That's The Way Of The World

Lively, romantic, very clean production.

Funky!

Punchy, fun, optimistic funk pop album straight out of 70s Chicago - not that I would know. I've never been to that decade or place. This album is simple, textured, laid back and strikes the delicate balance between cool and cheesy in a way that makes it an all time classic. You can imagine middle-aged parents dancing to this in the kitchen after the kids have gone off to bed. I just listen in bed, lying like a starfish.

Now that's how you boogie, and that's how you groove. Fun and funky on the up-tempo tracks, smooth and cool on the slow tracks. Makes you want to dance, makes you want to be in love.

Bueno, parte funky pero luego de la segunda canción se pone más tranquilo, se nota la calidad de músicos.

An absolute delight to listen to in the morning. Just a great blend of danceable funk, smooth R&B, and earnest soul. An excellent album.

Rad as hell

Some sort of “Elaine-Benes” kinda album

Lush and gorgeous RnB. Deeply evocative.

Funky tracks

Yeah, that's good stuff. The songwriting, the musicianship, the production - all truly top-notch. So much funky soul. Really great. The only detraction is the indelible stank of disco. It's not entirely their fault. Pretty much everything from this time period stinks of it almost and it feels wrong to dock 'em a star for what was a nearly universal problem in music at the time. But I'm going to because disco is the worst.

whenever i think Earth, Wind & Fire i think disco. and they are pretty great at disco but they’re more than that too as this album shows. very good

I was a bit worried that this would end up being boring, but there's some cool songs on here. I'm glad I ended up enjoying it. Maybe I should listen to more by them. My favourite song was Happy Feelin'.

Classic so funky big yes from Harry

Baller. Was expecting it to be good but it was better

pretty funky man! 😎🌍💨🔥

VIBES!

Fun album, great energy. And it's not too long either.

The songs are strong enough; The tags-not-skits approach to soundtrack recording make this one slick package. "Cute" feels dismissive but otherwise accurate to my feelings. Earth, Wind & Fire don't maintain particularly high energy but have no need to: The leisure on several tracks is just right.

BOPPIN

дискодискодискоо

Jazzy, funky, life affirming music. EWF occupies a very specific niche in music that's all their own, one of positivity and joy, delivered on the waves of a masterful groove. You cannot listen to this without cracking a smile, it's such a delight. Fave Songs: Shining Star, That's the Way of the World, Reasons, Happy Feelin', Yearnin' Learnin'

Shining Star (best song) That’s the Way of the World, Happy Feelin’ Reasons, Africano (sax master) and See The Light. Alfa voices and flute and saxs.

A jazzy and funky time for a local soul brother near you. 4.5/5 FS: Africano, Happy Feelin, Reasons

better than expected (which seems to be a pattern with 70s funk for me) Favorite Tracks: All About Love, Africano 4-4.5/5

I really liked that the opening almost made me dance, it was really funny, as the album continues with that sound all along. Even tho the second is kind long and not so funny, I still consider it a very good song. I just wished that more songs had that spirit to dance. Anyway, this thing slaps, just funny and good music. Fav Tracks: Shining Star, All about love, Reasons,

Classic! Love EWF!

Some damn good funk.

excellent funk album

That opening is hot fire. The rest of the album dithers and has its ups and downs. Some peak funk here though - thoroughly enjoyable.

iiiiii don't know how i feel about funk it all just blends together 😬

Buena música disco. Uno de esos discos difícil de encontrar. Me gustó, levanta a pleno y tiene altos arreglos. Tendria que escucharlo de nuevo.

Funky... Groovy... Awesome...

Smoooooth

e,w,&f are good music to listen to. classic and iconic and fun and splash zing zang boom. sexy ass motherfucking ass music.

Dit is wel een feestje hoor. Maar ook een leuke afwisseling tussen uptempo funky disco en wat meer soul-like ballads. Dat maakt dit toch wel een erg interessante plaat. 4 sterren.

Awesome, only way too short!

Nice album

I can never get tired of this upbeat funky soul music

Magical

Groovy, but not enough bangers

Very solid album filled with bangers. Summer night type beat.

