That's The Way Of The World

Far exceeded my expectations.

Pretty good. Listened to this while I was stripping wallpaper, it helped me get into a rhythm and I'm happy to report only a small portion of the original plaster is damaged, so that'll save me some money.

Not one that I was expecting to like but it’s crammed full of soul funk goodness

funky for sure. i wish i was alive during this time to go clubbing and boogie my heart out. as the album went on, just felt like background music.

Super fun!

I thought I looked old school hip hop but this didn't really do much for me. There was some funky tracks in there and some classic tracks which I have heard samples from in Krafty Kuts sets. Africano is the best track, quite a funky beat and some nice changes.

Groovy, glat, opløftende, mangler måske lidt kant

Started well, I cared less and less though.

Some nice songs but not my cup of tea. Too flowery.

really gorgeous voices and arrangements but easy to tune out

Cool, but I think it wasn't great the whole way through. I guess I had higher expectations.

Really not distinctive at all

Liked it, I wasn’t crazy about it though. I would play it again as a background, but nothing stood out from it, apart from Africano.

It's alright, personally love "That's The Way Of The World"

A cool and smooth funk/soul album. There is a lot to like about this album. The songs are easy going and soulful. The rhythm section is just butter, especially the bass, which is basically all fills throughout the album. The vocals come of great, clear and powerful. The lyrical themes are ones of love, faith and peace, they have almost a gospel like, preaching, feel to them. One thing I didn't like about the album is the mix, not sure if it's just the version I listened to, but the mix is quite harsh and too bright at times. Even the bass is strong, giving this a slight V, which is never good if you are after a neutral, revealing and clear sound. I was between a 3 and a 4, giving it a 3 in the end, because, even though I enjoy the genre, I am not sure I will listen to the album again.

The music is rather good, a nice blend of soul and funk, but I don't like a single song on the album. Two stars is too harsh, but I don't feel it's good enough for three.

Fun funky soul, I think there is better Earth Wind & Fire though. Outside of shining star nothing is too astounding

Lät väl ganska bra!

begon als funky disco... daarna verwaterde de formule wat

Good funk and soul album.

I love this genre, but I was bored. Can't help it.

This album has it all - funky bass, funky guitar, just funky everything. Cheesy lyrics and overblown vocals, but suits the whole vibe.

catchy, great to do homework to, very much so also a morning album

Pretty darn good

Not my preferred music genre

Groovy, aber nicht die allerbesten Lieder der Band

Solid.

Says 1970's. Does not really stand the test of time.

Its good, but not sure I love it Worth finding on vinyl? Maybe need more listens 3/5

Great disco/soul. I enjoyed the first half alot. The second half was a little less my speed though.

Ok started off funky but lost me a little as the record went on

Perfectly enjoyable

Decent album

macht Spaß, auch ohne einen der großen Hits

Great band but not my style

6.5/10 Jazzy soul & R&B with African influences. Not always viscerally thrilling, but really well but together and performed. Layered vocals were excellent, as was the vibraphone-sounding instrument Best: Reasons

3.0

Definitely some cool bipity bops. Gravitated more to the upbeat tunes, SHINING STAR and AFRICANO

Nothing special

Didn’t really captivate me but not bad

I love Shining Star and a few others

Oh hell yes. Good for bopping about and hoovering

great tunes for doing housework, though i have to admit i probably wouldn’t be able to pick any of these songs out of a lineup even having just listened to it.

Started very strong. Lost my interest a bit in the middle. Africano was back to the funk that I enjoyed. But the lull in the middle kinda ruined the fun.

EARTH WIND AND FIRE YYAYAYAYAYAYA

Coming in strong with Lizzie McGuire Movie soundtrack bops.

3.375

War mir zuviel Sopran und nervige Geräusche. Trotzdem funky. 3 Sterne, Gruß und Kuss

sultry

YAWHHHH YEA!

Groovy Bit Boring

Альбом не запоминается, но и не раздражает совсем. Довольно неплохо звучит.

3.5

2.5/5

Good album from famous band. 3.5/5

Overall, it's an interesting listen but doesn't quite hit the hights of my expectations because the album feels uneven in some places.

This wasn't so much soul as some funk/Rn'B combination and I liked it more than Al Green, but still not enough for a 4. The first half of the album - fresher, more playful and funkier. The second half, and especially the last 2 songs pushed it more towards soul, and even with elements of jazz, I would say. But only 8 songs and 38 minutes, easy to listen to, feel good again... And again 3/5

Не понял

muy bimba y lola muy señors

Kind of what I expected. I imagine if you were of a formative age when this was released, it’s probably pretty magical and brings back a flood of nostalgia. Alas, I am not of that age. So although I recognize it as a sweet, good time, it doesn’t really grab me. I think it’s good, for what it is, but not exceptional.

