Reviews (page 4 of 11)
Ok, foremost I love the cover of this album. Some decent funk and soul in here. Will be hard to rate, probably right in the middle with 3 stars, but not sure yet. Probably the one to REVISIT in the future as well! "The Cisco Kid" is a great song! Rate it 3.5 on RYM, and I really enjoyed, but I don't want to be too generous on this list, so I might give strong 3 stars here still, but we will see. But I am really feeling inclined towards 4 as well, stumped!
This is a fantastic execution of the combination of soul, funk, jazz, rock, prog, reggae and more. From the band I only knew from Lowrider, no less. The most impressive thing about it is how coherent a sound they pull together here, and the variety they manage to drag that coherent sound to. The Cisco Kid was an unbelievably fast inductee into the "best songs ever list", taking on a South-Western affect and funk groove that sounds super unique. Where Was You At is some ingeniously composed, soulful funk music. Beetles In The Bog is a shorter take on the more abstract, jammy songs here. And speaking of the jammier songs. I think they are keeping this from a perfect 5. Don't get me wrong, they're all good, they may even all be great. But they are all a *little* overlong, and it adds up. That being said, my thoughts on this will probably change eventually, and War, and all 7 of its members at the time really pulled something off here. I am extremely impressed, and this is a very high 4.
I guess Edwin Starr was wrong - War IS good for something. For those of you who only know about this group from their single "Low Rider," you're not going to get the same style of music on this record. The World Is a Ghetto takes things in a more standard funk/soul direction, with lots of extended funk jams throughout. While the longer tracks can definitely drag on for some people, I think the tight musicianship helps to maintain energy as the tracks change in flow. This album is a fantastic funk classic that deserves more attention. Standout Tracks: The Cisco Kid; City, Country, City; The World Is a Ghetto; Beetles in the Bog Score: A+
This one snuck up on me in the best way. War builds a whole atmosphere here, drifting between funk, soul, Latin grooves, and long-form jams without breaking a sweat. Not every moment hits with the same intensity—there are definite valleys—but the peaks more than justify the journey. “City, Country, City” is the highlight for me. The extended instrumental stretch feels alive, with the Hammond solo sliding in like it’s been waiting the whole album for its moment. The band plays with such looseness and confidence that the whole track ends up being one of those rare jams that earns its runtime. The better-known songs (“The Cisco Kid,” the title track) still shine, but it’s the overall vibe that really carries this record. It’s warm, rhythmic, human music—easy to sink into and surprisingly durable. Not quite a soul-shaker in the five-star league, but absolutely a strong and rewarding listen. A solid four that earns its place.
I really love the sound of this. The band has so much synergy, great instrumentation all around this. Very enjoyable soul jams - it's rlly my thing.
Side one would be great to put on at a party - liked this way more than I thought I would funky and groovy and great album art
> The Beatles
Album funky y jazzy, bien bacilon. City, country, city me gusto harto, un instrumental que se siente como un viaje de lo que dice el titulo mas otros temas medios psicodelicos
Good listen. Funky and fun.
Incredible musicianship here, with a lot of enjoyable funk that makes you not care if the songs are 13 min long
Some of it a little hit and miss, but was a good accompaniment to cooking a roast dinner
Enjoying the funky tunes. Quite a good album.
wow.
Cisco Kid and Beetles in the Bog are super groovy
Really bloody good. High 4
classic
Favorite Track: The Cisco Kid
Banger all the way, groovy dirty and thicc just like I like it.
This was really good. Cisco man was an awesome intro
Another record that's been on my "to listen" queue for a long time. Very enjoyable record, I had the 50th Anniversary version playing and went through two of it's discs. Up until it got to the blues tracks, I enjoyed it quite a lot. I especially like the old school latin soul stuff, but the jazzier tunes were really nice too!
Not a sentiment I normally agree with but war rules
Never heard war before , enjoyed the track , well produced and another great soul album and would listen again
Whisked me away during its runtime. Fantastic performances across the board and lovingly produced. Prog soul. Lush and effortlessly cool.
Really like this album. I have listened before, and war are a great band. I think they have more influence on the funk world than I even realise. The world is a ghetto is just beautiful. beetles in the bog is a great end to the album, feeling hopeful but almost cautious with the way it sounds. Really enjoyed four cornered room. Feels like it could be the soundtrack for industrial America.
This was really interesting, can’t think of anything quite like this. Feels like such a hybrid of so many different styles and so ahead of its time. Never heard of war at all. Big thumbs up from me. Interesting ideas across the board, makes me glad we're doing this project
It's hard to go wrong with any War album really. This one is a pleasant listen as it travels through some groovy tunes. The Chico Kid starts us off in a good mood with some hard funk. Along the way, we get some great jam sessions. With only 6 songs over 44 minutes, this album is a real easy listen with an important message of protest if you stop and really listen.
i thought the world was a vampire :(
Yea this is good. One I’ve never heard and really good. Thanks.
I loved “where was you at”. Great album and if I could give a half star it would get 4.5. I liked it so much I listened to another one of their records. Great funk sound for 1972!!! I bet KC and Sunshine Band got their inspiration from War!!
Sehr cooles Album. Habe vorher noch nie Funk/Soul gehört, aber das Album hat mich abgeholt.
Nice!
A wonderful listen. War really blends funky soul and progressive movement together.
