Reviews (page 2 of 11)
fantastic vibes, occasionally a little extended for what's there. when it hits it *really* hits though. definitely approaching jazz from rock rather than the other way around. vocals and harmonica are standout
Jazzy notes at beginning, notice drums on min 24, church chorus influence, mix of jazz and futuristic voice distortion, like voice gliding around.
Great album. Soulful.
Much like the first few Funkadelic albums, The World is a Ghetto is listener's funk and every bit as good as anything any other funk outfit put out. The rhythms aren't so much danceable as they are head-bobbers. This is also an album with deeply layered themes, a heavy dose of gospel-inspired grooves, and, importantly, soulful harmonies. On this record, War draws on all of its influences (including a little country!) and integrates them in a way that feels natural and authentic. I'm stuck between giving this record a four or a five. There's a lot to love here, and I enjoyed listening to this record again and again. The World is a Ghetto isn't on par with other paragon releases like Innervisions, but man, it's closer than I ever expected it could be, and the sound has me hunting for a decent vintage player copy for my turntable. That alone probably brings it up a star, so let's go with a personal five stars.
EVEN THE COVER ART!
This is stunning. It captures the shift from soul to funk, without ever becoming guilty of falling into all the blaxploitation cliches. At the centre of this is the bass, which holds it all together. The sax solos, harmonicas, and even the stretched out instrumentals - it's music for music sake. We need more uplifting albums like this for our times. SAULT currently fill the gap, but I could do without all the God stuff.
Дуже класний альбом. Шикарний інструментал, дуже качає
awesome choice! added to my fav ones!
So good! It sounds a lot like most late 80s pop/funk/jazz fusion stuff, and it should, because it's incredible and inspired all the kids who were 10 in 1973. Absolutely hasn't aged. So subtle and smooth with all the instrumental bits. None of the solos feel selfish or even wanted, just what the vibe needed at the time. Groovy, groovin', grove.
A finely crafted journey that lives simultaneously on the asphalt and among the firmament. Beautiful funk.
I love War. I mean the band not actual war haha
Loved it, especially the title track
loved it a bunch
and in addition, I love the album cover art
This thing a 5. Early 70's vibe - here we come!
Some albums you just get the feeling that they are going to be great from the first few seconds of the first track. This is one of them. Amazing.
I loved every minute of this album! The 2010s soul revival really had my heart with groups like Sharon Jones and the Menhan Street Band and it led me to some of the OG groups like The Meters and others. However, War never quite made it onto my listening routine even though I had heard of them. I'm going to have to listen to the rest of their catalog now, if it's half as great as this album I'll be a happy man.
its 1972, sly stone has retreated into a womb of cocaine, and WAR pops up to save everyone by plugging the now vacant gap in vibrant multicultural funk music. i had been meaning to listen to this eventually for a while but i feel like such a bozo for not hearing it earlier....at times a patient and endlessly expansive listen, but an overall package that is so concise and varied. the funk and soul stuff runs into latin timbres and psychy jazz and all of it served up with these ridiculously deep grooves and creative capital s captial i Song Ideas. incredible worldbuilding where the california melting pot creates this picture of so many different kinds of people all just Trying To Live and being amazed they made it this far. vibes for days, and enough musical meat to live off of for ages. gotta listen to this so many more times.
So much to say about this, another time.
I'm 2 songs in and really liking this so far. Overall I really liked this album. Really cool funk sound, but also kind of jazzy at times. Definitely a highlight so far.
I'm more of a rock/metal fan, and funk is far from my usual taste, but damn, what an enjoyable album this is. I never thought I'd like it so much that I might even listen to it again someday (maybe even more than once :) ). Lyric-wise, it doesn't seem that interesting to me (except maybe for the title track), but I tend to focus on the music more, and musically it is amazing, so I don't really care about the words that much. Also, it's a perfect record for relaxation. I see a lot of people here complaining about some songs being too long, but I listen to prog a lot, so I'm used to long forms and still really enjoyed those songs.
After 17 albums this is the first I've never heard, and never even heard of! I was absolutely blown away. Inventive, varied, and funky as fuck. I fell in love with this album straight away and will probably play it on repeat for quite a while.
Liked it!
Aside from Low Rider, I'm not aware of having heard any of War's recordings before, so this album came as a very pleasant surprise. This is exactly the right sort of funky, jazzy, bluesy music for my tastes, and definitely all the right notes (pun intended) for me. It's only six tracks, but each one is a little indulgence in and of itself. I am most definitely going to be picking up a whole lot more of War's albums after hearing this one. Another solid 5 out of 5 stars from me.
Really enjoyed this album. Haven’t heard it previously. Reminds me of walking around a city on a warm summers day with nothing much to do. Listened to it all day! Great vibe.
Excellent 10/10!
тут дуже цікавий саундд, приємно слухати хароший джаз відчуття ніби я багата незалежна жінка, яка зайшла в бутик ермес і без черги купила біркін гімалаю a good one
Fav tracks: Cisco kid, city, county, city, the world is a ghetto I might as well have put the whole album on my “fav tracks” list. No skips. Perfect groove.
Funky. Powerful. Pivotal. Political.
Classic
Album generator has been spitting straight fire lately - another absolute worldie
I love when some musicians are able to embrace more than 1 genre and make it work well. And this album is a big example. Put jazz, funk and soul in only one album and this will be amazing. Such a vibe that i can't let go.
I had no expectations having never heard of this band before. I thoroughly enjoyed this, just a super funky/soul filled/almost psychedelic ride. Amazing musicianship (the bass grabbed my attention constantly). I liked the first 2 songs, but after hearing City, Country, City the rest of the album fired on all cylinders and delivered such a mix of energy and passion that it's basically impossible not to like it. It's a yes from me
Another review called this Dark Side of the Soul and it fits. It's a beautiful masterpiece of funk and soul and jazz, of songwriting and instrumentals. I would've said that giving me an album with a 13 minute long instrumental track in the middle would be an eye roll but it's great.
War geil, werd ich im Kopf behalten
Tje album feels like the artist's know who they are and were comfortable and happy showing it through the music.i feel like the musicians care and are passionate about the instruments, and it is beautiful. I like city, country, city, it is a great instrumental song I didn't get bored or tired of it as it is like I think thirteen minutes would be great for a movie or game. I also like the world is a ghetto great song.