I’m not much of a soul guy so it was a bit surprising how pleasant it was

This kind of music just really isn't my jam. It's too much lovey dovey feel good type music. Just not my vibe. Musically it's fine, they sound fine. Falsetto is a little much and a little too often. Plus side album isn't very long.

strong start.....then kinda lost focus a bit.

Classic soul music. Great vibes and good music. Not an everyday listen for me but when you get in the mood nothing beats this classic sound.

Another album evoking nostalgia of Seventies childhood. I enjoyed the first side but the second one has a few tracks that altered the mood.

This was pretty good but I expected a little more upbeat dancy funk for some reason. I say solid 3.5 but goin down for me.

Honka honka burnin' luv 🎺

Old school soul from EWF

Classic soul vibe

Solid songs. High 3

I like Earth, Wind, and Fire, but I'm not sure if I would put this album into the 1001 best of all time. Some of the songs from it, but not the whole thing.

Digging it.

No está mal, música setenta negra

Schön entspannt

When it’s good, It’s really good

-it was good, i dont think it was necessarily my type of music cuz it had a very r&b jazzy sorta sound to it. i still enjoyed listening to it -i think I liked shining star and that's the way of the world but I don't remember it too much so it would prob change on a relisten

some really fun bops! honestly so soured for me by working retail at a place that played this incessantly, but i still have love and respect for it!

I really enjoyed this. Every so often I’d catch a riff that sounded modern and familiar and I’d be reminded of how influential this band was. Loved the big band element - it felt almost jazzy at points. Mostly have this three as I don’t want to peak too soon!

Only know of the band through the hits. This album demonstrates a breath beyond them. Nothing exceptional but grooves along with infection.

Funky

A bit disco and a bit soul. pretty good in both directions. lyrics are pretty bad and all sound the same. Favourite songs: that's the way of the world, yearnin', learnin', reasons, africano. Overall around 6/10

Nice R&B album. Not particularly something I go for, but I am glad to be exposed to it.

Pretty good.

Is fine.

I remember this album cover from my neighbor's dad's collection when I was like in 4th grade. I was fascinated by their flashy look and coolness. I had a EWF tee-shirt by 1981, always liked their sound. Can't say I've listened to this album in its entirety until now. Opens with two huge hits in "Shining Star" (such a great intro!) and "That's The Way Of the World". It's a fun album with some great tracks, amazing horns, funkiness and a dance groove. "All About Love" was hard to listen to and doesn't stand up well at all today. But then you get to "Reasons" which is such a great ballad and you forget about the one or two weak tracks. While it wouldn't make my T1001 list I did enjoy it.

I liked! Loved finding sample origins also. Standout track: - Yearnin’ Learnin’ (4/5)

Nice

Love this stuff - shining star is a classic.

Pretty fun

Feel good funk music. 3.5 stars

Einige gute Tanzlieder.

Me decepcionó, cuando vi Earth Wind & Fire esperaba algo muchoooo mejor Calificación: 6

More soul than disco, not bad, but not for dancing.

Good and some great, but not their best album.

I can appreciate it, but its not my fav genre. Totally had a banger or two but even then I felt like you could take it in in one listen.

ой такие эти черномазики смешные

Groovy, catchy and fun, but nothing to super special about this record, it was just play ol fun. Overall score 6.3/10

This was pretty OK, but not so good that I can't wait to cue it up again.

Not for me

Good not my taste

See the Light i think is my fave. i do like these songs and they feel very nostalgic but lowkey some of the singing on a couple of these songs is not great. the alien beep boops are done way cooler in this album than any i’ve heard in recent years. some of the instrumentals are suuuuper creative very much in a rainforest or smthn rn or one of those somatic healing vids on yt

-this is giving me flashbacks to tenth grade color guard when we did an Earth, Wind and Fire themed show. they have some absolute bangers with September and Let’s Groove -this album didn’t really do it for me quite as much as some of their other work. some of it was a little corny. good classic disco tho so I can appreciate the significance -Favorites are Shining Star, Happy Feelin’, and Africano

Pretty good

Albúm bastant chill, que no és del meu estil però que té alguna cançó top que no em saltaria.

Solid funk but missing something to be truly captivating. Favorites: Reasons, Shining Star

a little surprising - and disappointing - how at only ~39 minutes, this still felt like it dragged a little.

funkeeehh makes it feel like you're in a the opening scene of a 70s cop show

All about love was way too self indulgent. Strong bass playing throughout

Shining star is a classic, Title Track is fine but Africano and Happy Feelin' are the two best tracks, don't really care much for the rest. I wanted more horns, more groove and for the drums to do anything interesting. Bass & guitar player rip, and I can get down with some xylophone. I'll round up to a 3, but I feel like I'll look back on this as generous.