Bangin

I’ve always had an admiration for Earth, Wind & Fire for their ability to fuse mind blowing musicianship with gargantuan pop hits (“September”, “Boogie Wonderland”, that Beatles cover…… you know, whatever else). I’d heard “That’s the Way of the World” once before, and let it wash over me a little. Coming back to it now, in amongst the swamp of other albums included on the 1001 list, it shines all the brighter. The first jolting, goosebumps-worthy moment comes halfway through the first verse of “Shining Star”, when Philip Bailey glides up into his signature, silky smooth falsetto. That alone is enough to reveal we’re in the presence of greatness, and then seconds later, the harmonies come in and we reach the chorus. All doubts buried in the Earth, blown away in the Wind and ravaged in the Fire. Moving forwards, things settle into a rhythm of alternating soul ballads with more upbeat, funk or world-influenced offerings: that’s the way of “That’s the Way of the World”. Arguably, the best example of each comes at the start of the album, with its two singles: “Shining Star”’s slick soul-funk and the absolutely gorgeous “That’s the Way of the World”. Luscious falsetto vocals, warm rhythm guitar, strings and glockenspiel underscoring… this title track has it all. While we don’t reach quite the same peak again, there are many more highlights to be found in this set. “Happy Feelin’” is exuberant and irresistible, with my new favourite falsetto singalong (“FEEEEEEE-eeeeelin”) and perhaps the most euphoric kalimba (I think?) committed to tape. “Africano” is also an unexpected treat: instrumental fusion-y bliss, with stunning performances all round. The rest is good (“Reasons”, “Yearnin’ Learning”) to middling: “All About Love (First Impression)” is a softly stirring slow jam, but doesn’t hit on the same level as most of the others here. All in all, though, it’s a supremely groovy album. Summer’s here, and the time is right for dancing to these beats.

Some very cool funky vibes. Africano smashes hard. Prefer the up tempo songs over the ballads. Will check out more of EW&F. More 70s funk please.

Have mercy!

EW&F are dynamite for sure. First two tracks are stand outs but I'm a sucker for good soul funk. What a positive bunch, live would be insane.

Shinin star fah you tah see what yah laife can trulay be

A really excellent record. Not exactly 'my thing' but quite an impressive sound and musicianship, and def if I was looking for something groovy this would be a great pick.

Much more interesting and rich for sit down listening than most funk. lots of fun jazz ideas and less poppy than some other earth wind and fire.

I liked it better than I thought I would, I'll revisit it again I think

Ace.

Heading into this album, the only Earth, Wind & Fire songs that I was familiar with were "Shining Star" and "September" (shoutout 'Superbad' and Demi Adejuyigbe). Funk and soul music are genres that I don't gravitate towards very often, but I thought this was a great album. The songs were all fun to listen to, and I think this album is a standout of funk and soul. As the late seventies were approaching, it feels like a lot of bands that were trying to embrace funk, soul, and eventually disco, didn't have a lot that set them apart from the crowd. However, Earth, Wind & Fire really were in a class of their own, and I think a lot of that is due to Philip Bailey's vocals (for what it's worth, it's become a huge pet peeve of mine that "Easy Lover" is often touted as a Phil Collins song, when it appeared on Philip Bailey's album. I love Phil, but that's a Philip Bailey song that happens to feature Phil Collins). Even though Philip Bailey's vocals are great, the band still finds a way to let the instruments pack a punch when they need to. I love that this album had some longer songs, especially the synth-heavy outro of "All About Love." This is a great album, and a master class on soul and funk.

Funk yeah, baby. The slow songs drag, but the bangers bang! 4 out of 5 stars.

Best one this thing has given me so far (day 4 or 5) Bangers and good shit

What's not to love about EWaF? Funky grooves, great ballads, top musicianship... Soul in the realist sense. Love this record, but it is clearly of an era so I'm not sure it lives up to the legend of their reputation.

The funk is funky (I think that's a good thing!). The highlights for me are the incredible drum and bass going on here, hard to miss. There's also some fantastic brass in some of the songs that I think adds some extra punch.

Good stuff

Great groovy sounds, some classic beats and lyrics. A nice listen for a Saturday morning!

Early 1975 EW&F? It's good! Funky and full of life then slower and soulful..... I like it. A bit mystified why their other lateer stuff is not in the list?

A great disco funk soul album by one of the best soul bands. This album has three amazing songs on it and only one kinda bad song which is really just an instrumental track. It has great replay value. The popular songs, reasons and shining star, stand out far and above as they are timeless hits. Earth Wind and Fire had a great ability to use jazzy instrumentals to keep a funky sound while having impeccable vocals. This is a great listen. 8.2/10

All I can say is that I bet a whole lot of people have gotten laid as a result of some of these smooth and sexy sounds!

