Earth Wind & Fire: Greatest Hits [Original recording remastered]

Amazon.com essential recording
It's the most complete single-disc collection of EWF chart rockers, and Greatest Hits' splendid remastering makes one of the major exponents of '70s funk positivity sound sparkling. From the driving "Shining Star" to the syncopated mastery of "September" and "Boogie Wonderland" to the slow-jam heaven of "After the Love Is Gone," this is a reminder of what made the group so special. --Rickey Wright

Earth Wind & Fire: Greatest Hits,Wind & Fire Earth,Sony,Disco,Funk,Pop,Quiet Storm,R&B,Smooth Soul,Soul,Soul/R & B,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues,United States of America,Urban

---

Average customer rating: Great CD (4.5 stars) Probably their best comp, but STILL missing key songs That Boogie Woogie Beat! Greatest Hits Old School

Earth Wind & Fire: Greatest Hits Wind & Fire Earth Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Dance & DJ | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stevie Wonder - The Definitive Collection The Very Best of Kool & the Gang The Very Best of Chicago: Only the Beginning Barry White - All-Time Greatest Hits The Best of KC & the Sunshine Band ASIN: B00000FC5H Release Date: 1998-11-17

Tracks:

1. Shining Star
2. That's The Way Of The World
3. September
4. Can't Hide Love
5. Got To Get You Into My Life
6. Sing A Song
7. Gratitude
8. Serpentine Fire
9. Fantasy
10. Kalimba Story
11. Mighty Mighty
12. Reasons
13. Saturday Nite
14. Let's Groove
15. Boogie Wonderland - (with The Emotions)
16. After The Love Is Gone
17. Getaway

Amazon.com essential recording

It's the most complete single-disc collection of EWF chart rockers, and Greatest Hits' splendid remastering makes one of the major exponents of '70s funk positivity sound sparkling. From the driving "Shining Star" to the syncopated mastery of "September" and "Boogie Wonderland" to the slow-jam heaven of "After the Love Is Gone," this is a reminder of what made the group so special. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2007-05-25

If you're an EWF devotee, you have to purchase this CD. It is fabulous! I'm buying a second one for my husband for father's day.

(4.5 stars) Probably their best comp, but STILL missing key songs.......2007-03-29

I'm gonna complain a bit here - the live Devotion (off Gratitude, killer studio version made furtherly killer live) and Keep Your Head to the Sky are still missing. Why? Is this one of those stupid cross-label things? Because those are really annoying. And this contains Boogie Wonderland, most likely their worst hit, either that or Let's Groove. Both are disco. Not a coincidence. And they drop All About Love, as well as I'll Write a Song for You. Give me a break! Four of their greatest songs, dropped off a cliff. Splat. Why? Saturday Night's an OK song, but I don't see it as the Best of Earth Wind and Fire. But if you swap those three off, put the four I mentioned on, and keep the rest, you've got the real best of Earth, Wind and Fire. Unlike the 1978 Greatest Hits release, this DOES contain Mighty Mighty, Kalimba Story AND Serpentine Fire, three essentials. Plus it adds After the Love is Gone, a worthy addition to any self-respecting EWF hits collection (or at least any one released after 1978), and their greatest song ever maybe. I'd bet on it. Plus nine of the ten tracks on the '78 release, not coincidentially the nine classics (Got to Get You Into My Life, Fantasy, Can't Hide Love, Getaway, That's the Way of the World, Shining Star, September, Reasons, Sing a Song) - note how they dropped Love Music, which is cool by me because it's just an average song and average songs don't belong on best-ofs, even if they were huge hits (*cough cough Saturday Nite*).
Yes, this is a great intro, but don't stop here. Why? All in All, Spirit, Gratitude, That's the Way of the World and Open Our Eyes are all good picks, that's why. But this is the compilation the band deserved.