1975 we were deep into prog rock so we’ll see… Liked Africano - nice flute. Can here the early sounds of disco in some of the songs.

Shining Star is an absolute banger...helluva way to open an album. Wish there was more funk and less ballads. This is a 3.49 ⭐️, so it rounds down to 3.

First time listening to a whole EWF Album - it would have been good if they could have cut loose Africano style more

Yeah, it was OK.

6/10 Bardzo przyjemne do posłuchania

This was fine, preferred the more upbeat funky numbers to the slower R&B ballads. Probably won’t listen again.

Funktastic Mate!

This is #day116 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... this ain't the worst kind of music you can get on a Monday morning, right? I'm not a soul guy, but I'm OK with some funk, and this was rather funky. Overall, it's a pleasurable listen, specifically the first half, and then it goes a little sporadic. I'm giving it a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day117.

Another 3, honestly probably more of a 2.5. A couple of these were pretty good, but too many sloooooow jams. Zzzzz.

I had high hopes for this, but it fell flat for me. I enjoy funk and soul a lot, but this was just OK funk and soul.

Decent funj but nothign mindblowing

Good energic funk that prequels the Disco mania that was to come.

Your usual 70s funk record that is good enough to have a pleasant listen, but I wouldn't say it's a keeper. Anyway, cool record!

nice

Meh I like elements of a lot of it but not how it all comes together in the song. Still some great songs on here and could see this growing on me Rating: 3.3

Smooth radio friendly funk/jazz/soul. A few tracks hit the spot and there's some nice exotic touches here and there but the ballads are a bit too MOR for my taste

Too much crooning on this soul filled album and not enough funk. It’s ok if you like that sort of thing. Perhaps this is best played in the evening. Maybe turn down the lights, open a bottle of red and see if your lady… … fancies watching the telly instead.

Great opening track, downhill from then on but still some occasional funky grooves going on.

I really wanted to enjoy this. Some little funky nugget of joy and groove, but it was a little wishy washy and I just lost interest.

Fine. Slick, funky (but not as chewy as, say, Parliament get) and tasteful. I'm not keen on the falsetto vocals, but this purred away nicely in the background

Overall I found this cheesy, but I like Africano and Shining Star

I fully loved this album - super upbeat and super fun to groove to as well, I really liked the drums in this, disco drums are something else man. Anyways it was a great album.

Somewhere I heard you are either a Sly and The Family Stone fan or an Earth Wind and Fire fan, and I fall in the Sly camp. There were many moments in here I enjoyed. Obviously these guys are masters I appreciate the prog/jazz stuff. That said, with EW&F I always feel like I'm not quite getting it. This listen I kept thinking about that term "Plastic Soul" that worked so well for Bowie but for some reason here feels like a kitchy tourist trap or something. I reserve the right to become a huge Earth, Wind and Fire guy at some point, but that day is not today.

Yet again another album I had heard singles from but not the entirety of. it I'll keep it in the collection

Not my cup of tea, but shining star is always great

Was good, had some classic hits. Liked the variety (vocals, instrumental, etc.) and liked that it was short.

Not my thing but not unpleasant.

Very competent musicianship and quality pop songwriting merge in this funk and soul album with some jazziness to it. The instrumentals on some songs, particularly the more up-beat groovy ones, are simply delectable (mmm bass). The slower are more soulful songs are all well-done, but I just prefer their higher energy fun side. Overall, I appreciate this as a musician more then I care to listen to it for enjoyment - it’s well-done but it’s not all for me.

First EWF album on here. This is their 6th album in just 5 years as a group, and it's also the soundtrack to a movie of the same title that they starred in. As expected, but this is VERY '70s funk. This starts really strong with "Shining Star" which is peak for the genre. The title track afterwards is solid too, but then it falls off a bit after that (though "Reasons" is solid later on. Overall it's a solid listen. I don't think a ton is going to stick with me beyond "Shining Star", but it's fun and funky and a good vibe overall. Side note, but at one point I was wondering what might be some of the most famous songs that don't make this list since they're not on a top album. "September" might be a good answer for this, as it was released as a single and it seems like it isn't on any of their studio albums. Favorite song: Shining Star Other: That's the Way of the World, All About Love (First Impression), Reasons 11/12/24

68/100 "With the way this album was made, I wish that there was more diversity and long length in songs. However, their powerful innovation is what created this albums ideas."

Funky groove, easy to listen to. Not my main cup of tea but a good listen every so often. 3.25/5

Starts with a banger.

Not averse to a bit of boogie music or funk. And this was ok. A bit mellower than you get from Mr Clinton, but OK. Africano I think was the best. But worth a 3

Not listened to much by Earth Wind and Fire, but maybe I should. Smooth funky soul stuff which was only done well in the 70's. A high 3.