Soulful, funky, pretty solid all around d

Sometimes the vocals were a *bit* too much for me. However, it is really really difficult to not like this record.

Good stuff

nice music, i like the funky sound, my favourite numbers are yearning, learning en all about love ( nice instrumental peace at the end )

The first 15 seconds tells you everything you need to know and you either like itor you don't. 70s funk. I dig it, baby, yeah!

Awwwwwyeaaaahhh! This is my kind of cheesy funk.

It's late so I'll be quick. This is one of the albums from my youth that does stand the test of time. Scale: 5 - My absolute favorites. 4 - Albums I like. 3 - It was ok to listen to but I wouldn't seek it out. 2 - Didn't like. 1 - Absolute shit.

You can hear the joy in this record. It's crazy how great this sounds. Not exactly my style of music, but I've heard parts of this record many times over the years. It was nice to listen to the whole thing.

Cooles Album. Nice sogns. Guter Soul. Earth, WInd and Fire are (one of) the best.

Who's your favorite? I like Mr Wind best.

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Happy feeling

Ugh I loved this. I absolutely GROOVED while cooking dinner to this, and I swear to god I will do it again

Overall an enjoyable album, with many highs but also some lows, especially in the high pitched vocal department.

Classic

Pretty stoked to have this one come up in my rotation. I'm familiar with Earth, Wind & Fire as an entity and know the hits, but I've never actually done a deep dive. The only song I knew from this one going in was "Shining Star" - which isn't to say I hadn't heard any of the others - I'm sure I've heard more than a few, but not necessarily been aware or paying attention! "That's the Way of the World" is some pretty epic groove... "Shining Star" may be the big well-known single here, but "Happy Feelin'" is a gawd dayum jam! Pumping positivity with a funk workout - I could listen to this over and over again. And probably will for a bit once this album's over. "All About Love (First Impression)" feels somewhat forgettable at first, but the spoken word breakdown pulled me all the way back in and the psychedelic outro is pretty damn tasty! A lot of times slow jams can take awhile for me to come around to, but this got me on board. And while I may be listening digitally right now, it's a great way to close a side. ...and "Yernin' Learnin'" is a great way to open a side! We've only just begun side two and I'm ready to dig deeper into the catalogue - something I should have done a long time ago already "Reasons" may be the song least likely for me to throw on here, but I do love that it comes off as a slow jam love song and really isn't. "AFRICANO," FUnK YEAH! Another one I could play all day and be mighty pleased. "See the Light" is a nice little wind down to the whole affair. Especially the outro. This is a very solid four-star album for me - it doesn't grab me the whole way through but it sure does for most of it, in so many great ways. Glad to finally have kickstarted a look into the Earth, Wind & Fire catalogue and definitely look forward to more. ​

Groooovy

Of course this is good. Doesn't contain all the hits, but is still pretty good.

It's got some great grooves and music. Really funky. Don't enjoy love songs enough to give it 5 stars but it's a 5 star production.

Love me a tight horn section, and I was surprised how often the keyboard playing and melodic percussion on this album stood out as well. The big funk/soul groups don't always do it for me, but I liked this entire album.

Pretty good, but not my favorite kind of funk. More of a PFunk guy for sure, but this will do in a pinch. B

A fun and funky blend of styles.

Funky. Fresh. My man really threw some rap in there for us. Overall solid album. Was missing that it factor though. Could have been better. 4 stars.

Let’s goooooo, Earth Wind and Fire. I’m pumped. As good as I expected. Pure 4. Great listen

We start the album of with a classic, Shining star. A banger for sure but nothing to special to my ear. . It did get me thinking now that I'm listening to the song instead of just getting jiggy with it. The ending of Shining Star flows beautifully into the following song. That's the Way of the World, honestly zoned out for 70% of the song

Shining Star is uber funk and I like the review suggesting that the entire album is “make-out music of the gods”. I can get down with that.

The funk here is absolutely top shelf. Great jazz solos too. The slow jams are gorgeous, though probably a bit too cheesy for me to replay often. “See the Light” is tremendous though! Definitely has that cheese but it’s big and dramatic and features some great playing!

