That's The Way Of The World

“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

My 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.

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.

I used to think Earth, Wind, and Fire were a joke. I was ignorant, influenced unfairly by my parent’s prejudice of funk and soul music. My dad in particular was in high school when they were at their peak in popularity, and he was very much in his own musical world, one that he’s never really left honestly - the hard rock of the day, blues, and some jazz (but not much). So EWF wasn’t playing in my house as a kid, and whenever they or bands like them came up, they were scoffed at as being just kind of kitschy and a joke. On my own I have since learned how wrong this was. For one, I’ve learned that all music (and art in general) has merit even if I don’t love it or even like it. But regarding EWF and other soul bands like them, I’ve learned that not only does their music have merit but that it’s also, like, good. In a way that surprises and impresses me continually. This album is no different. Such feel. A soft touch when necessary but man can they crank it up when they need to. Such a talented band of musicians. I have to wonder how big the band actually is given all the instruments here. The vocals? Pristine. Not a note or vocal line out of place. The falsetto on “Reasons” is absolutely incredible and makes for legit love-making music. I really can’t say enough here. Excellent album. There’s a couple of songs I could’ve done without so it doesn’t quite hit 5 stars, but it easily, solidly earns 4. Standout tracks: Shining Star, Happy Feelin’, Reasons, Africano,

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.

Well, that was a discovery. I know EWF but I've never actually listened to them other than what the Radio offers during a hits retrospective. A couple of tracks here I liked, one on different album thatI adore. I was unaware about their funk/soul & Baptist style and how disco era overlapped. I think it's a good album, not huge enjoyment for me though - just interest. An occasional track is a stonker, but this album, for all it being often ranked the best of EWF, it just doesn't connect with me. I'm unlikely to listen to again. I liked the last track the most. I've been unsure if it's a 2 or a 3 for me. I'm not comfortable with it being a low 3 so let's say high 2 stars.

Reminds me of Pop-Pop.

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

Opens with some strong funk, slides into some late-night satiny soul (shag-pile carpet, & mirrored ceiling strongly recommended), dives into disco. The flute opening on "Africano" gave me Osibisa vibes; the shift into strong funk for the second half was unexpected but very much enjoyed. It's hard to listen to this with 1975 ears and thus properly appreciate the space this album held.

As with many things, my introduction to "Shining Star" came from the Muppets, as it was played in "Muppets from Space" in 1999. I knew of the band, and I know they got some hits. I still love "Shining Star" but as I listened to the rest of the tracks, nothing really did it for me. The disco style of music is one that is fun when you're at a party or with friends, but it's not really great for sitting alone in your car in traffic. EW&F are fine, but not essential listening in my book.

This has definitely been the discovery for me so far (25 albums in). I thought I kind-of knew EWF and classified them with with commercial '70 kitsch disco (think Boney M) which I hate with a passion. How wrong was I! This is an amazing sounding, soulful, funky and at times jazzy album. Excellent musicianship and most songs are just top class, groovy, can't-sit-still tracks. Even the ones I like the least (the ballads like All About Love) are good. But Africano, what a stonker of a funk track (as are several others)! It's a 4 or a 5 but I'll give it a 5 because it made my day, and I can't really find anything wrong with it. Note to self: buy the album.

The title track features a nice combination of funky bass and breezy guitar licks. Cozy atmosphere. Happy Feelin' is great as well. All About Love slows it way down and has a super cool psychedelic outro. Pan flutes feature in the intro to Africano before polyrhythmic drums come in and excellent saxophone. It's a jazzy instrumental but with a real groove, my favourite track. See the Light keeps the same jazz bass but the vocals re-enter. I would love a whole album of this. I debated not giving this full marks but the highs are high enough.

They should call this Fire, Fire & Fire.

This record makes me want to start a 12 piece band ASAP

I've heard Shining Star before, that song goes hard. "Thats the Way of the World"- groovy bass lines, really clean vocals, background vocals add really good texture to the sound. It kind of drags tho. "Happy Feelin"- The saxophone eats, loves the energy, xylophone or smth. "All About Love" is similar sounding to the rest of album, less memorable. "Yearnin' Love'" best song since the first one, absolute banger. The trumpets sound so good, the vocals and beat mix so well. "Reasons" I think I've heard this too, its really good, honestly this is my favorite song so far. Vocals and lyrics so good, production is perfect. "Africano" Who ever played sax on this cooked. "see the light" tuff song there vocals are so peak, the elctro funk aspect is rlly good. 4 total likes.

I was expecting something more energetic but it is still nice.

I'm glad I finally listened to an Earth Wind and Fire record in full but the slower songs didn't stand out to me as much, and that's like 80% of the album. I'm glad I gave it a second listen through though, because I found more I liked by giving it a second chance. Still really nice but I'm just not a big ballad person.

Compared to other, less popular albums of the era, this feels… slight. Graham Central Station did the rump-shakers better. Rose Royce and Chic had better uplifting, soaring anthems. The Brothers Johnson did better Love Boat interstitial themes. Good, but not great.