Oh my God, it's September band!!!!!! I'm a huge fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's alright, though I can't see what differentiates this album from the other funk albums of the time, or the other albums in Earth, Wind & Fire's discography. Still, pretty alright. That 6-minute ballad from midway through the album do be suckin, doe

Own it, don't love it

Fun, Funky, silky. Love radiates on here

funky soul brilliance. Not quite 4 star but 3 star is far too low too. 3.67 for me. That's the Way of the World, All About Love (First Impressions), Reasons as the standouts for me. EWF originated in Chicago, but on Spotify they're most listened to in Santiago, Chile and Mexico City, then Paris! Worldwide appeal.

Some bangers; some meh.

2,7

Quite disappointing album, I was expecting a much funkier sound, some groovy tunes, more September. Unfortunately, it was just an average pop record. Nothing too exciting.

Not bad. I can see the appeal, but it's just not really my thing. 3/5

Listened Before? N Pretty good. I like my 70s funk a little funkier than this, but it's a decent pop record. Didn't hate listening to it. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Shining Star

Infectious. "Shining Star" is an all-time banger, of course, but there's also a lot of "filler" here.

Nice variety of styles on here, some really catchy funk and a few ballads - entertaining listen, would probably listen to it again to be fair.

Ritmos bem executados, tem um hit, assim vale a pena escutar pelo menos dessa vez.

Background music. 3.2

I somewhat intensely dislike "September" so I wasn't expecting much from this, but starting off with "Shining Star" is a good way to shut me up, apparently. This isn't something I'd put on to listen to normally, but as a background for those dinner parties I never host, this would be perfect. I wouldn't mind owning this on vinyl to look at and be proud of my well-rounded collection. Seriously though, this is good and funky in an innocuous way, but not so innocuous as to be offensive and boring. Also not innocuous enough to ignore the sometimes-obnoxious falsetto. The album benefits from being relatively short. It just feels a bit like the fabric of black American music at this point that it's hard to deny its power. At times, though, this just sounds like interstitial music for SNL, which is not necessarily their fault. That said, if they were white, they might just sound like the Bee Gees which wouldn't be good at all. I'm confused...

Now I know where I'm a celebrity get me out of here got the title intro drum from.

A solid disco album, enjoyed the guitar licks but some songs felt like they dragged on more than they should have.

Is dit een album dat ik gehoord moet hebben voordat ik moet sterven? Dat weet ik niet zeker. Ik kan me voorstellen dat het wel invloedrijk is geweest in de discoscene. Het is lekker funky en vooral lekker als liftmuziek of als achtergrondmuziek in Gall & Gall Gelderlandplein wanneer Wim weer eens Radio Sublime op zet. Drie sterren voor de originaliteit.

Yeah, I mean it's good soul / funk music, but I just don't like soul or funk music. I wouldn't add any of these songs to my playlist, but I also wouldn't actively be annoyed if it came on.

Good, not my type of music but good. Some cool, funky surprises

***An ok album

some great classics here - I love Maurice White (when he died Bilal singer from Philly kind of took over in terms of range - he's one of the only people who can sing like Maurice) and Philip Bailey!!! But not my favorite EW & F album. I wrote a whole big thing about Every Picture Tells a Story and how much I loved it and how I am happily enjoying keeping alive the dying art of listening to an album cover to cover - no idea what happened to it. Why can't we go back and write or edit reviews if we want hmph.

First time I heard anything by them other than September

First time listening to an earth wind & fire album from start to finish. It is nice- Shining Star is a great opening song, and the rest of the album settles into a spulful collection of melodies. I do find myself wishing for some more energy at some points- its a little light / airy for me during some songs. But the instrumentation comes back heavy with Africano at the end. Overall- a solid listen. Probably a 3.5/5, not quite a 4

Sure this has so.e hits, but the ballads bring it down too much. A man singing to a sultry piano don't do it.

EW&F holds a special place in my heart. My parents must have been big fans because I recall finding tons of these CD’s growing up. I love me some funky disco. Yearnin’ Learnin’ is such a banger. I guess for this album specifically, I had higher hopes for some reason. Perhaps it’s because a lot of that sound I listen to is the refined and complete version of it in the 80’s?

Earth, Wind, & Fire is one of those groups that really does hit just right on occasion, but only on occasion.

Kinda dentist officey.

Groovy, put me in a good mood while i was eating granola

Całkiem przyjemne, ale nie urywa. Takie 3,5/5 byłoby dobre.

Relaxing music

Great singing, high energy, soulful and funky, just what I expected from them. I wish there were more tracks. Overall good. Highlights: Shining Star Happy Feelin'

Love the flute solo.

