Stand!

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There’s something so hilarious about the soulful way words are sung which would be uncomfortable today. Overall not what I expected, and a great example of this project expanding not just my musical knowledge but also my socio-historical awareness.

A near perfect album. I really enjoyed this. Political dance music maybe?

Does Sex Machine have to be so goddamn long when we could bump Everyday People up a few minutes? Apparently the band thought it does. That track aside, the album was good. Aside from the obvious classic, title track, I Want to Take You Higher and Somebody's Watching You are my favourites. 3.5/5 rounded up

There is not enough funk music in the world to satisfy how much I love funk music. Not my favorite Sly album (Fresh is my personal favorite) but still a fantastic album from one of the best in the genre.

I was just thinking about Sly and the Family Stone because of Woodstock and the Soul Festival. They were both in 1969, and Sly played at both. They killed at both. This album slays.

опять незапоминающийся фанк) с большим уважением

It hasn’t grabbed me as a classic. Not helped by the slightly cheesy title track.

Good 60s music

Politically switched-on and kaleidoscopically joyous. I think I might even prefer this to "There's A Riot..."

I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Definitely a historically significant album, and they were definitely jamming for a lot of those songs. Wouldn't really be my first choice for anything, but not unpleasant.

Me ritëm. 4/10

Good album! It's funny, I recently was shown the Jane's Addiction + Body Count cover of "Don't Call Me Whitey...", which is a performance that hasn't really aged well. Didn't realize it was a Sly cover until this album popped up on the list.

Decent but I don't see myself revisiting it. It's OK. Everyday people is good though. 2.75/5

Classic. A-

Velvet rich

Not exactly one's thing – too much going on, too loud, somewhat simplistic in sentiment and man is the production bad, but definitely funky as hell and rock-y and hard not to admire what Sly accomplished and few have a stronger pedigree of influencees (Miles, George Clinton, Prince). "Sex Machine" is epic. "Everyday People" a little too cute to love as fully as the groove and its heart being in the right place might seem to merit otherwise.

Ilmestymisvuosi on yllättävän varhainen (niin hyvä musavuosi 69!). Toimii, selvä suunnannäyttäjä. Ei kyl mun ominta genreä, joten en osaa fiilistellä kauheesti.

Tämä paranee joka kuuntelulla, enkä ole varma, onko oikea päätös jättää arvosana kolmoseen. Toisaalta tiedän, että avausbiisin psykedeeliset vivahteet eivät tule koskaan toimimaan minuun, ja että levyllä on yli 13 minuutin wah wah -jami. Mutta noin muuten: kovaa kamaa. Erityisesti I Want to Take You Higher ja Everyday People. 3,5

Some great jams! Honestly one of the few albums in this project so far that I felt was too short.

Not bad, I was kind of hoping for a funkier sound.

In the car, had to choose between an Archers wartime special or a 14 minute track called Sex Machine. Guess which one won. Pretty good album.

Undeniably funky - goes on a bit in places, but a good listen generally. Not much to say here - if you like 70s funk, you'll like this. If you don't, I don't think this is the album to convince you otherwise. Faves: Everyday People; Stand

some bangers on there like Sex Machine, Somebody's Watching You, and You Can Make It If You Try. enjoyed the funky sound (apparently this was a big inspiration for that genre going forward). the instrumental number Sex Machine was by far my favourite track. the wacka-wacka sounds of the guitar and the drum outro both incredible. didn't really connect on a lyrical level but that's probably also why Sex Machine made it to the top for me

Love Everyday People

Veery cool!

It's not my usual genre, nor something I see myself casually listening to but I can recognize the weight this album must've carried with it when it first came out. I feel like I'm pretty desensitized to 'novel' music based on the way I'm inundated with media at all hours of the day, but listening under the context of its 1969 release date reveals some pretty profound statements and revolutionary sounds.

Not bad, pleasant surprise. First song was amazing.

This album is great! Funky, sexy, socially conscious. Great messages paired with some clear A+ musicians. Their impact on the music that came after this apparent.

Sly was fly. 3.5/5

This is really fuun. I love this era

Great record! Features a lot of the hits you’d expect from this band. Super fun, a bit thoughtful, funky as shit.

Mid

Knew a couple songs, but most of this album was totally new to me. So funky, so soulful, so enjoyable. I don't listen to funk on a regular basis but this is an album I'd come back to.

A funky, uplifting album with great songs like "Everyday People." It’s a classic.

Отличная музыка, заряжает

Trash

Really nice mix of genres with some banger tunes

I love this. Such a great album and one that has influenced so much music since. Great mix of funk, soul, rock, psychedelia that not many others have been able to achieve. I love the extended jams on this record, it makes me wish I could have seen them play this live back when it was new. I bet that would have been quite an experience. There are a couple of slow spots for me on this one, but even those are better than average. I'm always blown away by the musicianship on these types of records. Being able to sound so relaxed but so tight at the same time, just incredible. This one is right on the line of a 4 and 5 for me and I'm having a hard time deciding. I think that on the whole it's fantastic, but the slow spots do take me out just a bit. I think I'd call this one like 4.5/5 but will round down because I think it needs just something a little more to call it a 5.

A powerful album which is still relevant today. It features some of the catchiest jingles, as well as excellent singing, and good vibes. Favorite Track : "Everyday People".

I'm more of a Curtis Mayfield guy

An all time fav!!

The sound is clearly ahead of its time, and the highs are great, but for whatever reason I was underwhelmed.

