashion. Its originality and daringness do not jump out due to the loss of blockbuster songs, but repeated listens bring out those qualities. Sly can still write a groove, he’s just turned the knob down. His lyrics are forthright, self-lacerating and all too accurate for the era. It is an unbearably sad record as Sly and whatever hope one associates with the 1960s disappear in a desperate, bedroom album.
Funky and loved. Felt there was a good mix between the slow & smoother and the drilling & upbeat. Some songs could drag for a little too long, but I did appreciate some of the long ones, particularly "Asphalt Jungle," though middle of it could've been trimmed. "Poet" "Family Affair" "Luv N' Haight" "Runnin' Away" were also favorites. Top was "Thank You for Talkin' to Me, Africa" and not just because Donkey sings it in Shrek the Third. Might even prefer it to "(Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" version. Love the slow, subdued, loopy quality of it. Great closer.
It’s ok
Some good songs here. 3.5
There was a yodelling song
It's weird, sounds unfinished, some songs drag, but its also totally brilliant, unique, and influential (early drum machines for example). Sly was 1 of 1, and this is a 4.5
finding this pretty boring
I can see how this is an iconic album and it is definitely easy on the ears, I just prefer music with more lyrics.
Funky
Beautiful, soulful funk.
Sometimes things are going wrong in your country and the only response is to take drugs and get a little funky with it. You've got to do cocaine, you've got to complain about the president, you've got to sing about love, and you've got to be a little abusive towards your band. This is not a fun album, but it is a cool and funky one. Gets a little soulful at times, and Family Affair is a great track. This and Rumors unfortunatly present a pretty strong case that heavy drug use sometimes results in sick albums. Not the absolute best ones here, but still very enjoyable, and I particularly liked the rythms.
Generally liked the overall funky, groovy vibe. And while some songs were great, others definitely didn't hit with me.
3.75
Drug addled funk going on
Funky bass lines always slap. Well I guess only sometimes they're slapped ;)
Sly Stone is the link that connects rock to hip-hop through funk. The heavy bass, drum machines, and lyrical skill is the link and generational step that branches music. And this album is his master class. Bass that rattles your tummy, and songwriting that paints clear pictures. An absolute landmark from one of the true innovators.
I'm not the biggest funk fan out there, but this is undeniably excellent. The band is stacked, sounds killer, and this is towards the beginning of the more conscious funk that would define the 70's. Great record with a lot of depth.
again, unexpectedly i really liked it. added to my library. perfect for relaxation.
I may have heard this before, I liked the fuzzed out sound, but some of the longer tracks overstay. Might be missing something on this one, or could just be this listening. 3.5 rounded down Heard before? Some Owned: No: 68/274 (24%) Will I get: Maybe
очень приятный, правда с удовольствием послушала. давно догадывалась, но сейчас поняла, что мне нравится около госпельное пение. just like a baby очень чувственная песня, тянущаяся текучая партия гитарная очень красивая, похожа немного на she’s so heavy битлов. africa talks to you - хороший текст, женский вокал хоровой замечательный. thank you for talkin to me, africa просто разрывная повторяющаяся басовая партия, инструментал очень стильный. running away - понравилась труба (?) в инструментале, песня такая игривая, насмешливая будто. очень порадовал альбом! 4/5
i enjoyed this!
What else can I say, other than, it's a cool album.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Funkklassiker med budskap. Funkigt, coolt och laidback. Dessutom lite udda arangemang med svärta då den rar upp den rådande polituska situationen, ett modigt album 1971. Rakt igenom rikyigt bra med några absoluta höjdarspår. Bäst är Just like a baby, Falily affair, Africa talks to you, Spaced Cowboy, Runnin Away, Thank you for talkin to me Africa
Funk is currently my top rated genre on the list. Considering how well it's represented with albums such as this one, it's not hard to see why. What I love the most about this album is how deep and layered it sounds. You get lost in the groove so easily and it's such an enjoyable ride. The percussion is downright tantalizing. Still, the sound here is surprisingly dark and swampy, which is pulled off really well with some appropriate lo-fi mixing and the absence of the trademark '60s optimism. All in all, an essential listen for the genre. Favourite track: Thank You for Talkin' to Me, Africa
Kinda cool but I probably wont return to anything on this
Sunday Bloody Sunday is such a banger. The rest of the album is go but forgettable
A good album, but one that washed over me a bit. A more downbeat funk is interesting, and certainly responds to the context of the U.S. in 1971. Family Affair is of course a classic, but it became a bit too samey for me. With a livelier sound that would have detracted less, but when there’s less vitality to the album it did impact my enjoyment more. Worth a listen, but didn’t grip me.
There’s a lot to like about this album. The songwriting is great, and the grooves are still infectious, especially on tracks like ‘Brave and Strong’ and ‘Family Affair’. There aren’t as many obvious hits as there were on their previous album and they’ve shed some of their sixties optimism in favour of a darker sound which, although I prefer ‘Stand!’ overall, I think works very well indeed.
A few years ago I really loved this album. Nowadays, I’m not as enamoured with it, but it’s certainly good enough for 4 stars. Marking a rather dramatic change from the band’s brighter 60s sound, this is funk for the dawn of the 70s: incredibly downbeat, dark and murky, with this atmosphere enhanced by the muddy audio quality (apparently caused by the tape wearing out from repeated overdubbing and erasing). Apart from the fantastic ‘Family Affair’ there’s little in the way of obvious hits, but this is absolutely one of those albums that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
The one I listened to was silent, but im into the vibes of their other songs!
Ive never done cocaine, but now im pretty sure I know what its like.
I enjoy a good funk record.
What can I say other than this album is just very funky and groovy... yet very disturbed. It's actually fascinating how this album succeeds at being both very colorful and full of intricate layered instrumentals and overdubs, yet due to the incredibly somber tone of the music when it all comes together, it almost feels like being depressed at a dance party. Which honestly makes a lot of sense considering the background of the music. Sly was more than acutely aware of what the state of the world; especially in America, was like. The summer of love was over, and in it's place was a deep uneasy feeling. Even more so for the marginalized communities and especially for the black communities. This record answers Marvin Gaye's question "What's goin' On?" directly with the album title. Due to the distressing state of the world Sly would delve into drugs and alcohol, and fuel his energy into a laboriously crafted masterpiece of a record. Funky, deep and meaningful, and pained all the same. Underneath the layers of groove is a grim reality. There's a riot goin' on.
