This is a Random Album Generator.
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
1975
Wikipedia
Reviews
Like a review? Give it a thumb up to help us display relevant reviews!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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
This was awesome. Love the vibe, love the instrumentation. Going to revisit this one for sure!
1. Shining Star A classic. Good start to the album. 2. That's The Way of the World Good groove. Hopeful song. 3. Happy Feelin' Self-explanatory. 4. All About Love (First Impression) I actually stopped and listened. The discordant noise took me out of it, though. 5. Yearnin' Learnin' I had to listen to this twice. I have nothing to say about it. 6. Reasons You can feel the emptiness the narrator goes through. 7. Africano Good instrumental track. I like that the beginning was experimental with its instruments. 8. See the Light I love a good multi-part suite
Very good album. A little dated in audio quality, but not bad at all. Don't think I'd listen to the whole thing on the reg, but all and all very good.
Idk if it's because we went so low with the previous album but I liked to a lot! Made slogging at my software engineering project bearable. This Aussie gives it four nights out at The Sub Club in Melbourne out of five.
Vocals got a little irritating when listening to the whole album, I think these songs are better listened to when mixed in with other similar music
Really liked the general vibe and especially the main hits. Got a bit boring over time.
Very nice. The first track got me going but was up and down for the remainder of the album
Geile disco dico ficki ficki Musik. Obwohl "September" nicht drauf ist, geile Musik. Macht Laune. Will jedes dieser Outfits in meinem Schrank wissen. Hätte mir mehr 100% bänger gewünscht, daher 4*
Classic Album with some fun unexpected twists at the backend. Shiny pop exterior with a nice fullness underneath
Kolejny raz zbaflowany, bo slysze bande ktora kazdy zna i kocha za kawalki takie jak september czy boogie wonderland, a odkrywam ja na nowo, bo nie sa to klimaty diskowe jak w ich najwiekszych szlagierach, a raczej mocny blend funkowego r&b z dusza ktora czuc zwlaszcza na wolniejszych trakach, zamykajacy see the light lub reasons, jako 6 album bandowy, wiec rekiny branzy i wyjadacze, choc jeszcze nie super grupa wojujaca po calej europie, ciekawy jest orgin story tej plyty, bo chopaki i baby mieli zrobic soundtraka do filmu o tym samym tytule, wiec podzialali zrobili muzyke, nawet grali grajkow w filmie, ale film nie zapowiadal sie na sukces, wiec zeby nie zepsuc sobie albumiku recenzjami filmu uzyli ultra karty atutowej jaka bylo zatosowanie albumu do sella przed premiera filmu, plyta sie sprzedala, jest tutaj wiec status jakiegos klasyka musiala u kogos sobie wyrobic, a film jak byl kiepski takim pozostal, zarowno instrumentale jak i kontent lirykowy przekazuja wylacznie mocno pozytywne viby, poczawszy od otwarcia shining starem, a konczac trakiem zamykajacym see the light, wszedzie granie i spiewanie nawolujace do szukania swiatla, radosci w zyciu, przeslanie uniwersalne i jakze na czasie, chociaz ostatnio sa modniejsze tematy przedsisbiorczosci i sukcesu, nie mam pojecia jak wygladal proces tworczy w takiej bandzie, ale zeby przez tyle lat tworzyc kontent ktory topowal listy chartowe i nie stacic ostrosci, zachowac grupe od slawy walenia po kablach, wypromowac bandy ktore tworzyly sie chocby z backujacych wokali EWF, to trzeba miec klase, wiec wielki respekt dla pana Bialego, ojca zalozyciela, lidera i przewodnika grupy, dodatki plejkowe musze podzielic na dwie listy, wiec kawalek do soulowej to tytulowy thats the way of the world, a bardziej funkowa plejka przyjmie w swoj poczet shining star
Good follow up listen to D’Angelo - I think there is a lot of EWF in his music. This is a good album - I especially liked “Africano”. 3.5 stars and rounding up for the true 70s coolness.
Shining Star is such a great start to the album. Trails off a bit at the end but would def seek out again.