This was a positive surprise. I had never heard of this band before, but what they did here is really good stuff. Very enjoyable from beginning to end. No skips album.
Funky
It’s a strong record that channels what I imagine the ghetto sounded like in the ’70s. Hints of African rhythms run through every track, and the album’s real gems arrive in its second half
Fantastic! Great fun top to bottom
I'm beginning to learn that the 70s was an incredible time for the cross-pollination of funk and Latin grooves.
Ég kann að meta svona.
8/10 Not what I usually listen to but interesting to discover
Before this, I'd only heard their hits. This was such a GROOVE. Why weren't War bigger?
this was also awesome as hell
Прекрасно. Новое открытие. Обязательно послушаю еще эту группу. Удивительный микс черной музыки и классического рока. Может даже и 5 можно поставить. Но пусть будет все таки пока 4
Liked this quite alot. Definitely a whole album thing if you're going to do it. Can imagine me revisiting a few more times
Thought the first couple tracks were fairly rudimentary funk but from the fusion of City, Country, City onwards I was hooked, lined, sinkered. Another good find from this era following last weeks Isaac.
Totally oblivious to this band going into this, so not sure if what was to come. Turns out that if I knew what a wheelhouse was this would be squarely in it. Funky, chilled, unexpectedly fun grooves. Only 6 tracks and a perfect album length. It’s a thumbs up from me!
Good jammin
приятный альбом. но в середине немного затянутые две песни были, как-то поднадоели. но в целом очень даже неплохое
Jazzy funky rock album worth checking out again
You can bet your sweet ass and half a titty these tunes really set the mood with their soul and groove. It’s outta sight. Can you dig it?
I dig it.
cool funk
classic
I like this album The funky music to the sexy sax
Damn. WAR can hang. Like probably everybody else here, I only knew "Low Rider" and "Why Can't We Be Friends;" both solid songs, mind you. But this album's a feast of groove, all a lot of fun to listen to -- somewhat funky, somewhat soulful, somewhat reggae, somewhat latin. Major vibes.
Loved this 🎷🎷🎷🎷
Slow and steady funk, good mix of styles. Feels progressive and interesting, Longer songs are great and give the band a chance to shine. Very much a fan. 4/5
Ended up being a good amount of funk. Not too funky, but surprisingly well rounded. Like a slightly less funky Parliament. Not my best review. But really good still
Was enjoyable! Short, good songs. The World is a Ghetto is catchy and nice. I haven't heard much of War in the past other than Low Rider and I liked this.
Wow, this was a wild ride. It's a wonderful melting pot of groovy tribal funk, warm bassy jazz, afro-soul and even hints of reggae as well, with the heritage of War's members shining through really tastefully and genuinely. A couple of tracks err on the lengthier side, but they earn their running time through being consistently interesting and engaging. Amazing discovery which has made its way onto my purchase list.
I had previously heard a few tracks, but had no clue how much I would actually love the album. After The Cisco Kid opening, came the funk, and the groove, and the jazz (that I actually liked), and an organ, and so on, and so on. Had me hooked. Listened before? N Saved to library? N Favorite track(s): Cisco kid, City Country City, The World Is a Ghetto, ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Really liked it.
A strong album throughout, with two all-time standout songs in "Cisco Kid" and "The World Is a Ghetto."
So good all the way through. Super textured, yet extremely cohesive. Thoroughly enjoyed this record. 4.4 outta 5
Great band
Wonderful neo-funk album with sweeping storytelling.
I had only known Cisco Kid (and Low Rider) from War before. This was a fun album! Very "Shaft After Dark" vibes to it.
Quite good - got some grooves. Dug the first half of the album a lot, but felt it kinda petered off in the latter half. Regardless, I've solely associated War with "Low Rider", and I was pleasantly surprised by this album. Now I've got to listen to more War...
I forgot about this album, which was much discussed when it was released. War had moved into a different type of music as they went into the 1970s. I never heard the entire album, only ‘Cisco Kid’ and the title track. I really enjoyed it listening to it now, except for “Four Cornered Room”.
This was a gorgeous album. I loved every track.
Effortlessly cool.
When you are asked, “Do you want the funk?”, the answer should be clear.
Has a slow start with the first two tracks but sticks the landing with the last (lengthy) track. The second side continues in much the same fashion. Something that's meant to be listened to in its entirety. My first exposure to War outside of Low Rider. Fantastic album. Highlights: City, Country, City
bom
1001 Albums Challenge (17/1001) 1. The Cisco Kid (4/5) 2. Where Was You At (5/5) 3. City, Country, City (5/5) 4. Four Cornered Room (3/5) 5. The World Is A Ghetto (5/5) 6. Beetles In The Bog (4/5) Total (4/5)
Very cool
Excellent, will listen to again
7/10
Actually great. Low expectations that were proven wrong. This kind of music occasionally withdraws to the background of my attention while playing it, but it’s a nice feel and groove
Obsessed w the jazz soul funk vibes
Not a band I know anything about, only really being familiar with the big hit, Low Rider which I’m not a fan of due to over hearing it in the Marmite ad in the 90s. However, I really enjoyed listening to this - I’ll need to go back to it to get under its skin and I’m looking forward to doing so.