Exceptionally loosey goosey and almost improvisationary. I like my funk cleaner, like Maggot Brain, I have learned, but when this is good it's fuckin divine.
This was ok. Not as funky as I was expecting it to be.
One of the best funk album I've heard. Luv N'Haight Just Like a Baby Family Affair Runnin' Away Etc...
Not sure why this is considered a classic. It’s full of half baked ideas and drunken noodling from the greatest period of sly’s drug and alcohol use that killed the band. Easy to see why. ⭐️⭐️
very funky
I thought I would enjoy this album much more than I did but it just didn’t quite hit the spot. Still enjoyable enough though.
Good stuff.
Very good funk album.
Psychedelic funk, avant-soul, avant-pop, deep funk, psychedelic soul.
A lot of pointless, meandering songs. Very annoying, to be honest. 2/5
This is perfectly pleasant 70s music with some Music FM bangers but it definitely drags a bit.
A nice like, big 70s classic for a reason kinda record. Like yeah it's a bit self-indulgent at points but if you can't indulge in a 6 hour funk jam after six grams of coke and few jazz cigarettes when can ya?
Sly and the Family Stone rule
Anyone who rates this album under 5 stars should not be trusted.
Funky soulful album, enjoyed it as a soundtrack to the train journey home
Volgens mij de eerste plaat die bewust door mijn handen ging. Sindsdien hooked.
I wanted to like this more than I did. Plenty of it was good, but there was some stuff on here that really felt like a downgrade compared to the rest (Spaced Cowboy was probably the worst track for me). As a whole, it was a bit weird and felt almost disjointed. It's hard for me to put my finger on any specific reason for not loving this. It has a lot of things that I like: it's got funk, it's got groove, it's got some compelling material presented honestly. But it just falls a little short for me. I still thought it was good, just not much more than that. Overall: 2.9/5
I haven't ever listened to Sly & the family stone before and have zero context for this as it pertains to its era. Having said this, is album is so cool. It's incredibly ahead of its time and the variation in instrumentation and style is so engaging. I've already listened to this album 3 times today cause I find something new to like everytime. My only real gripe is the mixing (I know, how original). But it bears repeating, sometimes I actually cannot hear what anyone is saying and am looking at the lyrics so I don't miss anything. That's not to say the music's bad, just needs a serious remaster. I don't even know where to begin with the tone of this. It's moody and atmospheric whilst the funk melodies are pushing the song forward and it all culminates in a record that just needs to be experienced. Honestly I think everyone should give this album a try. Fav track: Just like a baby
This was fine it didn't really grab me
Preddy good!
The progenitors of all things psychedelic soul, Sly and the Family Stone were a pretty radical proposition in their day. After all, they were a mixed-gender, fully integrated band operating at a time where both concepts were incredibly new and almost totally foreign to broader audiences. This was the 5th album released by the group, and it's in this moment where all things Sly and the Family Stone come together. Phased-out funk guitars are plentiful on this release, as are the slinking, mobile basslines that form the rhythm pocket. For being as big of a personality as he was, Sly Stone almost appears to be in short supply on this album, as many of the voices heard on these songs are not his. Often times, his voice is simply one among many, like on "Family Affair," the best-known song to come from this album. That song also clears one of the hardest hurdles in popular music: being mellow while also having a genuine pulse. Dancey yet soothing all at once. A song perhaps contradicting itself, but it just...works. The band's ethos in one song. And it's not the only song like that, as the atmosphere of genuine togetherness is in full form on songs like "The Asphalt Jungle," "Time" and the extended closer "Thank You for Talkin' to Me, Africa." The self-referential lyrics on that last one are a sort of reminder of where the band had been before - and, if Stone's own issues didn't swallow up the entire project - where it would potentially go next. None of the songs overstay their welcome no matter how smooth and mellow they are or how many minutes they play for. Truly an all-killer, no-filler release from psychedelia's peak years. Key Tracks: Luv 'N' Haight, Family Affair, Time "Thank You For Talkin' to Me Africa
As the funk started popping I was SOOOOOLD. What in te Aretha Franklin's pitch is thhhhhhis. I love it !! "Feels so good inside myself, don't want to move". JUST LIKE A BABY was hitting again from the start, what is this strippery soul doing in my speakers. IMMMMM A SONGWRITERRRR A POET I had family affair saved in my liked songs though I don't remember ever hearing it??? Lovely. Newly wed a year ago. But you're still checking each others out, hey. Nobody wants to blow, nobody wants to feel eft out. AFRICA TALKS TO YOU YEEEEAH THE BASS I fucking love this album. TIIIIIIIIIIIME Spaced cowboy... mmmm... Jamiroquai ?? Is there a link between these two masterpieces. WHY DID IT JUST GIVE YODELLLLLLL.
This album is too funked up for me. 8 mins 45 Africa talks to me, 8 mins 44 too long. Couple of reasonable songs, rest is meandering noodling.
The overall sound is cool but like with the other Sly album I’ve done from the list, no songs really stand out. It’s like a great improvisation group were asked to record stuff. Lots of small cool parts but nothing that makes me want to put the album on.
This was an interesting listen. It was pretty hard funkin’ but with a bit of a psychedelic edge to it. These guys are kind of like the Grateful Dead of funk music but maybe more of a rough and tough version of P-Funk. They have a lot of great songs in a lot of different styles and you can tell that when played live these songs have the potential to be stretched out quite a bit. I saw these guys open for Prince in the early 2000’s and enjoyed them a lot. After listening to this album I feel like I understand them better now.
Funky music for vegetarians. No meat on it at all.
Good to chill out to.
meow
maybe have to listen again at night
Nice rhythm section and vocals.
2026.04.21-22.
(75/100)
Funky as all hell. Solid album. I know this isn't "the" version of Thank You, but it's really good. Family Affair and You Caught Me Smilin' are great. Well worth it. The five seconds of silence in the middle of the album that makes up the title track caught me off guard though.
