That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
1975
Album Summary
That's the Way of the World is the sixth studio album by American band Earth, Wind & Fire, released on March 15, 1975 by Columbia Records. It was also the soundtrack for a 1975 motion picture of the same name. The album rose to No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and Top Soul Albums charts.That's the Way of the World has also been certified Triple Platinum in the U.S by the RIAA.
WikipediaMy favorite EWF songs are (and pay attention, these are in order) Fantasy, September, and their transcendent cover of the Beatles' Got To Get You Into My Life. None of these are on this album, the lone EWF entry on the list. Shining Star opens the album, followed by the title track. They're both 5's (although not in my own personal Top 5, which tells you how great EWF were). But what I really want to learn more about is that apparently this album is the soundtrack to a movie of the same name starring Harvey Keitel. One would think with all of the streaming options available that at least one of them would have this curiosity available for our ready viewing pleasure. Earth, Wind & Fire actually appear in the film as a fictionalized version of themselves in a group known as...The Group? An IMDB user tells us the movie is worth seeking out and even likens it to the Paul Simon vehicle "One Trick Pony". That's all the inspiration I needed (big props to IMDB user lambiepie-2, as Prince would say, may u live 2 c the dawn), so I found this cinematic marvel on Tubi. The movie is everything I imagined it would be. It opens with EWF performing "That's The Way Of The World" while a young Harvey Keitel runs the control board. And it's pretty much a disaster from there. Keitel's record label would rather Harvey showed more interest in wan seemingly incestuous white trio called The Pages (which is somehow an even worse name than The Group). The Pages are a mix of the Carpenters, Helen Reddy, and the Starlight Vocal Band before they discovered the joy and wonders of a Nooner. White family acts were hip back then, you see. It's a thinly veiled commentary on the music industry and faceless, corporate America. It's cheesy in a way you'd expect from a forgettable film released in 1975. The script goes out of it's way to have characters say the title of the movie at least three times (possibly more, I just gave up after the third time). The movie made me appreciate the album, Harvey Keitel, Maurice White, Philip Bailey, and possibly Karen Carpenter, even more.
Shining Star is always fun, the upbeat tempo and "happy" singing make for a fun, encouraging song. A good one to lead with. Interesting though as the feel is very different than the rest of the album. The sound is the "same" though. Yearnin' Learnin' is, upon first listen, my favorite song on the album. There is something about the beat and the tone of their voices, a sort of exaggerated "meah, meah, meah" sound. At first I did not think I liked Reasons but I forced myself to continue listening and I love her voice being dominant with the guys harmonizing in the background and the jazzy trumpets hitting two beats (?) mixed in. As far as lyrics, All About Love (First Impression) is my favorite. The "spokenness" of the lyrics helps drive it home and easier to listen to. Africano, I am not a fan typically of the flute (it seems to be a tin or small wood one), so the sound of the flute is not my favorite. Towards the end of the intro it has a sound of water that is reminiscent of "Native American" music. A lot of interesting sounds all together in this song, very "Cosby-showish" sounding to me. So, unfortunately hearing Cosy before this song, I hear a TV show and not the song. I am not a fan of the trumpet or sax too much in songs...this is heavy on those. The numerous sounds work well together and keep you entertained, almost as though you don't know where to look. Overall the album has a smooth, mellow sound that is hopeful and enjoyable even as the lyrics call for thinking. I liked Earth, Wind & Fire before listening to this album but I still really enjoyed it. It reminded me of The 5th Dimension's Age of Aquarius a bit.
Half are Super funky, jazzy grooves and half are typically lush mid 70s ballads. Pretty cool. Tracks opening each side are straight up funk. Africano is a wah wah funk jazz tour de force.
Going into this album, the only song that I recognized immediately looking at the tracklist was the classic opener “Shining Star.” By 1975 Earth, Wind and Fire were well on their way to establishing themselves as one of the leading R&B/funk bands of the decade. Track two is the monster title track, which somehow I had forgotten about until the opening notes kicked the song immediately back into my brain. The track leaves little doubt the band was as comfortable in mid-tempo territory as when they are dropping classic funk tunes. Mixing jazz and world influences into “Happy Feelin’” the band is just humming and mastering every tool at their disposal. Did someone mention quiet storm? “All About Love” delivers that and more. Creating a template that others, like Luther Vandross, would perfect, the band utilizes spoken word, excellent background vocals, and a tremendous horn section to pepper the track with personality. However, an overindulgent keyboard part throughout the final minute is entirely unnecessary and distracting. “Yearnin’ and Learnin’” is the first sign of filler. It's not a terrible song but feels like the type of funk song the band could write in their sleep. The horn section during “Reasons” saves it from being a generic ballad. Featuring a falsetto vocal, horns, and strings, the group does everything possible to dress it up. The album regains it's footing with the afro-centric beats of the instrumental “Africano.” I’ve heard the band was fantastic live, and it's easy to see this getting an excellent work out in concert —plenty of 70s style funk guitar, horns, and percussion light this track on fire. “See the Light,” the closing track, is a rumination on the struggles of mid70s America with a hint of spirituality as well. Throw in some psychedelic-inspired keyboards and some Broadwayesque backing vocals, and the song leaves an impression. Although, I’m not convinced it's a positive one. I wouldn't call this record a masterpiece; however, there are some highlights and a couple of indisputable classics. Overall, the legendary status that surrounds EWF appears warranted.