Killer album, unfortunately a bit on the shorter end. "Shining Star" "That's the Way of the World" "Reasons" are all slammers. Earth Wind & Fire are always a band that I can put on in any mood, any setting, and enjoy it. Going out with friends? Put on "September" and start grooving while you are getting ready. Romantic night in with your boo? Put on any album. Raging with friends into the early morning? Put on "September" again and scream your lungs out. This album maintains that effect- these songs I could play anytime, anywhere.

Just a fun listen from start to finish. Love me some EW&F!

Great balance of dance numbers, jazz and soul. I think this is a fun album.

Classic 80s

Great bass lines

I’d love to be able to give Earth, Wind & Fire full marks but this album is not quite there for me. Really strong start but it needs another outstanding song on the second side to push it over the edge. Still a great funky pre-disco soul album though. 🌍 🌬 🔥

Super funky, super stylish, easy listening and uplifting music. Deserving of a 4 stars for me. Very cool instrumental solos and effects. Simple yet effective. You can't stay sad listening to this ahaha. It's a good time!

Nous nous sommes aujourd'hui pointés, mon camarade d'écoute robpanière et moi-même, au domicile de Robert pour célébrer le 600ème album du générateur. Cependant, lorsque la femme de Robert nous ouvrit la porte, aucune musique ne s'échappait de la pièce à vivre. Aucun invité ne semblait présent, et la femme de Robert nous fit comprendre que la soirée était hier soir, et que Robert n'était actuellement pas présent à son domicile. Je compris rapidement ce qu'il s'était passé: cet imbécile de rob s'était trompé de date pour la célébration du 600ème album, puisque l'album du jour était en fait le 601ème. Malgré la deception, nous avons décidé de ne pas repartir les mains vides, et avons soigneusement passé à tabac la compagne de Robert, en guise de protestation contre la série absolument ignoble offerte par Robert récemment.

‘TTWOTW’ is mostly great, full of excellent soul funk cuts in ‘Shining Star’, ‘Yearnin’ Learnin’, ‘Happy Feelin’’ and ‘Africano’. The obligatory EWF ballads are also present, one of which ‘All About Love (First Impression)’ is sappier than usual, and a bit of a momentum killer. Paradoxically though, ‘Reasons’ the other main ballad is excellent. (As an aside check out the live version of ‘Reasons’ on the ‘Gratitude’ album if you get a chance. It’s as good, if not better than the studio version found here). Mostly though, I like listening to ‘TTWOTW’ for all the times Maurice White growls ‘Yowww!!’ throughout the album. Its surprisingly often, and if there was a drinking game, and I had a shot for every time he sang it, I’d be shitfaced by the end of the fourth song.

A very pleasant surprise as it’s not my usual taste but I really enjoyed it, interesting turn on last three songs getting more exotic. Overall a very good time to listen too

This was a fun listen.

Some good funky rhythms

The Cover: This poses are sick. Should be used on a Jojo cover. Shining Star: Nice groove, vocals and guitar. Nice end to the track too. That's the way of the World: Enjoyable chill track, instrumentals go crazy. Well balanced. Happy Feelin': More up beat track. Very energetic and danceable. The bass is ear-grabbing. So are the vocals. Nice track 3 Tracks in: Well paced and soulful. All about love: Although I'm not the biggest fan of big love songs, this is a surprisingly good long track. All elements contribute to this. Good monolog and outro. (Bell Hooks better tho) Yearnin' Learnin': This piano is soo nice. Shorter track, well, it felt shorter since it has a faster pace compared to other tracks. Nice mensage. 5 Tracks in: This is such a good expirience so far. Not a single miss or skip. Reasons: Omg this is groovy. Good everything (instruments, vocals, pace, etc) Fav so far. Africano: Horns, precussion, the litle flute in he beginning, damn. Good ahh instrumental track. See the Light: The intro seems to have some brazilian influence, and the rest reminds me of japonese city pop (prob influenced it?). Good closing track. Overall: 8,5/10 first listen. Amazing album.

4/5. Mostly a perfect album besides some songs that drag on a little too long.

Had me dancing during work! Not all the songs are winners, but overall I enjoyed it.

You could get away with playing this album at your wedding reception and not have to pay the DJ for forty minutes.