The World is War
This list has been really generous to me as far as soul music is concerned ; War is yet another great discovery I wouldn’t have made without it. I had never even heard the name of the band, and even if I had, I wouldn’t have guessed it was a soul-jazz formation (as naming conventions go, I would expect something like « The Fantastic War Ensemble and Their Amazing Cousins »). Anyway. It’s a really convincing mix of jazz, soul and funk, sometimes going into psychedelic territory. The experimental approach is typical of the early 70s funk and free jazz scene, but they also bring strong soul roots to the table. Totally works for me ! On the downside, the jazzy parts were a little weak (the sax was super cheesy), and the album as a whole sometimes sounded too much like a technical exercise, somewhat lacking fire. I’m totally going to listen to the rest of their discog though. A solid 4* for me.
This was fantastic the instrumentation and all the funk and jazz elements were addictive
Reminded me a lot of music my dad and uncle would listen to. Felt like I was taking a drive through the city.
I’ve heard of this album, but I haven’t fully listened to it yet. “The Cisco Kid” is a great song and is a good way to kick off the album.
I was familiar with the album going in- my dad was a big WAR fab growi g up. This one was very good- beautiful instrumentation filled with a lot of emotion. The hits from the album are both great listens too. Overall- very solid. 3.5/5
Great band, The Cisco Kid is a fab track, very groovy. The one thing I will say is that, with just six loooong tracks, there's a lot of jamming - which can get quite noodly.
I've always been aware of War, and have always wanted to like them, but have never really delve into their catalog, and this album gave me a good chance to do so. I can see how it was album of the year. That said, the problem I have with this platform, is that you get a new album each day, so I can't really get in as many listens as I want to. This is another I will revisit when I can sit with it. But for now it is a solid album
Namesake song of the album is incredible but it doesnt reach that 5 mark for me
Has its moments but drags on sometimes.
Just with the first two songs, I'm ready to give this a five. Let's see how the rest of the album holds up because I dig it so far big time. Loved this whole thing, the second half is a lot more instrumental than the first two tracks but it's great.
Funky soul and blues. What more do you need…?
This felt like a long jam session at times (especially with the two longer songs). It was a little slow for my preferences, but there was a lot of changes in pace and instrumentation that kept things interesting.
Really good. Never listened to this War album before but really cool
Very nice.
Apparently this is the band responsible for the iconic Low Rider. They have earned all my respect already just for that, even though unfortunately that song isn’t on this album :(( Also apparently this was the best selling album of 1973 so that’s pretty noteworthy too. Wow this album though! 6 songs in 44 minutes, so the songs are each pretty long but honestly the longest ones were some of my favorites. I especially enjoyed the 13 minute long instrumental and the title track. Groovy soul stuffs. Stopped me doing my homework to focus on it haha.
Wasn't ready for this. Funkiness goes hard. Enjoyable stuff.
Nice album to chill to
Some of the jams were a little too long winded for my taste, but overall I absolutely love the vibe. I am not the biggest funk fan but I can 100% see why this album is incredibly important in the funk scene.
I was surprised how few songs were on it, but it makes sense because there were a few very long songs. I actually enjoyed the long instrumental bits in these songs, and noticed the minimal lyrics. It was definitley a vibe..... which the cover does not fit. It's cute though. The first song was a banger. 6.5/10
Sounds were too long but it was enjoyable
So i absolutely hated the opening song but im glad I powered through because the rest of the album is thought was really fun and soulful
honestly I listened to this while walking an outdoor mall and I felt like the side character of a chicano comedy. great way to experience it
War ganz ok
Another hidden gem i would not have discovered without this. Mixes funk, soul and jazz very well. Like where was you at, city, country, city, four cornered room especially and the title giving track especially. Album flows very well and never drags.
A great example of why I love this project. I'd never heard of the group or the album. I wouldn't have expected to like the genre. Overall I really, really enjoyed this.
Blind album, know the artist from Why Can't We Be Friends. Thoroughly impressed and happy with the album. Loved the style and solos
This was nice! Simpsons: No
good early 70s funk
Listened in a Dallas hotel room. Sublime sounding.
This is the type of album all those live jam band albums want to be. Excellent musicianship and just an overall fun listen!! It went by so quickly, I was jamming and engaged the whole time.
So far I haven't been a big fan of instrumental or jazzy albums, but funk is a horse of a different color. I really enjoyed this one.
Just an incredible funk album. The optimal combination of jazz, blues, rock, Latin, and more. "Four Cornered Room" is my favorite. I could use it as ambient music all day. "The Cisco Kid" continues a tradition of outlaw-on-the-run songs and is another excellent track.
Lately I’ve been getting a lot of soul/funk records from this list, and I wish this one came a little earlier. This feels like a good bridge between early 70s 'hard rock' and funk music, and I could have appreciated Funkadelic and even David Bowie's Young Americans a little more with this context. It’s not wholly surprising that this album sold well, but I’m impressed to find out it was the top selling album of 1973. With a few tweaks to the formula we’ll get “Low Rider” in 1975 and everyone knows that song. It feels mean to call this “training wheels Funk”, but that doesn’t make it not true. War is fun, I liked this.
Drags a bit in the back half but definitely a pleasure
Very nice discovery, will listen again
Pretty good album tbh. Didn't really fw four cornered room, and the songs were a tiny bit too long for me, for aside from that pretty cool👍
Yeah.