Лёгкий, приятный альбом соул-музыки, но, к сожалению, особо не цепляет музыкально, хотя есть очень красивые композиции.

Good bouncy soulful album that is a pleasure to listen to but doesn't stand out.

Once in a while there are songs albums or artist you know you should enjoy but just don’t fully hit. This is of them. I enjoyed a few songs but not the complete album

Started strong, but ended weak

Nice groovy and smooth 70s tunes for a Tuesday morning.

Liked the first half, second not so much

Great jams. Really enjoyed myself. Some of the songs wore out their welcome a bit, but I'd be happy to listen whenever this came on via shuffle or something.

Starts off strong, dips in the middle, and ends pretty strong. Some of these songs didn’t need to be 6 minutes plus, they could’ve been shaved down. Maybe get rid of the spoken word portion or cut a chorus here and there. There are good songs that just went on too long.

Great. 3.5

Not their best album but I liked the jazzy aspect to it.

Groovy without a doubt though EWF is another one of those groups where I love the singles but the deep cuts dont really do it for me. Still, can't deny the absolute greatness of their danceability.

Decent listen

cheeeesyyy

Funky glockenspiel!

Started out strong, liked the first three songs, but then it kinda fell apart for me. I was wondering if it was the same group. But, they are a great band, and brought us some great music.

This album starts out strong, just what you'd expect from and EW&F album. Then it quickly turns into a hot mess of styles and rhythms and tempos and I don't know what. Yearnin' Learning and Aficano are mid album bright spots for me. Because this is an EW&F album, I'm rounding up on stars

Funky and chill listening, 3.5

That's the way of the world ist sehr bekannt, der Rest nicht. Aber typischer EWF Sound. Kann man mal hören, ist aber für mich nicht herausragend. 3/5

Nunca había escuchado un lp suyo. Sin más (bien para la disco).

3

Was expecting funk, but this is more jazz heavy. Disappointing for me, but I’m sure there will be others who will find this very satisfying. The musical talent is upper level.

At times this album is brilliant with excellent funky musicianship all around. At other times it's cheezy romantic 70s shlock. Liked songs added: - Shining Star - Africano

Fun journey and enjoyed the gospel closer.

Shinning Star is a brilliant song. Rest of the album is pretty good too 3/5

Don’t really get it.. This is an ok album, but why on this list. The really great ones came later..

Pretty decent. Liked africano

3.5 70's AM funk grooves. stoner summer jams

Was expecting to like this a lot more, not particularly wrong here but nothing to get excited about either 3*

3/5

Funny how listening to the new album off the list can set the mood for your day… Earth Wind and Fire will get you off to a fun start!

Good fun album but lack of stand out songs

Okaish progressive soul. Unlikely to listen again.

I got them confused with Blood, Sweat & Tears, who I really enjoyed, so I was kinda disappointed that this album didn’t give me a similar feeling. Then I realized it was a different band. But it’s still decent middle-of-the-road soul/funk. It does alright.

Rating: 6/10 The danceable tracks are great, the ballads not so much.

Pleasant but no peak single to be found.

boogie, smooth, romantic. I like it. Classic bangers

All right. Soul, Funk, Afros and bare chests on the album cover. 3/5 Elements.

this album is so fun fresh and cute !!

I did listen to this album but tbh i mind blanked through it mostly, but from what i heard it seems chill, nothing bad, but nothing extra to make me love it. 6.75/10

40 minute album! love to see it! This is the first album I will say I think is not 'headphones music' in any capacity, so I definitely didn't get the full experience. It's specifically designed to be played out loud, and I think environment is a huge part of the feel. Despite this, it's pretty solid, very fun, funky, groovy, silly and crazy!!! Shining Star, Yearnin' Learnin' and See The Light were great 3/5

Good soul music but get's a bitboring as the album progresses

Very hit or miss record for me. The funk and soul tunes were great. The more disco-y songs just didn’t work for me.

Shining star Very Stevie. That’s the way of the world, better Isley Bros Happy world All About Love, welcome to jazz club… nice! Yearnin’ Learnin: this is decent party music, but it lack the depth of a Stevie Reasons: That 70s soul falsetto never really works for me. Understand you have to give everyone a go songing lead, but stay on the harmonies mate