4.2/5 What a fun album! Right out of the gate with Shining Star this album has you groovin. At 39 minutes this is all killer no filler. Standout Track: I absolutely loved the hell out of “Yearnin, Learnin” with some dynamite horns and catch lyrics

Awesome

Delicious, smooth and soothing album! I love music like this album and I think it has stood the test of time far better than other genres. Some of the slow ones are a little cheesy.

Beautiful. more tropical than I was expecting.

Didn't love all the songs, but damn the good songs are good.

Funky, souly. I like it.

Funky and danceable, soulful vocals very percussive this is my kinda shit

Really nice classic funk stuff, love it!

Pretty Fun

Better than I was expecting. A diverse album with funk and soul

Nice and funky -4/5

Its an enjoyable album - I like it.

so damn groovy all about love especially kicks ass 4.5

Really nice groove to this, nice and mellow.

Real smooth, damn funky. A big sound that got me bopping.

Actually kinda fire. I think I enjoy funk soul more than I thought

A very enjoying album with some very funky groves. SHINING STAR is banger but i thoght they used the "who are line". The only problem with album were some higher pitch vocal but they where not that annoying. So overall a good record

Looks decent enough… The album opens with shining star a groovy short funky song, great opener! It flows perfectly into that’s the way of the world it’s a much slower track that feels like the comedown of the first song, still equally as brilliant though! Happy feelin’ is a small step down but only lyrically, instrumentally this song is still super appealing a rampaging funk jam. Side one ends with a very impactful ballad with all about love it’s a very fitting way to end side one and the complete opposite to the riot that the last song was. Yearnin’ learnin’ starts off side two with quite a weak piano/ bass track I think maybe it’s his vocals they’re just too wired. Reasons is cool, not necessarily my kinda thing but it’s fitting for the album. The penultimate track africano is a cool instrumental that starts off all calm then jumps into your face 5 minutes may be a bit too long for an instrumental but I can cope. See the light picks up from the tribal sound of the last song into a fairly decent closer but I don’t think it feels like the end of a project. This is very front loaded but very enjoyable 4/5.

reminds of the time when today's old were young

First song (Shininh star) m'a fait me sentir bien sur tout le process de déménagement à Madrid, je me sens bcp plus enthousiaste à l'idée ! Really weird, but magic of the music i guess ! Fav's : Shining star, All about love, Africano

Mostly great. Obvious classics that have stood the test of time including Reasons and Shining Star. They have a very unique sound.

Great album 4/5

This was a very pleasant funky album. I hadn't heard much pre-disco earth wind and fire and this definitely had EWF trademarks but wasn't the super well-known September sound. I really liked shining star

What would we do w.o EW&F

I feel like this track is missing a single to tie it together. The production is great but otherwise the songs are a little bland

Amazing

it's nice. it's funky. i don't love all of it. but i could listen to this album a lot.

so smoooooooooooth. never REALLY listened to these guys outside of September and Let's Groove but these are some cool cats with an especially funky bass and some nice, non-grating falsetto throughout. good stuff favorites: That's the Way of the World, Happy Feelin', Reasons

Lyssnade i Gif-Sur-Yvette

A very smooth, very 70s album.

I should've been a 70's kid

great fusion album. i'll always miss the even tracks, except see the light

Музыка создаёт приятное настроение.

Ok

Big fan, will go back and listen for sure!

Nice groove, pas vraiment de moment faible, vraiment feel good comme vibe

I've listened to this album a couple of times now, but I still don't have a lot to say about it. I like it, though. It has some genuine hits on it, and the rest of the album is diverse in terms of its style. It's sweet and mellow, sometimes, fun and funky other times. The album is also filled with great instrumentals 4/5

Shining Star That's the Way of the World and September are in the top ten of Best First Three Tracks of an Album. What a party these songs promote. Justin Timberlake owes a lot to these guys. If anything, this album stays a little too long at the party, but damn - they had a lot of funk and soul to share. This is just a happy, fun album that never lets up. When you feel down and out, sing a song, it will make you dance. There's your message right there.

Smooth as ice.

Ce band a tellement plus de profondeur que la majorité des autres bands de funk. Philip Bailey peut tanner des fois avec son falsetto. J’aime mieux quand c’est Maurice White qui chante. Autrement, le groove est solide et c’est très diversifié.