That Boogie Woogie Beat!.......2007-03-14

This album is soooo hot! Makes you wanna just jump up on a table and start dancing. (I tried it at work, but they yelled at me!). I am LOUSY at remembering song names, but I recognized a bunch of them. "September" is so hot! and one of my favorites. So is "Boogie Wonderland" (Dance, Ooo ooo oo, Dance, ooo ooo ooo!) (STOP ME! QUICK!) Like I said, most of the album is hot dance-to-me music. There are a few slow songs, like "After the Love Has Gone". 17 tracks at a total running time of a hair over 1 hour 7 minutes.

Don't put this on in the car and get behind a school bus! Torture!

Greatest Hits.......2007-01-04

My sister is a very hard person to buy gifts at Christmas, but last September she mentioned she would like a CD by Earth Wind & Fire. She opened the CD on Christmas eve and insisted we listen to "September" for the next 15 minutes. She was very happy and so was I. I have to admit the CD is a good one and I am ordering a copy for myself.

Old School.......2007-01-04

Bring back the old school music with soul. Great songs and good memories.

Average customer rating: Essential A beautiful tribute to the Elements Shining Star It's Rated 3.5 stars in my book mistake

Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth Wind & Fire Various Artists Manufacturer: Stax ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Forever, for Always, for Luther II (Dig) Collaborations Feel the Fire Stay with Me Distant Lover ASIN: B000N0U2U0 Release Date: 2007-03-27

Tracks:

1. Shining Star - Chaka kahn
2. Be Ever Wonderful - Angie Stone
3. September - Kirk Franklin
4. Devotion - Ledisi
5. Can't Hide Love - The Randy Watson Experience
6. Love's Holiday - Lalah Hathaway
7. That's The Way Of The World - Dwele
8. After The Love Is Gone - Mint Condition
9. Reasons - Musiq Soulchild
10. Fantasy - Meshell Ndegeocello

Customer Reviews:

Essential.......2007-06-15

Earth, Wind and Fire simply made some of the best music in the world. It's a joy to hear their pieces reinterpreted by other artists.

Chaka Khan yanks "Shining Star" off the chain.

But it's Me'shell Ndegeocello's take on "Fantasy" that makes the album worth the price of admission. By going further afield than any other artist on the album, Ndegeocello brilliantly twists "Fantasy" into something much darker and dangerous -- and compelling -- than perhaps was ever intended by the original E,W & F crew.

Anybody who loves R&B, this is an essential one to own.

A beautiful tribute to the Elements.......2007-06-09

oh my did the new generation do a great job covering the songs we all know and love. A nice twist on the classics. This one is a keeper

Shining Star.......2007-05-22

I wasn't sure what to expect. Sometimes when artists cover other gifted artists, the results can be disappointing. Whoever the cover artists singing Earth Wind & Fire, you know they have big shoes to fill. I read the names of the artists covering EW&F and decided to give it a chance: Chaka Khan, Ledisi, Musiq, Lalah Hathaway. Overall, the artists gave faithful renderings of each song. Kirk Franklin kept it funky on "September," and Musiq was impressive hitting those high notes on "Reasons." But most artists played it safe. Except for Meshell Ndegeocello whose re-interpretation of "Fantasy" sounded more outer space than any thing I've ever heard on Earth Wind & Fire. This album is worth the investment. When I really love an artist and an album, I share it with friends. I've already passed it on to at least four friends.

It's Rated 3.5 stars in my book.......2007-05-21

I think that this CD should have more artists included to do more of EWF's songs. Overall it's just alright. Don't get me wrong, there are some songs that are great such as Angie Stone's Be Ever Wonderful (why was it cut so short?), Kirk Franklin (one of the best cuts on the CD), Bilal (a great twist to Can't Hide Love), Lalah Hathaway (very good), Dwele (nice mid-tempo spin from the original That's The Way Of the World), Mint Condition's After The Love Is Gone (good, but I like Norman Brown's jazz version better) and Musiq's Reasons (he is not a Phillip Bailey but it's a good rendition). The other artists I did not mention somewhat spoiled it. I did not like Chaka Khan's Shining Star as I thought she was trying too hard and the very last cut Fantasy as that to me was just plain awful. Devotion was ok but not nothing to brag about. I applaud everyone's effort but if you are a big EWF fan it's worth to collect...but after a few times of playing the CD, it will collect dust after a while.

mistake.......2007-05-14

I made a mistake in buying this CD. There is no doubt that all performing artists did the best they could, but i can't help but comparing every song to the orginal songs and they still stand out. Furthermore i find it hard to regonize actual interpretations, but find carbon copy's of the original songs, except for the last song; fantasy, but I can hardly imagine anyone preferring this (mis)interpretation over the orginal.

