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.

They should call this Fire, Fire & Fire.

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.

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,

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

I like when an album on this list is in my vinyl collection so I can cue it up and reminisce. I might have paid something like $3.99 for it and that probably works out to $0.00000001 per play. And 50 years later, albeit way worse than I think it sounds, I can still belt out my Maurice White falsetto with every song. No doubt on the rating here. 'And if there ain't no beauty, you got to make some beauty.'

Came in thinking they were a little bit corny for my tastes. What the hell was I on? Masterful combination of funk, jazz, and pop that surely lays the groundwork for Yacht Rock to come. Obsessed with whenever Maurice White lets out a “yoww/yah”.

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.

I mean, they are a timeless sound. How can I rate any lower?

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.

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!

Such amazing music. Jams a plenty.

10/10 where all my EW&F sluts at?

It was great

That’s some upbeat, positive Funk that is! Familiar with Shining Star and That’s the Way of the World as both were big hits at the time. Hadn’t heard any of the other songs until this listen, but they’re all good. Africano near blew me away on first listen, by far the best cut on the album - jazzy and too long for mainstream radio, but still cool twenty five years later. Familiar with EWF, but this album really took me by surprise. (4.7*s) should have ended with Africano…

Got distracted halfway through Happy Feelin' then made 100 crab rangoons with my friend alex. When I got back I restarted from that one. I don't remember any of the songs. I liked it. 10/10

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah...How you feelin? Classic Lp, Amazing band.

Not a single bad track. A very engaging and memorable listening experience!

shining star isch extreeem geil. aso i kenns obvio aber baaaaanger mann. thats the way of the world sooo guet! chranks solo soo guet uiiii. happy feelin und all about love chlii weniger geil aber mueni glaub nomel lose. yearnin learning wieder soo es geils arrangement. und sini stimm isch soo geil well sie so krass duresticht. reasons wieder en ballad woni bim erste mol chli schnulzig find aber die chooords aaaaaaaah. oke nai d blöser slapped hert i love it. africano isch de titel? okay. aha s goht insane dumm? okay. see the light wieder falsetto time und huere fusion mässig? WAS MACHEDS IHR? hä?? aha jetz strophe noch 1.5 minute. und was sind die harmonie im refrain??

Stone classic. Takes me back to, like, summer of '77, windows rolled down in the Beetle, feeling the breeze cut the heat, doing the airplane thing with my arm out, and "Shining Star" comes on KJR and... "yeahhh... YEAHHHH..."

Although I’d heard this album before it was still a great listen all about love is my favourite song and Philip baileys singing on reasons hitting those high notes falsetto I think.

Now this is what I'm talking about! What an album. My dad always loved them and played them all the time.

Fucking kick ass. Some of my favorite bass playing ever. The songs production and performances are just top top top top tier

Pretty magical

What a treat. Holy shit I don't even know where to star-t. This album is stunning down to every last detail, Philip absolutely ate to his heart's content on this thing. One of the best funk albums without a doubt. Maybe I'm the cheesy one and maybe shit just hit me when I needed it too but I loved every song on this album. Wonderfully rich passages, triumphant horns, gorgeous group vocals, intimate spoken word sections to impart wisdom and love. Could just be my bias towards spiritual woowoo stuff too but this album does it right and gentle. Every song is super tight, I didn't have any that became drags or anything like that. I definitely consider myself a proper Earth, Wind & Fire fan now. The transitions are perhaps not the smoothest ever but I can forgive that because the songs themselves are super strong tunes without needing to meld too much. The vocals can be as fierce as a laser beam but if you saw the dripped out album cover I'm sure you can excuse the power on display here. Immaculate.

Great funk sound. Groovy, interesting, exciting, danceable.

Damn good

I have a positive prejudice towards these guys. I loved it.

This is just perfectly fun. Who the hell am I to have notes on this?

Nice!

5 estrelas . Funk funk funk !!! Verdine White rules! Bailey and M.White sublimes! "That's the Way of the World" foi 'chupada' pelo cara de pau canastrão de uma figa do LKravitz kkkk // "Africano" é um track típico de filme blacksploitation //

Super-smooth grooves... So smooth that this album just about slides its way to a five-star rating, even though there are a couple of tracks I'm not so keen on.

No wonder they are so iconic, this album is a great intro to Earth, Wind & Fire -- I really only knew September and Shining Star, so I am glad that I got more. The vocals are killer, incredible range, and the songwriting is super solid. The lyrics are so incredible and have a lot more meaning than the upbeat instrumental. The horns, drums, and bass are crazy on every single song. I want the instrumental injected in my veins, honestly. I am quite obsessed with the feeling this album brings on -- warm energy, dance, and positive vibes. They captured a beautiful summer evening into an album. **Africano may be my favorite track on this album. It's hard to pick a favorite, as this album is overall so groovy. **Another notable favorite is That's the Way of the World - I love the lyrics, and they especially speak to me at this moment in my life. **Help Them See the Light reminds me of the awakening of many Americans under the Trump dictatorship. I hope that we all can continue to help everyone see the light. In all aspects, political, emotional, and spiritual. I give this album 10/10! Starting the ratings off high.

Classic. Love every bit every time.

LOVE this band. Great upbeat and funky soul here. Impossible not to move when you hear this.

Duh

Really fantastic listen. Groovy and engaging, with plenty of iconic songs and a few hidden gems. Surprisingly sophisticated arrangements that meld together in the best way. Great album with no real weak spots

Enjoyed listening to this album. Great sound.

4.5/5.0: Excellent

fun listen

Fire album. Very relaxed.

