Reviews (page 7 of 9)
Family Affair is a song Dad sang quite often. Glad to see it end up on this list, the album however did not get me as excited as that one particular song. I think we have gotten a Sly album before but while I enjoyed having this on in the background, nothing really jumped out at me.
Our second from Sly, and it's another throwback to the early days of the list, as Stand was in our first five. My impression was that this was the more famous or impactful album, as this is the one I'd heard of prior, but it's not hitting as hard as Stand did. Still, some great tracks, and it's amazing how much Gambino's Awaken, My Love! sounds like Sly reincarnated, that becomes more evident with each album I hear. Favorite tracks: Luv N' Haight, Family Affair, Africa Talks to You, Runnin' Away. Album art: A flag, at first glance seemingly an American flag, but these stars are different. Apparently a custom flag made for the album, not sure what is meant by the change from stars to suns (reminder that all stars are suns, and "sun" is effectively a pet name for our star based on proximity). 4/5
Boring.
Didn’t love. Wish I enjoyed the album more.
Yikes
Good funk/psychedelic soul album. Includes the hit, "Family Affair." Sound quality is notably bad.
A great album that makes a lot of all the musical talents involved in this. It also shows greatly how rocky funk & soul can be. I still prefer some Curits Mayfield and others of the said genres.
So much better than my image of what this group was. I was wrong.
Not for me
du funk, sans le funk... pretty dull 5/10
0:00.
3.7/5 Best track: (You Caught Me) Smilin'
Such brilliance. Man (and the band) are a cultural touchstone and a musical force. 5 stars.
No feelings either way. Nothing really stood out, nor was anything particularly bad. 3/5
i love Sly and his Sister favorite song Everyday people
Not something I'd typically listen to, but great grooves and love the song that has country influence added
Very chill and funky album. I enjoyed this quite a bit, but only as background music, as it doesn’t feel like it has enough oomph for me to go out of my way and listen to it. 3.5/5
Some great funk-infused blues-pop-rock explorations here. I suppose we could name other genres, too. A real mash-up and very well done. Lyrics are reflective of many of the tensions going on culturally at the time. Musicians who perform on this album are super. Gets a little psychedelic for my own tastes, but it really does make sense for the time.
Psychedelic funk. Rollo.
Seemed ok, but not the best funk album I've ever heard. More introspective than groovy.
Fav song: family affair
Plutôt ennuyeux. "Family affair" à la limite. Je n'ai pas trop supporté le yodel de "Spaced Cowboy", ou certains morceaux interminables "Africa talks to you" c'est 8 minutes 45 secondes, et tu regardes ta montre au bout de 2 minutes !!! A partir de 4 minutes on sent limite un malentendu entre les musiciens qui ne savent plus trop pourquoi ils continuent. Il aurait suffit qu'un dise stop. C'est funky groovy, je ne dois pas être funky groovy
Sagde mig Intet. Føltes som nogle meget monotont funk.
Groovy. Me like groovy. It doesn't fully get there for me, but it's honest work. Good listen.
Not great. I like a lot of other similar stuff but for some reason just didn't really get into this album.
Nah
man this record is so dense and spooky it would be a solid 5 but sometimes it feels like a bad trip
As of today, Thanksgiving 2023, I’ve completed 500 records in this project. Accordingly, a short listing of records I’ve reviewed from the list thus far that I am especially thankful for: The Avalanches - Since I Left You Milton Nascimeto & Lo Borges - Clube Da Esquina Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - Winter in America Brian Eno - Another Green World Neil Young - On the Beach MC5 - Kick Out the Jams Parliament - Mothership Connection Belle & Sebastian - Tigermilk David Bowie - Station to Station Air - The Virgin Suicides Sonic Youth - Dirty Funkadelic - Maggot Brain As for this record, you can add it right to that list. There’s a Riot Goin’ On is a stone cold classic, start to finish: a document of the dream of the 60’s as it crashes and burns in the early 70’s - a comedown in the literal and metaphorical sense. It’s dense and dark and druggy, funky but downtrodden with an experimental, home recorded/DIY feel. “Riot” should be considered among the greatest albums of all time.
Such a fun and eclectic mix of sounds and influences. Really ended up loving so many of these songs. Favorites - Luv n Haight, Family Affair, Brave and Strong, Smilin, Spaced Cowboy. Will definitely be coming back to this one.
Ah, it was alright
Banalotto
Very confused sound
Hlasy krásne, inštrumentalizácia príšerná...
Good stuff, oldies but goodies.
I LOVE this, so smooth and just like... a good time
Great funk guitar to open the album… and it gets better from there! I didn’t recognize any songs, but a definite realist en! High 3
Real good listen, full of funk and soul. Perfect for some background music while I get homework done. Favorite tracks: Family affair Just like a baby
Super bien. Autant j'avais pas aimé le précédent album proposé de Sly & the family Stone, autant celui-ci passe impec. Excellent funk, j'ai beaucoup aimé Family Affair.
This album is cool. Groovy, but sad, when I read the lyrics and background of the album. I like the second half more than the first. Favorite(s): Luv N' Haight, Family Affair, You Caught Me Smilin', Time, Runnin' Away, Thank You for Talkin' to Me, Africa
3 stars - some really great tracks
good evening vibe but theres better Sly
Makes me want to smoke all the funk.