8/10. Revolutionary album. It was ahead of its time. This album's second track is very...interesting. It's a nice and groovy album!!! :)

Sly and the Family Stone are integral to the history of Funk, and this album cooks. (I think I'm using the term right). The back-line is amazing, and honestly I'd find it hard to not bop along to anything they'd come up with. The lyrics are great too, hopeful but not too preachy. That being said, the overuse of talk box gets a bit silly. I think it works on 'Don't call me...'; it's arguably the key element of the song along with the groove. But it's EVERYWHERE. Also, while it doesn't drag for me, the balance of length is a bit off. Snipping off a minute off most of the songs wouldn't have hurt, and could've given us another one. Even so, this is a really good album and a good barometer for whether you'll like funk. Tangent: I'm not even going to go into the politics of 'Don't Call Me...'. Nor should I, being a white dude. Go ask someone in the correct lane! Strong Bad Demerit Count 4 (At least, some of them are borderline).

Optimism mix with defiance to create a powerful expression of black pride - set the tone for a huge number of artists in the 70s. I didn't need Sex Machine to go on for 13 mins. But then again, a never-ending sex jam also sets the tone for the 70s.

Good, raw tunes

фанк, энерджи буст, хайп, буду очень рада вернуться к этому альбому Это была первая группа в истории американской сцены, в которой на равных участвовали белые и чёрные, мужчины и женщины Историки популярной музыки значение Sly & the Family Stone видят ещё и в том, что они привили музыке чернокожих традицию социально-политического комментария

Cool album. Liked it but didn’t love it. Funky. 3/5.

Such a great album, funk at it’s finest by one of the best bands to ever do it! Sprinkle in some remnants of 60’s pop and Motown to the funk and you have this amazing record.

Groovy album. I enjoy this version of I Want to Take You Higher. The title track is a favorite, as well. Great 60's album that gets a 4 from me.

Powerful and influential funk!

This shit jams! What a killer hook in the song Stand. I liked this one more than I thought I would. The horn section and drumming was great and just an overall great sounding funky band.

Not bad

if i have to listen to another album of which the cover is a washed out, bad arrangement of even worse lit musicians on stages with different colored lights, i think i'll go insane music wise its ok and definetly better than the usual album of which the cover is a washed out, bad arrangement of even worse lit musicians on stages with different colored lights because there is at least some excitement and variation in there.

There's nothing wrong with this album. I understand the appreciation, and it was fun to listen to, but it's not particularly my style of music and doesn't have enough hooks that makes me feel like I'll come back to it. However, I have a lot of respect for these artists making what was revolutionary music in an "easy to swallow" package for a large audience, especially for that time.

4.5

4.5

10 ★★★★★

A magnificent mixture of funk and soul. "Sex Machine" is awsome! 4.5 stars

Mouldy grandpa funk from the 60s with some supercharged phases but also muffled production, corny pocketful of posies pop melodies and vocals and some absolutely atrocious extended jamming which means that it doesn’t really stand up as a full decent album.

Everyday people is so fun.

A great album that I really enjoyed. This belongs on this list definitely.

I’m a huge funk fan, why did I not listen to this sooner?! Will be revisiting often for the foreseeable future.

Not my favorite. I really like Everyday People. 3/5

Well funky!

A key funk album - if only for the lyric "There's a midget standing tall." The feeling of the end of the 60's struggling under the weight of expectation and racial tensions are always simmering here; even under the songs of love and understanding - and that's what makes it true. Best Tracks: Stand! I Want To Take You Higher; Sing a Simple Song

Do you like soul/funk music? Then this album is for you. The only thing I don´t like about this album is the lyrics. Everything else is good they have great beat, they have a great singer and the album cover is pretty cool. I would recommend this album just don´t look at the lyrics.

Overall a ok album The lyrics looked alright, and generally seemed good. the music felt like a 60s or 70s song, so that was good. generally a alright album

Its okay not bad. not big fan. dosent really hype me up. give it 3 out 5 i like the beat.

have you ever heard a song that kinda reminds you of a movie that's what this album everyday people i think that this album was pretty good I liked the instruments because they sounded cool and the singer was pretty good I liked his singing and his voice fit the instrument I think this album was good and I recommend listening to it

1st song:it sound so good i really like it i rate like 7/10 2nd song: it sound soo good i rate like 8/10 3rd song:its so nice it sound so good and it always right

In my opinion, I don't really like this album. I don't know why, but I don't like the singers, the background music, anything. I highly recommend that you don't listen to this album. I only like the scating in some of the songs, and that's all. And it's not even really scating. I highly recommend that you do NOT listen to this album.

One of a few brief forays into a joyous, jovial yet biting Family Stone, this is one of the more impactful albums that came of the late Sixties and most of the blueprint that soul and funk offered in the eventual decade can be traced to this album. Indispensable.

Great atmospheric funk with soul vocals.

The guitars feel like they're -singing- in this album, it's great! Definitely feels like it's a short but sweet deal of an album - Sex Machine feels like a wonderful jam session.

This is great funk, the extended jam sessions had me looking up tabs to play along. The social comentary gives it an edge that cuts still today.

veryy groooovy some good, great songs. i did enjoy it, probably a high 3, but ill give it a four

Such a good album. Nice and funky. Great mix of music.

Not gif me, found it a bit boring

Good album. Funky and fun. Listened off and on, but still enjoyed it. Standouts: Stand!, Sing a Simple Song, Sex Machine, and You Can Make It If You Try.

3.5☆/5 11.18.2024

When I was 16, I took a school trip to France, and the one teacher bought me a crepe because he was impressed that a 16 year old knew 'I Want To Take You Higher' was performed by Sly & The Family Stone (which I knew only because I owned and loved Duran Duran's 'Thank You' album). Anyway, parts of this are a bit too noisy for my tastes. I much prefer Duran Duran. 'Everyday People' is a classic, though.

Just a really solid album start to finish. Many of these songs were already hits I was familiar with, but the rest were just as good. As a massive jazz fan (and Phish-head) I was not at all turned off by the 13 minute jam that was Sex Machine. Plus, I don't know enough about the history of music to write this with confidence, but it seems like this was very influential with the funk movement and hits social justice issues to boot. All in all, super enjoyable, perhaps revolutionary, but maybe not quite a masterpiece.