That’s the Way of the World Firstly, EWF as a band are tight as fuck Secondly, they are excellent musicians Thirdly, some of their songs are superb Fourthly, some of their songs are cheesy as all balls Shining Star is one of the superb songs, a fantastic bit of disco soul pop - groovy, propulsive, excellent musicianship, great melody. Can’t help a bit of white man’s overbite with this. That’s the Way of the World’s horn part is lovely, and the song is great 70s soul ballad with some lovely floating harmonies and backing vocals, and continues the great start to the album. However, as a side note, the ‘Yeaows’ are pure Lonely Island. Happy Feelin’ a song Jamiroquai wish they could write. The bass is a bit mental, as there doesn't seem to be a single moment without a bass note, but it’s not irritating like Jamiroquai, and the song is another strong disco soul groove. All About Love, here comes the cheese, nice and soft, like a melting brie being slowly caressed into your ear canal. The instrumental breakdown with the cinematic horns is great, but the rest of the song isn’t great. Although I do love the weird bit tacked on the end, with the excellent keyboard bass, it sounds like a bit of experimental pop like something of McCartney, if Macca was a 12 piece disco soul band. Yearnin’ Learnin’, some more ‘Yeaows’, and a fun but ultimately a bit of a forgettable track, and the production sounds oddly ‘spread out’ and less intimate and interesting than the rest of the tracks. Reasons, ready for a nice bit of melted mozzarella, nice and stringy, slowly dripped all hot onto your face? Unfortunately this does feel very dated, the vocal on is ludicrous, no wonder this sort of thing gets parodied so much, it’s such a silly very unsexy slow jam. Africano is pretty good, I like the jazz flute intro before it becomes a decent bit of disco funk. See the Light, this is on the cheesy cusp, but despite never going full cheddar, it is a bit soul by numbers and is kind of forgettable. The musicianship on every track is superb, and there are excellent moments - keyboard parts, bass, horns etc, everywhere - and while some of the songs are excellent, the cheese and some of the more forgettable tracks diminish the whole somewhat. It is fun though and those first two tracks are bangers, but it’s not quite enough to push it into the 4s, so I’ll stick it in the high 3s. 🌎💨🔥 Playlist submission: Shining Star

some amazing songs and some that are just good, this would have been a 4 but i really did not like reasons

Drop into the groovy 70s

Earth, Wind & Fire has never been a band I've listened to much, and I don't think that's really going to change after hearing this. The album is -fine- but I have to admit that their tracks kinda meld together for me and I would be unable to identify pretty much any other number than 'September' by name. And that song isn't on this album. I like the bassline, it's funky, it's groovy. But it also becomes a bit samey. The vocal doesn't do much for me most of the time. I can't help but to think that if you are an American baptist this would hit different. But I'm neither of those things so maybe I just don't really get it Standouts Shining Star All About Love (First Impression) 3/5

Their influence on the Bee Gees, strong.

Perfectly chill Monday morning vibes with this great R&B/Soul album. Great listen.

Solid funk/R&B album. I've always enjoyed the sound and vibe of EWF

My first thought when this album started was, "Wait, what? This isn't Stevie Wonder?" Obviously I've heard "Shining Star" before, but I didn't recognize it until the chorus. The song slaps, though. Then the second song opens with one of those lush, 70s smooth rock instrumentals and I was a little hesitant. Was it about to become really cheesy? This is the band that does "September" after all — the most overplayed song in history, and one that I banned from my wedding reception playlist (though to be fair, that's less the band's fault than it is people ruining it the song for me). But I didn't mind it, and the guitar solo is nice. It does probably run about a minute longer than it needs to — when you're on the fifth run-through of the chorus and start scatting on the mic it's time to wrap it up. Happy Feelin' is a fun song. Ridiculous bass line, nice horn section, and some quirky xylophone (or maybe marimba?) part that would be right at home on an Oingo Boingo or Talking Heads track. "All About Love" is another slow song that I was a bit torn about. It's well done and sounds nice, but it's too overwrought and schlocky for my tastes. It's like if Boys II Men did a soundtrack song for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The last minute of it gets really weird, with a spacey organ solo that reminds me of being at the dentist and hearing/feeling the drill attachment's polishing instrument against your teeth — not a fan. "Yearnin Learnin" goes back to the upbeat funky sound that bears a striking resemblance to Stevie Wonder. Can't say I'm the biggest fan of the lead falsetto vocal on "Reasons Why" — it's on the shrill side. And it gets weird again at the end. "Africano" is a fun upbeat jazzy funk instrumental. The album closes with a song that's part spacey prog-funk jam, part Beach Boys love song. Kind of meh. Basically, I liked the odd-numbered, upbeat songs and didn't much care for the even-numbered slower songs. The vocal harmonies are on point all the way through (even though falsetto guy is a little irritating when he's on lead), and they're great musicians. The mixing is also pretty cool when listening on good headphones — they make good use of stereo and space so it feels immersive. I get why these guys are legendary, but this album didn't fundamentally change how I feel about them — a good band that's hugely influential to funk music but just not really my style. 3.5/5