Good production, bouncy songs, great album. The second half really sets the album apart. The production on songs like "Yearnin' Learnin'" and "Reasons" is amazing. "Happy Feelin'" is a great song that immediately puts me into a good mood, as so many songs on this album do. However, it has some flaws. "All About Love (First Impressions)" drags for too long and contains some strange, new age proselytization about looking at trees unlocking the peace of the world. Also, Phillip Bailey's falsetto, while beautiful when used in conjunction with other vocals ("Happy Feelin'"; "The Way of the World") becomes the weakest part of any song on which it is the lead vocal ("Reasons").
Really everyone should have a brass backup band IMHO. And when was the last time you heard a vibraphone solo let alone a flute/vibraphone duet? Just happy, uplifting music.
Some absolute jams here. The ballads aren't as strong as the more hype tracks, but few things I've listened to are as strong as those hype tracks lol
Great record to get for my first one. Only listening on a laptop, but that bass line on Happy Feelin' is killer.
Only in the last few years have I realized the genius of Earth Wind and Fire but that's mostly been through their hits. This was a fun listen that really highlights how talented they were across the board. Both more jazzy and more rock and roll than I expected. Top track is far and away Happy Feelin'. Such a groovy intro.
Not really my thing. But technically this is just about flawless and I was able to enjoy this way more than any of the albums we got before. The loungey parts kinda drag it down a bit, but the proggy chords and lines elevate it just as the loungeness gets to be a bit much. Overall an enjoyable listen that I'd probably never have done if not for this site.
This is a wonderful R&B/Soul album. You could say it just makes me feel much better. And I enjoy Earth, Wind & Fire much better when September isn't being shoved down my throat. Giving it a 4/5 because I didn't enjoy the funk parts of it as much.
I was blown away by this album. It's the perfect concoction of upbeat, chilled out, funky, mellow, and just all out VIBES. It's the ultimate album for a dance party for one at home; lots of syncopation, lots of funky basslines, the group loves to have fun with their vocals and you can really feel how much fun they had recording this album. I'll be replacing my pre-pandemic getting ready to go out playlist with this album. Yearnin' Learnin' and Africano are absolute shin slappers; the only reason this doesn't get four stars is that All About Love slowed the album down a bit too much right in the middle.
It's Earth, Wind, & Fire! What's not to enjoy really? Just an all-round funky time suitable for the whole family. Ok, maybe this album doesn't include some of their best hits, but its hard not to love the vibe.
Big into funk at the moment and this really hits the spot for me atm. I enjoyed listening to it, there's a good variety in the songs, and they manage to feel high energy and also chill at the same time. The constant groove is infectious and so hard to ignore, my head was bopping along pretty much the whole time. High point was "all about love", a perfect break in the album that just felt melodically right. I do feel like some of the songs (Happy Feelin', Yearnin' Learnin') felt like they dragged a bit and didn't quite have the same magic as the rest, which is a shame, but luckily they didn't ruin the flow of the album for me. Overall still a blast to listen to.
Immensely accomplished musicians at the top of their game. You can hear how they've influenced anyone from Whitney Houston to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. A very easy and enjoyable listen.
Very solid album. Decent variety in the tracks, the vocals and brass are, as always in Earth Wind and Fire songs, perfection. Very easy to listen to while relaxing
Funky and intense with solid tracks that incorporate synths and jazz among others to make for a smooth experience. First two tracks are perfect, but I also really like "All About Love" and "Reasons." No unbearable tracks although there are some parts that don't work as they're probably intended. At 8 tracks long, the album flies by.
Bring on the funk!! Been waiting for some EWF and this album didn't disappoint. Solid all the way through with some classics peppered in like Shining Star. I also really enjoyed Africano as a fun Jazz mix. Hopefully we get a few more of their albums because this knocked most of the last week and half out of the water.
Everyone knows Shining Star but I never stopped and listen to the full EP. I'm shocked at the depth the band goes with this, it's pretty nuts
Shining Star is hitting the right vibes on this friday. All About Love intro sound exactly like one of my coworkers. Africano's woodwinds is really nice. This was a fine album but not the best one by this band.
Solid grooves all around. I prefer the uptempo tracks to the ballads. Shining star is a monster.
Conocía a EWF por un par de canciones disco, así que me sorprendió escucharlos así en este disco. No soy fan del género (soul / R&B) pero me gustó mucho la canción “Reasons”, así como la mezcla que hicieron con música africana. Desde que lo descubrí por esta lista, lo he escuchado unas tres veces, es de los mejores descubrimientos de esta lista hasta ahora.