A disappointed EWF fan.

Average customer rating: Love this CD to those disco freaks that love cheesy films! Why would you buy it then? Good Music Excellent Purchase

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978 Film) Peter Frampton Manufacturer: Polydor / UMGD ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Xanadu Xanadu Saturday Night Fever: The Original Movie Sound Track Staying Alive (1983 Film) ASIN: B0000067L8 Release Date: 1998-04-21

Tracks:

1. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band/With A Little Help From My Friends - The Bees, Paul Nicholas/Peter Frampton, The Bee Gees
2. Here Comes The Sun - Sandy Farina
3. Getting Better - Peter Frampton, The Bee Gees
4. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds - Dianne Steinberg, Stargard
5. I Want You (She's So Heavy) - The Bee Gees, Diane Steinberg, Paul Nicholas, Donald Pleasence, Stargard
6. Good Morning, Good Morning - Paul Nicholas, Peter Frampton, The Bee Gees
7. She's Leaving Home - The Bee Gees, Jay MacIntosh, John Wheeler
8. You Never Give Me Your Money - Paul Nichols, Diane Steinberg
9. Oh! Darling - Robin Gibb
10. Maxwell's Silver Hammer - Steve Martin & Chorus
11. Polythene Pam/She Came In Through The Bathroom Window/Nowhere Man/Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club.. - The Bee Gees/Peter Frampton, The Bee Gees/The Bee Gees/Peter Frampton, The Bee Gees

Tracks:

1. Got To Get You Into My Life - Earth, Wind & Fire
2. Strawberry Fields Forever - Sandy Farina
3. When I'm Sixty-Four - Frankie Howerd, Sandy Farina
4. Mean Mr. Mustard - Frankie Howerd
5. Fixing A Hole - George Burns
6. Because - Alice Cooper, The Bee Gees
7. Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight - Peter Frampton/The Bee Gees
8. Come Together - Aerosmith
9. Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite - Maurice Gibb, Peter Frampton, George Burns, The Bee Gees
10. The Long And Winding Road - Peter Frampton
11. A Day In The Life - Barry Gibb, The Bee Gees
12. Get Back - Billy Preston
13. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Finale) - The Cast

Customer Reviews:

Love this CD.......2007-07-05

Had this when it came out on LP--didn't even know it was ON cd til just now, and I ordered it. Take it for what it is, a timepiece from the period. The Bee Gees in the mid to late 70's were as dominant as the Beatles were in the 60's. PS- CHICAGO was offered the "Got To Get You" song and passed.

to those disco freaks that love cheesy films!.......2007-04-19

Yes, I'm a HUGE fan of Peter Frampton and the Brothers Gibb and I'm an even BIGGER fan of cheesy films. I've been hunting down this soundtrack on CD since wearing out the VHS I checked out from the library. After having the DVD fall on my foot at my local Walgreen's (and watching it 7 times over 3 days), I'm now starting my search again for the awesome soundtrack. I'm a bit miffed that the tracks are out of order, but it's no big deal. If you love Frampton's guitar work, the BeeGee's vocals, and a cheesy film from '78 to boot, then by all means, get it. For those haters that don't like disco-fied Beatles covers, well, all I can say to them is pfft (oh, and not buy it if they're going to just fuss and cuss about how it's not 'right').

