#493 - Earth, Wind, and Fire - That's the Way of the World

I’ve always had a deep affection for Earth, Wind and Fire. "Serpentine Fire" is on my short list of greatest songs ever, not to mention having arguably the hottest horn chart in recorded music history. But that song isn’t here. In this case, it’s not a bad thing. Right off the bat, you have "Shining Star," which I’m afraid a lot of you may know from the Austin Powers' series. The way the guitars interplay with the bass is impressive, at first intricate then laying back into their respective grooves. I love how the brass really hits you in the chest. Great arrangement and production.

"That’s the Way of the World" is a total mindfuck of a slowjam. The keyboard flitters about from side to side like a butterfly swooping around you. Then, holy crap…. Is that flugelhorn? I’m won over already. Pile on some nice harmonies with impossible falsetto and you get a template for where r&b was heading. We keep the laid back feel going with "Happy Feelings." These guys don’t mind experimenting as the song opens with a bass so saddled with deep chorus effect it’s almost uncomfortable. Things quickly kick into gear and you have a great summer day stoner jam. Seriously, try to listen to this without wanting to lie outside or cruise in a droptop. Probably with a bit of God’s own burning (not that any musician would condone such behavior….ahem).

Right about now I really wanted one of those tight horn blasts. I expected to hear some lips bleeding. Instead I got "All About Love." Admittedly, this is a beautiful song, at times sounding like Burt Bacharach was hanging around the studio. The orchestration is so nice, but around the three minute mark things delve into an uncomfortable dissertation on philosophy, psychology, religion and their effects on love. What? What just happened? Why do I feel like someone’s trying to jive talk my pants off? Why do I feel very dirty? Oh and now we get an acid synth solo. Joy.

E,W & F drop us off with another spacy mid-tempo number, "See the Light." It’s a very musically interesting song, but by now I’m getting pretty bored. I just don’t get why a band known for their amazing horns would be recognized here for an album that’s made up of romantic ballads and keyboard expeditions. I’d much rather be reviewing the eponymous first album or the Grammy winning All N’ All. Not bad, just a bland offering from such an eclectic group. Not my choice for their best album in the least.

-The Fat Man

I've never been overly crazy about funk. Appreciative, but not crazy. Granted, I haven't been exposed to a ton of funk either. Perhaps, hearing "Atomic Dog" one too many times has something to do with it. I can say my outlook changed after listening to this album, despite the ridicule Mike will give me for crediting this album rather than any other Earth, Wind, & Fire album. Now, I've heard "Shining Star" numerous times and I've never had a bad thought about it. Honestly, I haven't had many thoughts about it at all. Upon listening to this album, I heard it, but never really listened if that makes any sense. "That's the Way of the World" is a different story. I have a vague remembrance of hearing "That's the Way of the World" while riding around in my mother's minivan as a young and naive studmuffin. After another listen, wow...just wow. Maurice Morris and Philip Bailey are phenomenal together. Don't believe me, check this out at the 6:10 mark. Holy shit.

I won't go into intricate detail of each song. I think Mike did a sufficient job of that. Instead, as I've already demonstrated, I'll briefly discuss why I've been giving this album numerous listens. I love the track "All About Love," especially for its passionate soapboxing. While listening to this song, I thought about Andre 3000's venture into The Love Below. The spoken word part of "All About Love" had to have an significant impression for Andre throughout his songwriting, but one can also recognize the musical elements ala E,W, & F. Don't believe me? Listen to The Love Below; the entire album,not just "Hey Ya!" and "Roses." Hell, listen to all of Outkast's albums and you'll hear the influences.

Some more favorites? "Reasons" is worth a mention. I even like "Africano" a surprisingly fair amount. Unlike The Fat Man, my initial thoughts went straight to the continent of mention, not Asia. Actually, from beginning to end I enjoyed this album...really enjoyed it. Worthy of an inclusion on Rolling Stone's list, in my opinion. It makes me jealous to think I have not been to enough weddings where Maurice White provides the soundtrack for my drunken dance sequences. Although, I hope that dance doesn't resemble this one above. Then again, the one below might be welcome in certain circles.

- D.