You caught me smiling, luv n haight, time, Spaced Cowboy,Runnig Away. Great record for sure!
5.5/10
This was exactly what I expected - a fun, funky ride on Easter Sunday. While nothing really stood out for me, it was a solid album. Lisa said 4. I’ll remain at 3/5
This was the album that kinda broke them if I remember right. All the drugs made Sly super paranoid and they didn't record the same way so this album came out darker in tone that their late 60's stuff. It's not the upbeat stuff they were known for. Still a great album, musically it's some of the best funk/soul around, lyrics wise it's darker, even in tone it's dark. Listen to Thank you for Talking to me Africa. He took his super upbeat Thank You song and remade it into a much much darker song. It's almost jarring when you realize it's Thank You. Solid album captured the reality of the early 70's for a lot of people.
Det är ju ingen tvekan om var Prince kommer ifrån och i många fall tycker jag t.o.m. han gör det ännu bättre. Riot är en skiva som kränger fram och tillbaka mellan galenskap och genialitet, det är det som gör den intressant och vansinnigt kul att lyssna på. Det gör det oxå vanskligt att peka på enskilda låtar. Men nerven i de mer återhållsamma låtarna "Time", "Just like a baby" och "Family affair" är det som verkligen tar tag i mig, där kommer albumet verkligen till sin rätt. "Family affair" om jag är rätt underrättad är också den första hitlåt som bygger på trummaskin, en hint om innovationsgraden hos Riot. Och till skillnad från Jonas så gillar jag verkligen soundet, tycker det det är en stor del av den här skivans egenart och storhet, en sovande ljudtekniker kan vara av godo. Stabil fyra
Bra, men inget mästerverk. Ofta överskattad i tidningar och listor över bästa album.
Det verkar finnas gott om myter kring albumet. Lokko hävdar i Pop#10 att Miles Davis skickades till studion för att tala en bångstyrig kokainhög Sly tillrätta, utan annat resultat än att bli vapenhotad. 1001-boken påstår att nämnde Miles kan vara med och spela på plattan. Det är väl lite så att vissa album lever sitt eget liv. Vi vill att de ska vara så mycket mer. Riot som en kommentar på en värld i brand verkar också vara en vedertagen men illa belagd sanning titeln till trots. Slys missbruk går däremot inte att tvivla på. Vad än Riot må vara är det rakt igenom skönt jävla groove. Bassllingor går nog inte att läggas snyggare. Det stökas å jammas, men hela tiden med en röd tråd. Små detaljer som sitter på rätt plats, ett kort riff, en kör, ett skrik, ett joddel. Det maler på i långsamt tempo, och så plötsligt en magisk liten höjning. Riot är också så mycket mer ett album än sina enskilda låtar. Det hade inte funnits ett självklart val till en årsbästagala. Det enda rätta hade varit att spela skivan från början till slut, i den ordningen. Allt annat vore orättfärdigt. Det är kanske inte det starkaste av femmor, men så måsta det bli.
Många bra låtar; Luv n' Haight, Family Affair, (You Caught Me) Smilin', Spaced Cowboy, Runnin' Away. Resten håller inte riktigt samma klass. Det blir lite för mycket av Sylvesters nasala gnynde emellanåt. Trist att ljudteknikern sov på jobbet, för inspelningen låter inte bra.
3 out of 5. That's some good funk.
Me gustó mucho!!!!
Good music from that time
Pas mon album préféré mais je les aime mal.
Le funk, très peu pour moi. Je distingue très mal les différences entre ça et Parliament par exemple. Et comme musique de fond c'est bien, mais sans plus.
Du bon funk! Je vois l’influence que ca a eu sur D’Angelo avec son dernier album, Black Messiah. Mais dans le funk/soul, je trouve qu’on a eu mieux.
There's some good funk here. There's also some drugged out improv funk/soul that is ok at best. Overall, a good album, but not to the level of a great funk album like Maggot Brain.
I guess there's no need for me to guess where this album comes from, huh? The genre is a different story. Where the album cover firmly instills the image of a hard rock album, the title makes me think of something more along the lines of folk. Guess I'll go halfway and hedge my bets on blues. Here goes. Funk. Soul. Oh well - I was more or less there. This was a dull listen. I give the oldie genres the fairest shakes that I possibly can, yet I always wind up being disappointed by 'em. What more can I say? Funk just isn't my style. That being said, I suppose I respect this. The rumbling, bassy sound is decently engaging, and its paired well with that slow, methodical vocal style. The music is competent - it just becomes unengaging after a while due to how pedestrian it is. For that reason, I was somewhat bored while listening to this album. Book time. Reflective of the 1960s civil rights movement. The frontman took a lot of drugs while making this album. Miles Davis supposedly contributed his trumpet to this album. A pivot within the band's sound. "...a bruised, funky howl of soul under pressure." Wikipedia says this album garnered a mixed reaction from critics at the time of release, but has since received a glowing reappraisal. It also topped the US charts and performed decently in Canada and the UK, but nowhere else. Outside of Stevie Wonder, I'm pretty sure this is the first funk album I've listened to on the list. For that reason, I'm keen to let this one go through. I cosign this inclusion.
Got this two days after What’s Going On It’s not much better
I'm on quite the hot streak. I think this may be the greatest funk album ever, it perfrctly captures the genre's joy and anger and hope into a singular moment of perfection. This is a collection of some of the hardest driving, most exciting funk ever put to record. This is re order with such power and clarity that it feels like every instrument is leaping out of the speakers at you. And, somehow, this doesn't muddy things up. The guitars, bass, horns *and* vocals *all* feel like theyre stabbing you, its incredible. The sound of this album is raw and alive, full of life and energy. Songs like Thank You For Talkin' To Me, Africa and Family Affair have some of the best bass grooves ever written. Sly is clipping the mic on (You Caught Me) Smilin' and Luv N' Haight. Time manages to overcome it's strangeness and become genuinely tender. Even the yodeling and unstoppable funk rhythms of Spaced Cowboy work here. Every song is just unbelievably good. As I said, this is probably my favorite funk album ever. And, honestly, I can't even really tell you why. It all just works. It's symbolic of it's genre while managing to stand completely on it's own. It's energy is undeniable. It's grooves are generational. There's A Riot Goin' On is just plain genius.