Great album. Almost as good as “Why Can’t We Be Friends “
Good driving tunes
The first two tracks feel slightly out of place because they’re just songs. These are all great, funky jams though. Love it
Excellent. It’s a live album without an audience. Great performances and production. Can hear everything. Total vibe record. Probably never played the same way twice. Wants to be political and serious but it’s just exceptional musicians playing together perfectly.
Better than Coldplay
I enjoy War. Cisco Kid is a classic and everything else is typical War which I like. Probably #2 War album
I really liked how they mix styles, finding a place that's jazzy, psychedelic and soulful. I also liked how political and directed it feels with its lyrics and message. The lyrics are good, the performances are excellent and it's an engaging listen. The basslines were particularly good, and the vocals are great too. My favourite part of the album was the second half, as they flesh out the songs more and they turn into soulful epics. The best songs for me were "City, Country, City", "Four Cornered Room" and "The World Is A Ghetto".
Late 60’s r & b rock
I'm going to need to come back to this. There's a lot of atmosphere, the arranging work is really very good and the end product is highly listenable. It's a slow burn in a lot of places (especially 'Four-Cornered Room') but it drips with an atmosphere that pulls me in. I don't know War very well ('Low Rider' aside, which is a fucking jam), but this has the sounds of a large band that's locked in and yet giving each other space to work. Wikipedia tells me they were/are an R&B and progressive soul band. I don't fully know how to describe soul, but when I wondered "what really is soul music?", I got the impression that this album might also ask that. Anyway, give this one a go. I think I can un-cringe-ily say it's a vibe. I think it'll both reward and invite more listens. 4/5.
Starts off pretty cool
Love the beat, love the rock!
Super solid album. Absolute vibes. Fave song: The World is a Ghetto Honorable mention: City, Country, City
I was skeptical at first but it ended up being quite good. Its a nice balance between jazzy and funky. Favourite Song: The World is a Ghetto Honourable Mention: City, Country, City
kind of a banger, just a nice 3. "four cornered rooms" into "the world is a ghetto" was good. after re-listening and some thought i changed my rating to a 4, excellent album!
First time listening to this and it wasn't what I expected. Great album. There's something really special about this
Hyvä funkkilevy! Aloitusraita on ihan legendaleveliä 4/5
Hyvä jatsahtava funkkislevy. 4/5
Sweet
04/08/2025 It wasn't too bad, I've heard worse.
I love this album.
I can listen to this all day.
Best Song: The Cisco Kid This is really good. And, I as someone who loves Phish, Grateful Dead, and other jam bands, I enjoy some of the longer jams on this album. But, there is always a but, these kinds of jams usually don't translate well to production and are best served spontaneously live. Sadly, this album suffers from that. If they would have shortened the two jam songs down by a few minutes, this would be a 5/5 but instead 4/5.
pure funk on funk, great riffs and the aesthetic of the album is really cool and you really get down with the vibe.
War is good
This album is terrific. I didn’t expect this to be as good as it was, but the band is tight, and I can hear a lot of threads that other bands picked up from them. A definite return listen. 7/10
Really liked this. I love some super long vocal runny songs with tons of 70s beats. Reminds me in *some* ways of Pink Floyd
Liked. They have a good sound and always enjoyed music with a good horn section.
Really cool vibe, only knew these guys from their two famous songs which got annoying from overplay. Love the musicality, jazz feel, the whole thing flows really well
Funky and political and relevant today.
I had only heard a few tracks from War before, their hits naturally. I thought this album was pretty cool.
The only acceptable War is this band
This was a really enjoyable listen. Long songs, good background music. Four Cornered Room was the stand out.
Solid funk and soul.
Slow and funky soul. Perfect to read a book on the beach on a sunny day to. Didnt know this band and happy to discover them. 8/10
Curtis Mayfield era funk music, very cool, very chill vibe
Funky and fun. A rich, colourful sound. Feels like summer and sunshine.
Eine Entdeckung - danke dafür. Sehr funky und großartig musiziert.
Holy crap, that came out of nowhere. Soulful, sinful, absolutely delightful. Beats so heavy I could build on them, lyrics so thoughtful I'm still thinking about them. I'm loving this project so much already - there's so much I never realized I hadn't heard. This was a total revelation. I'll be listening to it again.
chillig
Groove. Sure wish I had an LP cover in my hands to pore over. Cisco engages, then City, Country, City really gets happening. That pulsing rhythm underlying the jazzy horn--and more. Just never quits. Psych-funk ghetto rising.
Had no idea who these guys were if that I would enjoy the funk or the groove so much. A tad too long and my insterest wavered especially on longer tracks but these tunes were super cool.
I was wavering a little bit, I was digging the vibe, I liked that the band didn’t seem tethered to a structural ideas for songs and the album as a whole. So wavering only because I wasn’t always blown away by everything going on, but in the end, there is some really good material and I appreciate where this band is coming from.
Not sure why I never gave these guys much attention. This was a cool listen, and Cisco Kid is such a fantastic groove. I don't know that I loved every song, but these guys are cool and unique and this album made me go and listen to more of their music, which is I guess the point of this exercise.
wow funky goodness here
Super disco, un deleite sonoro. Un "must" en cualquier colección de discos.