I really enjoyed this album, the grooves are tight, the bass playing is amazing, and the songs are great. I expected a much more light-weight album but got a funk driven rockin good album 3.75 stars
Really enjoyed it - recognised a few of the songs that have been sampled over the years
- Classic disco/funk feel with their signature upbeat sound and solid pocket drumming - melodic bass lines - 2 serenades with some experimental instruments Great album with an amazing flow and creative solo pieces - 7/10
Explosion of jazz, gospel, funk, soul and R&B so brilliantly intertwined no wonder they paved the way for artists like childish gambino, Andre 3000 and Thundercat. Favourite tracks: shining star, Reasons, Africano
The first two songs are absolute bangers. The rest of the album doesn't have the same quality of songwriting, but the sound is so good that it's mostly fine.
Love the band but these were not their best songs. However was really into it by second listen so 4*
This is a lost jewel for me. I've already listen to something about "Earth, Wind & Fire" but I was sure not expecting this album. Great Friday album!
strong 4 can't not love these guys such a nice digestible length of an album, and good length of songs.
So far, album has a message concerning self-positivity. Songs like "Shining Star" and "All About Love" preach being the best you can be, and that being happy is a choice. The music itself is full of soul and very danceable, with a bluesy element tastefully interwoven. Beyond that, it's experimentalness goes a bit far in some areas.
Thoroughly enjoyable and so easy to listen to. Could see this being great to have on quietly while reading with a cup of coffee on a lazy afternoon.
Nice! It´s possible to hear some Brazilian references on the accords (or maybe the opposite): Azymuth, Milton Santos, Tim Maia, and more...
Oh yeah the funk! Mestarit asialla, positiivinen ja swengaava levy, jolla ei turhia biisejä. 4/5
Discofunkulaa!!!! No siis IMO tää on tän bändin paras levy. Jokasella levyllähän näil on joku pari megahittii ja sit täytekamaa. Mut tää on kyl groovy shit jos on disekompin ja torvien lisäks myös aika hyvä jazzin ja jopa progen katku! 4/5
The album art certainly sets one up for a fun album, and the first track practically crackles with happy feelings. It makes 1975 seem like a much better time than I remember it being. The Wikipedia article features a Rolling Stone quote: \"make-out music of the gods\". That. What makes this music so sexy? The horns? The radiant energy of nearly every track? The smooth vocals? I don't know, but by All About Love I was like it's ok you had me at Shining Star.
Hugely enjoyable soul album with a charismatic front man, even when he does his ‘talking to the audience’ segments.
Excelente álbum, não conhecia nada deles além de september. Minhas prediletas foram: -Shining Star; -That's the Way of the World; -Happy Fellin' -Reasons
If "September" make one dance in September, then this album makes one dance in the other 11 months. While I'm curious, I don't really care now why there is no "Water" in their name. It doesn't change the fact that these guys craft some of the most irresistible grooves, especially in this classic feel-good energy infused funk-soul album.
Pleasantly surprised by this one. There’s some very nice instrumentation on this album, particularly on ‘shining star’ and ‘africano’. The songs here are generally well made and memorable. The real highlight here is the bass, it sounds like it’s being played by someone with three extra fingers! Very well done. The vocal harmonies are pleasant, and contribute to the uplifting feel of the album. Favourite tracks Shining star Africano Least favourites Yearnin learnin All about love
Classic disco vibes that takes a more jazzed out experimental approach in the end. Tunes worthy for Abi's disco pants, would recommend.
Such a strong album. Great voices, great stories. Great brass and all beautifully mixed
Che groove 'Shining Star', bellissima! Calda suadente e gioiosa. Bella anche la seconda: 'That's the way ofd the world', ma più dimessa. Pur piacendomi, avrei preferito continuasse sulla falsariga della prima...
-I like the bassline and low voice singing in "Shining Star." It's also generally a catchy song -Generally solid soul/funky songs with cool bass lines and catchy in general
Pretty good. Most of the music I like is inspired by this stuff but Its not my favorite.