Why would you buy it then?.......2007-03-20

Looking at the previous review I wonder...Did you see the movie? if you did then you heard all the tracks before buying the cd. Yes the movie was corny and campy...and I'm glad it didn't turn out to be like Xanadu (largly due to the fact that no one had to act, they just sang the parts) but it still leads me to wonder why would you buy the soundtrack to a movie you felt like was a flop? I enjoyed the music therefore I will most likely buy this cd. I enjoyed the movie as well (sucker for the Bee Gees)...

Good Music.......2007-03-17

This sound track from the movie is a very good remake of the Beatles tunes. I enjoyed the movie back years ago and enjoy the music again now...

Excellent Purchase.......2007-01-10

This item was exactly as advertised. It arrived in perfect condition and in a timely manner. I would not hesitate to do business with this seller again in the future.

Average customer rating: The "Hybrid Theory" of its day! Most of the best, but where's the early stuff? Best of EWF Most Of Their Best Songs Are Here!!! Fitting Music For Festive Occasion

The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol.1 Wind & Fire Earth Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Dance & DJ | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2 Earth Wind & Fire: Greatest Hits That's the Way of the World All 'N All 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Commodores ASIN: B00000JQFI Release Date: 1999-07-27

Tracks:

1. Got To Get You Into My Life
2. Fantasy
3. Can't Hide Love
4. Love Music
5. Getaway
6. That's The Way Of The World
7. September
8. Shining Star
9. Reasons
10. Singasong
11. Megamix 2000
12. Megamix (Radio Edit)

Amazon.com

Like a lot of second-wave funk bands, Earth, Wind & Fire were adept at balancing slickness and rawness. While their albums were occasionally spotty, the outfit achieved truly miraculous moments like the rocking "Shining Star" and the gloriously syncopated "September." (Come to think of it, the screaming guitar of the former was also nicely set off by its rhythmic flow.) In a have-you-never-been-mellow decade, their positivity seemed mostly realistic. With something like their powerhouse transformation of "Got to Get You into My Life"--pulling one of the great Beatles covers out of the awful Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band movie--they could make even the most churlish listener believe anything was possible. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

The "Hybrid Theory" of its day!.......2007-07-25

A great inclusion to what is mostly a Classic Rock collection. Like Blood, Sweat, and Tears before them and maybe Chicago, but jazzy soul. Underappreciated during the Disco years, this time-tested material still sounds GREAT! Of much greater interest than merely the Soul or Jazz audiencences, it's one fine album!

Most of the best, but where's the early stuff?.......2007-03-29

This is a rough guess, but I'd say there are about a trillion EWF comps on the market, mostly either generic hit collections or tacky theme roundups. This is actually one of their better comps, as it contains MOST of their best songs up until 1978. Not all, though. I won't even get into the sorely missed deep cuts, because some obvious ones were skipped: Head to the Sky, Devotion (especially that great live version off of Gratitude), Kalimba Story, Serpintine Fire, Mighty Mighty, I'll Write a Song for You and It's All About Love are just radio staples, why aren't they included? (I would've complained about lacking After the Love is Gone, but it turns out that came out a year after this comp was released, so I can't really). Yes, I understand vinyl was restrictive at the time, but in these days of CD those songs could've been tacked on as bonus tracks (one of the few instances I'd support the use of bonus tracks), but instead they tack on these stupid, useless Megamix things... yeah. Fact is, you can't sum up the career of a band at the height of their powers in ten tracks, no matter how good nine of those ten are. I could've done without Love Music - it's certainly not BAD, and they could've picked far worse. But I don't see what it has over It's All About Love, Head to the Sky, Devotion, Serpintine Fire, Mighty Mighty or Kalimba Story.
But hey... this has September! September's a classic, man! And this was the first time it was put on a studio album, for whatever that's worth. Same with their great cover of The Beatles' Got to Get You Into My Life - I'm a Beatle freak, but I must say, this cover beats even their original. And there's plenty of fine funk stuff: Shining Star, the aforementioned September and Got to Get You Into My Life, Singasong and Getaway, as well as some wonderfully amazing ballads like Reasons, Fantasy, Can't Hide Love and That's the Way of the World, so this makes for a fitting intro for the group. But don't make the mistake I did in thinking this is all you need - it was about three years after buying this before I finally picked up an EWF studio album, and of course I had waited about three years too long. Don't stop here - I recommend That's the Way of the World, Gratitude, All in All, Open Our Eyes and Spirit as well - but this is good.