Un de mes albums préféré de funk.
Sly is awesome.
Funky skunky clunky, I like it. Would play when people are in my house but not going to reach for it anytime soon tbh.
Funky but not as fun enough for me
Now this is funk. Little dark lyrics but I like the juxtaposition with the bouncy instrumentalism.
Very chill and mellow. Very few lyrics.
Funky. Not really my cup.
Kinda flat, funky but not amazing
Nice
This is groovy! Really digging Family Affair. So cool!
an odd one.
Started off slow but kicked it up towards the end to the point I was sad it was over.
There's a Riot Goin' On is the fifth album by American funk and soul band Sly and the Family Stone. This psychedelic deep funk album contained edgier rhythms and a dense mix of sounds for a more challenging and darker experience than previous albums. This change in themes could be a result of multiple sources including drug use, the civil rights movement at the time, and political turmoil due to war and assassinations. The album was a commercial success on release and has been certified platinum in the US. Critical reviews were mixed at first, but this album is now regarded as an influential work impacting funk, soul, jazz, and hip hop genres. This was not an easy album to listen to. The music is muddied, overdubbed, and has many rifts akin to scatting. In fact, I thought a lot of the tracks sounded too similar, but still good enough overall to pass as a decent funk album. This would be an album to turn on when you want to tune out and let the world pass by with apathy sapping your consciousness. It was an important album at release because one could argue it was the soundtrack for all the things going on - specifically in America. It's a somber number about the death of the 60's. Please give this influential funk album a listen and think for yourself about what Sly & The Family meant by this historic piece of music.
Honestly it was really enjoyable: I love a good old funk album and this served straight up what I needed. It jumped straight into the first song which took me off guard but from start to end the strong bass lines and funky guitar never failed to feed that want of some solid funk music which so far hasn't really been there.
3.5 - Maybe I need a relisten down the line. I feel like I gave it my attention though. I think this was absolutely transformative in its time, however it doesn’t quite stick with me. Good. The first half of the album is what shines. It’s explorative and creative, the soul shines through in places, but the keyboard jams can get a bit repetitive, maybe that’s just the extended version? The female backing vocalist is superb.
This started off great, but I found the aimless noodling a bit distracting after a while. The more focused singles here are highlights. The rest seems a bit 'loose' for my tastes. Good, but not great.
This is a very tired and spaced out recording. You don't say. The songwriting sounds like an afterthought to the vibe that the band are trying to create. It sounds more like a disjointed jamming session. Family Affair is the stand out. It doesn't really fit the mood of the rest of the record. A disappointment.
Perhaps the greatest funk album that there ever was. Starkly political and groovy as all hell. It's a frankly dense album that I feel unequipped to properly articulate how damn good this album is.
Man, I was hoping to like this, but I was bored most of the time. It felt like nothing was happening for a lot of it. The only time my interest would pique was whenever the female vocalist sang. I respect it, but not my thing. My favourite song was Runnin' Away.
Some funky soul brotha stuff! Lets go! How wild would it be to have lived in the 70s during the height of the disco ages lol. Very interesting times. I guess I can say I did live 6months of the 70s lol. Pretty alright. Probably wouldn't seek it out again though. But entertaining nonetheless. 3 stars.
Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: Not really Favourite song: didn’t have one
not my thing
I don’t really know what this is but I don’t like it
nice
WE MAKIN' IT OUT THE RIOT WITH THIS ONE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️❗❗❗❗❗
Interesting, it was an easy and fun listen. Not so memorable though, except for the yodel part.
Groundbreaking, fresh as ever
Funky soul from the masters - pure 1970's nostalgia. Noted for it's title track and their number one single "Family Affair".
# 46 : I hate Punk, and Funk, and Junk, and this album did not change my mind. Influential sure, but not a very good listening record. 1.5 Stars. Family Affair was the best I could find on this.
One of the grittiest sounding albums I've ever heard from an established mainstream act, and while that's why it's taken a bit for me to come around to this album (and I don't think I'm still fully there yet), that's what I love most about it too! favs: Family Affair, Thank You for Talkin' to Me Africa, Time least fav: There's a Riot Goin' On
The end of two years of deeply rooting in himself, his thoughts and his addictions. An answer to Marvin Gaye. A complicated messy album that still resonates today.
It's funk. It's soul. It swings. It's good.
Mega funk!
3,5
A messy murky brand of funk. Hard to decipher and hard to listen to at points, overall it highlights a dark time in American history that also corresponded with a dark time in Sly’s personal life. When it works, and it does quite a bit, it works so well. Side A is excellent, with the classic Family Affair and Luv N Haight and Poet. Second half has some weak spots. Overall a borderline classic for me.
Was really shocked by the yodelling
A little funky for my taste but a great album!
funk de fondo not bad
27th July 2023 Listened during the day while not working from home. Life admin day, car seat etc. Dad desk, fajitas and devil wears prada in the evening. Soulful and funky with some serious political heft behind it as Sly was going through his things.
BEST SONGS: -Just like a Baby -Africa talks to You
I own a couple of Sly Stone's earlier albums and they're pretty good. This is my first time listening to this particular album and i'm completely underwhelmed. It hasn't a patch on the other two. I'm pretty disappointed in this, was expecting more.
pretty good, ikke noe mega wow, men fortsatt god s 3.5
Sweet bass lines
Some tracks were ok others not so much
Funky. Not bad, I just kept waiting for this one to end
definitely gonna revisit
Excellent
a very fun album but I wouldnt usually listen to the genre
Funky, dark and smoove. 4/5.