“That’s the Way of the World” by Earth, Wind & Fire (1975) This is some of the best soul music ever. Listen to it as an antidote to the nightly news. Celebratory themes lift up the listener, giving gentle encouragement with soul. Earth, Wind & Fire preach (yes) a message of living a well integrated life with a funky groove. I’m in. If you’ve ever spent much time in an African American Baptist or Methodist church, you know exactly what’s going on here. This is neither Oprahfied self esteem nor the anger inducing kerygma of Farrakhan’s NOI Incorporated. It’s actualized joy. These songs come at us in a wholesome and upbeat mood only slightly tarnished by astrological and pseudo mystical wackiness. The closing track (“See the Light”) is either gospel or heliolatry, depending on your perspective. And there’s a love for newborn babies sprinkled throughout. And who doesn’t love newborn babies? (Ok, you smart alecks in the back row, put your hands down!) Lead and backing vocals display an extraordinarily diverse palette of timbres, including ghostly baritone, croaky-to-sassy-to-silky tenor, and entire gospel choirs of falsetto flavors. It’s not a stew. It’s a buffet. On top of that, we hear heavenly horns, tastefully arranged, with potent punctuation in interludes. Some of the ‘fill’ comes across as dated, but it still has nostalgic value. It’s only a minor flaw. But the standout instrumental performance on this album is the inventive bass lines by Verdine White, one of the greatest bassists of all time. He synthesizes progressive jazz, funk, and (believe it or not) classical symphonic music. It’s worth listening to this entire album with both ears trained on the electric bass. I dare ya. The album is well constructed, with the splashy lead track “Shining Star”, and the meditative end of “All about Love” to finish out side one, while side two begins ‘back to the splash’, winding up (and down) to the beautiful resolution of the closing anthem “See the Light” (starting with a rapid 7/8 that I actually wanted to dance to. You’ve got to hear it to believe it). The choral arrangement of the closing bars before the outro are ethereal. One could wrap this up with an ‘Amen’. 4/5
starts off with shining star, reasons, the sax in africano, the xylophones, great album that shows from beginning to end it deserves its place on this list
God, where are we in the world today. 9/10 Likes: 'Shining Star,' 'Happy Feelin', 'That's the Way of the World,' the horns of 'Yearnin' Learnin',' dear god 'Reasons' is a perfect masterpiece, best song on the album, fight me, is 'See the Light.' Dislikes: First half of 'All About Love,' though that synth part is phenomenally mesmerizing, Y'all know this is just my opinion right?
Complete classic. Songs I grew up with and reminds me of family. Great album to listen to while working.
I quite liked this album. I had only heard one or two songs by Earth, Wind & Fire previously, so it was nice to hear more by them.
STRONG start and a real groove throughout. I've been into Nu Funk more this year and its beyond obvious how much those folks are trying to be modern EWF. Just cool cool cool all the way. probably a 4.5 but I'm rounding up ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Absolute bangers, all the way through. Probably my second favorite EWF album behind I Am, but obviously still amazing.
Ok, die unmittelbare Gegenbewegung zum Abba-Tiefschlag ist abgeklungen. Trotzdem danke ich allen, die daran mitgewirkt haben mich zum tieferen Zuhören und einer relativ ausgiebigen Beschäftigung mit der Platte herauszufordern: das ist nämlich wunderbar warme, cremige und eben nicht zuckerwattige, sondern eher schokoladige Funk/Soul/Popmusik. Rhythmisch total auf den Punkt, aber auch gefühlig immer richtig dosiert, und in ihrer gesamten Mischung auf der Platte perfekt ausbalanciert zwischen Uptempo, Smoothness und Verführung. Wäre ne perfekte 4 gewesen, den zusätzlichen Punkt gibts für die Entdeckung.
Earth, Wind, and FIRE. I'd probably put it as more of a 4.5 if I could, but a 4 just seems miserly.
Ahh so groovy and classic. Starts off strong, vocals are fantastic and really its the occasional growl and the a cappella ending of the first song for me. Loved Yearnin' Learnin', All About Love, and Africano. 4.5-5 stars
They didn’t even need to go this hard. Great stuff. The solos on Africano are very cool
Imma be honest, the chimes in That’s the Way of the World sound like my apple watch notification; pretty impressive how they sampled that 40 years before it existed😎 Reasons is also a solid standout. Africano and See the Light are an interesting pair to finish up with, they popppingggg.