Brassy. Groovy. Funky.

Funky and smooth. Feels very 60s, but that’s not necessarily a detriment, and you can sense the influence this album has had and continues to have on American music.

Not for me

Slap da funk and rock out of you

A grand slice of classic funk. You cannot stop moving listening to this… but why would you want to stop?

A bit of filler bit overall a great example of the music of the era.

Utopian funk at its peak—packed with goodness. Its DNA reaches from Stevie to Public Enemy. Sing a Simple Song, and My Brain.

Gave this one an honest go, and there are some interesting things and a real feeling of time and place. It is chaotic at times. I think I would have loved it if I were around back then. Today…it is all over the place.

Sly says The Revolution will be televised, and The Revolution will be funky. Just because you are fighting the man doesn't mean you can't shake your ass. Matter of fact, if shaking your ass is wrong, Sly don't want to be right.

A pioneering blend of funk, soul, and rock; featuring socially conscious lyrics and energetic production. Strong performance but lacks constant replay value for me.

Love the positive energy.

Probably the best funk album on this list. A rightful classic.

This would’ve been a 5 star but my God Sex Machine drags. Way too long a song and completely killed my interest. Take that away and it’s an amazing album.

good

That's some good funk. Right outta the gate swinging with the lyrics too. Vibes all around.

Interesting

Everyday People is an absolute all-timer. The rest fits, but not remotely as noteworthy

I enjoyed this album quite a bit. It's very similar to Sly's other record on the list. It also happens to be just as good. "Sex Machine" went on for a bit too long. That's all for today. 3 stars for "Stand!".

liking the first track already. The third track is pretty good - it's very vibey and interesting :) Fourth is another banger - another contender for favourite track. All bangers oh my gosh. Sex Machine is 14 minutes???? I gotta say - the wobbly guitar for 14 minutes isn't really my jam. Update: Okay, it gets a bit better. okay no it's back again 🧍🏻‍♀️ The drums at the end really piss me off 😭 like stop already- that's the one guy who kept clapping after the applause

Pretty fun album here.

Went on a bit

6/10

Different strokes for different folks, and so on and so on...great album, great band!

Good solid album.

Blind album, know the artist and the hit. I'm not sure if I'm just in a bad mood but half this album was fin and the other half sucked. No flow and I was flipping between bopping and wanting to skip tracks.

Cool but clearly not my thang.

For the first half, it sounds like they had written a great album then accidentally released the first draft instead. Empty soundscapes, lyrics that seem like placeholders. Like a jam session, but produced, which means it doesn't have the charm an actual jam session has. The 13 minute long track is taking the mick. Then it hits the single versions. Why aren't these the only versions! They actually sound finished!

Ik vergeet nooit die scene uit 'Summer of Soul', de fantastische muziekdoc van Questlove over het 'vergeten' festival in Harlem. Tussen al die progressieve en visionaire zwarte artiesten dook daar opeens Sly Stone op, in zijn purperen, satijnen jasje en bijkleurende buitenaardse zonnebril. Als uit een tijdmachine, een proto-Prince, ruim tien jaar voordat Prince écht Prince werd. En dat is al een artiest die we allemaal zien als oneindig vooruitstrevend in doen en laten. Sly & The Family Stone zal ook altijd 'ahead of the curve' zijn, en hoe zij funk revolutioneerde, na het stokje van James Brown te hebben overgenomen, is een geheel hoofdstuk in het canon der Amerikaanse muziek waard. Als funk ensemble stuwden ze funk en psychedelic soul naar grote hoogten, en brachten ze wit en zwart Amerika samen. Dit deden ze door op een luchtige, grappige en aanstekelijke manier hele serieuze thema's te bespreken. En dat onder een laag funk, R&B en - de roots van Sly Stone - psychedelic rock. Die laatste smaak maakte het ook voor vele witte luisteraars een onweerstaanbare cocktail. Het collectief bracht dit met zoveel energie en tomeloze inventiviteitsdrang, dat het de scene volledig op z'n kop gooiden. Groepen als Kool & The Gang, en mijn favoriet P-Funk, ademden Sly & The Family Stone. Maar waar de eerste het gooide op de dansbaarheid, en de tweede op spiritualiteit en psychedelia, waren ze beiden nooit zo politiek-geladen als Sly & The Family Stone. Op deze plaat hoor je wat de band perfectioneerde op hun opvolgende studio album, 'There's a Riot Goin' On'. Het zijn lichthartige, bijna cartooneske, songs over civil rights en andere welbekende issues in 60s USA. De quirky melodielijntjes in 'You Can Make It If You Try' (waanzinnig gesampeld door Jungle Brothers in 'Because I Got It Like That') en 'Stand!' staan voor mij symbool voor de charme van Sly & The Family Stone, en waarom ik het eigenlijk altijd bestempel als circus funk. Op één of andere manier doet het me denken aan het circus, don't know why. Het is de kracht van het ensemble om lastige thema's bespreekbaar te maken bij alle lagen van de bevolking, doormiddel van deze kolderieke deuntjes. 'Everyday People' nadert wat dat betreft perfectie. Het beurt op, altijd maar weer, maar de anti-discriminatie lyrics zijn echt in your face. En het mooie is, het is zo'n waanzinnig catchy nummer dat iedereen ze meezingt. Over boodschappen gesproken die blijven hangen. Een popsong uit het boekje, wat mij betreft. Maar los van die speelse protestsongs kunnen ze nog iets anders heel goed; gewoon smerig hard funken. Opener en titelsong 'Stand!' is voor mij het ultieme hoogtepunt, en dan in het speciaal dat moment dat die aandoenlijke intro omslaat in een epische groove. Die is zo raak, en zo funky, dat je na één nummer al onder de douche kan springen. 'I Want To Take You Higher' is de andere song waarin de groep laat zien dat ook al zijn de tijden zwaar, dat het niet betekent dat je geen plezier mag hebben. Steek niet je kop in het zand voor de problemen die er zijn, maar je mag je best focussen op de mooie dingen in het leven. Zoiets. En een funk collectief zou een funk collectief niet zijn als ze niet ook nog even 14 minuten zouden gaan jammen. Het had van mij op dit album niet perse gehoeven, omdat de rest al zo gevarieerd is, maar het hoort er bij. Dit is wat mij betreft hun beste plaat, terwijl de meesten zullen zeggen dat dat 'There's a Riot Goin' On Is'. Maar wat ik vooral denk is dat ze samen perfect zijn, en elkaar aanvullen waar de andere een steekje laat vallen. De ene (deze) iets meer pure funk, de andere meer R&B, maar beiden zeer doeltreffend in het communiceren van urgente onderwerpen. Losstaand hebben ze hun mindere momenten, en zijn ze daardoor niet perfect, maar als duo naderen ze de staat van volmaaktheid. 8,5/10 Highlights: Stand! I Want to Take You Higher Everyday People You Can Make It If You Try