Already know the most popular ew&f songs, but this album represented a similar vibe as what I expected and know from them Very groovy, like bee gees and Bobby Caldwell a bit, smooth feeling and like the background to a "lovers at first sight catch each other's eyes from across the dance floor while dancing with different partners and through a slow motion sequence make their ways towards each other and their first words are just like hi or something equally stupid for no reason" kinda movie or track Shorter starting track, but the 2nd, with the title of the album is a solid 5:45 length that doesn't feel too long 3- (happy feelin') different beat, but brings in the keyboard shortly with the sax to being a disco groovy vibe, interesting lines for sax, glock and xylophone or whatever, simple phrases for lyrics in equal ish groups, not super unique feeling though, not incredibly interesting, but a fun listen still 4- (all about love (first impression)) slow start with smooth talking vocals and piano, not really my vibe or interest honestly, slower and more purposeful feeling, interesting talk ending that feels like it could end a movie or a scene with lovers dancing slowly, linger track that was a bit hard to sit through for me, but was worth the listen, fade out into an electronic keyboard and synth sound 5- (yearnin' learnin') powerful start and opening, groovy, but a more car race kinda vibe than dancing 6- (reasons) slower, more dancy feeling again like bee gees, slow and high vocals, might be my favorite on the album so far, interesting flute like ending (seems a common theme with this album of very different endings than the rest of the song) 7- (africano) jazzy vibe, still very disco-y and lots of sax riffs ans solos, lyric less song that could also back a car race or some other version of a chase by foot or otherwise 8- (see the light) different vibe almost, also really like this one, more techno sounding with less trad? and mote thing keyboard and synth sounds, interesting hand drum sound in the back rather than rock heavy beats and drumming which i love, so this is not my favorite, bit still very good, love the end before the last bit end with voices and in a different language with laughing Very 70s kinda sound maybe? Disco- 1975 (mid of the era and decade) Would give a 3.5 if possible, but can't, so a 3

Good for just chilling out.

nothing here really held my attention. none of it was groovy or catchy enough and the production aint all that good. 5/10

121/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

Shining star is a dope classic song. These guys definitely jam and are super funky. Good listen. 3 stars

What an absolute banger of a song to start an album with. Happy Feelin' is great with the sax and whatever xylophone sounding instrument that is. Africano is a great instrumental jam. This album had some funky tunes mixed in with some soulful (albeit a bit boring to me) ballads.

Groovy, did not strike me emotionally though

Most of what I know from Earth, Wind & Fire is stuff from a bit later in their career. It was interesting to hear more of what they sounded like before they took on disco! Granted, I seem to like their disco stuff better, but this was still a good education and a good album! One thing that was evident to me is that EW&F was already being fairly progressive with their music at this time! This isn't just standard funk or soul; it's got a progressive edge to it, and you can hear the initial bits of disco peaking out around the corner.

Nice soul album with some funky instrumentals and entertaining vocals. I have to admit that at times I struggled to get into the groove with this one, but I can still admire it for what it is.

These guys are a BIG band and Shining Star is a BIG tune (maybe their first real big one) but I wasn't blown away by this album. It's a step up from pure disco of the era (thinking Chic) but it's not quite the same awesome funk or soul as some others from the era (thinking George Clinton and all his bands). Honestly, after the big single and the title track I just kind of shrugged my shoulders. Feels like max 3.5.

I think I want to like this more than I actually do

An unfortunately heavy chunk of this is overproduced schlock, though what is good here is quite good. Besides, even the songs I don’t care for are performed pretty professionally and convincingly. Best song: Shining Star

This was pretty good, not great. I was grooving to it a little but it felt long for 36 minutes. High 3.

Starts out very strong with 2 big hits but I thought the rest was a bit uneven. More jazzy than funky.

The hits are spectacular and even the deeper cuts have so much vibrant energy, I cannot help and get hyped. That said, every longer track goes on unnecessarily long and really ends up dragging the whole thing.

I'm liking this this morning. 3 stars.

Solid. Fav Song: Shining Star.

Nothing to dislike here; it's just not my thing.

3/5. There were a couple songs that I really enjoyed. Overall, I liked the album and would be open to listening to more jazz.

Good vibe album from start till end. EWF never gets outdated. Personally I don't think that there is any unhidden gems on this album that gets close to the big hits (september, lets groove, boogie wonderland). 3/5

Earth, Wind and Fire are the quintessential pop-funk band and this album is a good example of that. The R&B-inspired songs, particularly That's the Way of the World, are the better part of the album but the jazz and world music inspired songs, while not as catchy are not a distraction.

I need to listen to more EWF 'cause this sounds like overproduced 70s shit to me. They probably invented this production, but damn. A whole album of being-on-hold-with-the-insurance-company songs. Tentative (and generous) rating until I learn more. 3.2

its alright YMN

Started strong, but tapered off a bit, for me.

Some funky stuff, love it!

best wel chill

A bit of a letdown after Shining Star, but pretty solid nonetheless.