Afro out, bank robbing realness Favs: "Four Cornered Room" and "The World Is A Ghetto"
אלבום מדהים!
Totally climatic, full of details and very entertaining. The rhythms are hypnotic, percussion is subtle and powerful. A very enjoyable first listen to this album, a new favorite !
Fantastic
Two thumbs up
What an outstanding blend of jazz, psychedelic rock and other genres. The call and response of City, Country, City is gorgeous, this whole album was a blast from start to finish.
Another solid classic album with killer bas grooves!
They found the funk, the funk found them. End of story.
Good album
What an awesome funky album! I have never heard "The Cisco Kid" before, just "War" and "Why Can't We Be Friends?", so this side of the band was really cool to hear. I never knew they were so funky. It was great that they had the avenue to let each performer shine on "City, Country, City" like they did. So much talent. My Rating: 5/5
Ich find’s richtig gut <3
Good listen. Decent songs with plenty of funk.
Great percussion Killer funk love it
Felt like a drum circle in the best way, a good reminder of the ways that music is poetry
If you don’t like this album you are a BAD GUY!!!
This was a pleasant surprise. Soulful, funky, psychedelic, jammy, jazzy, extended exploratory solos.. just hook it to my veins!
This album is why I continue to do this project! What an awesome jam session. The auxiliary instrumentation was fantastic, rippin on organ, flute, sleigh bells, flexatone and more. I really liked the guitar/organ mix that opened City, Country, City.
See scarecrew review
Idk how to adequately talk about Soul yet lol, loved listening to this and wasn't the experience I was expecting from what I had previously listened to of War. Very chilled and some lovely sax. The title track is amazing, the saxophone solo is incredible and I had no idea War had such an insane sax player. Absolutely my favourite track, 100% going to need a relisten. Also adored Beetles on the Bog, leaving the album on a great upbeat spirit.
Pure 70's funk.
Stoned, blissed-out early 70s jams. Yes. Incredible album.
Paradise Is Love To Be Sure 1001 Albums Generator 163 (11/17/2025) War is a band I am only familiar with through their immense influence on the hiphop scene through sampling. I've never actually listened to them before but I was quite pleasantly surprised. I don't know exactly how to categorize The World Is A Ghetto; it's primarily funk and soul, but it has some influence from jazz and rock as well. The Cisco Kid starts out with a deep, complex groove that almost sounds Latin inspired at times and honestly could have gone on for 10 minutes and kept my attention. Luckily, the two songs here that are over 10 minutes are probably the strongest songs on the album. City, Country, City is a really strong instrumental jam that some people may say goes on too long, but I found it really intriguing the whole time. The World Is A Ghetto and Four Cornered Room are both more slow and vibey jams, with the latter being especially psychedelic. If I were to choose a favorite solo on this album (a daunting task to be sure), the sax solo around the 6 minute mark of the title track would definitely be up there. It's so impressive. The only point of relative weakness to me is Where Was You At, which isn't necessarily bad, but didn't stick out to me much and I found the kind of bluesy sound a little bit cheesy. Beside that, I don't have many notes to be honest. Fantastic album. 5/5. Favs: The Cisco Kid City, Country, City The World Is A Ghetto Least Fav: Where Was You At
Absolutely LOVED this "vintage" gem. Every note, lyric, rhythm was a pleasure to listen too. Happy this was on the list.
I really really enjoyed this album. Nice jazz and soul styles, nice instrumentation and great to listen to while working
Awesome album yo listen to when reading.
Great album. Funky, jazzy, had something to say without beating you over the head with it.
Absolute class. This was cinema.
Слушал в наушниках пока ходил и кайфанул.
I was familiar with War before this, but only a few songs. I was not expecting to be blown away like I was! 10/10.
Grew up with 2 songs (below) on this album but why I have I never listened to the whole thing before? The Cisco Kid The World is a Ghetto
A soul groove that reverberates with a choir of voices melting through every instrument. The album cover is a must-have and makes me want it for that reason alone. Favorite tracks: hard to choose! “Cisko Kid" (number one) because of its reggae sound that resonates with the overall concept; and number three, "City, Country, City," whose solos truly stay in your mind and almost seem to sing to you.
A great album! Love the funk!
I loove this album, the way that every song made me feel, how nice the experience was, love it all, added them in my playlist, such a wonderful moment
Amazing, high energy album!
Haas funk psychadelic funk blues….pretty fun
Finding albums like this is why I love this app
Seems that this is another instance where I've overlooked a band because their most well known hits have become somewhat of a cliche and appear all over popular media (or maybe I've just watched Dazed and Confused a few too many times?). That said, I absolutely love both Low Rider and Why Can't We Be Friends?, so I'm not really sure why I never bothered looking any deeper into this band. Disappointed I've been overlooking them because, holy hell, The World is A Ghetto is astonishing! Groovy, funky, jazzy, soulful. I am already on my third listen and might just keep listening to this all day.
War (the band) is good for a good time!
I went into this expecting similar songs to their hit song (everyone knows what it is), but boy was I wrong. I listened to this a couple of times. City, Country, City was outstanding. Love me a 13 minute keyboard/bongo/guitar solo. Every time I was grooving and peeked at what song I was listening to it was this. The World is a Ghetto was arguably the best song on this album, though. In fact, this whole thing is incredible. Through every listen I always felt like this was just one big song. I was not expecting this from War, especially since Low Rider feels nothing like this.
WAR
Classic War legendary
The funk soul album every white brass band thought they could make but didn’t have the skill or the soul to make. This is a killer record, making expansive jams into exquisite pieces of jazz and funk along with Top 40 bangers. This is a band that can write a massive hit like the “Cisco Kid” and follow it up with a beautiful jazz odyssey like “City, Country, City”. I honestly don’t have anything bad to say about this one, and frankly it might be one of my new favorite records.
What a nice surprise, jazzy, funky, it' has it all!