Yes, f*cking Sly! Hier had ik zin in. Voor mij is Sly and the Family Stone altijd de perfecte mix tussen Funk, Soul en (Psychedelic) Rock. Het is niet te overly funk (wat ik James Brown of Parliament-Funkadelic soms wel vind). Ondanks heerlijke solo's en improvisatie is het zo toegankelijk als veel popmuziek. Het is minder zwaar beladen als bijvoorbeeld Gil Scott-Heron (lijkt zijn stem wel op), maar bezingt net zo goed dezelfde politieke onderwerpen. En Stand! dan? Die heeft alles! Het nummer Stand! vind ik echt een grandioze opener. Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey vind ik wat lastig maar is niet slecht I Want To Take You Higher is heerlijke funky en bevat blazers! (Boom Laka Laka!) Somebody's Watching You en Sing a Simple Song zijn prima. Everyday People is prachtig soul-nummer waar je volgens mij het refrein niet niet mooi van kunt vinden. Sex Machine is één lang hoogtepunt, wat een heerlijke jam zeg. En dan afsluiten met You Can Make It If You Try. 5 ballen 9/10 Highlights Stand! Everyday People Sex Machine

I enjoyed it a lot

A lotta fun but I didn't get much out of it other than that. Maybe needs a relisten as well. Trumpet Count: Yes mate. Well used too. 6 / 10 Best track/s: Sex Machine, I Want To Take You Higher

Time still creepin Specially when you're sleepin Wake up and go For what you know Yeah yeah yeah You can make it if you try I wonder if you can judge an album by how many samples it generated for later works. Anyway, if thats the case then this is like the greatest album of all time. If we're just judging on usual criteria (composition, production, lyrics, etc) then this is still an absolutely outstanding album. 5/5

an easy 5 stars! Almost a greatest hits album. Never gets old!

Wonderful album! 9/10

Really liked the instruments! Hit and miss with songs being my vibe. Definitely will save a few though.

This album has such a great message but it's still just pure fun to listen to. I put it on after Sly Stone passed away the other day (June 2025) and I couldn't help but dance. Thank you so much for making this, man.

Late 60s funk. Pretty standard. Just not my thing. Some interesting instrumentals. Boring.

One of the most culturally significant records in American history. Iconic from start to finish. Genre defining

So much energy and talent here. Everyday People is just one of the best songs ever. Soul Clappin' II is a new favorite now too. Edit: Why did I initially give this four stars? Clearly a five-star album. Fixing that now. :)

Funky

Good. Again not necessarily my thing.

Cool album but now it feels that it didnt held up. Very time specific although great as an album with great funk and flow from begining to end. You can tell it influenced a lot of the 80s artists.

Was this before or after maggot brain? How Bay Area is this group of musicians? Gotta contextualize it to the time… but nothing but the deluxe on streaming Clearly a classic.

Stand! is good, but this is for There's a Riot Going on, which i gave a 4. I was so naive then

Not bad. Enjoyed a couple of the songs. Slightly repetitive.

Good funky album that still slaps today. Would have on rotation at a party, but if track #2 came on… would definitely have some explaining to do

The instrumentals are clearly meant to be the highlight for Sly, and they are good in some parts, but I can’t say I’ll be returning to this album again.

Jarring at times and funky at other times. Thematically I thought it was all over the place. Musically I thought it was fine and pleasant to listen to. Definitely some recognizable songs here and there. Mid, but not to the level of some of the 3 stars we’ve had on the list thus far.

There’s a lot of funk here, but the times that the beat continuously repeats along with the length is what does it in for me. A couple good songs that could boost this to a three, but I don’t think it’s in that tier as a whole.

I like a few songs from Sly and the family Stone, so I was hoping this album would introduce me to some more. Unfortunately, that's not the case. I still like "I Want to Take You Higher" and "Everyday People", but I really didn't like the rest of the album. This will be a weird one to score.

Fun album! Just dragged on a little too long.

One of the best groups of musicians ever formed, that innovated so much seemingly without even trying. While the sounds on this album weren't as wildly unique as those to follow, you can hear that simply no one was making music like this at the time. While some might argue, I also feel as though music like this hasn't been made since. Aural experimentation for the sake of passion and joy will always sound better than experimentation for the sake of innovation alone and this record stands as a testament to that

Liked it.

One of the best funk albums of all time. Growing up, my brother bought a guitar. Since he got to that first, I decided to buy a bass. I quickly learned the name Sly Stone. This rocks, but I probably won’t return to it often.

Amazing mix of soul/gospel/funk and some rock with a very experimental feel overall. This album made me consider the time and political/social landscape it was made for. Not just because of its strong themes regarding racism and coming together, but also of positivity and keeping your head up. I think it's an absolute banger and knows how to speak to your own morale, ethics and feelings. It is also an inspiration to see this band reach such heights with a such a diverse group of people, just showing how much can be done by coming together.