Before my local pub shut down when its lease expired, it had open decks nights where amateur DJs would bring their record collections along and play them in one hour slots. I heard so much Sly Stone and Funkadelic during those evenings and it was... just fine. Listening to this on headphones today without a few beers inside me, and it's... just fine! Just without beer.
Good album , lost me in the finale tracks, but generally i had fun. 3.5/5
Not my cup of tea.
Nicht meins!
Don't really get the point of this? Feels lazy.
A classic album I’ve been told. Based on the story behind it and the paranoia and trauma Sly was experiencing? I’d agree. Famously being a response to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin On?”, this album has a sarcastic sound to it. I can’t help but feel sad but willing to groove to this album. A lot of implied symbolism and truths of society especially from “Running away”, the mindset behind the average American. I love that this album tries to marry the listener to actualization and just getting over it. I will keep this in my library.
So nice we spin it twice. Easy 5
Gear: Abyss DIANA MR Artwork: ⭐🇺🇸🚩 Production: 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🫶🧠🫀 Rating: 💣💣💣💣(💣)/5
Album 77 Top 3 favorites off the album: Family Affair, Spaced Cowboy, Runnin' Away Good people, I have returned! I can't guarantee I will be as good about listening as I was before, but I will try. It's been a while, so bear with me. The change in vocal and guitar quality towards the end of Just Like a Baby was a nice break from what was becoming a repetitive, albeit not unpleasant, listen. The added roughness was nice. I really started getting into it around Poet and Family Affair. I enjoyed the instrumental break in the middle of Africa Talks to You; the layering was interesting. I got a little lost in it for a minute. A lot to pick apart there sound-wise. Spaced Cowboy had just enough harmonica. Perhaps I need to go back and hate on Bob Dylan's amount of harmonica just a little more... the jury's still out on that one. Overall, the groove is excellent (duh). I had a hard time picking my top three this time around. I spent a lot of time rearranging my ranking. Right up until posting this, actually. That came as a surprise because... ...the beginning of my original review for this was something to the effect of, "it's good as background music." Coming back with fresh ears has made this a lot more fun. Each song has a unique character that I appreciate more than I did a few months ago. I'm glad I took a break. I would give this album an extra half star if I could. Life updates prompting my return: I have gotten into grad school with a job that covers tuition and pays a small stipend, and I'm hoping to have housing figured out in the next week or so (otherwise, it's the cardboard box deluxe suite I'm afraid). Unfortunately, this now means I have Senioritis: Working Adult Edition where I have two more months of work before I move.
A murky, dirty funk record that bears little resemblance to the band's prior effort. This was famously subject to extensive overdubs to the point where the quality declined in some places, producing a sometimes muddy sound. But that dense sound fits the themes of the album: the optimism from Stand has been replaced by pessimism and fear. The songs here blur together, and the vocals sink into the mix, but it's still a compelling listen because of how interesting all these sounds are together. And of course the funk is deep and satisfying. "Family Affair" is a masterpiece and "Runnin Away" is a brief cheerful-sounding moment as long as you ignore the lyrics. Sometimes this becomes a bit too much of a slog, but overall it's an album that hits deep musically and thematically.
No przyjemne to. Ale znowu - przyjemne i nic więcej. Lekkie, wesołe, unosi nad ziemię, łagodzi troski, ale tylko na chwilę. Wiem, że ta muzyka ma głębie, rozumiem to, ale do mnie ona nie dociera. 6.5/10 równane w dół.
3 - decent and funky but felt lacking
Kind of a long ambling album, but in a jam-band way. I like funk generally. This was good to listen to while driving through the Mojave desert
I was going in expecting to like it more than I did. Not sure why but the mix and the tempo seemed "off" somehow, even on the songs I know. I must have heard a different remix which I liked better than was on this album. Just OK
Honestly liked it more than I thought I would. I'm not really into funk, and kind of ambivalent towards the songs I already know by Sly & The Family Stone, but not only does the band transcend funk, blending with R&B, soul (AND COUNTRY), as well as 'classic rock', culminating in something a bit more fun and fancy free than I was expecting. There's A Riot Goin' On is definitely a relaxed sunny day album. Good vibes all round, however I don't know how often I would return to it. Highlights: "Spaced Cowboy"
Good background listen but not a ton stood out.
Howlin Wolf once said, “if you can’t feel the blues you must have a hole in your soul.“ If that’s true, what does it mean if you can’t feel the funk?
Sly was there for me today when I needed him. Great slow funk.
Epitome of 70s funk with a message. All time great and culturally important record.
Funky, but fails to hold my attention. Whilst that may be more a reflection of my terrible attention span, nothing in this album really jumped out at me. Always do like funky vibes though.
Some of the loud noises are HARSH. That costs them a point. Otherwise a good album. Spaced Cowboy was quite silly.
I thought I would like this album much more, mainly because I had very high expectations judging what I had previously listened of this band but... Of course, this album is not bad, not at all. I've loved listening to it, it has many great songs, some are also pretty funny or enjoyable. And the psychedelic touch is so so nice. So, what is wrong here? Maybe that I didn't enjoy it much. And I think it's great, but some songs didn't trap me the way I thought they would, maybe because of their repetitiveness. So, it's a strong record, but not flawless.
So funky and with an edge. Sly continues to impress.
Funky!
Amazing album loved it had heard by songs. All makes sense it very ahead of its time the last hurray of funk evolving towards rap
Like this. More mellow than I expected.
Por fin un álbum psicodélico que no solo logré terminar, sino también que no odié tener que escucharlo en el proceso. ↑: Luv N' Haight; Just Like a Baby; Time; Thank You for Talkin' to Me, Africa ↓: Spaced Cowboy, Runnin' Away
hay canciones que me gustan mucho más que otras, igual está piola el álbum en general.
This was generally boring. More than I expected. One big hit.
Seriously cool. There is a lot more cool stuff in this middle ground of funk and classic rock than I first realised. Love this rough dirty fuzz guitar sound. There is something effortless and basic rock to the songwriting along side something flashy and funky.