An amazing album. Only knew 3 songs but was unaware the album had less than 10 songs which is even more impresive. Super talented band and experimental adding instruments no one else was using in the funk music. Pretty impressed and happy to know this album exists.

groooovey babeyy

flippin' great. 5

Koji vrhunski album, naježim se. Africano i Happy Feeling apsolutni favoriti, a mogla bih u krug slušati ovaj album još puno puta. ♥️ 5/5, 9/10

gotta hit ‘em with the easy 5

Pre-listening thoughts: fantasy is genuinely one of my favorite songs oat but it’s not on this one 😞 but still I am excited!!! Post/during listening thoughts: good lord I love this band. Horns! Slappy bass and guitar! HARMONIES! The smoothest instrumentation known to man. Funk and disco continue to impress me at every turn. 9.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: yes! But also everyone go listen to fantasy even tho it’s super popular it’s so good pls!!! Fav tracks: Shining Star, Happy Feelin’, Reasons (god this one was no skips too! I did try my best to pick some favorites fr tho) Least fav tracks: n/a

Did they released any bad albuns?

Loved it! Cool and funky

Happy feelin' is such a good vibe. Africano is SO FUNKY. YES. Shining Star is a classic.

Great classic from EWF

Shit's fire Fun, energetic, emotional. Totally replayable, listened to it 3 times in a row, and never was i bored. Top

Really nice harmonies from a pioneering disco group.

Just killer from start to finish

I don't even gotta listen this is a 5/5 I love this shit. Obviously I'm still gonna listen to it cause I'm just too groooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooooooovy baby. All About Love and Reasons are probably my favorite on the album, but overall this album is a hit and a bop and an all around top. I am lost in the funk

I've spent many hours trying to hit the high notes on Reasons, and I always have fun doing it. Truly one of the best soul/funk albums ever released. It's criminal that this album is their only inclusion on this list. I Am should be on here too.

Man this album is just too good. Opening with Shining Star feels like cheating because it's such a well known song, but I've never really paid attention to the music of it, and it is a truly special song. The bass is going crazy in the chorus and I'm glad it came up here. I loved pretty much everything here, with Happy Feelin' as another standout. Also shoutout to A Love Supreme, as the main riff from that shows up at the end of Africano, and I never would have known without this journey.

Amazing playing, great funky jams and experimental jaunts. Extremely fun and listenable.

Short, sweet, funky, soulful, romantic, inspiring and cheerful.

Loveee Earth, Wind & Fire!! September is my fave song by them so it was nice to hear others.

honestly a great album front to back funky soulful and good sounding and well produced and makes me feel positive energy's 8/10

Not sure I would have picked this one and not 1978's "The Best Of Earth, Wind & Fire Vol.1", but the run of albums by Maurice White and Co. in the mid-1970s rules supreme. A funky Wonderland you want to stay in forever.

I'm deeply amused that this album was born the same year I was, and I loved it.

Like a velvet robe

BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER!!! The instrumentals were crazy! That ariel under the water like shaking percussion idfk THAT WAS MIND ALTERING

So so good

Cool

Funky. Classic album so far (first three tracks) "Africano" fuckin rips. Easy and fun album to listen to.

A fun album! No tracks that I know them for but fun nonetheless. Fun instrumentals and vocal work. 'Happy Feelin'' is my choice for a fave.

Groovy as all hell - the musicianship is off the charts.

Now this is a 5 star album for sure. Everything about it is phenomenal.

só fucking good. all types of different rhythm and grooves. Yearnin Learnin drums are fantastic

5/5 Shining Star's infectious optimism and groove begins the album with a short, sweet bang, before the title track is majestically chill. Happy Feelin' is just what is says on the tin, full of positivity, with great bass work, and All About Love is a touching ballad, with a real introspective talk which I love, and a fantastic synth-filled outro. The second side starts well with Yearnin' Learnin', before the falsetto dominated Reasons slaps. The movements of Africano are really great, and then See the Light finishes us off with a heavenly number. Overall this is an amazing, consistent but varied album. Shining Star 5/5 (FAV) That's the Way of the World 5/5 Happy Feelin' 5/5 All About Love (First Impression) 4.5/5 (LEAST FAV) Yearnin' Learnin' 4.5/5 Reasons 5/5 Africano 4.5/5 See the Light 5/5

Great album

Was going to give this a 4 but bumped it to a 5 after another listen. This is a brilliant record, perfect mix of soul with some funk and jazz elements. Singing is great, bass guitar is fantastic throughout. Definitely an experimental soul album that lands perfectly

STRAIGHT CLASSIC!!!

Just an amazing funk r and b album. So listenable.

Como me gustaría ser negro

Great album! 5 Stars. Most of these songs I first heard from their live album, Gratitude, which I bought new in middle school. Grabbed this album shortly after I saw them live in the Seattle Coliseum in the mid 70’s. Bell Bottom pants over heels, rayon disco shirt with a print of surfers under a setting sun, dancing until the sweat spun off my brow… a moment of childhood bliss! I broke a few needles playing these records, later transferring to cassette, then bought the CDs. Now I stream them as regulars. The originals still sit in the stack, damn near unplayable. But I’ll probably own them til they put me under.

Top Notch. The BEST Show Band in the WORLD! Yes, they are still doing it.

Extremely perfectly made. Harmonies are excellent. I see where the influence goes from fleetwood mac to thundercat.

8/10 es bastante parecido a kool and the gang, creo que seguiré escuchando earth, wind & fire, me gustó

Pretty cool!

What a freaking album this one is. So many hits from “Shining Star” to “Reasons”. EWF and just a legendary act that never fails to impress during their prime. I was getting up to dance at times, and others just sitting on the couch swaying my body back and forth. A must listen!

Can't beat a bit of 70's funk and soul. Love the distinctive sound of Earth Wind and Fire.

Classssix

Sooo groovy - I was in a fantastic mood for the rest of the day, no traffic jams would annoy me and that is priceless