A funk pervasive Instruments strained to the brink In manifesto

Funky soul with long instrumental sections. Stand-out: Sing a Simple Song

🎧There’s a midget standing tall

Boisterous, funky and interesting. I liked this one!

No idea where this one will go, so a hop right into er. So far, I am emitting Honk shoo honk shoo’s with a cap and a candle holder next to my curtained bed. This is so syrupy. Midgets mentioned. I mean the lyrics seem good, which I imagine is a big part of why this album is. WHOA. Breakdown. HELL YEAH. Whole song worth it for that. What’d you call me??? Uhhhh. Well. That sounds like a reasonable request, Sly. You can count on me. I have to be pretty wasted to enjoy this kind of jam band stuff. It’s not coming together for me. I mean I am enjoying the modulated talking guitar but overall kind of fades away. Again, just a jam song. Can be heard in any high school nowadays. Here is an actual song. It’s fine. Way too repetitive and overly happy. Oh my god. Is funk finally happening? First time since the end of track 1. The dual vocals, the soul, the HUHs. This is sick. Not as commercially friendly as the rest of the “songs” Oh boy. Happy sunshine friends holding hands and circling this big ol marble as one united friendship squadron. Snooze. The song itself is ok, but the forced unity stuff is a bore. While it would be great, this messaging always comes off as preachy and dismissive. A 14 minute song called “sex machine.” Ugh. Yup. It’s a jam song. Extended Modulated guitar/vocal solos ALWAYS set the mood. The instruments are good and while this isn’t necessarily a song, this jam is better than some of the other ones. It actually keeps getting better. Raw, stripped back guitar solos beat the messy horn based ensemble tracks for me. Man this thing turned into a classic. Mesmerizing, soulful, musically brilliant. THAT is a good jam. Aaaaand back to the radio. I don’t think I’m a big horn fan. The bass is good, the funk is present. Simmering. Not at a boil. Vocals are good. I am always initially skeptical of things that are popular/reviewed well (this website is a great place for me to be hey?) but this thing came through when it mattered. A little preachy but that was overtaken by funky instrumentation, excellent vocals and a lot of passion. Not a classic for me, but a damn fine listen. 3-3.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Sing a Simple Song, Sex Machine

Incredible stuff

By repo was excited for this, but really failed to live up to what I’d expected.

From what I understand these guys were huge before I was listening to music, late 60's-early 70's. I knew the opening track (I Want To Take You Higher) from the radio and tv commercials, same with "Everybody Is A Star". Then you mix in absolute classics like "Everyday People" & "Hot Fun In The Summertime" & "Thank You..." that still get airplay today, plus fan favorites "Stand!", "You Can Make It If You Try" and "Dance To The Music" and you have a classic record that holds up well this many years later. This is half of their Greatest Hits album! My one big takeaway is that the music is positive & uplifting, they aren't focusing on the recent dark times (Vietnam, 70's politics, racial inequality) but rather how people can make a difference if they want to, change is possible & everyone deserves to be happy. I see the merit in making this a Top 1001 album - still has mojo, hit songs people know 50 yrs later, positivity and influence.

It was good

This wasn't my favorite. Maybe one or two nice songs but nothing special to me.

Never really been a soul/funk fan, so my expectations weren't high, but there's something about Stand! and the high energy and genuine funkiness of Sly & The Family Stone had me liking and for the most part, loving this album. What a way to brighten up a cold and windy day!

Experimental funk is pretty cool

Although I love everything that is funky, this one doesn't have the spark I expect from bands like that. Maybe because it's early funk. I'll take that album as a one that led funk to its adult form. 3.5/5.

This album swings wildly between great songs and tedious overblown guitar solos. Without the tracks that go nowhere it might have scored a 4, the good songs are really good.

Brilliant. Not a bad track on the album and the Soul/Funk/Rock of the era is still as vibrant today as it was 50 odd years ago. Influential but also danceable.

++: Stand!, Dont Call Me Nigger, Whitey, Sing a Simple Song, Sex Machine, You Can Make It If You Try +: I Want to Take You Higher, Somebody's Watching You, Everyday People 8,8/10

I thought I would enjoy this more because I love funk and the album art but not as in love as expectdd

I remember some of these songs as singles when I was a kid. The whole album has that thin late 60s production sound. Album was just okay for me.

Very enjoyable album, the only one I wasn't really into was the title track for some reason. Can see how influential this was as well, classic album. At the same time, it's not one I'd be dying to put on again. Solid 9/10

A good soul/funk album, that came at an important (and appropriate) time in American cultural history. There is no shortage of energy here, and there is a clear and purposeful social message. The forays in to psychedelia on some of the tracks are an interesting take on the genre. It does tend to get a bit repetitive as the album goes on, particularly the reliance on the simple bass lines to carry the music along. It's hard to expect more from an album that relies so heavily on its energy, and it is enjoyable when it works. Would listen again. Highlights: Stand I Want to Take You Higher Everyday People

Funky. Filled with classics. Doesn’t have any weaker songs and oft sampled, which again shows its quality.

3.5 pyöristyy ylöspäin, vaikkei ihan suosikkifunkkimeininkiä olekaan.

Another classic. I remember my older brothers playing this

Eh, just wasn't that into it.

These guys are almost too cool for me to even say anything about. Almost a perfect soul/ funk album if it weren’t for the absolute struggle that was sex machine.

the singles from this album are so synonymous with 'funk' in pop culture that i get little out of this besides the recognition factor. that being said, the record isn't iconic without reason - it's well-crafted, hooky, and there are no bad songs

Everyday People is great, the rest is ok. Its no Earth Wind and Fire

3 becomes a very broad rating for me, I'm a little sad this is a 3. I probably wouldn't consciously seek it out again, but I didn't dislike it. Generally I enjoy funk so that was nice, and even the 14min heavily jazz influenced 'Sex Machine' wasn't too bad Standouts Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey 3/5

Really fun. I should listen to more funk.