A really nice, jazzy, funky, soulful record. Each song feels pretty unique to all the others and the long-form style of a few of the songs I think fits the bands sound really well. 8/10
Funky and soulful throughout. I was hoping for some "Lowrider" style bangers, but I was happy with what I got.
funkyyyyy. really really like city, country, city. awesome mix between funk and blues. really dig this album
Cool stuff, I liked listening to it.
Only really know this artist through Low Rider (probably like many). I actually liked this one. I don’t know why I expected gangsta rap, this is too early for that but it ended up being kinda funky. Solid stuff
Rv/g
Great 70's funk
Another album I was just listening to! So this is what I think of as progressive soul/funk. It's got some great longer songs that will change rhythms. City, country, city is interesting to hear. The Cisco Kid is more what people will gravitate to but listen to the entire album. It's well worth the time. It's a great album.
What a vibe this was! It's got that humid, sun-baked, late-afternoon-in-the-city feel. Everything moves slow and easy, and it’s chill as hell. I don’t usually swim in this kind of funk-jazz blend, but I might dip a toe more often. Has some early Earth, Wind & Fire energy with more mood. It’s good summer listening. Spins: 3 Playlist Additions: - The Cisco Kid - Where Was You At - City, Country, City - The World Is A Ghetto - Beetles In The Bog
Expansive soul rock - this is car chase music, but going through the bad side of town. Favourite tracks: Cisco Kid, Four Cornered Room, The World is a Ghetto
Amazing instrumentation, interesting, doesn't over stay it's welcome.
3.5 Urban Soul with a touch of Latin rhythms is highly enticing. Given the climate of the early Seventies, War was welcome. Over the years, its excellent singles ("The Cisco Kid") and the superior but underrated deep cut ("City, Country, City") have held up very well. However, what was once a door opening to Latin music is now bested by the output of Fania Records.
Classic soul/funk/whatever album
Loved this album from the Get Go! Funky bass and percussion will always win me over. A jet service straight to the 1970’s. Elements of the Caribbean mingle in the streets of Latina America and the American Ghettoes. The perfect combination for an all round sound of funky soulful reggaeish beats x
Smooth, funky, summer-time soul. This would be a great record to own, as it fits the "throw it on and go about your day" vibe really well. Felt like every single track could be sampled 20 different ways for some of the best contemporary beats you could hear. Only wish I could've listened while sitting on a block in Baltimore.
I always felt that War can be a bit repetitive. Their big hits "Low Rider" and "Why Can't We Be Friends?" jams on one riff and they S-T-R-E-T-C-H it out WAY too long. This album, the songs are still loose and one-riffy. The longer songs, however, expand on the ideas and all of the members of the band get a chance to play. I liked the dichotomy of "City-Country-City," how it would go from harmonica (country) to saxophone (city). It was very effective as an instrumental, even if it clocked in at over 12 minutes long. As a whole, I liked the album, but felt some of the songs could have been shorter to be more effective. But I would still listen to it again. Top tracks: "The Cisco Kid," "City-Country-City," "The World Is A Ghetto"
I find it funny every time I get an album from a band that I think I know, without any of the songs I know them for. It means either the band was better or deeper than their big hits, or the critics/list sees something I and the masses don't. I think this is a bit of both. I really dug The Cisco Kid - and it has that jazz/soul pseudo-funk these guys were known for (think Spill the Wine and Lowrider). But because these guys are progressive soul, I guess that means you get these long 10+ min jam session songs like City, Country, City and the title track. And I felt like they wandered a bit - don't get me wrong, they had some strong musicianship but they could've been shorter and just as effective. Not surprising that my second favorite track was the 3min Where Was You At. Four Cornered Room was a solid bluesy soul effort, including the almost 3min instrumental intro, but again at 8.5min it goes on longer than it needs to (trim the outro). The title track really is something but tighten the outro and the interlude in the middle - lost me a bit there. I feel like it's around a 3.5 for me but probably closer to a 4 so I'll round up.
War on imperialism
Lot of nice tunes. Feels really alive and warm. Funk and Soul in the right space. (3.5/5.0)
Dad- NA Mom- 8 Mike- NA Lori- 8.5 Michael- 8 Miles- NA Cole- NA Avg- 8.17
Æ hadde skrevet nokka om det, men det forsvant tydeligvis. Æ likte det, men ikke så mye at æ nødvendigvis kommer til å gjenlytte.
Good vibes with this one. Songs a bit to lengthy but good summertime album.
Funky and jazzy, always glad when this style of music lets itself jam with some longer songs, fits it perfectly.
3.5/5
Really enjoyed this- eclectic, interesting listen
This is a really unique blend of rock, jazz, reggae and psychadelia that massively works for me. It's content to wander & take its time but isn't afraid to ramp up when necessary. And I'm not much for Jazz but its contribution here is essential. Great album, high 4.
Yes! Funky and soulful, it’s giving Funkadelic vibes. I loved it and was grooving in my chair while working. Listened through twice in a row. Highlights: City, Country, City, and Four Cornered Room.
Throwback! I don't think I'd heard "Cisco Kid" since I was riding in the back of my parents' station wagon. Laid-back funky soulful rock - the album cover seems to really match well. Hard to be in a bad mood listening to this album; I'll definitely add to my collection - long overdue. 7/10 4 stars.