Fun listen. Like the sound.

Some easy listening with a pretty fun vibe.

Favorite Tracks: Shining Star Happy Feelin’

Funky

Solid

Having seen them live recently, I know they're better than this album projects. Big fun sound; big fun stage presence. That being said, this album is not all that.The couple big hits kept it from being a 2*.

Pretty good for the era.

So So good.

- huge vibes - Shining Star is a classic I didn't know they had more hits than September - Good variety of sound in the second half

- started hot but fell off

2.5

I've never really listened to Earth Wind & Fire before, but I was looking forward to some funky goodness. The opening track had me excited, but the second track left me cold. Picked right up on the third, then down again on the forth. Ok, so obviously my preconceived notions of what to expect was skewing what I was hearing, so I left and came back later with a fresh perspective. So after coming back this album is still a bit of a mixed bag. The ballady songs don't really do much for me, but there's some great tracks. This is a middle of the road type of album for me.

Did not know EWF made soul/funk. Knew them before from their more disco hits. Not a favorite genre but pleasently surprised, especially 'all about love', 'reasons', 'yearnin' learnin''. The singer with a highly note has a nice and unique voice.

Wonderful. I've never listened to this whole album straight through, although I have heard many of the tracks before. Seriously, I'm proud of my country for producing such music.

Funky album, enjoyable to listen to, but I didn't find any song to be outstanding.

Shining Star 3.8 That's the Way of the World 3.5 Happy Feelin' 3.1 All About Love 2.6 Yearnin' Learnin' 3 Reasons 2.8 Africano 3 See the Light 2.8 Score: 3.075

Strong start gets weaker throughout

Very fun

Started strong and got a little monotonous after a while. Still a good funky listen.

I prefer the up beat songs of theirs, shining star is such a classic

Not my favorite style music, but a fun listen regardless. Shining Star is one of pervasive hits that pops up everywhere, and the album as a whole has a pretty nice upbeat energy that makes it easy to listen to.

Very 70's some good but didn't hold my attention

Some enjoyable funky basslines, and nicely uplifting, just not super memorable

It' nice Fav songs: shining star °|°

Fun time. Sad it got a little slower :(

This band is another staple of my childhood, their music always brings me back in time!

Some cool funky songs on here! Not my absolute fave but a nice listen

RnB, Soul, Jazz, 1975 -> 3

first listen

- Pure funk and soul. Impossible not to turn this album on without instantly imagining the bedrooms of the 70s. - Some better tracks (I recognized "Shining Star" instantly), though ultimately little of it stands out on its own. - Probably should rate this higher because Earth, Wind & Fire's sound is so unique compared to many other groups on this list, but I do believe that is the primary reason why this album was included in the first place.

Fun listen

Album was very upbeat and good, I really liked it. Some songs were a bit too long for my liking but overall I really loved it

The 1st track, Shining Star, was all over the airwaves, as a #1 hit in the 70s. I've liked it, but never loved it and that didn't change, listening to it this time. The rest of the album was mostly unfamiliar to me. The title track was the other hit single, but it wasn't familiar to me. Overall, I'm not a big fan of this R&B style, but it wasn't bad.

That was an enjoyable "Funk Friday" selection! I'm into it from start to finish but it is probably middle-of-the-pack when it comes to an all-time album list for me.

- superb vibes. - would sort as a superb dinner album. good for vibing to in the kitchen, for dancing but not to upbeat, for background while chatting. <3 - due to variety in vocal / instrumental, wouldn't listen to as get computer work done music - big fan of talking at ending 3.5/5

This is a really nice, happy little album. Sometimes a bit excessive with the high notes, but it's a good "Good mood" album. I'm not sure it could switch a bad mood good, because it might just be annoying in that state of mind. But ain't nobody got any reason to be that angry. Just listen and have a good time. It is a little short, and didn't have a ton of standout tracks like the lead single, but not really a bad track unless you don't like some flute jams. Favorite track "Shining Star" 3/5

The album had a rough start but the last 2 songs were straight fire.

Sad September wasn't on it, but very chill

uplifting happy album. i liked it and it was no too long. 3.0/5.0

Good

I think this album was a little bit unique. There were some songs that were really funky, and then others that were really soulful/ R&B. I didn't feel a real sense of flow to the record. After a funky song I found myself skipping the slower songs so that I could get to another upbeat one. Every song was great, but I was just missing the flow.

Classic!

Classic soul record with some iconic grooves. Vibrant and electric mood throughout. Perfect party atmosphere.

Started out great and funky, got worse as it got along. Too much just instrumentals. But all in all, not bad. Could very well be used as background music.

Some good bass lines on the album. Some of the slower songs lost my interest, but overall a good album. 3/5 Might listen again

Not my kind of music

Not bad. Liked Shining star