A fresh, funky and slick collection of songs, enhanced by repeated listening. While the familiar Reasons and Shining Star are outstanding, this is a strong collection with notable tracks including That's the way of the world, Happy Feelin and All About Love. I really enjoyed listening to this

Funky, a lot jazzier than I've known before. A fun album. Highlight: All About Love (First Impression)

Classic funk disco. Fun.

Jazz, soul

Funky

-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

Good Stuff.. Shining Star and title track are awesome. I also love Africano, it smokes.

Smooth and funky. 3.75

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...

Shining Star will forever be the song playing that Elaine dances badly to in Seinfeld, so it’s worth loving just for that. But the rest of this record is a lot of fun, and they are damn good musicians.

Such a strong album. Great voices, great stories. Great brass and all beautifully mixed

Classic disco vibes that takes a more jazzed out experimental approach in the end. Tunes worthy for Abi's disco pants, would recommend.

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

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.

This is more my style. Let’s groove tonight

Leuk funky album om mee te knikkebollen.

Really fun album from start to finish. Short and sweet, too.

Excelente álbum, não conhecia nada deles além de september. Minhas prediletas foram: -Shining Star; -That's the Way of the World; -Happy Fellin' -Reasons

Funky!

Hugely enjoyable soul album with a charismatic front man, even when he does his ‘talking to the audience’ segments.

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.

Simply groovy. Had a good time listening to this one

Love their sound!

It would be a 5 if it had you know what on it.

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

Oh yeah the funk! Mestarit asialla, positiivinen ja swengaava levy, jolla ei turhia biisejä. 4/5

Nice! It´s possible to hear some Brazilian references on the accords (or maybe the opposite): Azymuth, Milton Santos, Tim Maia, and more...

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.

Really smooth listening. Really enjoyed this and would happily listen to this.

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.

Good headphone listen Happy Feelin' is fun. bad lyrics in All About Love

Veldig bra album, likte spesielt godt Happy feelin'

strong 4 can't not love these guys such a nice digestible length of an album, and good length of songs.

Listens in one breath, groovy and catchy! Although, no timeless hits

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!

I really enjoyed this album. Full of funk and fun!

Love the band but these were not their best songs. However was really into it by second listen so 4*

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.

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

- 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

Really enjoyed it - recognised a few of the songs that have been sampled over the years

Fire is obviously the best. Wind is a right dickhead.

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

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.

Solid grooves all around. I prefer the uptempo tracks to the ballads. Shining star is a monster.

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.

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

YES! yes, love it

Mmmmmm hell yeah. this album is a shining star.

Solid album!

very good (:

Solid funk with a couple perfect mid-70s dirtier cuts.

Det här var gött faktiskt. Jävligt go bas alltså.

A great musical journey

Bit of fun.

Love this! So uplifting, chilled and danc-y!

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.

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.

Buen disco. Mucho funk, buenas voces y se hace agradable de escuchar.

AYO?????? THAT BASS BE BOPPING THO

Great album, accessible, positive, and instantly listenable.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

good soul/funk sound!

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.

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.

przyjemniutkie

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.

daora demaaaais papito, apesar de ter umas musicas DIFICEIS viu

Great record to get for my first one. Only listening on a laptop, but that bass line on Happy Feelin' is killer.

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

Dope

Classic, enjoyed most of album

FUNKY AF! (en goed) (en te lang) (is maar 35 minuten maar voelt te lang) 7/10

I'm a sucker for speaking directly to the audience

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.

👌🏾

Interesting fact if you heat up earth using fire and consume it will give you wind.

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").

Shining Star is such a great start to the album. Trails off a bit at the end but would def seek out again.

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.

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

Classic Album with some fun unexpected twists at the backend. Shiny pop exterior with a nice fullness underneath

Fun record, classic tracks. No real down notes on this LP.

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*

Very nice. The first track got me going but was up and down for the remainder of the album

Really liked the general vibe and especially the main hits. Got a bit boring over time.

Very nice big soul album. Each song is exciting and very well produced.

terrific album

Refreshing when you know the first banger of a song and the entire album continues in that groove

bem groovy

A classic

Nice stuff

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

baby making music

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.

Норм, но не в моем вкусе

начало альбома почему-то напомнило саундтреки из Криминального Чтива

Норм)

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.

some real bangers here but also some unbearable sounds from a few tracks.