Definitely one of the best funk albums I've ever heard. It has some moments in the instrumentation that really appeal to my ears as well as being very catchy at times. Has everything you would want it funk like great bass and grooves. Very consistent album, having really only good songs besides Time
Didn’t like this one very much unfortunately
Loved this. Sly & the Family Stone are one of my favourite new-to-me discoveries if this project.
I like this album but maybe not as much as I expected to. It's good solid funk and soul but it just kind of lacks something. I do appreciate that it is a little darker and more serious but it kind of lost something else, I can't really explain what. It's got some nice grooves and the lyrics are great and the musicianship is top notch. It just seems like there's something missing, although there is some...yodeling. What the hell? 3.5/5 and rounding down because it lacks whatever it is that would make it rate higher.
What an important album. The disillusionment is really resonating with me right now…
Too funky for me. ★★★
Funky fun
I first listened to this for the first time as a teenager and it bothered me - it felt like it was perpetually on the verge of collapsing under its own weight. Listening again, I can really appreciate the huge amount of influence it’s had, but I have to be honest - there’s a lot of self indulgent jamming here and a fair few tracks that sound like under developed demos.
One that washed over me.
I think this is a pioneering, if middling record
This feels like the foundational funk album. I know Sly Stone had a couple older albums that were also good, but this has the perfect mix of groove, social commentary, and instrumentation that every funk or R&B album is referencing. Pretty much everything here is great. Just Like a Baby, (You Caught Me) Smilin', Spaced Cowboy (what a weird one), and of course Runnin' Away were some of my favorites here.
Really funky! Love the bass lines and the brass parts
There’s A Riot Goin’ On got some decent seventies funk goin’ on. Well known songs are Family Affair and Thank You for Talkin’ to Me (which aren’t that good.) Best song is Africa Talks To You followed by the two instrumentals at the end of the Expanded Edition. List worthy album, like Sly and his Family Stone more after the listen. (
I prefer a slyer Sly and more gemstones from the family. There's a Riot Goin' On may be influential and daring for the time it was released but did not bring the impact intended when listening today. I get that any album may lose that as it ages, obviously times change. For me, Africa didn't say much. Some long songs with not a lot of content. Darker, drugged induced Sly ain't for me. I like the earlier, fun stuff. This record is getting a low 1.55 stars this go around.
Not sure what the hubbub is about Sly & The Family Stone. I always hear about them as a flagship soul/funk band. If this is some of the best they have to offer I don't feel like I've been missing out really. There's A Riot Goin' On is some pretty basic soul/funk jams with limited vocals and variation as far as I could tell. Maybe it works if you are chilling in the living room on a quiet weeknight with nothing else to do I guess. Family Affair was probably the best song but even that was pretty forgettable as soon as I got through it. I imagine this is credited with paving the way and influencing future acts but it did little to convince me to come back to Sly well at all. Maybe I'm missing something here but this was mostly a miss for me dog. 1.84 stars
Sly and the Family Stone's "There's a Riot Goin' On" is one of the most powerful unintentional anti-drug statements in music history. Sly Stone's drug use ruined the band and this album.
Very funky and vibrant. Luv N' Haight was my favorite. I'm thinking a 5.3/10, good but not a lot stood out to me.
Background music
It's a family affair
Classic soul , great album and has some tunes
Didn't change my mind about funk. 2 stars
Funky, soul goodness with a lot of heart and soul. Sad to read about his relationships with drugs though (and the hijacking of talents that caused). Quite the change of pace for ‘Just like a baby’ and loses some of the energy the album started with. And into the third song too (and so on). Maybe it’s a demonstration of the zapping of energy and heart that can happen with drugs. First track got me excited for what to come but then drops of a bit in many ways, kind of just randomly moseying, although still groooooooovy and enjoyable (3.5)
Incredible background- no bangers
Music for making out at a block party.
Faded into the background
Two 5s in a row! My favorite of the Sly albums, which is a crowded field.
Boring
Nothing standing out to me so far. Feels all very on one level. I don't really enjoy the production very much.
Bueno
Just because someone's insane doesn't mean they aren't a genius. This is a perfect example of that.
Good
I quite enjoyed it. A lot of great funky moments
Nice jams. Some classic tunes, but a lot of it is unfocused. A 3.
Pretty cool i like
Not bad enjoy the funk. Some pretty dark lyrics.
There were a few good jams on this, Luv n' Haight, Family Affair, and Thank You for Talkin' to Me Africa. But beyond that, I found the album kinda dragged at times. Keep in mind this is from 1971, it's 3.5 stars for me.
Thank you is great.
Not sure on this one tbh. I can respect it, but it sounds pretty dated now with all the wacka wacka guitar. Not really enjoying it. 2
Funky, but insufficiently purposeful.
Funky, but I listened to this for 45 minutes in a traffic jam and when I arrived at work I couldn't remember a single second of it.
Good, some nice tracks but not the same cohesion as other albums
This one started out hot but cooled down pretty quick. Some of the songs just felt like they dragged on too long, and the album kind of felt the same way too.
It was alright. Nothing that great or bad about it.
not quite as fun as the album title led on.
ay, pues no es mi género musical
Not a vibe
Great band.
3 sterne
It was ok. Good soul music.
Better than I expected but it’s not my taste, to be honest.
This album is so fucking good. I have always loved Sly & The Family Stone. They made such honest and approachable music. If you don’t love this then I feel bad for you. So much better than The Black Album.
Preferred this to Stand!
Man I do love this shit.
Good funk album. Highlights: Family Affair, Poet and Thank You For Talkin’ To Me, Africa. 3.6
Har sine høydepunkter, men jevnt over ganske mid. Bra bassing
It was good, but I didn’t like it as much as I expected to.
Good but not my type of music
I see Sly and I give a 5.
First album from Sly. I liked it but didn’t love it. Interested in hearing more.
It was OK. Not as hooky as other Sly stuff but a good listen overall.
just faded to the edge of my hearing, background noise very uninteresting.
Took 2 attempts to listen to this, and neither time did I pay attention. It quickly became background music. It does mean that equally there's nothing bad nor good about it. Solid meh.