WAR are always going to be the Low Rider/Why Can’t Be Friends guys to me, but I am very impressed by this record. I feel that it’s not an over-the-top fusion record but one that hangs out and keeps it cool. It has that California sunset sweetness in its soul. My regards go to George Lopez (9/10, 5/5 on this scale)
Yeah I am a bit of a funky car bitch Yeah I'm funking my funking brains out man
Jazzy, soulful, meaningful – the type of album your parents are referring to when they say music was better in their day.
This has been a favorite for decades now. Easy 5 stars for me.
Funky
fy fan vilket bra sväng det är om det här. måste få bli en femma.
Great
I liked it. Fun, dynamic, without sounding busy.
Great blend of genres to make something that feels great. Gave me Curtis Mayfield vibes. Maybe being generous here.
awesome, never heard of war before, usually not my style of music but this was an awesome find!
Great album! First listen. Loved it
I loved this. Very smooth and laidback tunes to vibe to
First off... i love War... i loved them when Eric Burdon fronted them and they did "Spill The Wine"... one of my all time favorite radio songs... this album is so funky... it starts out with "The Cisco Kid"... which was all over the radio in 1972... the funkiness continues with "Where Was You At"... and then 13 plus minutes of a funky workout in "City Country City"... "Four Cornered Room" is a slow burner for almost nine minutes... then comes the album version of "The World Is A Ghetto" at over 10 minutes long... these guys have the groove and the chops to pull all this off... and then it ends with the funky, fine "Beetles in the Bog"... Five Stars..."
Grooves strong with this one.
less songs = better album?
Highlight Song/s: Cisco Kid, City, Country, City and The World Is A Ghetto I believe this is America's version of 'Autobahn' by Kraftwerk. I mean what other album would that be, if it isn't this one? Well for one, the album covers give me similar idea, of people living, breathing and moving about. Other similar elements include: epic-lengthed song/s and repetitive beats. Then I'd said this and that and I finally realised War's album 'The World is a Ghetto' came before 'Autobahn' (1972 vs 1974,) and It shocked me! This would've worked so well as America's answer to 'Autobahn' but It can't be that, as it came before it. It's all ruined now. Some say instrumentals have no soul in them because they don't have singing in them, I am confused because 'City Country, City' speaks incredibly loud, it has tremendous amounts of emotion in it. But some people are unfortunately snobby and instantly dismiss instrumentals. This album is stupidly good, just like 'Autobahn.'
Fuck yeah
Funked me up!
Was not familiar with this album…it is tight, loose, full of world beats and B3. No fluff…just great music. Love the vibe. Also, topped the charts the year I was born.
I have known this album since it first came out. Great tracks!
Love it 🥰
Loved it.
Fav: The World Is A Ghetto Least Fav: Four Cornered Room Crazy sax soloes AND crazy harmonica soloes? I’m spoiled
Fantastic. Funky grooves.
Funky rhythms and fun syncopation. I enjoyed all the different instruments used to create interesting sounds. You know I love a good sax solo like in “City, Country, City” I also already knew the opening track from somewhere so that was fun to have something familiar to start off with. I really enjoyed this one
I dig War, but was pleasantly surprised by how good this album is and how much I enjoyed it. 5
Love it. Funky. Different. I think the sound was ahead of its time, and still sounds like something that could be put out today.
So good!
The best 70's funk record, EVER. 9/10
This is true funk, soul, a genre onto itself well worth experiencing.
I have enjoyed the album and give it five stars I would recommend it to my friends
incredible soul album
Brilliant album. Need to listen to more War.
Very cool, chill album. The high point for me was the sax solo in the song The World is a Ghetto. Outstanding. Pretty much enjoyed the whole album - the only weakness would be City, Country, City was too long, but still sounded cool. Right now I'd call it a 4.5, but I'll round up to 5 since every time I listened I enjoyed it more.
Masterpiece! It's easily comparable to "What's Going On", but in a funkier way. A hidden gem that deserves to be praised.
"Slaps" - Trent McLees
I keep returning to this one. Every song is a vibe that's really resonating with me - I think I'm learning that I love soul.
Another example of the environment where I listened impacting my vote 😂👙⛱️
Soulful and very rich. Very very cool.
9.3/10
ummm yeah that ruled. almost every time i’ve gone into my local record store and shazamed whatever the owner is listening to it’s been war SO i expected to like this…and i did! fav tracks: cisco kid; four cornered room; the world is a ghetto
No doubt a great soul album, really, not only soul, but jazz, funky instrumentals too. A perfect groovy vibe I really dig. 9/10 -Ninonin Theone.
Loved this, War are cool and this was funky.
Крутой грув, качает и расслабляет одновременно
War Really cool grooves. Love the drums and percussion. Favorite songs were tracks: 1,2,3 and 6
Loved this one, wasnt expecting to like it so much. Such a vibe and percussion and production sounds great. Also i love the george benson cover of world is a ghetto
Oh man!!! Awesome album!! The title track blew me away! The mixing of the horns, percussion, and vocals were spot on.
heel goed. eerste nummer is banging, world is a ghetto ook mega, die solo is crazy. en lekker lang nummer
This was so very good??!! Like jazz but a little country too, what more could a girl like me want in music! The jams were groovy and just hit me like an abusive relationship
Brilliant album. Puts me in mind of Funkadelic
Really loved this. Great instrumentation and vocals (especially Four Cornered Room). Love the organ on City, Country, City. Extra star for the album cover, which is awesome. Favorites: Where Was You At, Four Cornered Room, The World Is a Ghetto Would I listen to it again: Yes
Very good, heard a few songs before but not all of them
This album brought me back to my childhood in NYC. Hearing the instruments reminded me of the good times where my world was simple and fun.
Awesome jazz psych soul record.
Jazzy, pretty good
damn. i’ve transcended. i can’t stop listening
This was such an amazing listen. Some of the COOLEST music I've ever heard in my life. I loved Four Cornered Room the most I think. I want to Own this on vinyl!!!!