You know the noise horses make when their lips vibrate and snort. That’s all I can do right now - I’m so underwhelmed.

Is dit de week van de aalgladde soul? Mijn hemel mijn glazuur!

Immaculate

There's no world where this doesn't get 5*s from me

Earth wind and fire is goated 10/10

Damn cuz this thing groovin from start to finish!

Perfect.

Amazing quality for both a pop funk and soundtrack record Tons of instruments, wide variety of sounds/genres, surprises everywhere, epic opening track, excellent track sequencing… what else do I need to say? I got through this 3 times already. Not tiring at all as I notice different things each time.

Thought this would be way cornier, but man it’s good. Smooth vocals, rippin’ horns, and dialed production. Hits multiple genres without feeling disjointed. I had probably heard Shining Star but everything else was new to me. Highlights are Yearnin’, Africano, and All About Love. No misses in my book. Hook of Shining Star sounds like Virtual Insanity by Jamiroquai, and That’s the Way of the World sounds so much like It Ain’t Over Til it’s Over. Side note, I had no idea that was a Lenny Kravitz song from 1991 - would have pegged it as a much older Motown song. Saw that Miles said EWF was his favorite band - that’s high praise. Giving a bump for that and because this is our 100th album! Now I’m thinking about that photo of Lenny Kravitz’ hog popping out of his ripped leather pants.

What else can I say about this album that hasn't already been said? Earth, Wind & Fire are some of the best musicians. Great dance music with a positive and uplifting message. They were brought to this earth to raise the vibration and bring us back to one another.

Soul and funk aren’t usually my go-to genres, but this album has become one of my favorites from that realm. It’s a great mix of soul, funk, and jazz. The soul really stands out on the ballads, while the upbeat, funky tracks add positivity and groove. The jazz element gives it a free-spirited feel, and with the lush arrangements and themes of hope and unity, the whole album sets an uplifting, joyful tone.

This album made me happy on a really bad day. I have always loved their sound.

absolute fire. short but has all the groove you need in 38min.

a crazy and funky pop album from one of the most eclectic bands from the 70s. combining some bossa, latin, gospel, and a few dreamy stabs and drum lines. many people of course are quick to think of tracks like september and the like, but i feel like this is a good example of why you shouldn't always just mindlessly flock to the top hits. an arguably graceful and fantastic funk album, this is. this album could save a life.

EWF were them ones, had no idea they did Shining Star. So much soul in every song, but different variations of soul that each song feels different, but with so much love and passion put into them like with All About Love.

Awesome!!

Awesome album.

Love it!

Quick album! Never dragged thoufh

A soul classic. Shining Star is ubiquitous but there is not a bad track on the whole thing.

9/10! This was such a feel-good album, as always with EWF a precise hornline, great songs, and a very unique sound. I enjoyed every song on here and the album has a lot of replayability.

I love this album, partly because it’s imprinted in my DNA like a baby duck stuck to its mother. Growing up every summer we would drive the 600+ miles to visit family in Pennsylvania, and almost religiously, my parents would play this album and other R&B classics during the long drive. And it never got old. To me, it’s EWF’s ability to have this be so clearly an expression of African-American cultural appreciation and positivity, yet never insular or unwelcoming for anyone else. And it’s tight; less than 40 minutes in total, yet absolutely engaging in the musical journey it takes you on. Easy five star for me, even with the childhood bias called out.

This album is SO fun! It is funky, positive, and makes me want to smile. Really enjoyed it.

I don’t think I knew any Earth, Wind & Fire songs outside of September and Boogie Wonderland, before listening to That’s The Way Of The World. And I think that’s a shame. I was pretty amazed by this album; the Jazz influence was clear, which I adored, and the songwriting and performances were top notch throughout. I will definitely be looking out for more Earth, Wind & Fire now

I love this album.

I admittedly did not listen to this as thoroughly as I would’ve liked but I really enjoyed it and would definitely return to it. I like that I can hear the influence of jazz here; I know that jazz obviously was a precursor to R&B but I feel like on this album I can really Hear it in a way I haven’t been able to hear it before (specifically on “Yearnin’ Learnin’” and “Africano”).

Fantastic album; so much funk, soul, and R&B. Superb instrumentals and even better vocals. 9/10.

Damn funky and bonus points for the mallets! This band is always so much fun. Love it.

Bill, you’re taking too long. This album is gold. 5/5

I remember in the early 80's a friend was a huge fan of Earth,Wind & Fire, we would hang out in his room reading comic books while listening to this record and others. I can only feel better after listening to any album by Earth, Wind & Fire.

Yearnin' Learnin' is an awesome song. I'm moving my entire body in my office chair. This album was super smooth. Lots of variety in the songs and a great run-time. I wasn't bored for one second. 9/10

Super chill and easy listening. This album came at exactly the right time.