This darker funk from S&TFS still grooves even if it sounds a bit wearier than their earlier releases. Maybe a sign of the times but still a great early 70's release that lures you in.
Like a last dispeptic burp from.the rich food of the 60's. Anyone going into this expecting another "Dance to the Music" are in for a shock. By this point Sly Stone was drugged and angry. The promise of Woodstock had given way to Watergate and the Race Riots of the early 70s. The personal and political darkness combined to make this an album of unparalleled cynicism and rage. Long sinuous funk workouts move slowly while half heard vocals say things like "They say time is the answer, but I don't believe it" or "The deeper in debt the harder you bet" through a production of such murkiness that nothing would rival it until "Exile on Main St" or Bowie's "Watch that Man". It's hard to say it's an enjoyable album, but did set the scene for the sort of angry, political black music that led to Grand Master Flash and Public Enemy.
This is the pinnacle of funk and soul music. Never heard this album or much of this group before but I was drawn in instantly and wanted to hear every note. Just so may rich soul sounds and takes you on a full experience from beginning to end. Top Songs: Just Like a Baby, Family Affair, Spaced Cowboy, Running Away
Pass the funk. The album highlight is ‘Family Affair’, and I’m not sure if I add a star or take one away for the yodeling on Space Cowboy.
some decent funky vibes
Very funky. I'm most familiar with their album "stand," where a lot of the songs are structured like radio singles with a strong vocal melody. This album had a lot more funk jams and some longer tracks, so I was glad to hear a side of Sly that I was less familiar with. The song "Just Like a Baby" has the same time signature and groove as Childish Gambino's "Baby Boy" from his funk-fusion album, and they feature the same clavichord tone, what is enough similarity to make me think it's not a coincidence and that Childish Gambinos song was directly inspired or may be an homage. Anyway, very funky album. 8/10
Gonna have to choose between 4 and 5, here (wish I could give it a 4.5). 4 feels too low, but 5 feels slightly dishonest since (if I'm honest) I prefer (and have always listened more often to) the other albums we had when I was growing up, "Life" and (especially) "Greatest Hits." But, still, c'mon: this is Sly; I gotta give 5 stars (4 stars definitely feels too low)! Maybe this will help me remember to continue listening to this album (and also to read Sly's biography, which I have but haven't yet read).
You can't say there's not a lot goin on here. I wasn't really feeling it over the first half; I thought it was too messy, abrasive. But the second half won me over. I love the incorporation of drum machines, the yodeling on Spaced Cowboy (genius) and killer bass lines. Oh to have been alive during the explosion of creativity in the early '70s. I know there was a lot of pain, and we are all lucky that cats like Sly could transfigure it as funk.
This album was groovy, baby. The sort of album that would be playing in the background after some told you to come in a take a load off. I say this because this album is all about the mood, the vibes if you will. I’m pretty sure that nobody had done funk in a more subtle and soulful way before this. Once I settled into it, I quite enjoyed listening to this album. It was a dreamlike journey. Nothing like the psychedelic funk that brought Sly to fame and certainly not as fun, but an enjoyable listen in part because it is different. I can certainly see how not everyone can vibe with this record, but it is considered a masterpiece and is therefore an album that everyone should hear at least once before they die.
Enjoyed it
It was good - I like gunk in general. I was surprised I didn't know more of the songs.
An absolute classic funk record. I've always been a big fan of this one, it's got a bit of everything you need.
Man, that sounds cool
Funky and groovy. They lost me a bit at the yodelling part, but still a very good album.
Nothing here I want to hear again.
Sly (RIP) and The Family Stone ushered in the rise of funk going into the 70s. However, as the 60s were a time of the civil rights movement and a fired up political consciousness, by the time of this album, there was a growing sense of burn out, a frustration and sadness of whether anything has actually changed, which also coincided with the popularity but later cringeyness of blaxploitation films (some of which have amazing funk soundtracks). I love this album because it's excellent and dance-able funk, but it's also kind of sad funk crying for help. This album is saying that there's still a riot goin' on - and calls for a mirror to ourselves - our political strife and injustices are a "family affair" - who are we as a nation, as a family of different types of peoples and interests? History is cyclical, and the cynicism in this album (so different from the joyous and optimistic "Everyday People") feels like today's frustrations, which makes "Caught Me Smilin'" a very sarcastic track. My favorite Sly track is "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)", which was released a bit before this album as a sort of single, but they remixed it into the last track here, "Thank You for Talkin' to Me, Africa." I can listen to this baseline forever, and the lyrics also showcase the dark sarcasm of how the band's previous calls for unity and optimism probably didn't matter at all. But, the chorus is generally a beautiful sentiment - thank you for letting me myself again.
This was sort of a slog for me, probably because I spent yesterday listening to A Day To Remember and Rosalía (i'm a true vaas now), so lo-fi funk was just not engaging enough for me to really enjoy it. A relisten in the right mood would likely bump this to a 3, driven by songs like Family Affair and Runnin' Away. But today, this is a 2.
There's a Riot Goin' On and not all protest music needs to sound happy. Living today in early February 2020, I get it and this thing hits in a way that I wished it wouldn't.
Jamiroquai inspo? Hört sich gut an aber nicht spannend. 2 würd ich sagen
Los inicios del punk my friend. Larry graham at its finest.
Solid all around
Nice funk music. I don't have much of a frame of reference for this kind of music but it was enjoyable to the layman.
chill lo-fi funk. nothing super crazy good for me
Runnin' Away er kanskje tidenes feteste låt.
This album just didnt click with me at all. I was bored almost the entire time. I love 70s funk but this just wasn't it for me.
groovy
Nothing, and I mean nothing can top the tone of a precision bass with flat wound strings.
It's a little meh, to be honest. It started great, but then it turned into music close to elevator background music, which is a shame, because I've heard great albums by them. 3/5
Rating: 8.5/10 So damn funky.
I enjoyed listening. Glad I did before I die. It is nice to have on in the background. Groovy and funky, but I feel like it kind of misses something and has a few moments that really do work best as background music.
