That’s the Way of the World

Starts with a song so good that it gets Elaine Benis dancing …

Earth Wind and Fire can at times come across to a modern listener as campy cliched funk- disco ala Boney M . They are not And this album show cases funk that strays close to disco while being catchy and danceable along with more soulful songs like the title track .

Pity “all about love ( first impressions)”drags the whole thing done - I’m only not dropping it a star as the horns on that song are great . Along with that spacey outro.

I should like Earth, Wind & Fire a lot more than I actually do. I like the style of music, I like the performance, but in the end I'm just bored.

First time properly listening to Earth, Wind & Fire. I really enjoyed it for the most part. A couple of the slower songs didn’t do that much for me but I definitely want to check out some more from them after this.

Top Track - Either Shining Star or Africano

Buenísimo.

3.5
Some great songs at the start but then it does drag a bit later on

3.5/5. Pretty good collection of funk/soul/pop music, which from what I understand was partially a soundtrack to a film of the same name. I haven’t seen the movie so I’m just judging the album as is, and it’s alright! I think Earth, Wind and Fire have a few much better ones, but there’s still a lot of good grooves on this thing. My favorite is probably the instrumental jam near the end of the record “Africano.”

I enjoyed the more upbeat, funky songs, but felt some of the slower, soulful songs dragged on a bit and at times it was just a bit too disco for me. Overall, it was enjoyable enough, but it’s just not really for me and I can't see myself returning to this album as a whole.

Way too chill. 2.5

I think any time that something starts with Shining Star, it's gonna be a good time.

This sounded so bloody good

hell yeah to this!! funky, dancey, fun!

Pleasant easy listening From a group who can do better.

What about Water? You can't be the Avatar without mastering all the elements.

This is good. Tho not quite Sly & The Family Stone, Earth, Wind & Fire are about as close as you'll get to that genius. The only thing missing is Sly's ability to turn cliché into something necessary, unexpected, & original. Few artists have that capacity: Sly Stone, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson come to mind. That's a major deficiency, & it's a wonder that the collective can overcome sappy sounds & soppy lyrics: 'Share the feeling w/ your brother / Don't stop caring for one another'; 'Take the time, make up your mind / It's all about love.' But they do overcome it, they overcome it w/ soul & sincerity, w/ lightness of vision & simplicity of heart. Don't think too much is what they seem to be saying, e'en on Slyish 'Yearnin' Learnin'.'

Decent funky instrumentation with occasional bouts of brass and piano adding some welcome flavour. Vocally, however, I can't contend with this. "Africano" was, by far, the standout as it's just an instrumental bop.

*Starts off with some great songs but slows down a little too much by the end

saw them this year at the Bowl - love them #musicsky #albumsky

Some joyful funk and soul! Outside of Africano there's nothing too special going on, but it IS groovy.

Standouts: That's the Way of the World • Africano

I had high expectations for this one. I wasn’t disappointed; but I wasn’t blown away either.

Solid, I would listen to this again.