Good stuff
Good background music for work 4
Good but a little bit too much for me today. Heavy album. Does belong on this list.
Not at all my thing but sure. Good stuff and well made.
Listened Before? No Luv N' Haight is a fuzzed out funk jam. Unsure if the fuzz was a design choice or a resource limitation, but it works great here with the screechy vocals. Just Like a Baby strips everything back for an exposed R&B style groove. Vocal distortion still present; almost certainly a choice given the cleanliness of other aspects in the recording. I'm groovin, though this song takes on a more sinister tone. Reading up on the Wiki page, this album has an interesting history, where Sly and co were being pulled by record execs and Black Panthers. This album sounds like it was largely born out of isolation and extended drug use by Sly Stone. Reading on how everything was mixed and overdubbed, it makes sense that vocals are buried and scratchy for the most part. Doing some repetitive tasks and kind of zoned out, but the intro to Brave & Strong immediately caught my attention from its sampling in Beastie Boys' 3 Minute Rule. I kind of zoned out after that, but I enjoyed all of the sounds that I'm hearing here. This is a soft 4 from my side. Different from the bright and poppy Sly hits that I know in a big way, but still damned enjoyable. 4 / 5 Added to Library? Yes
Great album!!!
I felt bad about dismissing the last couple funks on the list as Weather Channel music, so it was really refreshing to draw this and be reminded that there's good stuff out there that is both unmistakably funk, and able to transcend that association. Still, I'm really itching for "Maggot Brain" to show up on the rotation, because so far no other group has matched how big and bold Funkadelic went with "One Nation Under A Groove"
My third funk album in a row on this list and my favourite of the picks. I lost count of how many songs and sounds on this album I have heard sampled or inspiring other artists. Played on repeat of course
I didn't realize that this was a real band. Had never heard anything by them. Big meh.
Meh!
Sly and The Family Stone have some really good songs but not all of this album hit it for me. Family Affair is solid single, but the slower songs don't really do it for me.
Such good bass and guitar, with boring melody lines. Needs more variety, this album drags because it's just so samey
Super funky, do enjoy the cadence and simplicity but sometimes the simplicity leads the album to be a little too Jammy
Beats are catchy and funky, but I think this album is really hurt by the mixing. Vocals are distant and muddy and it hurts the sound as a whole. If things were crisper would probably be a 4
"It's a family affaaai-iiir... It's a family affa-ai-ir..." Damn. What a moody album. The first time I lstened to it, a few years ago, I didn't know what to make of it. With its drum machines, subdued grooves and quite despondent atmosphere, *There's A Riot Going On* is so different from *Stand*... Yet this LP grew on me after several listens. It has a bold mix of sleaze, tenderness and paranoia that makes it one-of-a-kind, and listening to the end result today is probably as intriguing and fascinating as it was in 1971. 31. This here is not my grade for the album, it's me counting the "suns" on that flag. (what an iconic cover). But hey, you already know how many stars I gave to this thing... Next please. Number of albums left to review: 535 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 224 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 108 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 135
Did not love it. Good grooves, hard to understand the lyrics. Not bad, but not great.
Cool, funky, interesting instrumentation for 1971. Definitely lays some hip-hop groundwork
Good background music while working. Some good funk and soul to start the day.
Funk, funk, and more funk
Love me some psychedelic funk. Sly and the Family Stone rips
Me fait bcp ressembler à Jamiroquai en terme d'acid jazz, funky pop. Un peu style musique d'ascenseur, en moins pire. Par contre, c'est pas tant venu me chercher. U peu oubliable. Mériterait une seconde écoute pour se faire une meilleure idée.
Some pretty chill grooves overall. Nothing I'd listen to again, but an interesting listen regardless
I was unfamiliar with this band. The music was varied and pretty good.
Pretty cool sound but not so strong songs...
I really like this band because it's diverse and captures a 70s sound well while also adding some jazz elements. Overall, it wouldn't be something I'd listen to on my own, but I did enjoy checking out something new. Favorite track: Thank You for Talkin' to Me, Africa
A pretty average album
All for a good jam album, but this one lacks in character and content to sustain its runtime. There’s plenty of funk, it’s just so repetitive that the genre’s presence can’t be appreciated
Not my favourite but can appreciate the talent.
Not Sly enough. Not Stoned enough.
needed more cowboy
I still don‘t like funk
Excellent album! Dark, political lyrics layered on top of some the funkiest beats, with a dash of psychedelic sounds. Really surprised by this one.