Big late 60s vibes Enjoyable

Experimental funk; pretty cool but a bit too repetitive at times... And sometimes went into pretty weird directions which didn't work in my opinion. 2.5 stars, rounding up to 3

I liked it for the listen. Will I listen to again: 20%

1st Track Impression: Feels like this is about to be smooth and a bit funky (the afro is a hint too). Seems like a good-mood album. End of Album Impression: Good overall. Not really my style per-se but it's smooth, funky, and feel-good. 'Everyday People' feels a bit corny to me. Good message but feels like a kids' show jingle. Probably needs to be taken in context that this is a defining album, and the sound has since been refined and redone in other ways that make it feel redundant. Notable Tracks: Stand!, Sex Machine Rate: 3.5/5

Didn't think I'd really heard anything from the album before but definitely have. Some classic movie tracks over time. Everyday people has been used a LOT. I enjoyed it overall, though the two big songs I've heard so much their impact was much less.

Soul, Funk. Interesting feel and lyrics.

Loved it, never heard it before

Fun enough, nothing crazy.

Rather enjoyed it! Actually would give it a 3.5 or 3.7 star

Like a more Sesame Streety version of Parliament

Groovy, feel-good funk. Loved it. Favorites: "Stand!", "I Want to Take You Higher", "Everyday People", "Sex Machine"

7/10- good stuff!

There’s a formula here, but it’s a good formula. Super iconic and easy to listen to; a little wild how, other than the two longer “jam” pieces, every song here is a classic. Can’t say that about many albums!

After the first few bars of the album I was a bit skeptical, but as the album progressed I became more and more interested. The album is a cool mix of soul and funk. And when Sly really takes his time, as in SexMachine, it becomes psychedelic. It was fun to listen to. It's worth listening to these 1000 albums for discoveries like this. 5/5

Love, love this album! From start to finish, groovy, funky, powerful.

-Everydays people Upbeat film background music

As always, Sly and the Family Stone have brought the funkiest grooves and greatest music to the table. So good. In fact, I think my favorite tracks were actually ones that I'd never heard before. The familiar songs were (and still are) great, but there was so much other stuff that had a sound I'd never heard before from the Family, and I really dug it. A couple times I forgot who I was even listening to and had to remind myself. Very good -- five stars.

I'm long on record as saying that Sly & The Family Stone is the greatest American band of all time. It's legitimately possible that every album with the full Family Stone behind Sly is worthy of 4.5 or more stars. Just an unparalleled run.

This album had its fair share of highs and lows. I liked how it started with their first song (Stand!) but that second track kinda halted the momentum for me. They could've at least switched up the lyrics at bit more instead saying the same shit for like 3 mins, maybe give it something with more substance. But luckily they pick it back up with the third track. I liked a majority of the tracks on here. Sex Machine was a bit too long for my liking but at least it was tolerable. Overall it was a good album but it definitely could've been better. Top 3 Fav: Sing A Simple Song, Everyday People, and Stand! Top 3 Worst: Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey, Sex Machine and that's it fr 3.25-3.50/5

My favourite line is: "there's a midget, standing tall." I don't like this album. Some grooves that sound cool but last 8 minutes too long. Just doesn't feel like a cohesive album. And the singles are strong. Meh and the family stone.

I can appreciate this one, but I wasn't really into any of the songs. It sounds like generic 60s soul with pop and psych influence.

funky, packed with great, deep, songs, fabulous hooks and "listen to the voices!"

Grooving Funk. Songs that make you want to move…stellar Sly.

As a whole, this album didn't leave much of a good impression on me, but "You Can Make It If You Try" made the whole thing worth listening to for me.

Trop stylé

It was decent, quite a lot of the songs were a jam but some were overly long and a bit steange

Mixing funk with universal politics. Right on.

3.375

Ok I’m standing

This album blew my mind the first time I ever put it on and it still yet never disappoints. Sly burned brightly to capture all of his inner joy, turmoil, and optimism in the face of a world that did not share the brilliant colors of his spirit. This record captures his ensemble riding high with messages of equality, tenacity, and soaring raw funk played with fervor.

Highlights: I Want to Take You Higher, Sex Machine, Stand! In a nutshell: lifting me higher and higher. Social commentary and soul funk jams never sounded so much fun. Rest in power Sly. Overall: 8/10

Some really fun tracks and some filler.

Enjoyable soul album.

The ease of sliding between pop, R&B, soul, and funk is always impressive.

First track is awful but after that it’s some pretty fun funk

Did not like it all. Thought I’d really give disco a go and sly are well known but just could not vibe with any of the songs.

Very standard for these guys. Good grooves.

Meh...giving it a 2

- Everyday People habe ich schon mal gehört - ansonsten sehr politisch und textlich progressives Album. Musikalisch nicht ganz so ikonisch wie andere Werke der Jahre und des gleichen Genres - Gesang ist nicht mein Fall* 2,75/5

Banging jams on this thing, fun to just put on this vinyl and fall in love and get lost in time

Funky and feel-good music with amazing grooves

This was okay. I usually really like funk music but for some reason this didn’t really do it for me.

I loved the few popular and well-known songs on the album, but thought the rest were ok. I was disappointed that I didn't unearth some rare gems that I hadn't heard before, but some albums have only a couple of good tracks and a lot of filler. Would listen again, but probably not for a while.

Some solid funky music. Although I can't lie, the second track made me slightly uncomfortable and makes me hesitant to through it on in front of other people or children.