From the concert and album title I was expecting punk rock, instead I got the chillest of funk. This all sounds like backing tracks that would feature in a montage in a blaxploitation film where a detective goes into a bunch of stores and asks if they've seen a car or a girl or something. It's not bad, but it does feel like listening to muzak.
Funk, but this one kinda fell flat for me. Not much to it.
There wasn’t much I liked about this album. It was dated and two repetitive and just not enjoyable.
No es mi estilo
Fun album
Love the mixing on this, where everything sits, where elements are placed. There's a closeness, a very personal feel to the mix and the vibe overall. But funky as hell too, like deep funk, getting into it in interesting ways. Amazed by the groove that's able to be extracted from the use of a primitive drum machine on this album. It's a different album, feeling like a download of Sly's mind and funky soul laid down direct to tape. It's really, really good.
I started enjoying this more when I thought of it as a kind of odyssey through Sly's mind, and in the expanded edition, there's a lot of fly-on-the-wall recordings. Not everything has the coherence I usually want from a song, but it definitely created a sonic world I enjoyed exploring.
Lived with this one for a long, long time. Dark and seductive, teeming with anger, apathy, and nihilism. Sly's disillusionment with society and his full joyful embrace of drugs make for strange bedfellows, but the music is undeniably incredible, wild, and free. Sadly, it's feeling more and more like the soundtrack we deserve to Stand!'s soundtrack we need.
취향ㅇ아냐
Funky. Sampled to death. Liked this so much more than I expected to.
Generously giving this a 3 even though it sounds like it was recorded on a tin can and is super boring. Would be fine as background music at a party where everyone is high.
2.5
Groovy but lacks the momentum of other Sly songs like Renegade.
this is good stuff. nice
8/10 Coming off the back of previous album, Stand!, this is very much the darker compatriot to that more uplifting, optimistic record. It maintains the intrinsic groove and rhythmic flow of the previous record, but tones down the vibe to a gritty, dirty and dense one that somewhat reflects Sly’s apathy and issues with drug abuse. It’s a more introspective and dense record, for sure, and it presents a dimmer view of the America of the time. The grooves and rhythms are rock solid across the album, with so much of the feel of the music being brought out by the layered instrumental parts that it feels like the groove is almost constantly shifting and moving, but never straying away from the central pulse of the songwriting. When all of that comes together, there’s nothing better than getting lost in the work, the gritty, fluctuating pulse that anchors you while the players weave subtle magic from their instruments. There are even moments where a little bit of brightness pokes through to give you something to cling onto as things progress. Unfortunately, there are times when things get a little unfocused and dragged out, with moments where it feels like Sly is becoming a little self-indulgent of his malaise and allowing the music to drift just a little too much. While I do really appreciate the work here, I do feel like it could have done with being trimmed down and refined just a little bit, and my personal preferences leans towards his more optimistic work, but there is still a great deal to love about this record. Luv N' Haight - The guitar and drums are so good here. The groove moves around in a really organic flow and the track itself shifts through a range of different sections with a constantly shifting feel. It’s in parts dirty funk, in parts soulful pop, but whatever’s going on it has something to capture your ear and keep you moving and engaged. Just Like A Baby - The lazy swing to this groove is a really satisfying listen. It’s smooth and swaggering but there’s a bit of grit in there that gives it an interesting edge too. It potentially drags the groove on for a little too long, but there are moments when a little bit of instrumental flair pokes up and gives things a shift to keep things moving. Poet - Another with a slow, shuffling groove. The rolling rhythm created by the layering of the instruments is so funky. There’s a decent amount of range in the feel of the playing despite the core being fairly unchanging, but it lets you soak into the groove, which is no bad thing. Family Affair - This follows a more traditional verse/chorus structure, but doesn’t lose the slow groove. It’s so well written and full of feel and the ever shifting instrumental parts create a gorgeous bed under the compelling vocal lines. Such a quality track and it’s a shame it’s so short, really. Africa Talks To You "The Asphalt Jungle" - The interplay between guitars and bass here is spectacular without being ostentatious. The layered gang vocals add a really hooky feel to it, but they also give the super funky instrumental time to breathe. It’s another slow groove, but boy does that groove move shift and shuffle its way around, all while staying unbelievably in pocket. This does go on for quite a long time, but I barely noticed because it was all so locked in and I just let myself soak in it and went along for the ride. Such great playing. There's A Riot Goin' On - A moment of silence. Brave & Strong - We drift again into something a bit more typically song structured. It doesn’t quite manage to deliver the same quality of hook in the vocals as Family Affair, but the bubbling, fluctuating groove of the instrumentation is still solid. It perhaps feels like it loses its focus a little more than some other tracks on the album though. (You Caught Me) Smilin' - This is so smooth and cool, but Sly rarely leaves out that little dirty, gritty edge to his production. Some of the staccato guitar work on this track is so good. It’s another that shifts and evolves, but never loses the thread of its groove, and when you get lost in that groove it’s so good. Time - A subtle slow jam of a track. There's some really good dynamic range across this as it ticks along and then bursts towards you now and again. It’s a pretty restrained effort in terms of evolution and variation though. Spaced Cowboy - The groove that this opens with is fantastic. In fact, the whole instrumentation is pretty damn good. Unfortunately, the country yodelling vocal doesn’t really jive with me all that well. It’s just a strange juxtaposition of feel that at jars a little too much for my tastes. It’s a shame really, because the rest of the track, even the harmonica, which does lean in that country direction, does actually work really well. Runnin' Away - This has a little bit more pace to it than some of the earlier tracks and is a super satisfying, hooky funk number with a pop music sensibility. The horn lines are so engaging in particular, and the instrumental in general feels tight and focused, but without losing that quality to the groove and feel. Lovely stuff. Thank You For Talking To Me Africa - Quite a significant call back to their last album, Stand!, this gathers up a lot of the shuffling, shifting groove from the rest of the album and builds what is essentially a rework of ‘Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)’ into the style of this album. It's laid back, groovy and the instrumental work is so strong and in pocket. As with the best parts of this album, it’s one to sink into and just roll with the rhythms. And what great, body moving rhythms they are. What a closer.