This was more funk than I was ready for, but the lyrics were on point and are still poignant today. Dark while feeling light. I like it.
très funky, très bon
Not for me too much funk
Sly Stone captures the darkness, disillusionment and exhaustion of his era and funnels it all into one truly profound work that has aged beautifully. Funky and gritty and warped, with cryptic and cynical lyrics. But the album never loses its soul in the process, delivering a sound that's equal parts thought provoking and entertaining. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Family Affair, Luv N' Haight, Just Like a Baby, Poet, Runnin' Away, Thank You for Talkin' to Me Africa, Africa Talks to You 'The Asphalt Jungle, Brave & Strong, Spaced Cowboy, (You Caught Me) Smilin', Time, There's a Riot Goin' On
My younger self wouldn't have taken the time to listen to this album in it's entirety, but as I get older my musical tastes have expanded and I try to appreciate more musical styles. With that being said, on this record, Sly & The Family Stone have a lot of energy and the funky beats can't be ignored. It's an interesting listen and the songs seem to have a darker edge and not such a "happy go-lucky" sound. A solid album with a lot going on and I'm glad I took the time to listen to.
I was a bit surprised to have enjoyed this album today a bit more than Stand! (which still has my favorite Sly and the Family Stone songs on it). I suppose this one felt more like an album listening experience, and despite some long tracks, I found them compelling rather than boring and I grooved with it.
Not an album or really even sound of Sly & The Family Stone with which I am familiar, so there wasn’t an immediate groove for me on all the tracks…but it felt special nonetheless. I look forward to more listens.
A lot less catchy than I expected but still a great and compelling album.
A little bit of a darker turn for Sly & the Family Stone, but I really liked it and it suited the subject matter.
It's pretty chill. What I expected to hear. Obviously very funky. Funkalicious. Funkadelic. Funktastic. At times it just feels like they're jamming. It's like a funk jam. Liked "Africa talks to you", but it didn't really grab me, but watching the lyrics is fun "Timber Whoah, Timber" etc. I can only assume they were very high when the idea for spaced cowboy was conceived. Did enjoy runnin' away. Wouldn't add it to my collection, but wouldn't object if someone else played it. Don't think I'm funky enough.
I thought this was really great! There was a couple of tracks I really loved ("Time" and "Just Like a Baby"). It really needs to be heard on good stereo speakers.
Dark, edgy, somewhat menacing, even a touch nihilistic. Yet it's brilliant funk that captures the mood of the early 70s which was chaotic and frightening. Sly was on so many drugs and it shows in the production which you can hear a hiss throughout. Yet it actually adds to the mystique and tone of the album. Damn good!
It’s exciting to see an album by Sly & the Family Stone! I previously heard Stand! and thought this was a pretty great album, although it was the first I’d heard of them. Today should be a fun day if this is as good as Stand! so let’s listen! Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Family Affair I’ll be honest, I was expecting more from this album. It didn’t seem to have quite the same level of energy as Stand! and, at least to my ears, seemed a little more halfhearted. Family Affair stood out to me with that ear worm of a hook, but not much else was really notable here. That’s not to say it was bad, but it was really that good either. It sad to say, but then was a very middle-of-the-road album for me. I wanted more energy! More reason to shake the rump!
Hell yeah. Funky, psychedelic and DARK. What a mix. The lack of joy on this album in contrast to their earlier work makes this a much more compelling listen for me personally. There is yodelling on this album too. Crazy stuff.
just couldn’t get into this and I don’t know why. It’s not bad but it all kinda blended together. best tracks: luv n haight, spaced cowboy, runnin away
Was expecting to like this one but it really fell flat for me.
Fuaaa (LNB)
I love the way this album felt. The musicianship was simultaneously technical and organic. The themes are something I can't feel the way the musicians did. It's a very cohesive album, like an opera with suites.
Great album, funky, full of soul, with deep lyrics. Will definitely listen again Saved tracks: Luv N’ Haight, Just Like A Baby, Family Affair, Thank You For Talkin’ To Me Africa, Do You Know What?
I've never totally enjoyed this Sly and the Family Stone album. It's a little slower and lacks the enjoyable funk element to many of the tracks that I tend to like in their work.
Pretty Funky, doubt I'll ever listen again.
Er, no
Unfortunately not a great funk/soul album in my eyes (ears). This another album where I can appreciate that it was kind of a ground breaking new sound and way of producing, however, I just couldn't get into it at all. Best: Family Affair Worst: Time
Fun. And fine.
Funky, fresh, fun. 3/5
I really love this record. Such a unique and influential sound. The combination of the feel, the textures, the tension, the production is so cool to me. I love Sly’s voice and phrasing and how the grooves feel so organic over the drum machine. Really cool that he did the remake of Thank you ( falettinme be mice elf) was only a year later, with such a different vibe. Sometimes the music doesn’t really go anywhere but to me it feels so good it doesn’t need to and doesn’t want to- I could listen all day.
Sly is cool but there’s so much funk/soul from this era that I like better. It’s got a sloppy garage band sound to it which is kind of cool at times but I do wish it had better production value. I love raw recordings and imperfections but I think you need a higher caliber band to pull it off, it sort of falls flat for me. The writing isn’t really impressive which is fine if you have a great band, but this ain’t it. There are some sly songs that I do really like but this album just wasnt super exciting to me.
This is exceptionally boring to me.
Really enjoyable album, I found that there weren't too many standout moments though.
ok actually me gustó bastante 8/10
Not bad but slow songs and funk don't really go together for me.
Good background music for working
Powerful, soulful, influential and funky, Sly can party, Sly can riot, Sly can make music to move you to dance and Sly can make music to move you to action. Easy five stars. Music like nobody else could make.