Starting off, I didn't think, "I bet this will turn into a Toyota commercial." But it did. I wouldn't imagine that would be the best song on a funk album. But it was. They picked the singles well, but this is otherwise a really noisy album for me, and I found it wholly unenjoyable.

3.5

One of those albums that didn't quite gel on first listen but I had the chance of being on train journeys so listened to it a few times and it grew on me.

Það vantar dálítið upp á að þetta smelli, finnst mér.

Love it. I Want To Take You Higher, Sing A Simple Song, Everyday People and Sex Machine are brilliant songs. Rest is great too 4/5

Interesting but dated.

Stand! 4 Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey 3.6 I Want to Take You Higher 3.8 Somebody's Watching You 3.4 Sing a Simple Song 4.1 Everyday People 4 Sex Machine 3.7 You Can Make It If You Try 3.8 Score: 3.8

Pretty good but forgettable

好听

Noteworthy songs - 808080808 Magical Dream - Kinda catchy synth, but the rest is bland. Ancodia - Good background noise. Cobra Bora - Actually kind of cool, reminds me of Bomberman Hero. Pacific 202 - N64 vibes, but melody isn't great. Donkey Doctor - Nothing too special, weird ending. 808080808 - Really cool beginning. A little slow in the middle but stays interesting enough. Sunrise - Nothing remarkable. The Fat Shadow - Eerie. Very short.

Funky, fun, consistent mood throughout. Def coming back to it sometime.

Average 1970s funk/soul.

A couple of great songs. This is a good record.

Rating: 9.5/10 So damn funky and soulful, can't believe this came out in 1969. Favorite songs: pretty much all of them. Least favorite song: Somebody's Watching You.

funky way to start the morning

No private Spotify session needed. The second track made me uncomfortable, despite the guitar work. Once I got past the second track, I enjoyed the album and new several of the songs, but was the enthused by it.

this is fine 3/5

This album had just about everything. I was skeptical because funk is not my genre but there was a lot more than funk to be found here. The blueprint to some incredible rock n roll songs that would come later. So pleasantly surprised

Groovy album, some powerful songs in there and more than enough to keep me interested throughout. 3.5

pretty chill album with soothing Motown, RnB, funk, and soul sounds. Sort of zoned out listening to it, but i didn't mind the vibe.

Fucking love it

Cool funk soul

funkiger sound aus den 60ern - abwechslung, und doch nichts was mir ewig bleibt.

Funk ist nicht so meins

Love it, Sex Machine is juicy

Great find from the list. Amazing. Favorite track: i want to take you higher other picks: everyday people, sex machine

awesome giving alien in star wars jabba's palace. scary drums at the end of sex machine

Hell yea! These guys fucking rock. Truly never listened to any of their songs all the way through and album. This album is pretty solid.

Really like Everyday People. Really don’t like the rest of this album.

This was fine, was hoping to like it better. The 13 minute jam Sex Machine was pretty dull. I liked the two unreleased tracks at the end of the album version on Apple Music. Their performance at Woodstock was excellent, and Hot Fun in the Summertime is a great track, from another album. Their greatest hits album is worth checking out.

now, THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!! I had already heard some things by Sly & The Family Stone separately on the Soul & Funk playlists I listen to, but I had never listened to an entire album before. It was something that had been on my list for a long time and it was a pleasant surprise to be able to experience this iconic musical group!

2.5

I can get behind this. The songs all have a different feel so it didn't feel monotonous.

A joyful, tender classic filled with uplift and great musicianship

This album just oozes sexy funk vibes. It's not the sort of thing I'd usually listen to regularly but they do it SO well, I'm definitely glad I've now discovered it.

Very groovy and fun. I would come back to most of this album, but maybe not every single track.

At least the 2nd track isn't that one John Lennon song. Favourite Songs: Stand!, I Want to Take You Higher, Sing a Simple Song, Everyday People, You Can Make It If You Try. Least Favourite Songs: Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey.

Fedt nok 3-3.5/5

This was a pleasant shock to the system, I think I would have given it a five but was not feeling "Sex Machine" at all. That second track certainly is something.

The title track "Stand!" opens the album with a blatant call for listeners to stand up for themselves. Followed up by Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey, which doesn't mince words. Interesting use of voice box; however, I found myself wishing the tempo was pushed up a bit to match the angst of the (minimal) lyrics -- it felt like they were playing this through molasses. Everyday People is an all time classic. Sex Machine is a great soulful jam -- straight groove all the way through. This was fine, but by no means something that changed my world. The hits largely capture the best points here, with Sex Machine being an added favorite of mine for the jamminess of it all. Otherwise, not really much here to get me too excited. This falls middle of the pack for me.

I want to take you higher has that drop I have definitely heard before. Funky! Good listen. 4 stars

Definitely was catching a groove on this one, especially during Sex Machine. Soft 4 here, but I'd be happy to get more Sly on this list.

This is the type of music that I will always get up for. This album took a while for me to get hooked on but it started getting real funky and nice after a few songs. Sex Machine was an awesome instrumental. The second song I could never add to a playlist in case it came up randomly at a party.

Sly & The Family Stone fucks hard. My first real introduction to them was Jim James curated superjam at Bonnaroo where he played a number of songs off this album. Haven't listened to it all the way through though. Damn that key change in Stand! rules. Had some serious jams on this one. Really loved I Want To Take You Higher, Everyday People, and Sex Machine in particular. funky, groovy, jammy.

Sly's music just oozes funk, and is perfect for listening on a hot, sticky summer day. Love the 13-min groove/jam "Sex Machine", especially the drum breakdown at the end.

Soul und Funk.

Boom chackalacka boom chackalacka

Some really good funky tracks

Ok, some odd songs, oddish lyrics

Sly is always a 5 in my book!

