That’s the Way of the World

Kind of what I expected. I imagine if you were of a formative age when this was released, it’s probably pretty magical and brings back a flood of nostalgia. Alas, I am not of that age. So although I recognize it as a sweet, good time, it doesn’t really grab me. I think it’s good, for what it is, but not exceptional.

I've given this list a fair bit of shite but one positive thing it's done for me is introduce me into my liking for soul/funk music.

The main reason why I like this stuff is the bass, and Verdine White is one of the best in the business.

The vocals and the harmonies are good too. All round nice album

Good and some great, but not their best album.

It's funky bbq music for a lovely moment.

It's weird to think that there was a time that this album didn't exist? This just feels like it's just always been in the background of everything. It exists and doesn't. It's good but not good enough to seek out? It's a classic in that it's the perfect example of middle of the road?

I had high hopes for this, but it fell flat for me. I enjoy funk and soul a lot, but this was just OK funk and soul.

I listened, I bopped along a bit, then forgot all about it.

I rate the albums I listen to not on the basis of their musical quality (I'm not a musicologist, or an expert, or anything like that!) but on how much I like them and how they make me feel! This one came on a day when I needed something funky and it really made the day better, so my solid 4
It'll go on my 1001albunsgenerator favorites playlist, that's for sure ;-)

How can you listen to this and not feel good about the world?

Some bangers; some meh.

Not bad. I can see the appeal, but it's just not really my thing. 3/5

Favourite songs: Happy Feelin', Shining Star, That's the Way of the World, Africano, Yearnin' Learnin', See The Light

Least favourite songs: All About Love (First Impression)

4/5

Starts off strong, dips in the middle, and ends pretty strong. Some of these songs didn’t need to be 6 minutes plus, they could’ve been shaved down. Maybe get rid of the spoken word portion or cut a chorus here and there. There are good songs that just went on too long.

I was expecting this album to be so much more upbeat

I actually found it super boring and I hated the whiny parts in the songs

2 ⭐️

Listening to this is pure sunshine. From the opening of "Shining Star," Earth, Wind & Fire deliver tight grooves, incredible vocals, and iconic horn arrangements. Verdine White’s bass work is phenomenal, and the album balances high-energy funk with smooth tracks like "Reasons" perfectly. While clearly a product of its time, the top-tier musicianship makes this 38 minutes of infectious, near flawless perfection.

Was expecting funk, but this is more jazz heavy. Disappointing for me, but I’m sure there will be others who will find this very satisfying. The musical talent is upper level.

So smooth it hurts. Schmaltzy disco funk but without any of the fun. This is cruising down the soda aisle at suburban 90s supermarket music, it's what's playing while you argue with your mom over getting Mug vs store brand root beer. Africano is ok smooth jazz blacksploitation soundtrack material.

“Shining Star” is fantastic. There are some other decent elements, but most of it is too cheesy.

2.5/5

Very hit or miss record for me. The funk and soul tunes were great. The more disco-y songs just didn’t work for me.

I think I want to like this more than I actually do