It’s fine
This is an excellent album. Groovy, funky, but also dark and political. Extraordinarily talented musicians, fantastic production, good song writing, a powerful message. Literally, what else can you ask for? I listened to this four or five times before moving on, and I'll definitely be coming back to this one.
Impactvol album van R&B band Sly & The Family Stone. Cynische compilatie over de roerige vroege jaren '70 voor zowel de band als Amerika. Ietwat pessimistisch maar kwalitatief erg sterk en klinkt lekker. leukste nummer: Luv N' Haight Album titel(song) is een reactie op Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On?". "There's A Riot Going On" is vier seconden stilte als protest tegen rellen; de band werd beticht er een te hebben gestart met een optreden.
Sometimes the drugs do work …. But not always.
This wasn't for me. Apparently hugely influential but I didn't feel it in the slightest.
Quite a dull riot, really. Started out quite funky, but got very repetitive very quickly and really feels like it's lacking in energy. It's soul without the really good vocals, funk without the oomph, and it goes on too long (both overall and at least half of the individual tracks). 2/5.
The best Sly & TFS album. Probably the best album on this list even.
Classic album of course, and I did enjoy it, but overall, the songs felt a bit directionless. Running Away and Thank You for Talkin' to me, Africa were my favourite tracks by far.
Funky stuff, they know how to lay down a groove. Would be better if they kept a bit more focus, it sometimes feels like the sound track of a drug party that I did not want to be invited to.
a lot of meandering breaks and very few actual songs
Very groovy old school funk album
I mess with this album, hard. First of all, funk is one of my favorite genres and Sly and the Family Stone one of my favorite groups besides. This album is deeply funky in a darker, grittier way than their earlier work. The lyrics are deeply introspective and insightful (sad to say much hasn't changed since then!). This album is very well-crafted and is a great example of a solid studio album, meant to be listened to in one go without distractions. It's an experience, a funky ride through the civil unrest of the time period. It's not party music like their earlier, somewhat poppier music. It's mature, introspective, and meant to be savored. Also, “Thank You for Talking to Me, Africa” is a clever, dark reset of their earlier hit “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)."
I enjoyed this, some recognisable songs, but I was expecting it to be more lively
I can merit a good album but I feel there was some things lacking here. I felt a bit disappointed as I was looking forward to this one.
Previously I’ve only been familiar with the greatest hits. Today I was so slammed with doing other stuff. I listened to this in five minute bursts. And did not appreciate it. I guess I just wasn’t feeling it. But I realised I had to give it another shot and give it the listen it deserved. So, cat on chest, I sat with no distractions and I’m not sure I felt any different. I looked up the lyrics and I found them quite nuanced and in some cases profound. The silence of the ‘riot’ song was ver clever. I also like a funky beat. So why the two together didn’t move me in any way, I cannot quite say. I know that I hate the yodelling song. And runnin’ away reminded me too much of Brotherhood of Man. (Look up BoM song Angelo - frothy nonsense). It strikes me this may be the kind of album that if I listen to it 10 more times I might feel more kindly towards it. But I don’t have that time. Today it sits squarely in the middle with added brownie points for Family Affair.
I didn't have time for a thorough listen but I really like Larry Graham's bass playing and Sly Stone's voice. "Family Affair" is a favorite. I love the beginning of this album but started losing interest after the title song. Really didn't like "Runnin' Away".
Everything was fine until Spaced Cowboy.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to give the listen it deserved. But I'll say that, in general, I've found Sly & The Family Stone to be heavy on the groove and short on the song. I wasn't feeling that on this record. Everything I heard was really killer, from composition to performance. My gut tells me it's a 4. And I listen to my gut. Time for a sandwich.
I love this album's cozy funk; so cozy it sounds like it was recorded in a closet. Almost every track is a banger, but today I had a delicious laugh at the wonderful ludicrousness of Sly's yodeling on "Spaced Cowboy." I mean, come on. S&TFS, like Kate Bush, Donovan, Prince, Fishbone, Outkast, Wu-Tang, MF DOOM, Sun Ra, etc., don't just make great music. They have a fully developed world with its own rules, ethos, and mythology. Listening to their albums is like visiting another planet. S&TFS were hugely popular and influential, so it's hard to say they are in any sense underrated, but still, I'm going there. If you dig this one, their follow-up, Fresh, is similar and perhaps even better. (If nothing else, just check out track number one, which is one of the most beguiling songs I've ever heard.) But don't sleep on the two previous releases, either, Life and Stand, both of which are awesome from beginning to end. I wish Sly could've kept his shit together to give us more, but I'm thankful for what we got.
One of the greatest names for a band.
This album had a couple familiar songs but most of it was an interesting take on soul and funk in the 70s. Maybe not the most popular of sly’s songs on this album but it had a good range of styles/instrumentals/beats. Feel like this album dug a little deeper. Felt like childish gambino would have used styles like this. Overall it’s solid. 6.4/10
Sly & the Family always get me in the groove. This album is slower & darker than their other earlier albums, but sometimes you need this! And so many parts of this has been sampled and covered.
Funky but flat I’ve listened to 3 funk albums on this list so far and none of them have worked for me Fully prepared to accept this is an issue with me rather than the entire genre! I’m sure this is good but it didn’t move me at all
Really did not like. To repetitive and not very lyrical
Simply stunning
This reminded me of my issues with the last S&TFS album we had: basically, the rambling funk instrumentals just bored me. At least on 'Stand!' these were mostly offset with some great songs; the songs on here are a step down, for me. I've read the wiki entry to try and discover what it is the critics heard in this album that I don't, and concluded that either the societal context at the time was *very* important to appreciating it, or they all gave a rather generous interpretation of drugged-up, meandering songwriting.