What a fun soul/funk/blues fusion album. It doesn't always work for me, but when it does I like it quite a bit. Energy is high and in songs like Sex Machine they are clearly having so much fun. It's almost a four but I'm leaving it in 3 Fav songs: - Stand! - Everyday People - Sex Machine - You Can Make it if You Try

yeah this is a hot take but its better than there's a riot going on how does he make his instruments sound like a voice on the second track sex machine has the funny wobbly sound too

A great mix of funk and soul, some just instrumental, some with lyrics - Everyday People is a classic

Never heard before. Not exactly what I was expecting. Okay, but I probably won't listen again. "The nicer the nice, the higher the price"

Interesting. Again, not one that I'll listen to again, but some interesting tunes in there and it wasn't unenjoyable.

I've heard Sly & The Family Stone songs before of course and have enjoyed them, but it was the first time listening to a whole album. It's impressive, funky, fun and danceable. There is so much joy and creativity here. "Stand You've been sitting much too long There's a permanent crease in your right and wrong"

Enjoyed this album. Trend setters for a new genre (or two) and catchy and energetic.

Enjoyed adding a little funk to my workday...

this is ok.

As one of the landmark acts in early funk, this Sly and the Family Stone album had me in a constant state of bewilderment and frenzy all throughout its runtime. Given its release in 1969, there are so many sounds here that are predictive of future funk and psychedelic acts, I mean even a genre-pushing and defying album such as 'Maggot Brain' seems to draw heavily from this record. While I don't know which of the two (MB vs S!) I like more, I think from a pure "enjoyment" factor, 'Stand!' wins me over. I love that abrupt funk switch-up nearing the end of the title track where the bass takes front stage paired with these satisfying high-pitched lead vocals. S&FS's diverse set of vocalists enhances the track dynamics on this entire album - I love the way the various members trade lines on 'I Want to Take You Higher' over this constantly morphing harmonica-chopped instrumental. The light piano touches nudging forward the fun and loose anthem of togetherness and love that is 'Everyday People' helps make it an all-timer track and an album centerpiece. The following abrasive, but equally laid-back, 13-minute 'Sex Machine' lays out some more funk greatness in the form of hypnotic psychedelic twangs and loops that are enough to satiate any loop-head - I mean there's enough sample material in this one song to fill an entire album. It's oddly sexy too, or maybe that's me projecting the song title onto the music (something I think a good song title should do!). This is a funk album that has a lot of color and a lot of personality - more than your usual album. There's an underlying sense of humor and almost sarcasm here, in the playing, song structures, song titles, and within the music itself. I love music like that, especially when it still manages to strike an impeccable balance between being kinda cheeky yet also sounding like each member poured their heart and soul into every single note sung and played. Incredible shit!

Maybe the greatest funk album ever

mokay

First track is merely very good before immediately churning out a series of tracks that have been looping in my head since listening (and relistening to them several times). This project is starting on a concerningly good foot…

I enjoyed this far more than I thought I was going to.

Not being American, I’ve not been as exposed to the music from this album as I’m sure a lot of people have been. I recognised I Want To Take You Higher, and had listened to Everyday People after a recent Todd In The Shadows video, but outside of that I was going in completely blind, and I enjoyed it, but there’s something I can’t quite place my finger on that’s holding me back from loving it

bem groovado, som gostoso de se ouvir

Wow I loved this record! Some amazing psych/soul/funk. There was some fun pop and also some awesome jammy sections. I loved all the sounds and instruments going on with all their different effects. The highlight for me might have been the lead guitar. It seriously had so much voice to it!

What an incredible record. It was this year, that I've started dabbling in Sly Stone. Mainly, as been trying to expand my universe on psych R&B. I've listened to a few of his later records and mostly singles, so I hadn't dug into this record yet. So freakin good. I love the unity and peace message of "Stand!" and "Sing a Simple Song." I like how raw the "Don't Call Me...." is. The songs that's blow my mind though are "Everyday People" into "Sex Machine." What a killer 16 minutes. Everyday just gets you pumped. It love, its unity. And then Sex Machine just blows me away. The wah wahs, the organ, the brass but especially the drums!! Wow. Really impressed with this record. I'll definitely revisit.

Pretty good! Joyful, combative and constant energy. No individual stand-out songs but very much enjoyed it. 4/4.5

Great album all round the way around Everyday People has always been a tab Rite. Listened to it 4 or 5 times on the way to work and then 5 more times back home. HI THERE! I agree. But, my dearest friend, you are IN MY ACCOUNT again.

Funk is fun. Sex Machine ranges from weird to groovy.

无感

Good

if you want to kill me come and fucking get me ill be waiting here with a gun a dead mouse and a bucket of black tar soaked bread

You can make it if you try!

and then everyone wanted to be this funky could i write poetry to this? n

Just a lot of awesome funk. I was hovering between 4 and 5 stars but Sex Machine pushed it over the top

Great album!

Sounds like very calm alt-J

Major discovery from this project is Sly & The Family Stone. Love it!

Great grooves, funky bass, love it.

Sly & Family Stone at their peak in my opinion. Would give it 5 stars but the long Sex Machine tune took it down a notch for me unfortunately. Still a classic album.

Some good tracks a couple do terrible ones.

Good, next one!

One of the best band to integrate pop, funk, dance and social integrity

Groovy. I knew a couple of these tracks (I Want to Take You Higher, Everyday People) and had seen their Woodstock set but don’t think I’d ever listened to this album straight through. The groove is infectious. I’ve been dancing around all morning making my breakfast. Love those horns. This feels like funk perfected. There’s definitely some misses for me though (Somebody’s Watching You). And sure there’s some social commentary here, but let’s be honest, it’s not the album to seek out for lyrical content (“scooby dooby dooby” is literally a lyric), but the vibes are on point. If not for the few misses, it would be a 5 for sure. 4/5 Highlights: Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey I Want to Take You Higher Sing a Simple Song Sex Machine - one of the hardest grooves I’ve ever heard

Enjoyed this very much.

Iconic.