Best of EWF.......2006-08-01

Does it get any better than this? Check the songs before you buy another CD, some of these songs are duplicated on another CD. Still, great sounds.

Most Of Their Best Songs Are Here!!!.......2006-01-03

I really hadn't been a fan of EWF up to a few years ago. But, once listening to them...I can really appreciate the funk/jazz/disco/fusion sound that they have. The top songs on this one are Got To Get You Into My Life, Getaway, That's The Way Of The World, and September. Though people try to remake their songs...I believe that most of their best songs are here! And that EWF play them better than anyone else.

Fitting Music For Festive Occasion.......2005-01-04

Remastered Earth Wind and Fire collection with the nice addition of Mega Mix ones (In Japan megamix became huge hit a few years back) is a must-have if you love great music and melodic high toned chorus. They created zenith of rhythm and blues music with melodies and it influenced rock music a lot.
After around huge hit of SEPTEMBER they got on the bandwagon of disco frenzy but LOVE MUSIC, THAT'S THE WAY OF THE WORLD, CAN'T HIDE LOVE are the song of pure ethreal rhythm and blues somewhat like Stylistics. FANTASY is one of the most favorites among Japanese yogaku(western music) fans. MEGA MIX tracks are the reasons why you must buy this particular one. It's so fantastic. Well compressing what they are truly great.

Recommended for wide variety of music fans.

Average customer rating: The Truth Earth Wind fan Fire Best Earth,Wind & Fire Compilation Set Yet Audiophiles beware EWF - This CD is a great buy for all of the songs you get

Essential Earth Wind & Fire Earth Wind & Fire Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Box Sets at 30% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Essential Isley Brothers Essential Sly & Family Stone The Very Best of War Kool and the Gang - Gold The Very Best of Kool & the Gang ASIN: B000069RJI Release Date: 2002-07-30

Tracks:

1. Mighty Mighty
2. Evil
3. Devotion
4. Keep Your Head To The Sky
5. Kalimba Story
6. Shining Star
7. That's The Way Of The World
8. Yearnin' Learnin'
9. All About Love
10. Reasons
11. Sing A Song
12. Can't Hide Love
13. Getaway
14. Saturday Nite
15. Ponta de Areia/Be Ever Wonderful
16. Open Our Eyes
17. Got To Get You Into My Life

Tracks:

1. September
2. Serpentine Fire
3. Fantasy
4. I'll Write A Song For You
5. Drum Song
6. In The Stone
7. Can't Let Go
8. After The Love Has Gone
9. Wait
10. You And I
11. Let Me Talk
12. And Love Goes On
13. You
14. Let's Groove
15. Fall In Love With Me
16. Side By Side
17. Boogie Wonderland (With The Emotions)

Amazon.com

While their name conveniently conjures slabs of fashionable late-'70s New Agey mysticism and eco-consciousness, EWF founder Maurice White couldn't have picked a more metaphorically perfect moniker for his mighty, genre-expanding soul ensemble. The 34 tracks on this double-disc anthology underscore White's downright utopian vision, which shrewdly stewed the emotionally compelling lead vocals and sweet harmonies of Motown with the earthy funk of Sly and the Family Stone and some slick contemporary jazz, then seasoned it with tasty dollops of Tower of Power horns and Maurice's (and brother Verdine's) curiosity in Afro-Cuban rhythms. Small wonder they became arena superstars. There is something to please nearly everyone in the EWF oeuvre: from upbeat, infectious groove-staples like "Shining Star," Mighty Mighty," and "September" through the transglobal "Kalimba Story" and "Ponta de Areia" to the gospelized "Open Your Eyes," their pop-savvy cover of Lennon-McCartney's "Got to Get You into My Life," and the dancefloor-ready collaboration with the Emotions, "Boogie Wonderland." Essential features new liner notes with commentary by Maurice White. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

The Truth.......2007-05-26

This is by far the best collection of songs that I've ever come across... This is THE BEST collection ever.