I don't usually like most funk albums, but this was a noteable exception. I really liked Africa Talks to You and Spaced Cowboy.
Really good! Funky and soulful with great lyrics and vocals.
Only one real standout song. Rest of the album is good, but not memorable.
Superb album!
3/5 This was a very funky album! It was groovy but I didn't understand half of the lyrics. The vocals were reduced to "Mmmmm's" and "oh yea's" for me so I don't really remember any song in particular as that helps me keep them separate. It wasn't painful though, so it still gets 3 stars.
Not the best not the worst! Knew one song which suprised me but this played nicely in the background and had some funky grooves. Like a Tesco Value Jimi Hendrix I guess?
This album totally had a “stereophonic recording“ sticker on the front. A long way from my normal listening choices, but actually works for later on a Friday night after a long drive. Such a sparse mix, too. No instrument really gets in the way of the others. Wait. There was yodeling. Clearly some good drugs were being consumed.
Not really my thing but I can see why it appeals to some people
Apparently I streamed "Everyday People" twice in 2016. Random fact of the day. Not my thing.
I feel like I should be watching porn. Talk about a genre of music that hasn't aged well.
Solid, but nothing I was a huge fan of. An enjoyable worthwhile listen.
Pretty cool record with some great songs, albeit they kind of lost their signature sound and went in another direction. Still the murky nature of the songs works out quite well. It was a great response to Gaye's What's Going On! Favorite lyrics: - My only weapon is my pen. And the frame of mind I'm in. - And another child grows up to be Somebody you'd just love to burn - You can't cry 'cause you'll look broke down. But you're cryin' anyway 'cause you're all broke down. Favorite tracks: Luv N' Haight, Just Like A Baby, Family Affair, Runnin' Away. 7,5 out of 10
Yup, I just love funk
Nice it does not need to be longer just perfect
Original and experimental, but repetitive we hell. Whole album was very enjoyable. Hell of a end song too. 3/5
Nice old school funk
It sounds like this album was poured over itself several times to generate the layered, murky funk. You can’t exactly tell what is being said on a lot of the tracks but damn me if they aren’t funky as hell. Family Affair is definitely a stand out, and I love the artifice of doing something like the track There’s A Riot Going On, a zero second silent song whose inclusion only brings speculation on the purpose of its existence. The yodeling on Spaced Cowboy is very funny. Runnin’ Away is very catchy. Thank You for Talkin’ to Me, Africa is a great outro, incredible vibe. PS from late in the day, been listening to this artist all day, killer
Great musicianship across the board, and some fun songs. Not every album has to have a catchy tune, but I think this album would have more staying power (for me) if I could latch onto one song.
An overreliance on studio effects and production techniques drowns out the actual music and vocals, making the sound muddied and unclear. The slower, more experimental tracks drag on too long and make the album feel tedious, which ultimately detracts from the overall impact of the lyrical content.
A very creative and dark album that feels ahead of it's time. You can hear it's influence on more contemporary artists such as Sault and D'Angelo. 4+/5
Really funky and cool sound.
Is okayyy
p223. 1971. 3.5 stars Classy 70s funk, the source of everything Prince went on to become. Close your eyes and you can see the flares and platform shoes. Points deducted for filler.
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Family affair, Smilin
Very funky and enjoyable to listen to. It's so groovy and the bass makes it all sound sort of sexy. Fave track(s): Just Like a Baby
my 16 year old self, discovering this on vinyl after reading about it, as a massive Prince and 60s fan - wow, blown away. Going back at 52 after too many years away, that opening groove - man - sensational. Can do without the odd sesame street vocal singalong moments, but otherwise...
I thought that I would like this more than I did. It was pretty good yet simultaneously a disappointment.
F U N K
3.5
Not a funk fan
couple of good ones
So far, my favorite new exposures from this project have been funk & soul. This one started off well but I didn't find myself staying with it to the end (and through a second listen). I'm not sure what's missing for me. It's good, but I was hoping for more. 1 - bad 2 - average 3 - good 4 - great 5 - outstanding
Trop bon, après avoir eu Stand! dans la dernière semaine que j'avais partiellement aimé, malgré que c'est un très bon album, celui-ci est carrémenet un step above. Je recommande pour le funk, guitare, musicalité etc.5
Not really my genre, but enjoyable.
LP
family affair is excellent but beyond that i really struggled to connect.
Sounds counter intuitive but it lacks a lot of the soul I was expecting. Kind of verging on soundtrack levels. Not necessarily a bad thing, but not what I was looking for.