Conscious funk, sophisticated but still gritty
This is another new finding for me. Full of sounds I followed with pleasure.
suena muy guapo, un asalto al alma
Funky fresh. Great funky, jazzy, soul-tinged vibes for a late night.
One of the first albums I bought. Holds up
My schedule didn't let me listen to this as much as I should have, but I appreciated the raw emotions throughout. It is on my list for a re-listen to better immerse myself
I enjoyed this album much more than I expected, I really liked the sound through multiple songs.
A good, funky album. I don't spend a ton of time listening to funk. Most of my experience comes from Vulfpeck. But this was good, I enjoyed it.
4.2
i enjoyed it! i didnt realize when it ended so i feel like i cant fully comment on how it felt as an album lol i accidentally listened to the radio for like five songs afterwards. but i did really like the first few songs in particular when i was paying better attention.
the soul side of the moon
I enjoyed this! Cool vibes, powerful bass grooves.
First album where I went in completely blind. It's a pool of genres, mainly groovy funky stuff. Had me nodding and restlessing my legs. Wish I could downgrade my Little Richard score, cause it's way too high
good groove and percussion but it felt pretty repetitive at times and i like repetitive stuff usually, but one track felt like the same thing for 13 minutes with one percussion break lol i liked the title track and four cornered room the most
Didn't get a chance to listen to the entire album, but I liked the first few songs ☺️
jazzy psychedelic soul I’m here for.
Not bad
Funky funky funky! Für e Band wo sich Chrieg nännt isch d musig durchuus happy-machend. Da hemmer e grossartigi glückssträhne a neuer und gueter musig und ich hoffe ich jinxes ned grad indem ich da schriibe das d köntri quote sehr am abneh isch. Mit the Cisco Kid isch s feuf sterne potential sehr ume gsi, zwüscheziitlich wider chli abgflacht und the world is a ghetto mit dene vielne funky und jazzige solos sind 10 minute pure gnuss! S chützlet mi ide finger wider es feufer-gwitter krache z lah aber getrau mi denn doch ned ganz, fehlt bizli de durchzogni kribel im buuch. Aber au 4 sternezerstörer meinets guet.
sehr intressant! zwüscheduure en heftige zug vibes catcht aber zwüscheduure au sehr fest abdriftet 3 lieder hends mal ih playlists gschafft, realistisch wirdi 1 devo ab und zue wiedermal lose (au wenn‘s eig en riese banger isch) – hoffentli denki dra! was lüchtet es bizli meh als 3 sterne? genau, 4 sterne
A solid jazz R&B album. Mostly jazz. It’s a vibe.
I've never listened to War before, and I quite enjoyed it. It's no Parliament, but it was enjoyable.
This album is joy. Only 4 stars because of the lyric where dogs can't be this man's best friend.
War always makes me think of Cheech & Chong movies.
didn't know i needed prog funk until i heard this. cool album
Liked the title track, groovy instrumentals, 3.5/5
Could be a 5 on a different day. Or maybe it was just missing something
Sultry is an understatement. Really cool sound, mostly perfection.
A very fun fusion for me, I’ve been warming up more and more to jazz funk and have always loved soul… The world is a ghetto is a near perfect jam session , type of album I can have running all day , get something new each time and bop the groovy parts , sing alone the hooks and mimick the jazz
Funky, groovy, trippy mannnn I thought this one had low rider
Funky AF. Starts strong, ends strong, lulls a little in the middle.
go off kings
So I'm writing this a while after I listened to it so my thoughts aren't fresh but I really liked the groovy jazz feel of the album. I really vibed with the beat and the lyrics as well.
Jazzy. The last half was the best. Reminded me of a little bit of Marvin Gaye Trouble Man. Wasn't great for the early morning drive in. Still a good album.
Title song is a banger, rest is pretty good? Wouldn't actively seek to play it very often I feel. 4 stars.
Absolutely class. Slips between genes without even noticing.
Many songs chill with a nice beat
4/5
Strong all the way around, with well-measured grooves and loose funk. The variety of songs and range of emotions are strengths. "Cisco Kid" is a delight and the vocal harmonies add depth and warmth throughout. Holds up very well, musically and message-wise, too.
Feels Like a combination of a mid-night car ride in the 80s and a bad soft porn conversation
I like dis
Good songs, a little long
This was nice, a bit long in parts, but ultimately very groovy. Loved “Cisco Kid”. “Where Was You At” was pretty good too. “City, Country, City” was a tad too long considering all it ended up accomplishing. “Four Cornered Room” was really phun and introspective. The title track, while a bit long, is really very satisfying. Finally, “Beetle In the Bog” is a great little track to close out the album. Instrumentation, vocals, and songwriting stood out as being real solid. Structure and arrangement were great. Lyrics and production were good, but could have benefited from a little more work. A lot of the songs also have a old-timey, western feel to them that draws comparisons between the ghetto and the wild west. Pretty interesting stuff and a good first listen. 4/5
Excellent
Great jazzy soul music, not all the songs aligned to my taste
Admittedly, I was predisposed to not liking this album based on knowing their track “War”. Pleasantly surprised. Lots of fun sounds and tempos and tones. City, Country, City was a highlight. Thumbs up to this record. Was a great listen.
So much funk. The drums on this album are incredible.