Perfect
0/10 СОСАТБ ОМЕРИКА!!! Ладно, шучу. 5/10
Felt like it might improve with repeated listening, only just scraped a 2 to be honest.
I'm sure it's an important album with depth but it's not enjoyable. 2.5/5. Raising to a 3.
Feel like it's an album I know through being around it rather than consciously listening to it. Good album, would revisit.
I really enjoyed this, the silent title track being a particular slice of genius. Tom. A good way to stay the day, I’m feeling suitably chilled. Great album. Charlotte
I really like this genre but it's quite a forgetful, long album where the songs all merge into one
Easy listening background
Delectably funky and a little dark (or a lot dark, depending on how one measures such a thing). They don't really make funk like this anymore. "Spaced Cowboy" was an interesting detour too.
Aika kokeellista funkkia. Kappaleet tuntui tosi sekavilta, eikä sillein kauhean miellyttäviltä. Levyn erikoisuus 0 sekuntia kestävä hiljainen kappale. Parhaat: Thank You for Talkin' Me Africa
Maybe the album best suited for this list. The sound of a groundbreaking band at top form making an abrupt 180 into completely uncharted territory. It’s a joyfully unrepentant tour of an emotional breakdown of both a nation and the individual dealing within it.
Sonntagsblues
Less interested in this one than stand. Its still good and soulful funky fun but the songs just aren't as engaging. Family affair is the standout for me. The rest are alright but not that crazy. Worthy listen at the end of the day but its just too subtle for me. I need it to be more in my face to get much outta it.
First Sly & The Family Stone album I ever bought and my introduction to them back in high school. Much mellower than their previous albums. Like it for nostalgia reasons but prefer their stuff earlier than this. Also remember it had a different album cover.
This was alright
kind of unusual but otherwise decent album, had some good vibes. Not much to say
funky, groovy, things of that nature. i immediately loved the first track and i think that one’s still my favorite; this is one that would merit repeated listening
Family Affair. i like this one. Spaced Cowboy. Weird, yodeling, harmonica, my fav. Thank you for letttin me by myself.
Nice, easy, groovy
Whenever I hear STFS, I always wonder where the elevated reputation comes from. Dull and poor production.
I can appreciate that there is probably something great here I just really did not hear or feel it. It was rough to get through this one.
Fun time!
This surprised me. I enjoyed it quite a lot. I'd heard Sly's radio "hits," but never an album. So much good stuff that wasn't popular.
Lite lattjo är det med Sly. Det är dock inte svinbra. Det är bara sådär. Inte de bästa låtarna på denna skiva heller. Godkänt.
Kändes lite mer experimentellt och skruvat jämfört med Stand!, men hamnar ändå i ungefär samma slutsats som efter den: det är trevlig och bitvis lite kul lyssning, det är svårt att tycka illa om funk generellt, men det saknas ändå något för att komma upp i ett höga betyg. Family affair är bra, men i övrigt är det inget som riktigt sticker ut. Stabil trea även här med andra ord.
Loved it! Very chill.
I listened to this at the end of a long day so I probably need to revisit but I’m generally a fan of funk and this certainly has its moments, however, it maybe didn’t appeal as much as other funk on first try
The instrumental performances and the production are great, but the album felt like a series of disjointed funk jam sessions interrupted by silences, rather than series well structured song arrangements building into a singular album. While I liked the vocal harmonies, I felt they the lyrics were being more cryptic than clever. "Family Affair" was the only redeeming song for me even if it was a bit too lyrically repetitive.
nice grooves on this soul classic stands the test of time as well
We lost Sly Stone in 2025 and I’m still sad about it. Not that he was particularly active at the end but he represented a time of rebelliousness and black joy that changed the world and impacted the development of funk music significantly. This album as well as Stand before it represent funk perfection.
So good.
3.55
Ik vind een funk album toch vaak ook heel lastig om te reviewen. Laat ik voorop stellen dat ik het gewoon heel tof vind dat dit een soort funk protest album is, met een soort respons op What's Going on van Marvin Gaye als titel. Dat alleen al, met ook de titels van nummers als Africa Talks to you en There's a Riot going on, duidt op politieke betrokkenheid en om dat dan te doen over een ontzettend funky beat. Ja ik, waardeer dat wel. Dat was het positieve, want eerlijk? Het klinkt wel heel erg vaak allemaal hetzelfde hoor. Ja ik snap dat er een hoop nadruk moet liggen op de instrumentals, maar als ik daar continue en soms voor 10 minuten lang hetzelfde funky gitaarspel onder hoor, dan leidt dat nogal af en niet op de goede manier. Ik irriteer me niet al te erg aan de muziek verder, ik bedoel hoe kan dat ook met een jodelende Sly op Spaced Cowboy, maar ik had hier gewoon iets meer van verwacht denk ik. Een Funk protest album, daar ga je nou echt even goed voor zitten en dan is het gewoon jammer als het gewoon een prima album is maar niet heel veel meer dan dat. Misschien is dat wel onderdeel van het protest en heb ik hier net te veel vinkjes voor, dat zou natuurlijk kunnen... FAVO: Family Affair, Spaced Cowboy
I dunno I don't have much to say about this. However I will say that Sly Stone was some kind of underrated genius. This album is a good example.
Funky, but I start to drift after a while. Nah fuck that this rocks
Solid Sly album
Did not appreciate this sound very much.
gwoovy
easy to listen to.
Verses are way too long for my liking. Not even my taste.
Kan like mye i denne sjangeren og plata hadde absolutt noen bra låter. Men jevnt over helt middels
Hørt på i stua sammen med mamma 04/01/26. Perfekt søndagsplate for en helt rolig ettermiddag, legges i rotasjonen for morgenkaffe-lytting.
Grei hangoutmusikk, men kan ikke si at synginga til Sly (slynginga?) falt i smak.
Very funky Makes you wanna get up and bust a mf move!
Tolerable
WTF! Where's the riot? Weed music.
Suitable for reading, working, drinking wine and chatting. *3.5
81/1001 First listen. Not my vibe. 3/10
I feel like I liked this but not for the right reasons? Loved the grooves. Felt like it was too instrumental to be the revolutionary lyrical powerhouse I was expecting? Maybe I downloaded the wrong release?