Funky... 2/5
BASS, also a nice funky album, i loved "Thank You for Talkin' to Me, Africa"
Luv N'Haight- 6 Just Like a Baby- 5 Poet- 5 Family Affair- 7 Africa Talks To You- 7 Brave and Strong- 6.3 (You Caught Me) Smilin'- 6.5 Time- 5 Spaced Cowboy- 4 Runnin' Away- 7.5 Thank You For Talkin' to Me, Africa- 7
I really like this album. On the surface it's a fun, easy going funk album but the lyrics definitely touch on more serious topics. I didn't have enough time to really dig into the lyrical content as much as I'd like because I listened to this one while working but I'll definitely spend some more time listening to it. Love the album artwork of the alternate flag Sly created as well. Standout Tracks: Luv N' Haight, Poet, Family Affair, Africa Talks to You ("The Asphalt Jungle"), Brave & Strong, Spaced Cowboy, Runnin' Away, Thank You for Talkin' to Me Africa
Funk que nonl estoy acostumbrado a escuchar. No estuvo mal
70s funk
Decent, could probably do with another listen
Fantastic album.
Loved this.. Funk for my soul!!!
Without the historical context of this album I don't think I can fully appreciate its lyrical content and so am left to judge it on it's musical content which is good and notable for the pioneering sound of the early seventies. I'm not someone who buys physical music but if I was I think this would be one to add to a collection as the digital format doesn't seem to do it justice.
Hazy woozy soulful mellow funk with lots of jammy instrumentals and wah wah. For lovers of Prince & Happy Mondays. Thought this was interesting - The band was the first major American rock group to have a racially integrated, mixed-gender lineup. Read a quote somewhere that James Brown invented funk but Sly moved it to another level, I’d agree with that. It’s a loose baggy LP with fantastic musicianship, the bass in particular is quite something. Lots of jamming the song structures are loose.
Okay, I’ve always liked “Family Affair.” And I appreciate the base on “Africa Talks to You.” But the vocals on “Spaced Cowboy” are just yodeling. And “Runnin’ Away” sounds like a bad 70s sitcom theme (I dare you to disagree with me). The best track to me is “Just Like a Baby” and I would listen to that again. But overall this is just way too funky for me.
Here's what I'm here to say. This is absolutely some of the tightest playing I've heard on any funk record period. This is the album that should be referenced as what playing in the pocket sounds like. Everything, from the keys, bass, guitars sound like one machine. And most of it was played by one person! Insane. I'm not getting any of the lyrics on this listen, and they're hidden, darkened, almost like the singer is trying to confess something but is somewhat timid to say. But supposedly the lyrics cast a long cynical shadow on the record. And the dark, dull, supposedly heavily overdubbed recordings add to that flavor... the record feels a little dour, even as it's some of the catchiest and funkiest playing you'll hear. I'm totally onboard. I think it's only a 4 for me because I wish the lyrics took these instrumentals to that next level, and really dug their heels in. But I'm definitely playing this album a bunch more times. It's a weirdly cozy, Sunday afternoon pleasant record to put on, dark as it is, and I'll be putting it on many more times.
~~~~~~~>>>>
2 A weird record, but not that bad Why the hell they just start yodeling out of a sudden
It’s the Tree of Life of funk. It’s also difficult to follow, impossible to understand, and makes me think I need to take mushrooms to be on the same planet. I liked it!
I expected I’d love this, but it feels a bit messy to me. Not saying it’s out of time or they’re playing the wrong notes or anything but… all a bit muddy and directionless.
cool
3.5/5 it kinda grew on me by the end
Setting aside all the profound sociopolitical circumstances out of which this album arose, this music is deep funk, so deep Sly can yodel and make it work, make it as black as the space that cowboy is floating in, so deep you can just fall into it and never stop falling. Amazing stuff.
Sly man, funky grooves and love from above. Deep messages and voices
Pure class
Funky stuff.
Family Affair is great. The rest of the album is good, could be shorter, not quite a 5 star album for me.
Really great album from a great era in music. It is still very listenable today, unlike some of the music from then. Some of the tracks really give me Al Green vibes, which I like very much. Stand Outs: Family Affair, Runnin’ Away, Thank You for Takin’ Me to Africa Others: Luv N Haight, Just Like A Baby, Brave And Strong, You Caught Me Smilin’, Time. 3.5
Outstanding funk. 4/5
6.5/10 gueno pero nada especial
Standouts: Family Affair, Runnin' Away, Thank You for Talkin' to Me Africa Every song sounds great. Funky. 3/5
This is for Funk what Velvet Underground first 2 albums were for alternative music, one of favorite albums of all time. Vetter wordt het niet.
I wanted to like this one more, but just felt it was very flat and boring.
3/12, 25%
Funk has been the highlight of this album generator so far
Pretty good, very awesome sound
var inte imponerad första gången ja hörde dehä men med varje nya lyssning blir det lite bättre
Chillsauce
Honestly? Banger. Shoutout to Sly Stone not understanding the title of ”What’s Going On”
Gäng
Fett!! Mye mer spennende enn jeg hadde trodd
I don't know. Pretty good but not too good
Solid.
Funky and chill. For the first half of the album, I thought that there were a lot of sections that felt passive and weren’t as engaging, like background music. But as it went on I started liking it more. I thought the second half was great.
