Stand! is a bold, joyful, and politically charged blend of funk, soul, and psychedelic rock that helped define the late '60s. With tracks like I Want to Take You Higher and the irresistible Everyday People, Sly Stone and his band deliver messages of unity and empowerment without ever losing the groove. The rhythms are tight, the hooks are massive, and the energy is infectious from the first track. That said, the album does lose a bit of momentum with the 13-minute jam Sex Machine, which feels more like a studio workout than a fully-formed idea. Still, the rest of the album is so strong, so alive with creativity and spirit, that it's easy to forgive a few indulgences. Stand! captures a moment in time with style and soul to spare. 4/5.