Groovy! Not their biggest hits on this, still very enjoyable

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

This was awesome. Love the vibe, love the instrumentation. Going to revisit this one for sure!

I like this band. I really can't say anything more. They're great and I like them.

Feel like driving and walking down the street!

Nice

Disco når det er bedst. Ikke perfekt men rigtigt godt. Et par numre som fejler

Classic jams, underrated band lost in the disco 70s hype

Good funk

shining star is nice

Might not be my thing.....but can’t deny how good it is.

Banger of an album 4/5

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.

very chill, i like it.

Very nice.

4

3.5/5

I like EWF one of those bands I need to be in the mood for, but always a good time

When I started I really wanted to give this album a 1. Cause I fucking hate how overplayed September has become. THIS THO, not Bad EW&F, Not bad at all!

funky and good

I enjoyed this, its kind of on par with steely Dan.

Expecting more but not getting much out of it. That really is the way of the world fr.

Good funky disco. There are some great songs and some meh songs. Overall a decent album but not something I would ever throw on. Africano was probably my stand-out song on the album.

This was really nice. Fun to hear some of the hits

Not horrible.

nice one but didn't resonate. It just was.

Highlights: Shining Star, That’s The Way Of The World, Reasons. 3.4

Favorite song: That's the Way of the World Least fave song: All About Love (First Impression) The highs are HIGH on this. Shining Star as an opener is a crazy hook in, and following it up with That's the Way of the World only sees it get better. But starting off with it's two strongest, catchiest songs make the rest of the listening experience feel like it is chasing a euphoria you won't achieve again. That being said, I love the instrumental interlude Africano provides before diving back into a solid closer. Plus a 39 minute run time is perfect - especially considering it is only an 8 track album. None of the songs feel rushed/like shells of themselves, although maybe some could be cut down a little. 3/5

It's fine

This one surprised me. From the singles, I was expecting it to be a disco album rather than a soulful funk album. Not bad. A solid three stars.

Decent. Funky

enjoyable listen, "all about love" is pretty sweet (lyrics carried) and some melodies were cool unfortunately not taking any of these songs with me for now, but maybe revisiting some other time in life, like any other 3+ star album discovery possibly?

Pretty solid, overall great musically but a lot of the album didn’t do a lot for me 3

Its a great listen! Love the voice and the chill vibe that comes with it! Soulish vibe!

nice and goofy sound

Blind album, I loved the transitions between each song honestly, thought it was very cool. But Shining Star was a clear hit, but after hearing this, I wanna check out Questloves documentary on the band.

Funky funky funky. The album starts off with a banger, but struggles to maintain that strength throughout the rest of the project. The songs start to blend together. Beyond the opener “Shining Star”, only “Yearnin’ Learnin’” and a saxophone solo on “Africano” reached that same high point. Not bad, just a lot of “meh” between the highs.

carino

Classic, almost stereotypical soul-funk grooves are abound on this release. There's some very good sequencing on display here, as the slower ballads lead very well into the energetic tracks. The ballads are treacly sweet with plenty of dreamy lovey-dovey lyrics that go in one ear and out the other. The funk tracks are where it's at on this album, because oh man do these groove! These songs are the antidote to the constant fearmongering, rage baiting media we all consume incessantly these days. I wish more music had that genuine escapist quality. This album was apparently a soundtrack to a movie, but you would never know it as the band has made absolutely no reference of it here (possibly because the movie wasn't all that great...? I wouldn't know, I've never seen it.) That said, nothing stands out particularly here. EWF did better on other albums, and the singles are definitely the most worthwhile tracks. EWF are deservedly represented on this list, but I wonder why this album was chosen over the other, much better material they have in their catalogue. Key Tracks: Shining Star, Happy Feelin,' Africano

No es mi estilo

Started at a 4 with the first few hit tracks but by the end of it, I forgot why and just felt like a solid "good" album

🥁 🙌🏻

Groovy

Smoooth. Synes ikke de stille numre var noget særligt, ellers fed

Listened 7/24/26

me gusto mucho el bajo

Honnête

Dancin' the night away, well mid- morning actually

Can some something be grooovy and a bit dull at the same time?

Some great up tempo tracks but the rest of it is much of a muchness. . A generous 3 *

I like the peak 70s aesthetic. Plenty of different things to listen to and it's well produced, but there are some stinkers on here.

3/5 - 1, 2, 3, let's soul.