Unbeliavable mix of genres on a single album, but not something you can listen on daily basis
Kylläpäs tässäkin levyssä mentiin laidasta laitaan. Balladit olivat pääosin erinomaisia, ja tulikin mieleen että tämä on varmasti ollut vaikutteena esim. Lenny Kravitzin rauhallisimpiin kappaleisiin. Erityismaininta Reasonsille, todella hieno ja tunnelmallinen kappale. Toisaalta monet menevämmät biisit olivat aika yhdentekeviä ja jopa rasittavaa kuunneltavaa.
Starts with a bang of the hit track. Very pretty, not scared of being different and changing vibes.
I love Earth, Wind & Fire and was glad to see this album show up the day after Al Green. The album was just okay, though, I really only like a couple of the songs, and most of the rest are slow and boring like the Al Green stuff yesterday
Definitely dancing music in the 1970s, Africans is crazy groovy. Not too cohesive as an “album” but still enjoyable (3.5)
It’s a good album within its genre, but just not a genre I would listen to for an entire album.
Starts off with a bang with Shining Star, mellows out with That's the way of the world, gets funky with Happy Feelin' so hey I'm thinking this album has some bangers, could be a classic, could it be 4 stars? But then it gets weighed down by the saccharine goop of All about love. But then Reasons shows that slow soul songs can still have redeeming qualities. The rest is ok, so overall this is a 3 from me.
I like the funky uptempo tracks, especially the jazzy ones, but not the soul ballads. EW&F have more anthemic tracks than these.
I can appreciate the virtuosity and polish of this band and the level of craft within this album - "Shinin' Star", "Reasons" and other tracks have clearly endured. It simply doesn't suit my taste. I associate this sound with wedding music - not necessarily a bad thing, just not what I find exciting personally.
Sinänsä taidokasta soitantaa ja laulantaa klassikkobändiltä, mutta ei niin puhuttele juuri minua. Tällä levyllä ei ole myöskään sellaisia bilebändien veivaamia tunnettuja partybiisejä. Laulajalla taitaa olla vähän liian kireät housut, kun lähtee niin korkealta tuo laulu. :)
Funk nice and early in the morning! It's crazy to think about how many of these songs I know, but never knew it was this band. Overall, the original band of funk doing its original funk thing.
A frustrating album. Structured ina. Way that doesn’t allow it to flow or really catch fire. Could have been a 4, probably should have been a 2, but I’m gonna go with a 3 based on the strength of the better tracks
This started out really good, but then turned kinda meh. Some standout moments and good, interesting parts, but also some pretty bad parts (All about Love and See The Light in particular). Good to hear this album once, since I don't know much about funk, but won't actively listen to it again.
Some good and funky tunes here. Africano was my personal favourite. I like how Earth, Wind and Fire are an absolute melting pot of soul, jazz, funk and a bunch of other genres.
1) good 2) favourite 3) least favourite so far but still good 4) love the instrumental - hate the ending (number 3 so far) 5) reasons is good 7) oh boy the endings of some of these feel like the worst drug trip 6.5 out of 10
Now THIS is what I am talking about when we say great albums. Gets a bit preachy around 'All About Love' but very much fits with the crunchy granola theme of the album. A GREAT wedding album, really can see this being played at your Aunt Junes second wedding to a guy called Kevin who no-one really likes but he owns like three used car garages so can fund Junes vape addiction. During the wedding Kevin is caught in an interesting position with a bridesmaid and June spends the whole night next to the open bar. A strong Jazz end to the album leaves me with nightmares of Miles Davis.
Funky, fresh and upbeat. Found myself a little fatigued on some songs that have found their way to ad campaigns but more power to them. May not come back for another full listen for a while but still enjoyed it today
"Shining Star" and "Africano" are great songs, mostly for different reasons. The rest of the album is fine, but not great.
Shining Star is a classic soul song. Very funky, exactly what I expect from the best soul band ever.
This was a good Album but nothing unexpected or revolutionary. It was very funky but in a commercial way. I wanted more grit.
Love the vibes of this album, but would have to be in a very specific mood to enjoy it
Sopiva levy viimeiseen työpäivään ennen lomaa. Hyvä ja rento fiilis vaikka tuskin enää koskaan uusiksi kuuntelen.