Dude. This is my kind of album right here. War is another one of those bands where I’d only heard one song prior to one of these albums listens. I like “Low Rider.” It’s a funny song, but it’s definitely a well-made funny song. However, that song is not on this album, which I’m fine with because “The World is a Ghetto” is not a funny album. It is however even more well-made than “Low Rider.” This album’s outstanding. I think this album project is really starting to help me understand my own music taste. It’s albums like this that lock in my appreciation of genre-blending funk/soul/jazz albums. Between stuff like this, Herbie Hancock, Sly and the Family Stone, Funkadelic, and more, it’s kind of hard to deny at this point. The style here is just so cool. There’s still some fun to be had. The album’s opener, “The Cisco Kid” is the most Low Rider-esque song on the album, and it’s great. The rest of the album is a bit more moody, but is still sufficiently soulful and just as excellent. I like the long songs, with the title track being the highlight. The writing is pretty strong, with the title track being the highlight here too. The pacing is weirdly good for an album with songs over 13 minutes and under 4. This album’s one that I can really see growing on me over time. I can’t believe I never knew War (the band) was this good. The World is a Ghetto is just an awesome album that really appeals to my tastes. Light 5/5.
Had never heard of this before and I was not expecting to listen to it 4 or 5 times today
Really finds its groove on each and every track.
Based on the artist and album name I did not expect a soul funk jazz album. It surprised me a lot, and I will definitely come back to this album later. I feel like this album is the essence of an album you must hear before you die.
I love War. They are one of the groups I wish I had seen live. Their musicianship is just amazing. They play everything horns piano organs and the percussionist is crazy good.
Over all the mix of African and Latin beats with funk and soul just gets my blood pumping. My favorites are the longer jammier tracks such as "City, Country, City" and the title track. Also the hit opener is still just as funky as ever. There are no real weak spots on the album, but I felt "Four Corner Room" kinda stuck out being a bit more sullen. I still a absolutely dig the track, but I noticed it at odds with the rest of the groove this listen around. But it is by no means a weak spot. (9.8) ★★★★½
Damn right.
1972. US. Psychedelic soul, jazz, progressive soul
Really enjoyed listening to it
I dig it.
One of my favourite albums. Jazz Latin psychedlia. What do you want more?
Slaps.
What an unbelievably delicious album! And I never heard of it. Fantastic groovy soul, carried by a tight and melodic rhythm section (always a good start for me), with some elements of reggae but especially psychedelica. Some long songs but it's functional. Excellent musicianship but nobody feels the urge to show off. A top album and one of the main discoveries for me from the list.
Great. Excellent album.
Awesome
"The World Is a Ghetto" is the fifth album by American band War. Psychedelic soul, jazz and progressive soul are the Wiki-listed genres. They all fit. The bandmembers included Howard E. Scott (guitar, percussion, vocals), B.B. Dickerson (bass, percussion, vocals), Lonnie Jordan (organ, piano, timbales, percussion, vocals), Harold Brown (drums, percussion, vocals), Papa Dee Allen (bongos, congas, percussion, vocals), Charles Miller (clarinet, saxophones, percussion, vocals) and Lee Oskar (harmonica, percussion, vocals). The album hit #1 in the US and was the best selling album in 1973 in the US. There were mostly positive reviews and the album has been included in many best of lists. "The Cisco Kid" starts things with congas, a kick drum and a bass. Enter the keyboards and a clarinet. They got the deep funk going. A sax and scratchy guitar are added. B.B. Dickerson singing about the adventures of Cisco and Pancho, cowboys from the TV show "The Cisco Kid." Hey, I liked this show; I remember watching reruns of this show on Sunday morning right before "The Lone Ranger." Good Times! "Where Was You At" continues the funk. A handclap beat. A bluesy guitar and harmonica bring this to a New Orleans-style jazz-fusion. Lee Oskar hammered down on the harmonica. The self-titled "The World Is a Ghetto" slows it down. Why not in a 10-minute-long song. A wah-wah guitar, a sultry horn and more horns. A serious tone in another jazz-funk fusion. The vocals bring this into a soulful realm as they state that people from every background struggle and all the world is a ghetto. Tremendous song! The band really covers a lot of styles in this album, blues, jazz, soul, funk, Latin with percussion and even a New Orleans sound. There's multiple lead instruments and everyone is on on the vocals and percussion. There is a fair share of jamming and I can see how people might have issues with the song lengths (one at 10 and another at 13 minutes). But the highs on this album get quite high particularly in the soulful "The World Is a Ghetto" and bluesy "Four Cornered Room." A great album!
I already knew War because of the legendary song "Low Rider", but I had never stopped to listen to a full album and, I have to say, this is easily one of the best Soul and Funk albums I have ever listened to. Everytime I hear about the best albums in this genre, I hear names like Marvin Gaye or Curtis Mayfield, but I never hear anything about this great band called War. They are very underrated, and they make top quality music. Their Wikipedia article is nothing more than a mere sketch and that is almost a crime. 5 stars of course!
This was amazing, super cool, long play Santana-like vibes on some tracks. love this.
Going into this album, I knew only 4 songs by War. The opening track here was one of them. And it's a song that has often annoyed me. But giving it a closer listen today, I heard so much more than I ever had before. It was still my least favorite track on the album, but I gained a far greater appreciation for it. As for the rest of the album, it's downright phenomenal. The slow jams, the lead vocals here and there, the harmony vocals, the rhythm section, the latin-infused funk grooves. The album just kept getting better and better. Easy 5 stars.
Absolute masterpiece.
dig it
A classic.
Funky Latin influence just sounded so good. Knew Cisco Kid but the other tracks were a delightful surprise
I had a great day letting this album weave its way through everything I did. I have a friend who loves this group. Now I know what I was missing.
Jak dla mnie perełka. Fantastycznie się tego słucha. Każdy z instrumentów robi genialną robotę, chłopaki wyśmienicie się bawią, a jednocześnie robią kawał solidnej muzyki. Chyba największym osiągnięciem tego albumu jest fakt, że choć każdy instrument dostał mnóstwo miejsca na indywidualne popisy i eksplorowanie ciekawych brzmień, to całość nie brzmi jak zbiór nieskoordynowanych solówek (I'm looking at you, modern jazz). Synergia wielu świetnych instrumentalistów na tym albumie jest dla mnie tym, co przesądza o jego wielkiej wartości. Plus to zwyczajnie buja od początku do końca. To jest niewymuszone, zabawne, jak flirt z muzyką i słuchaczem. Zdecydowanie album, który będę chciał mieć w swojej kolekcji, jeśli kiedyś będę miał jakiś kawałek swojego miejsca.