Amazing. Funk has really grown on me since getting it on this challenge, and the upbeat, brassy groove on this album is so infectious, I came back to this album three or four times today after the first listen.

Good album added to my library

All the right vibes

Really enjoyed this one

Favorite

fuck it 5 stars

Another group I know.

5/5

Superb. Made me feel bad for any other album I’ve given five stars to. So good.

All time

Legendary

I saw Earth, Wind & Fire at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium which used to be a church & the original Grand Ole Opry. It was one of the most memorable live music experiences of my life. They played several songs from this album & it was incredible. What a nice day I had after listening to this album.

“All About Love” was my favorite! Such a great album, good feelings all around. They’re doing their thing and it’s beautiful.

5 Shining Stars!

Day 18 of listen to 1001 albums, one album at a time. Earth, Wind and Fire known how to make music that just makes you want to dance. Every song on this album just brings a smile to my face. It is so impressive with a perfect blend of funk, pop, disco, r&b, and soul all rolled into one. Truly a great album.

Holy freaking moly this album was good. Only a few seconds into the first track I could tell that I was going to enjoy this. Funky guitar? Check. Funky bass? Check. Then the trumpets! Everything here is great from front to back. I’m not sure if anything here was on the soundtrack to Undercover Brother but it made me nostalgic for that film. Especially Africano - that track felt straight out of a detective movie. This is an easy 10/10 for me.

After the monologue in All About Love it's clear to me that Earth, Wind & Fire know exactly what they're doing when they make such fun and uplifting music. It felt really special. All in all great fun with some truly epic falsetto

I prefer «In the Stone», and I feel like this is 1001 albums trying to sneak in some Yatch Rock while still feeling cool. But come on, this is still amazing!

very nice

Brings me into the best mood no matter how upset I can be, this album brings you higher and you cant help but feel the absolute joy of making music and being in the moment.

Incredibly enjoyable and funky all the way through. Their use of different instruments and incredible vocals feels so fresh even today. Loved Reasons and Happy Feeling the most

LOOOOOVE

Cold

REASONS

This is an amazing album!

funk

Eight tracks from the masters of the funk soul genre. The whole ensemble is magic, but the brass section and the bass are particularly electric and captivating. Pure enjoyment. Stand out tracks include “Shining Star,” “Happy Feelin’”, “Yearin’ Learnin’”, “Reasons”, and “Africano”.

Groovy. Took me for a ride. Loved the brass section.

A soul funk stomper every bit as great as sly and pfunk.

Okay, here's the thing--All 'n All and Raise are both better albums by EWF, but since this is the only one of their albums on the list it's a 5. Nothing beats these guys IMO and they took funk/dance to another level, sort of combining the feel of Stevie Wonder with the sound of Parliament Funkadelic. Every album is a party and smooth as hell--also, they're still touring (RIP Mo White). I wouldn't normally suggest this, but putting their Greatest Hits Album on this list would completely make sense and I would recommend anyone enjoying this album go to the albums I mentioned or the Greatest Hits and you're welcome!

I'm pretty certain that I've never listened to this album... but Reasons was already on my favorite list. I'm not sure how or why, but I did recognize that song. This was just a blast all the way through, some good keys works on a few songs, generally slammin' band tracks, and absolutely top-notch vocals.

Awesome album.

Love me some EWF

Amazing album. Uplifting with incredible singing and musicality.

Excellent album. Very groovy music and fun to listen to.

4+4

I think this is one of the sexiest albums that's ever been written. All About Love is a highlight, but it really exposes the struggles of 1970s recording technology with a lot of clipping on the drums and trumpets. That's kind of part of the charm though.

immaculate vibes

I LOVE EARTH WIND AND FIRE!!!! i’ve never heard this album though and i definitely wasn’t disappointed!

Great positive lyrics accompanied by a power house of pop/funk music. I grew up with this sound, and it keeps touching my heart.

Love EWF! Favorite Songs: All of them!

Outstanding. Everything about it from the writing to the musicianship.

so creative and funky - the jazz and disco fusion is so wonderfully unique and has never really been replicated to my knowledge. unbelievable album.

1 star: dull rubbish 3 stars: alright, good as back ground, wouldn’t save it to my playlist 5 stars: it really caught me, a great experience, I will listen to again and again OMG! What an experience! I have always avoided EW&F (due to a preconceived notion that I don’t like funk), but This album has got some wonderful messages of self empowerment and love. Very special. While I might not save any of the tracks in my play list, I’m giving it a 5 for the positive vibes, All about Love actually gave me tears

BANGER

It’s impossible to listen to this music and not smile. Absolutely wonderful. I was surprised at the Africana elements at the end but that too was a cool additional element to this deep soul experience.

Truly a beautifully made album. Great production and instrumentation, plus the singing is top notch. Crazy this was made as "just" a movie soundtrack

I AM a shining star!!

5/5 record!! Perfect soul/funk album, full of life and love