Pretty fun! Easy to listen to. More instrumental tracks than I expected.
What a funktastic album, I've never heard it, yet feel it was already in my soul!! 🥰🔥🥰
Shining Star and Reasons are so great. The whole album is just right on. Even the album cover is perfect.
Absolutely fantastic. Pure funk. Head starts bobbing of its own accord. Not too sure about "All About Love" even though it has some good moments. Everything else is great though. Too short.
🥰loved them in High School and 😍them now. As l listened more carefully this time, I felt like they were a mix of Chicago and Elton John and Marvin Gaye all rolled up in one! Great Job Earth 🌍 wind & 🔥
Shining Star is a song I remember singing when I was a kid. This album reminds me of weekends when I was a kid, cooking with my mom.
If you aren't absolutely grooving to Earth Wind and Fire, what are you even doing? EWF has had a special place in my heart for like 16 years at this point (half my life!). Side A is better than B, but Africano may actually be my favorite track. The origin of a bass line that literally SLAPS
They've got the funk. They've got it right here in this box. They found they could see around corners. Ohhh gimmi that funky milk!
If I lived in the 60s I would put this album on and be happy all day long 🧡
A melhor coisa do Album generator é me mostrar que o que diferencia um clássico de um som comum é a atemporalidade. Você escuta o Funk e o Soul de Earth Wind and Fire em Adele, em Amy Whinehouse, em Norah Jones, em Diana Krall... é fantástico...simplesmente fantástico. "That's The Way Of The World" tem a responsabilidade musical de ser todas as músicas de Marvin Gaye em 5:45min
A groovy experience through and through. It might not be the most complex album in the world, but I loved listening to it. Each song made me want to move my body, which is what I try and look for in songs. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but it's certainly mine. Favorite track: Reasons
I love Earth, Wind and Fire so I was excited to set this. Never heard this album before but knew the first two tracks and they are excellent. The rest of the album? Loved it! I was surprised to learn that this was a soundtrack for a movie. Think I may have to check that out too.
Delightfully uplifting. Super smooth. A great accompaniment to the day.
This album didn't contain my most beloved Earth, Wind & Fire songs, but I greatly enjoyed every track. Lots of fun and a light, warm spirit to it.
This is delightful. It has an unselfconscious seventiesness to it that I love.
5/5. There's a reason this band has the reputation they do. Not my style but it's a perfect album.
Disco - smooth mix of Uptempo grooves and low tempo slow dancing love songs
Really enjoyed this apart from tracks #4 and 8, was just a bit lukewarm on those but they might be growers. Nice surprise as I only knew a couple of songs from this band. Soundtracked a chilly and wet trip to and from Galway, one listen each way. Also, top notch cover photo!
EWF sounds like you're on the bus heading home on a perfect fall afternoon when you have no homework and you're blissfully unaware of the problems of the world. Just endless freedom. Best track: Shining Star
Hell yeah. One of my favorite ever music acts comes through again. Favorite track: Shining Star
I can almost smell my grandmother's cooking when I listen to this album. I've heard all of these songs 10,000 times just by simply growing up around my family and being black, really. Initially, I didn't want to give this album 5 stars because this isn't something I regularly come and listen to, but then again, I never NEED to come find this album to hear it throughout the year. You'll kinda just hear these songs everywhere as long as you exist on planet earth and don't live under a rock. Earth, Wind & Fire is a ubiquitous part of world musical culture.
I've always been a big fan of 70's soul/funk (stevie wonder is my favorite artist of all time), but I've never checked out a full album from Earth Wind & Fire. I went into this thinking it would get a solid 4 stars from me but there's literally nothing to dislike about these songs. It's perfect, the recording is pristine without sounding over-produced or flat, the songs have personality and stick out from the others, and there's never a dull moment. I really love this album and I'm glad it came on rotation.
Really enjoyed this. The whole album from front to back was engaging and really fun. Funky bass lines and a really cool tone on the guitar mix perfectly with well timed horns and keys. There are times where I wish the drums demanded your attention, but I'm nitpicking. This album makes me nostalgic for a time I wasn't even alive. This was my first time listening to this and I'll come back to it regularly. Favorite track - Shining Star Least favorite track - See the Light
Perfect album when you’re in a funk. Every song peaked my interest and made me want to get up and move. Cleaned my house to it and appreciated the dynamic complexity.
One of many classic EWF albums. There is a lot of great music on the first five EWF albums. Head to the Sky is also 5 stars for instance and striongly commendable, but this one (album number 6) is the first one that is really perfect from beginning -> end. Soul / funk music combined with proper, high-quality song-writing played very skilfully.
I have never heard of Earth Wind and Fire in a full LP capacity so this was a pleasant surprise. Sweet smooth soul+funk music, very relaxing and enjoyable. The production for 1975 is fantastic!! Not many songs stuck with me but I would surely revisit this.