Very funky, do like
Great album to turn up and just relax to.😎
This is a weird genre, kinda reggae, islandy, jammy, latin(?) vibes. Lots of gang vocals. I'm not sure if Cisco Kid really fits into the vibe of this album, but it might be because I liked it least out of all of this. Low 4s.
Lowrider, it ain't....and that's totally fine with me. Love these extended jams, especially 'City, Country, City.' 4.5 stars.
High quality everything. It's just very, very good.
Attractive, vibe-y, groovy. After months, still not sure if it's a 4 or a 5.
Always dig these guys
I really enjoyed it! War is on my radar now!
I liked it more than I thought I would. Was pretty good stuff.
Much better than I would have expected given their popular song! (25 known/52 new)
Fun and funky. I quite enjoyed it.
3.5
Very enjoyable, not heard it before but I am obviously familiar with Low Rider. I will give their other albums a play some time soon.
Surprisingly great. Funky, but with a range of ideas and sounds that kept me entranced. If there was maybe one more standout tune it'd be a five - as it is, 6 tracks can drag on a little, but definitely worth revisiting.
It was during my freshman year at high school that this album came out. Cisco Kid, a huge hit, overshadows the album, and is the only song most people remember, to their disadvantage. Four Cornered Room, my favorite, is a gentle freak out occasionally reminiscent of The End by The Doors. To my teenage ears the sound was cool, exotic and still is.
Overall a solid album funk/jazz/soul fusion. Nothing to push it over the top for me but it was enjoyable.
Straight-up street-level funk. Interesting fact: this was the best-selling album of 1973, outselling Dark Side of the Moon.
Far out funks. Liked Cisco Kid and the title track, in particular.
Awesome!
cool
Really enjoyed this
War is an R&B/progressive soul band I've heard a few singles here and there such as "Low Rider" and "Spill the Wine". This will have been my first full album listen, and while I consider The World is a Ghetto to be a decent at times great album, there are elements to it that hold me back from fully praising it. It's weird because the album starts strong with "Cisco Kid" and "Where Was You At" with the bouncy rhythm, smattering of bongos and organ play, and call-and-response vocals that's the fun and inviting side similar to those singles I mentioned earlier. Even the 13-minute instrumental "City, Country, City" invokes those warm feelings as it plays around a central harmonica motif while introducing different progressions with the rest of the group involved. But then I realized there are three different super-long tracks, and each one progressively gets slower and more downbeat in tone. Even though I don't consider "Four Cornered Room" and the title track to be bad and certainly have their place in the larger narrative of racial and cultural divide, they drag the overall momentum of the album down to the point where it felt longer than it did to me. Thankfully, "Beetles in the Bog" ends on an anthemic note. I'd say The World is a Ghetto is a solid album from War that showcased what they were capable of with their sound. It's certainly ambitious with its ideas and execution, even if I felt it could have been done a little better.
Most people, like me, know War as the band that recorded "Low Rider." And most people, like me, know them probably only for that. So I was then pretty intrigued to hear something else they'd done, a full album's worth of content, to see what they were all about separate from "Low Rider." And man was it awesome. I'll never turn down some funky soul, some solid grooves, or some great horn solos. This falls into the same channel as Parliament or Funkadelic for me and I love it for the same reasons. I don't always love tracks longer than 10 minutes, but I'll almost always forgive it for funk music. I don't have a whole lot else to say. This was a banger. Four stars. Standout Tracks: The Cisco Kid, Where Was You At, City, Country, City
A good jam album with a monster at the tip. Nice example of the period, and a fine recording.
Not a huge fan of the three short tracks here (they're not bad or anything, just not that interesting), but the long ones are nothing short of fantastic. If this album were just these three songs, if would be a 9. WAR combine elements of funk, soul, and jazz in a very effective way to create these incredibly fun, catchy, and atmospheric tunes. The shorter songs hold the album back a little, but they don't ruin the experience.
This album is a creative and progressive achievement. I already knew Cisco Kid, but I didn't know how deep these guys go. The great progressive soul of Where was you at, the psychedelic jazz of City Country City. The cosmic blues of Four cornered room. This album is a near masterpiece.
8/10
Never heard this before but really enjoyed it. The name "War" is misleading - it's a very cool, laid back album.
expected metal from the band name, old school rap from the album title, got delightfully surprised by funky soul 🙂↕️
This is undoubtedly some of the best-sounding music in this lane. Crisp, fast. and even catchy like the song 'Where Was You At' - albums like this fly by and are a joy at every step. It reminded me a lot of another album I love: Black Market by Weather Report. The song 'City, Country, City' also gave me major Hancock Headhunters vibes with that long key solo and tribal drum pattern driving it forward. This was easily my favorite song here, if only because that serene closer made me feel things. 'Four Cornered Room' sounded like a bluesified Isaac Hayes song. I say that because the little spoken-word segment near the middle reminded me of him. With that said, the title track was really the most soulful song here, with these gorgeous vocal arrangements and lyrics that speak of yearning and longing in the face of injustice. Also, that building sax solo is killer. Although I've heard of 'War' before, it's unfortunate that this album isn't discussed very often. It's truly a magnificent piece of funk-jazz music.
De la soul psychédélique. Et bah c'était fort sympathique.