Sly & the Family Stone are a psychadelic soul/funk band. I have never heard of psychadelic soul/funk so I was unsure what I was in for. Psychadelic funk carries the sensibilities of funk (music with heavy bass grooves) with a psychadelic writing style, and experimentation. Sly Stone's voice is teriffic when he actually sings. By times he takes to wailing which it slightly irritating. In one song, Spaced Cowboy, he yodels the chorus, which is very weird, but not necessarily in a bad way. Another interesting note: There's a Riot Goin' On is just 4 seconds of silence. It kind of, in a roundabout way, speaks to the state of things in the late 60's - early 70's, almost offering up a moment of silence for those struggling. Larry Graham played the shit out of the bass on this record. Interestingly, Larry is credited with inventing the "slapping" technique used on the electric bass (which is showcased in a big way on this record). Overall, an interesting listen today. Not something I would necessarily gravitate to, but not bad. Favourite songs: "Thank You For Talkin' To Me, Africa", Love N' Haight, Family Affair Least favourite songs: Just Like a Baby, Spaced Cowboy, Runnin' Away, (You Caught Me) Smilin' 3/5
Fire
Solid
Funk 101
Amazing record. Dark, moody, political, and psychedelic. AFAIK the band was pretty much dissolved at this point. This is basically a Sly Stone solo record. He isolated in his house and had many drug-fueled recording sessions. This band should’ve been way bigger in the 70s than they were.
Always happy to wake up and see Sly & The Family Stone on the docket. This one is a little less upbeat and optimistic than their earlier music but still great. 4 stars.
Detta var bra! partaj tjoho.
J'adore la basse. Mais, parfois, les longs jams s'égarent et je perds ma concentration.
I thought I would like this better but it just didn't grab me.
I was excited when this popped up, but I guess I thought I’d like it more than I actually did. Probably deserves another listen before a rating, but we’ll go with 3 stars for now…
The singles are solid gold of course. But there's more cruft and noodle on this album than I was expecting. A bit baggy and on the wig-outs, frankly a bit dull...
Classic album and still so so good
2.5 Luke here - My dad somehow put his rating under my account, so putting mine under his. Anyway, I only knew the songs Everyday People and Thank You (Faletetinaegiaoenagabmicefaeslfkaes) going into this, but being a fan of both, I was excited to see what this album had to offer. And it was a fine funk album. Nothing objectionable, but also nothing reaching the highs of the aforementioned songs... even when they did a reprise of the latter on the closer. Supposedly this is a very politically charged album, but I'm not sure that came through for me on my listens. Really dug Family Affair, but not much else stood out. While I think I need to listen to more before I make this determination, I’m getting the vibe Sly and the fam might be a "Greatest Hits" kind of listening.
4 I really dig funk music. It just feels so cool and smooth. Sly and the Family Stone prove they are among the best in funk. When I listen to Soul/Funk I always listen to the drums and bass first and in both cases they’re on fire throughout. This also has the blown out soul fried vocals that I love. Varied enough to stay interesting and cool enough to get me to listen again. Favorites: Luv N Haight, Poet, There’s a Riot Goin On, Time, Space Cowboy
I got really excited when I saw Sly & The family stone. This album is really good funk and soul with the kinda jazz sound I don't really mind. Good album to groove and sway in your seat kind of music. But I can tell you this isn't their best work.... Anyway, enjoyed Luv N Haight and Family Affair. Don't know if would go back and listen to this album again, but always enjoys this guys voice. 2.5 to 3 for me
This album was a riot, loved it
It's a funk album. It is not noteworthy.
funky i like
Yeah
Empieza muy bien pero después pierde coherencia. Para el final perdió mi interés y lo que prometía terminó decepcionando. Y no me quedan muchas ganas de escuchar de nuevo este disco ni conocer más de la banda.
Pos un poquito decepcionante el Funk. Cada rola empieza sintiéndose que puede ser excelente, pero luego se vuelve laaaaaaarga y repetitiva y tediosa y me pierde. Obviamente tiene grandes cosas en la instrumentación y detalles aquí y allá, pero no es un disco que se vuelva memorable.
Meh
Du funk engagé, quelques pièces captivantes, mais sans plus.
This was a very quiet riot. I was expecting way more funk and bluster. Still an easy listen though.
So FUNKY. Loved a lot of this. Also got to talk to the kids about what funk music is.
Familiar with a few of their well-known singles and such this record took a few extra listens to appreciate. I like funk, I like soul, but this flavor of funky soul wasn't quite my bag. Better than other stuff tho.
Pretty forgettable.
I just don't really care about funk
This one was pretty boring for me, sadly. I maybe don't have the background to know why this is important. 2.5/5
I was slightly surprised, but not totally, to learn that this was kind of a response to What's Going On. I don't think it's as good, but the passion and fury here is undeniable. Really worth spinning. B+
This has a really high average score for an album that pretty much sucks. What's THE DEAL with that? haha dw, I know. 2/5.
Dark political funk which is leaning heavily into PCP and if that's not a great combination I don't know what is. Best Tracks: Just Like A Baby; Family Affair; (You Caught Me) Smilin'
Meh.
2 much funk for me
Really cool. That's it it's just really cool.
10/10 HOLY SHIT THAT WAS FUCKING AMAZING!
Some strong moments, but overall not amazing.
Alright, not really my style
Very good early 70s funk album dripping with late 60s influence. My favorite track by far is the closer - Thank You For Talkin’ to Me, Africa. Such a fucking groove on that one!
Utterly essential funk rock. Amazing. Sly Stone in his prime. There's just no competition, there's no equal at all. Whereas a lot of funk is groove-oriented, Sly was always song-oriented. So much heart; so much feeling.