I wrote in one review I will side with War to bring down U2 and there is no better ally than that. It' so perfectly moody. Disarray of jazz/soul music perfectly matches urban vibes. I guess musical landscapes are my favourite genre now.
Perfect album. Great sound, great message, great performances. I just love '70s funk/soul. Could listen to this all day.
Slow, soulful, beautiful funk. Don't know what else to say.
This album is so fantastic. One of the favorite records I own
Great album.
More relevant and more powerful 50+ years later. Who makes music like this nowadays?
First half of pure soul and big sounds making it a fun listen, we go to the second half being psychedelic and transcending through cosmos in a whirlwind of sound
Such a groovy and funky album!!
Cool
Cracker, absolutely brilliant
I’m getting quite an education in funk here. Never heard about this before. This isn’t at all what I expected. Such a great range of expression, amazing dynamics, songs that are both jammy and catchy. Very intense emotional content. This is really a revelation for me and I want to explore the rest of the band’s catalog. Easy five stars and this is exactly the kind of album I want to learn about from this list.
Really loved iy
Really enjoyed this, funky, psychedelic goodness.
The Cisco Kid, immediately feels like i’m in a film. Vocals are raw and creating a big space for the instruments to flourish. The groove doesn’t die. Where Was You At, is incredible. The tempo changes, the choral aspect, pure rhythm. It seems like a very good way to call someone out for not being there as they should have been. City, Country, City, is taking me to church. And it’s not a church I know but I wanna be there. There’s so many layers but nothing is out of place. I want to be in a crowd of people dancing immediately. I would love to know how moving this was live! It does not matter this is a 13 min song, the way it flows through you, you won’t notice. Not a word is uttered. It’s musicians at the top of their game. Four Cornered Room, is a beautiful demonstration that every person in this band played a part. The big group vocals just show that they are one. As i’m listening i’m assuming that it is about dealing with people that have very limited perspective. Not fully understanding them but at least trying to talk it out. The vocals are beautiful, the tones, the runs and riffs, the soul! The World Is A Ghetto, the title track, of course doesn’t disappoint. The meaning is not hidden, they are grateful humans, they have come from the ghetto and they know that the wide world is not much different. There is always good and evil wherever you look, your mission is to keep your perspective as golden as you can. “Happiness is here, have your share. If you know you are loved, be secure. Paradise is love to be sure.” The instrumentation is nothing short of perfect. Beetles In The Bog, a quick burst of energy, packed with all the elements they’ve mastered. Big vocals, tight as fuck rhythm, and soul that genuinely can’t be taught. Need it on vinyl.
This is an incredible album. I hadn't really gone beyond "The Cisco Kid" and "The World is a Ghetto" but I loved the rest of it!
I have to agree that
Wow. I had no idea anybody cared about this band outside of "Low Rider" and "Why Can't We Be Friends," but I just really loved this. Progressive soul man, there's something about it. This is a truly great album.
Psychedelic Soul Jazz from 1972, although some of the tracks, "The Cisco Kid" for example, have a Reggae feel to them. The album still sounds great.
Classic.
Jazzy, funky, soulful. This is a very good record.
These guys are way more than the Lowrider song. This is a great album showcasing 70's funk at its finest blended with jazz, reggae, and brilliant jam band opuses.
This was a great find for me today. I'm sure I've heard it before because the album cover is so familiar (cycling back, I think I'm conflating with street corner talking) but none of the tracks were. Super cool, loved the groove and even the long songs kept my interest. Will come back to this one for sure.
I don’t know what I was expecting but not this! It’s great. A bit slow and relaxed, it grooves and flows, some soul and reggae.
Nice album. Lotta soul, great instrumentals, great vocal work! 'Four Cornered Room' was my personal fave.
At any one time I may say War is in my top ten band list. Although I never place any album of theirs in a top ten list, I find this record great and deserving. Nice beat, great lyrics, excellent musicians.
WAR! What is it good for? Making banging tunes mate. Loved this one
Having listened to this several times I can quite confidently declare this an absolute banger. I love the mixture of soul, funk, jazz and rock on this album. Definitely one of the most enjoyable albums to be randomly selected so far
The only War album I know but it is great, especially The World Is a Ghetto.
Really enjoyed this nugget of funk rock
Enjoyed this!
Superb. Really superb. A magnificent discovery. I greatly enjoyed hearing this album and I will listen to it again and probably again. 5 stars.
Nothing short of glorious
Lovely fusion of jazz, funk, and soul music. As comes with jazz albums, there are 10 minute instrumental singles, however, they're filled with enough switches and Tempo changes to make them feel shorter than they are. Definitely an album to be played and listened to multiple times and get a different feel each time. I'd give it a 9/10.
Make me dance
Nice album. Great funk band. Eric Burdon probably feels a little hard done by to not make the list but you know who else is not on here at all? Lionel Richie or Commodores. 3 Pet Shop Boys albums though. List is crazy.
The World Is a Ghetto is the fifth album by War, originally released in 1972. Man this is a dark, funky, psychedelic masterpiece. The way it's mixed makes the bass extra juicy. The lyrics are powerful while remaining catchy. Don't even get me started on that cover art... Apparently this album sold a shit ton and ended up winning Billboard magazine's Album of the Year for 1973. I was previously only familiar with War's work with Eric Burdon, so it was cool to see how this band progressed without him. They were definitely experimenting with jamming a bit more... a lot of these songs clock in at 8+ minutes. The jams are super tight though and don't seem to overstay their welcome at all. Banging album.
Easy listen. Varies between 70s rock and funk in my ears. Love the songs The Cisco Kid and City, Country, City.
Wish I had more words to express why I like this album, but the songs here don't need to overburden themselves with lyrics, so I hope the stars suffice.
Bisschen Funk, Bisschen Jazz Für mich eine Neuentdeckung
4.5/5 Nicely varied, really enjoyable album. The second side is amazingly good. The Cisco Kid 2.5/5 (LEAST FAV) Where Was You At 5/5 City, Country, City 4/5 Four Cornered Room 5/5 (FAV) The World Is A Ghetto 5/5 Beetles In The Bog 4.5/5
Excellent, but we knew that, right?