Nice! Wonder what happened to air? Always enjoyed these elemental guys. This album has some great, recognizable jams, especially Shining Star. Groovy and enjoyable. Quick and easy listen, not too spectacular overall but a good album nonetheless. Favorite tracks: Shining Star, That's the Way of the World, Reasons. Album art: Very plain band photo. This seems like a "greatest hits"-style cover, which isn't a compliment. Certainly not their best work. 3.5/5
Хмм, что-то грувовое, какой-то фанк с диско. Обычно такое не слушаю, но грув люблю. Shining Star - трубы красиво звучат, бас крутой. Похоже на Jamiroqai, точнее Джемираквае скорее на них похожи, ибо эпохи всё таки разные. That's The Way Of The World - реверберация на вокале прямо таки откидывает тебя в эпоху 80-х. Слишком весёлая музыка для меня, возможно зайдёт для фона. Хотя All About Love (First Impression) мне пока нравится, меланхоличная песня с интересной аранжировкой. Воу, какая глючная концовка, мне нравится! Вцелом очень приятная музыка, оптимистичная. ------ Буду ли я переслушивать данный альбом? ОЧЕНЬ ВРЯД ЛИ
I have heard a few songs from Earth, Wind & Fire, but never a whole album. If the whole album was like "Shining Star" (a classic I know) and "Africano" (a new favorite for me), this album would easily get 4 stars from me. Songs like "All About Love", with it's spoken intro, and "Reasons", with falsetto singing that I had a hard time appreciating, got lower ratings individually. Still, the album was good enough for a listen from me.
Earth, Wind & Fire's sixth album was actually created as the soundtrack to a movie from 1975 of the same name. The movie bombed so the band had released this album before the movie's premiere. This album was popular at release - topping the Top 200 albums chart, and having a single top the Billboard Hot 100 Singles - then eventually being certified triple platinum. This album was also released before the band's most famous song "September", but one can argue that this album put the band on everyone's radar. EWF have a signature sound that almost anyone can love, combining genres of funk, soul, R&B, disco, pop, jazz, and Afro-pop. I'm glad I was able to listen to some of this band's earlier work, and I agree with the statement from Rolling Stones that this is the make out music of the gods!
Esperaba más de Earth Wind & Fire, cuando vi que era o que nos tocaba. Aunque tiene momentos agradables, creo que en general no es tan entretenido y no tiene las conocidas, por el contrario tiene algo de funk, que no está mal, pero mucho de ese sexy RB que no me gusta.
3.5 | Me recordó un poco al disco de ELO, no en el aspecto musical sino en el lado de que al ponerlo se siente por completo y emblemático plantado en los 70s. Disco tremendamente bien producido, mucha calidad musical, calidad vocal; las canciones obviamente ninguna con ningún mensaje profundo ni nada cercano pero no pretenden serlo. Funk/soul y R&B excelente. No me llega a llenar tanto más quizá porque hay demasiado R&B, se va un poco más al lado lento y meloso de las canciones que al más movido y despierto, lo cual de manera personal me cansó un poquito; llegó al punto que se me hizo un poco largo a pesar de que realmente no lo es, no llega a 40 minutos pero las canciones, a pesar de ser muy buenas, hicieron que se sienta un poco lento. Buena música, buen disco, no es algo que pusiera completo de nuevo, hay canciones sin duda que sacarle.
This sure brings me back. Wow. Listening to it all the way through makes me realize how much air play this album got for years and years. I didn't know I knew these songs so well -- hadn't heard them in a mighty long time -- and as the album played through it all came back. It was fun to hear these songs again. All so very catchy. It's not likely I'd come back to listen to it, but it's good stuff.
Most of this was okay. Not really my thing, but listenable with some good grooves. There were a couple of songs with a really high, shrill lead vocal that grated on my nerves, but overall this is not great but also not bad. 3 stars.
<yawn> Ok, a bit unfair. However. My introduction to EW&F was thru unscheduled interstitial on NTA2 Channel 5 (if you know, you know) - snippets of a TV Special hosted by Natalie Cole. The costumes. The hair. The unbridled exuberance. Next to that, this is like Protestant church music. My argument is that six albums in or not, they hadn’t quite found their metier. Thank the heavens they did.
Good soulful music that's nice and at times was pretty enjoyable. Liked the title track but as whole it wasn't that memorable.
Not as heavy on the disco vibes as I was was expecting - just some smooth funky soul. I would have preferred a few more upbeat tracks. The title track is more top pick, but I think the whole album has a nice flow that would be great for some background litening.