Definitely digging this
I assumed this would be a funk album and a funk band. It is, sort of, but not quite really. The issue is not negative though! What War really is is very eclectic and varying, and super fun! I actually really got into this and when the album ended and my youtube generator just put another War album on, I had not really noticed. Yeah, not just funk or 70's beat or soul or some offshoot of jazz, but all of it, and it doesn't feel overproduced or watered down. Nice. Yeah...
This project has made me realize that I apparently really like 70's soul music. Kinda a dark album, but well put together with great rhythms.
Enjoyed this! Cisco Kid, he breaks wind all the time.
Greatcalbum
Simple, potent, suprising. I was expecting more pretentious British slop. This album is realy good. The first track is a great opener and the title track is a bold shift. Overall i'm impressed
I really like the sound War has; it really is the funk meats soul meets rock meets latin that is called "world music" now because music critics are largely white americans and brits. This is the real pure version of that sound with a uniquely american twist. When I saw the runtimes of some of the tracks I was ready be put to sleep but "City, Country, City" is one of the best jams I've ever heard, live or otherwise. The key solo about 3/4 of the way through is so good, and the groove goes on so smoothly throughout the entire piece. "Cisco Kid" is a total banger (and is sampled by a great Redman and Method Man song) . I didn't like the last three tracks as much as the first three, but ending with "Beetles in the Bog" to bring up the tempo was a smart move. In any case, I liked this. I'd like to listen to more of their albums now; I only knew their big hits.
Gillar det på direkten. Svängigt och piggt. Är inte ett fan av långa instrumentala låtar men det funkar när man sitter på jobbet. Kul lyssning. Kommer säkert lyssna igen.
Riktigt skön funkakiva! Börjar stark med första låten möjligen lite väl långa låtar sen. Men ändå skönt sound hela vägen!
Tycker det här är bra och gillar lågtempo-funken. Låtarna bedömda var för sig är alla uppe och nosar kring fyrastrecket, men som hel skiva betraktat så blir det möjligen lite väl långa låtar och lågt tempo. Svag fyra för det är trots allt ett riktigt bra musikaliskt hantverk.
Was unfamiliar with War the group, but looking in to it more, I'm familiar with a handful of their songs without knowing who they were by. This album was a great vibe and a great listen. Recommended.
Fantastic album across the board. Great funk sound that does not feel tired or cheesy. It just feels good and fun to listen to. Great mix of short traditional songs and funky long play riffs. Will definitely listen to again.
A blender of genres and emotions, War really put an amazing album together. The songs feel transportive and envelop you in a scene instead of describe it for you to imagine
The best-selling album of 1973? I’ve never consciously heard of War before (although I had listened to a handful of tracks in the past according to Last.FM). This will be interesting… Upon listening, my presumption was that with a name like War they’d be akin to Black Sabbath, when actually they were a soul band. That was unexpected. It was pretty good, I’d say a high 3 rounded up to a 4. The standout was City, Country, City with its harmonica & sax fills. I’d listen to War again, this was a nice discovery.
This record exists somewhere at the perfect early ‘70s intersection between hardcore soulfunk and AM radio gold. Certainly not every moment is compelling, but there are enough surprises to keep ya guessing, even on multiple listens.
Good jams
great really groovy and jazzy at times. I like the concept although I probably didn't pick up on it fully. Some sax solos and random other noises are SOOO loud for some reason. No downsides other than some of the longer songs dragging on a bit (sorry). Favourite songs: The cisco kid, where was you at, the world is a ghetto, beetles on the bog. Overall around 8/10
This is one of a select few albums where the moody, meandering low-tempo funk soundscape wrenches but one response from the listener; “hell yeah”. To lift a phrase from Jay Kay, this is more of a Funk Odyssey than anything else I’ve heard. War feel, more than anything, like a band for the people. The good people, anyway. Yes, the world IS a ghetto, so what’ll we do about it? Let’s start with making a ¾-hour prog soul / funk / whatever the fuck album that’s both easy on the ears and expansive if you take a closer listen, a cacophony of instruments working in tandem to produce a silently feisty musicality that matches the front cover all too well. Genius.
good funk. i mean it’s hard to make funk music that’s bad so lol
ngl i expected a punk album, but this is very good. actually a lot better than i expected
They write 8 bars and call it a day. Repeat repeat repeat. It's good stuff, though.
Awesome sauce
Good stuff right here. If you disagree, that sucks.
This album got my day off to such a good start! Even the slower tracks were so engaging, Four Cornered Room, I'm looking at you! I don't listen to this type of music enough.
I haven’t rated funk this high before - this album was pretty fun! A couple of ones I skipped on the third listen through, but pretty good overall
I feel like I’ve heard of War before, but perhaps I’m thinking of the song (WAR! HUH! WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!). I may have even already reviewed a different album of their’s. I can’t remember. Anyway, I did enjoy this one. It’s that great blend of funk with so many other genres, and it’s a shame that funk is such a rarity these days. I wouldn’t go as far as to say I loved this album and that it’ll stick with me, but I certainly enjoyed the listen.
Love the funky style intro.
Good
Rly nice and chill
Very strong opener, and very strong final track. I feel some of the slower tracks are a bit on the boring side though.
It was like self made
Pretty good.
pretty good! i haven't been introduced to that genre in a while and i would say it was worth it but i can't say i'd listen to it all the time and especially at work. it depends on the mood