Really jazzy really smooth. This is the kinda vibe I wanna hear in a speakeasy or a bar with a jukebox. Sipping on some lemonade on my porch and relaxing. I think we have finally found the first album I'm throwing into my library! The exact jazz I adore.
Exactly my kinda shit. The title track dragged a lil bit imo, besides that everything was absolutely flawless.
This is just piggin' excellent. Start to finish, it's absolutely The Tits.
I felt like I was walking on a tungsten lit street late night, dancing with strangers. All good vibes!
very striking and fervent music this time around. usually i don't really favor classic dance and soul tracks that go on for long lengths, but this album does it in a way that keeps me engaged and interested throughout its duration. the trick is to have a nice few variations if you got a base progression going on. the vocals are smooth, the drumlines are smooth... everything is just so buttery.
esta chulo también
Discazo. Es decir, es una absoluta joya. Nunca había escuchado nada de "War", y como primera escucha me quedé pasmada, el sonido es increíble y las voces están a la altura de ese sonido cargado de sentimiento y emoción. Mi canción favorita sin duda es "City, Country, City".
Musical perfection.
Man, this one hit so good on the commute today. On the train, eyes closed, feeling the mood of every track. The energy lift of cisco, the bop of Where Was You At, the groove of CityCountryCity (btw that sudden mood change towards the end took me by surprise), the trip in Four Cornered Room (zoom zoom zoom), and Ghetto and Beetles, of course the namesake of the album followed by a great closer. Anyway, I'm done being wordy. Gonna take an immediate 2nd listen because I don't want this to end.
Awesome funk. Lovely
Good album
Man who the hell needs Lowrider? awesome album! Stuck with it from start to finish, love the tempo and the horns, really glad this popped up on the list. My only gripe is its too short, great contribution though! Where Was You At is my favorite off this.
Really enjoyed this. Sounded like a south of the border Stevie Wonder album at times. Glad to find out they have more depth than just Lowrider!
I'm at 'Four Cornered Room' right now and I think it's time for the generator to give me some boring stinkers again. Another album I gladly listened to.
It is a rather apt saying and a rather apt feeling. What the now difficult to search these days band named WAR managed to achieve with this record is quite impressive in scope and ambition, paring funk with jazz in ways that are accessible and easy to grasp all the while not deviating from the concept at hand. The two ten minute plus jams in the middle of each of the album's sides do the majority of the heavy lifting and demonstrate the overall feeling that was in the air at that time. The world is a ghetto? You don't say.
Spiritual and raw.
Good mix of styles, hard not to groove.
This album undoubtedly had the vibe of of a summers evening turning to night. Great overall album
This album was so sick. So much flavor with all the different sounds and tempos. The jams went hard. I also loved how layered all the tracks were.
Wow. What a masterpiece. This might be the album that has blown me away the most on this project. I listened to this 5 times through on my flight to Japan. I didn’t listen to anything else. The fusion of genres is perfect. Jazz, soul, funk, gospel, blues and psychedelia. One minute you’re jamming hard and bumping to The Cisco Kid and the next minute you’re on a journey through the many ups and downs of City, Country, City. This song takes you on a ride. Very aptly named. Where Was You At is sad and funny all at once, but perpetually groovy and glowing. City, Country, City was the song that converted me to this record. I was having fun, I was jamming but this song just takes you places. And without vocals! It’s a true journey song. Four Cornered Room blows my mind. I love how it starts out with voices harmonizing “zoom zoom zoom,” and then as the song builds and crashes the vocals and lyrics change. Though they keep building on the harmonizing. The World is a Ghetto is such a rad blues song. It’s jams, and builds but totally rooted in blues. It keeps coming back to that chorus. Beetles in the Bog is perfect way to finish the record. The group vocals that sound like a prison gang on top of crazy bass lines and percussion. It’s a wild ride. I love the mixing of sounds throughout the record. It’s trippy, but it’s all traditional instruments which makes it feel natural and grounding. I also love how the vocals / lyrics are truly just a vessel to move the music forward. It’s not vocals first or even “music first” music. It’s just mixed so great and the music speaks for itself. This album absolutely blew my mind.
Nice
Funk. Jazz. Social commentary. Fantastic.
Love their music!!
What a great soul album! I’d never listened though a whole war album, but I really enjoyed this!
I love this album. Start to finish brilliant.
Groovy and a little poignant. 4.5/5
Man, Eric Burdon is talented. I'm not even sure which one of his bands I like better but I think I lean towards War.
An incredible album. Saw another take calling this the Soil Side of the Moon and it entirely tracks. It's a very tight and cohesive album flowing seemingly effortlessly from track to track. All performances are thoughtful, additive, and balanced. The groove sets and it is easy to get lost in the flow of the music or pay attention to all of the details. Great for ambient or intentional listening.
love love love
Great Album. Classics 60s/70s sound. Really full sounding band.
One of my favorites
Loved it!
Es la música favorita de Jaime.
Excelente descubrimiento! Tiene cositas de Floyd y sobre todo de Zappa...muy loco. Muchísimas mixturas instrumentales para deleitarse en cada momento sin que avasallen. Las melodías que vienen y van en city world city me gustaron muchísimo.
i was 6 years old when this came out
Can't believe I had never heard this! Moving songs, heavy grooves, fusion of blues, funk, Latin, afro-caribbean. Missing link album?
# Playlist track - The Cisco Kid # Notes - Just great right off from the first track. - Kind of a jazzy, funky soul that is fun and catchy. - Even with 2 10+ minute tracks, War pulls it off, and the album doesn't drag at all. - Definitely listening again.
Excellent album. Funk, soul, jazz, blues, and even psychedelia, all in one, with remarkable cohesion and skill among the musicians.
Fusion of multiple styles with great vocals and deep lyrics. One of the best albums I've heard on this list so far.
Have this on vinyl! Played it on my record player as soon as this popped up. Classic.
Hell on earth exists But funky beauty does too Chill in that beauty
I got this on vinyl from Goodwill. Some amazing music here. Four Courned Room was one of my most played songs from last year.