A great album that just doesn't align with my musical tastes enough to warrant a higher rating
I knew the first song Shining Star - very famous. But the other songs seemed more experimental and nothing really stood out to me. I typically love this sort of 70s music, but I wasn't really feeling it.
The clear and straightforward arrangements, the lush harmonies, the high falsetto voices, the humanitarian-populist lyrics characterise Shining Star. But that's pretty everything for that album... (6/10) FT: Shining Star, That's The Way Of The World
I thought it was pretty decent. I think the instrumentals were pretty good and the lyrics as well. Unfortunately I thought many of the songs lacked a solid, unique melody though. 5/10
love Earth Wind and Fire. just an average album I'd say but I would listen to it again.
Fun album, but I think there are probably better EW&F offerings. I feel like it could have been more up beat/dancy. 3/5
70-luvun poppis/funk, niin osasi odottaa, ettei taso välttämättä säily avaushittien jälkeen. Ehkä silti vähän petyin keskiosan siirappisuuteen. Mutta pari ekaa biisiä todella kovia ja Africano hyvää fiilistelyä.
I do like the sound. Smooth, evocative. Beautiful vocals. Not something I would listen to a lot, but has it's place. Favorite song, hands down, is "Africano" (at 1:15 in). For me, this made the album. But I am always a sucker for a nice sax sound.
Саундтрек одноименного фильма 1975 года с Харви Кейтелем. Соул фанк группа. С альбома понравились: Shining Star, Africano, See The Light. Моя субъективная оценка - 3+.
Shining Star and That's the Way of the World are absolute bangers. After that, it falls a bit with a variety of funk/soul tracks that groove but are missing a killer hook.
Funky but a little over the top at times - the ultra-extreme falsetto, wacky electronica interludes, the spoken word bits. Not my favorite so far in this genre
Middle of the road album with some good hits, and some trash. The high pitch falsetto is just really not my bag. But the funk and harmony digs deep. Luckily these tend to be the two types of songs, so they're on different tracks. Africano is the hit here, but you wouldn't know it by the obscenely long and unlistenable intro. Fast forward until the funk drops. The lead track Shining Star is the other track that can boogie. Normally I'm a fan of albums that mix it up, some faster some slower tracks, but, the slower ones here just aren't any good and by the time you suffer through them you've ruined the mediocre tracks that pass the time to the next hit. This isn't really an album you could listen to beginning to end, but it does have some value if you snipe out what you like about them.
Pretty good. The vocals are really nice. Not sure that I'll come back to this one over other Earth, Wind & Fire albums, but this is still pretty good. Highlights: 1, and 2.
This was fine. I was a little underwhelmed, however, I expected each song to be as groovy as their most popular tracks, but a good amount of the songs on here were just not that good. But the tracks that are good, are very solid.
Enjoyed this, especially all the breaks that found another life sampled on other tracks. Not usually my thing and I really need to give this another few listens to decide between 3 or 4 stars
That's the Way of the World is a 1975 film about the struggles of the music industry as record execs rule with an iron fist. It's alright. That's the Way of the World is also a 1975 album that soundtracks the film. This would be during Earth, Wind & Fire's (EWF) fourth lineup, and arguably the most successful one. This was still before Let's Groove, Boogie Wonderland, or their undeniable hit September, but you could tell they were bonafide masters of the groove at this point. I'm not so keen on the ballads here, but I was never a ballad guy anyway. Just good vibes all-around. Worth noting that the success from this album is what allowed EWF to add on the Phenix Horns, a brass section that would be famous for their contributions to EWF from here on out. This album is a great starting point for EWF's discography, as the early stuff can be a lot to sort through, and you get a real sense of evolution with this group from here on out.
I like a few of the songs, but the falsetto gets a bit grating over an album. Good for the diehard winter fan, but I feel they have bigger hits out there for good reason
Alright-ish. Pleasant enough, but I always feel that this style of music needs to be REALLY catchy to be in any way memorable to me. This album is lacking the 'Boogie Wonderland' or 'September' banger that is needed to make it stand out.
A mix of funk, soul, R&B. Very front heavy. Best Tracks: Shining Star, Happy Feelin', Yearnin' and Learnin'
So very strange - they laid the album out alternating upbeat and slow tracks - upbeat pretty good but slow tracks done a lot better by other acts (so are the upbeat) - couple of nice moments and really liked the first track but it’s ⭐️⭐️
Funky disco beats, started high tempo with what I think is their standout, then mellowed into a late night jazz club vibe. Lots of sax and instrumental beats that for me dragged out a little too long in some cases. Not my favourite kind of music. Best: Shining Star, That's the Way of the World Worst: Reasons, All About Love (First Impressions)
Favourite songs- Shining Star, Yearnin' Learnin', Africano I don't really like funk, but some of the vocals here were excellent, and I did like quite a few tracks. I was also not a fan of the really slow ballads at all, as a big part of this album was the fun, that made it likeable, and they took themselves too seriously with the piano ballads. Also, a lot of tracks did not need to be that long. The flute at the beginning of Africano was weird and annoying, but afterwards, the instrumental was pretty cool.
Listening to this album was about as interesting as reading the back of a paint can in French. The only things that made it worth listening to at all were the last 2 songs.
It was okay, but disco is not really my thing, I listened on YT, it was fun. I did do a little research but opted out of watching the associated movie.
Enjoyed the funkier aspects when it got there but the more soul parts lost me. Solid mixing though.
I like the funky parts, the other not so much although I can overcome the cringe to respect the execution
mozda jednog dana postanem uzivatelj ove vrste muzike, ali dragi moji danas nije taj dan.
This is some soupy stuff, which sounds almost parodic. I've missed the boat. I left my flares at home. (Also they're probably responsible for RHCP.)
While it’s likely that the funky, at times experimental instrumentation was revolutionary and eye opening for its time, the bulk of the album from start to finish has aged about as well as disco itself.
While I like some of their songs, I found this album failed to set me on fire. It was rather boring…
Just not really for me. Some of the funky bass lines are cool, but not a genre that's really my jam.
Not really my groove. It was a bit hard to get through the full album, but I do respect the musicality of some of the tunes.
Ok for the most part, some bits dragged. No bangers like September to drag it up to a 3
I was surprised to get a little twanginess early on in this album. Lots of great mix of genres, but unlimately, not anything with a great hook to keep the listener (me) engaged.
Oof. This is NOT my jam. Can't say it's the WORST album I've ever heard but it's definitely 70s cheese, and not in a good way. I get why it's on here--I know it's an enjoyable genre for some people, just like disco is--but uh, yeah. This ain't it for me. Too much false setto. I like funk, but not this particular blend of it. Fave track: That's the Way of the World. I want to give this one star because I didn't enjoy any of it, but it's not truly a flaming turd of an album. I just personally found it unlistenable.
I'm not sure what I was suppose to do with this album - dance or make love to it. It's that kind of groove. There can be worse activities that music leads you to. The upbeat tracks have a great rhythm going off. The ballads aren't the best of the genre. You'd be better off listening to What's Going On. Or Fat Larry's Band.
I was hoping that I was going to like this more than I did. The album starts off quite funky but turns rather too smooth for my taste very quickly. And the synth noodling at the end of All About Love sounded like someone practicing. It picks up a bit again after that, but I can’t see myself listening to this album again by choice. Africans perks things up a bit but I like my funky soul with a bit more edge. The edges have mostly been polished off here.
fuck the disco era really destroyed R&B music. I mean, this is ok. But I just can't get into it.
This album ends up being a bit dull - it can't decide whether it wants to be soul or disco. It ends up not having the richness and depth of a good soul album, and not being as fun or as energetic as a good disco record. Nothing on there that I'll ever seek out to listen to again. Feels like what Magic FM probably plays at 3 am. 2/5.
It's a nice album, not that memorable, as much funk and soul as disco tbh. That's The Way Of The World and Reasons stood out.
Listened to it all the way through, but have pretty much forgotten about it already. Not up to much in that case
I think I'm not a huge fan of funk. A lot of the songs just meander around to me. I can understand why people like Funk, but this doesn't even seem like, historic when it comes to the genre. I just don't see myself ever returning to this.
Musik zum Poppen oder Tanzschritte lernen, was sich ja prima kombinieren lässt. Nullkommasexy 0.6
see the light was my favorite song of the album.
Africano is funky. Reasons makes me want to sing falsetto karaoke. The rap on "All about Love" is incredible.
Not a fan. Didn't listen at all.