Buena música Funky de los 70, con fusión de varios estilos. Redescubriendo los temas Why can't we be friends, y Low rider, que había escuchado alguna vez, pero que no sabía ni el grupo, ni el nombre de las canciones
Pare che abbiano avuto enorme successo agli inizi degli anni ‘70 e io non li conoscevo proprio! È stata una bella scoperta. Gruppo da approfondire
Interview at end is fascinating
I need more 60s/70s funk in my life and this is a fine start. Strong reggae vibes too though.
Day 4/1001 Groovy, funky music from the golden era - what's not to like? 'City, Country, City' and the title track are particularly excellent - the length really helps to explore the sounds.
Always thought they needed Eric Burden - WRONG! loved all of it & will look for more.
Man this crosses all genres. Rock, Funk, Soul and a near-13 minute bongo jazz riff? Yeah, WAR really lives up to the hype with The World Is A Ghetto. 4.5/5
I was so torn on what to give this album, until I asked myself “what’s holding this album back from being a 5/5?” and I couldn’t come up with anything. So ladies and gentlemen we got my third ever 5/5 here. It’s just so full of life, addresses very universal human emotion/struggle. I’m beginning to create a scale for boomer music: on one end is the “songs to ride your Harley to” and on the other end is “songs to do a line to” and this one is more on the latter side
I’m not as up on Progressive Soul as I’d like to be, so this was an interesting listen. The centrepiece is the 13 minute City, Country, City which opens with an organ and a Spanish sounding guitar playing over the top, continues by alternating between a pastiche sounding country complete with harmonica and a more typical funk beat, before settling into a Jazz jam session with a latin funk sounding rhythm. It’s great, and fascinating to hear a funk bands take on jazz rather than a jazz bands take on funk. The best song is the opening Cisco Kid, with it’s slow reggae inspired beat. I’m trying to find something bad to say about this record but I can’t. This is great
Oh my god, this album!!! What have I been missing all this time! Such a great record. Next to the classic hits, the other songs are equally as good. But City, Country, City really blew me away! Standouts: The Cisco Kid, Where Was You At, City, Country, City, Four Cornered Room, The World Is A Ghetto 9 out of 10
Lyrics: The lyrical content of "The World Is a Ghetto" is both introspective and socially conscious, reflecting the tumultuous times in which it was created. The title track, in particular, explores themes of urban decay, poverty, and the impact of war on everyday life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles faced by marginalized communities, capturing the essence of the band's socio-political commentary. Tracks like "Cisco Kid" and "Four Cornered Room" showcase the versatility of War's lyricism, with narratives that touch on personal experiences and relationships. The lyrics often blend seamlessly with the music, creating a cohesive narrative that resonates with listeners. Music: War's musical style in "The World Is a Ghetto" is a rich fusion of various genres, including funk, jazz, rock, and Latin influences. The band's ability to seamlessly integrate these diverse elements contributes to the album's enduring appeal. The infectious grooves, tight rhythms, and intricate instrumentation showcase the musicians' exceptional skill and chemistry. The use of brass instruments, especially in tracks like "City, Country, City," adds a layer of sophistication to the music, while the rhythmic guitar work throughout the album provides a solid foundation. The dynamic interplay between percussion, bass, and vocals creates a sound that is both energetic and soulful. Production: Produced by Jerry Goldstein and Far Out Productions, the album boasts a polished yet raw production quality that complements War's eclectic sound. The balance between the various instruments is well-executed, allowing each element to shine without overshadowing the others. The production captures the spontaneity and energy of the band's live performances, contributing to the album's overall authenticity. Notably, the album's production values contribute to its timelessness. Despite being over four decades old, the sound remains fresh and relevant, a testament to the meticulous production work that went into crafting this musical masterpiece. Themes: "The World Is a Ghetto" explores a range of themes that remain pertinent to societal issues. The title track delves into the harsh realities of urban life, addressing poverty, crime, and the struggle for survival. "Cisco Kid" reflects on the allure and pitfalls of a life of crime, while "Four Cornered Room" touches on the isolation and introspection that can accompany personal struggles. The album's thematic depth extends to its instrumental tracks, such as the multi-part suite "City, Country, City." Here, War skillfully conveys the contrasts between urban and rural environments, using music as a medium to tell a powerful narrative without the need for words. Influence: "The World Is a Ghetto" has had a lasting influence on the music industry, particularly in the realms of funk, jazz, and Latin music. The album's ability to blend genres has inspired countless artists across different musical landscapes. War's unique approach to storytelling through music, coupled with their socially conscious lyrics, has left an indelible mark on subsequent generations of musicians. The fusion of diverse cultural elements in the album has also contributed to its influence on world music, showcasing the potential for cross-cultural collaboration and artistic expression. The socio-political messages embedded in the lyrics have resonated with audiences and continue to inspire artists seeking to address social issues through their music. Pros: Musical Diversity: The album's ability to seamlessly blend funk, jazz, rock, and Latin influences showcases War's musical versatility. Lyrical Depth: The socially conscious and introspective lyrics provide a thought-provoking narrative that resonates with listeners on a personal and societal level. Innovative Production: The production quality captures the band's live energy while maintaining a polished sound, contributing to the album's enduring appeal. Timelessness: Despite being released in the early 1970s, the album's themes and musicality remain relevant and continue to resonate with audiences. Influence: The album's impact on subsequent generations of musicians across various genres cements its status as a groundbreaking work. Cons: Length of Tracks: Some tracks, particularly the longer instrumental pieces, may be considered overly indulgent by listeners who prefer more concise compositions. Specific Sound: The distinctive sound of War may not appeal to all listeners, especially those with a preference for more mainstream or narrowly defined genres. Limited Commercial Success: While the album received critical acclaim, its commercial success may not have matched its artistic significance, limiting its recognition during its initial release. In conclusion, "The World Is a Ghetto" by War stands as a musical and lyrical tour de force that encapsulates the spirit of its era while remaining relevant across generations. Its fusion of genres, socially conscious themes, and innovative production contribute to its enduring appeal and influence. Despite some minor drawbacks, the album's pros far outweigh its cons, solidifying its place as a classic in the annals of music history.
Love this album, would sing some of the songs with everyone else! 5 stars!
So funky and upbeat! Bossa Nova vibes deliver.
Oh how I love War! Just pour ‘em right in my ears. War have that rare ability to make sounds that go right to your human core and this album is pure War.
Album 256 of 1001 War - The World is a Ghetto Rating : 5 / 5 Favorite Track : Cisco Kid A personal favorite. Great tunes with some meaningful themes. War is a fun band. Hate that this is the only album of theirs on the list. I also really like "Why Can't We Be Friends". Have vinyl and cd of each. Good stuff.
So cool, jazzy, funky. Best kind of music
Wow - love this album!!! How cool is it?!? Knew within 5 seconds that it would be good, but not how good. ‘City, Country, City’ is superb!
Loved this, and never heard it before. Didn’t imagine I’d be offering up a precious 5 to an album I didn’t previously know, but here we are. I can’t get enough of it.
Another fantastic album. I have other War albums and tracks in my collection, including some of the tracks on this album, but I've never listened to this particular album fully. Quite short, which is a shame, but that takes nothing away. Listened to it several times and have added it to my "buy a copy on vinyl" list.
Really only being familiar with the songs 'Why Can't We Be Friends' and 'Low Rider', neither which have I thought too much of, this turned out to be a surprise. I was familiar with 'The Cisco Kid', too but never knew it was this band. The blend of soul, Afrobeat, jazz, and psychedelia leads to some really interesting stuff and some solid jamming creating a unique tone throughout.
Man, I need a cigarette. This album just rocked my world. Unfortunately, I really only know War for Low Rider, which is a great song, but absolutely not representative of this band as a whole. This is top tier, slow burn funk/soul. And I loved the hints of blended genres throughout, including a heavy psych rock influence, and even some reggae. 5/5 for just being a most welcomed surprise. I really don't understand why this album isn't talked about more in the grand narrative of soul music.
Surprisingly good.
It may be difficult to look at this in a neutral manner but this is a perfect groove album. The type you listen to on a sunny day barbecue.
Awesome slow grooves where everyone’s absolutely COOKIN. Albums like this are why I’m grateful I wake up with a new album everyday. Is it a 5/5? Maybe not, but I’m giving it a 5/5 because it’s exactly the kind of music I want to discover
I mean, it's an utterly iconic and genre-defining funk/soul album for a reason. War pushed the boundaries of several genres, constantly challenging perceptions while still keeping the music enjoyable and relatable. They understood the assignment and delivered. It's a masterwork and 100% deserves its place on this list.
This was in the NME top 100 albums of all time. Such a great album best tracks City, Country, City and The World Is a Ghetto.
Too short for this Claisic Master Piece
10/10 we’re hitting dangerously high ratings on the funky scale
An album that I consider in my soul/funk tops. Catchy songs with an incomparable feeling from the musicians who perform them. How can you not fall in love with songs like Cisco Kid, City Country City or the incredible The World Is A Ghetto? An essential.
Hit like Cisco kid and The World is a Ghetto are scattered among this album for those who want a shorter casual listen but if you're looking for the ultimate jazz/funk experience then strap in. City Country City has a 13 minute long jam session which just fucks from front to back. This entire album hits all the right notes for me. 10/10
Funky, poinient, catchy, and all-around banger. Highly recommend.
A great socially conscious concept album that is a musical melting pot. Great grooves and fantastically played.
Prior to this listen my knowledge of War was limited to “Low Rider” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” but The World Is A Ghetto gives me a whole new perspective of the group. With both songs fit to listen to in isolation and songs meant to be heard in a greater context, this six-track masterpiece has to be one of the best albums in the funk genre. “The Cisco Kid” is a fantastic way to begin the album with a beat to swing to, a protagonist to root for, and a story to live through. “City, Country, City” reveals the urban and rural divide in America if not by demographics, then by the energy of everyday life. I’m not sure what exactly “Beetles In The Bog” is supposed to represent, but I imagine beetles are not on top of the food chain in bayou country. With its nearly hopeless lyrics and pleading sax, the behemoth title track is unsurprisingly the centerpiece of the record. As far as funk concept albums go, I assumed Funkadelic stood in a league of its own with Maggot Brain. I stand corrected.
I had never heard of this album or band before. I didn’t know I needed this in my life.
From the start with 'The Cisco Kid' this is funky... I'd listen to this again. It is funky and still sounds fresh. The music is great. 5/5
So funky it'll make you want to institute change for the better in your community. 5/5
Great mix of genres. Awesome funk.
some really great, classic funk grooves here. to be honest, i feel like for a lot of people, this album might be boring, but this really just hits the spot for me. i knew cisco kid and the title track before listening to this album, so I kind of had an idea of what I was getting into, but the album cuts on this one really cemented it for me. just a good, groovy album.
Where has this album been my entire life! What a great album! Absolutely loved it.
wow holy shit, I thought I'd probably enjoy it but this is PHENOMENAL, the spaciest smoothest sax ever over classic motown grooves. So good
So good - reminds me of Cymande
Good to great album.
This was fun! A very unique sound to it that I really liked. Excellently played and written, fun album cover as well. So much to love and nothing to hate.
The sounds that a lot of my childhood were based on, very cool to engage with this.
first album about soul music.Sounds good!
Really enjoyed that - this is more like a 4.5. I'm more familiar with War's collaboration with Eric Burdon than their own stuff, so it was good to rectify that... Fave tracks - "The Cisco Kid" is a great opener. "City, Country, City" is wonderfully cinematic. "Four Cornered Room" is probably my fave track on the album - lovely dreamy hypnotic atmosphere - kinda reminded me of Black Sabbath's "Planet Caravan". "The World is a Ghetto" is a jam, and I liked the afrobeat sounding "Beetles in the Bog" You know what, gonna round this up to a 5 since every track apart from one caught my attention!
So good
1972 - Funk; Soul; R&B; Psychedelic Soul
C’est pas un album que tout le monde va aimer, mais j’ai beaucoup apprécié l’expérimentation jazz couplé au son classique de War
A couple familiar songs, but otherwise very jazzy. I’m all about this. Favorite song on the album: The World is a Ghetto
9/10
Not my thing but recognise the quality.
Starting to like this band
I enjoyed this one a lot
Muy bien
There’s good material here, but I just couldn’t immerse myself in it. I’m not sure what it was. I think if I were in a different mood it may have gotten a 5