Earth Wind fan Fire.......2007-04-13

I love this group and welcome them to my collection of memories.

Best Earth,Wind & Fire Compilation Set Yet.......2007-02-28

This Double CD set is the best E.,W. & F. compilation yet. The songs were compiled by Maurice White himself and that's what makes it so wonderful. He included the song "You". That is my favorite one of all and I'm glad Maurice saw fit to include that top notch song on the CD compilation set. There is one song I wished were included "Love's Holiday". But you can't fit them all on 2 CDs. However, You can always buy the flawless "All N All" CD in addition to this CD (if you don't already have it). You won't regret spending the money on both of these CDs if you're a fan of Earth, Wind and Fire (I assure you).

Audiophiles beware .......2006-01-11

5 stars for the collection of songs and disc 2 is absolutely superb.However as an audiophile iam appalled at the sound quality of especially disc 1..no wonder Sony is loosing money these days..This is NOT 24 bit remastering this is NOT DSD mastering that Sony is famous for..instead this is cheap outdated 20 bit SBM(super bit mapping) of the early 90's.I WILL STILL RECOMMEND THIS COLLECTION,BUT DON'T PAY FULL PRICE.

EWF - This CD is a great buy for all of the songs you get.......2005-10-07

What I really loved about this CD is the 34 songs. Prior to purchasing this CD, there were many songs that EWF performed that I never knew were EWF just from listening to the radio.

With that said, there were many "Oh, they sang that song too?" moments, which was a real treat and made this CD a lot of fun to listen to in its entirity. It's great for long trips in the car or just puttering around the house.

Shortly after I purchased this CD, I got invited to a concert which featured, Chicago and EWF. I must say that EWF stole the show! Phillip Bailey's voice is CRAZY! I was knocked out of my chair with the notes he was hitting in a live concert setting. Many artists record songs in the highest key possible and then bring the key down for live performances to preserve their voices. There was none of this hapenning with EWF, I can assure.

So, in short, 2 things:
1. Buy this CD and give it a listen-through. It's a great way to get all of EWF's hits for a great price
2. If you get the chance to see EWF live in concert, GO! You wil not be disappointed.

Average customer rating: how is the old members are doing The quintessential sound of the era The Best Live Album, From The Best Group!! A very good live album We Give you Gratitude EW&F

Gratitude Earth Wind & Fire Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: That's the Way of the World Spirit All 'N All I Am Open Our Eyes ASIN: B00000JQFL Release Date: 1999-07-27

Tracks:

1. Introduction
2. Africano/Power
3. Yearnin' Learnin'
4. Devotion
5. Sun Goddess
6. Reasons
7. Sing A Message To You
8. Shining Star
9. New World Symphony
10. Interlude #1
11. Sunshine
12. Sing A Song
13. Gratitude
14. Celebrate
15. Interlude #2
16. Can't Hide Love
17. Serpentine Fire/Saturday Nite/Can't Hide Love/Reasons

Amazon.com essential recording

Earth, Wind & Fire were consolidating their jazz influences into a tighter meld of funk and rock when Gratitude appeared near the end of 1975. Still, the improvisatory spirit burns hard on the three-quarters of the set taken from concert performances in the wake of That's the Way of the World's success. Highlights include hot takes on "Shining Star" and "Sun Goddess," as well as the studio cuts "Sing a Song" and "Can't Hide Love." --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

how is the old members are doing.......2006-01-22

do anyone out there know about the real members of E.W.F is how are they doing like like some off the real names if you are a E.W.F fan MR.Louis satterfield-precusion-- Mr.michael Harris-precusion--- Mr.Don myrick-sax----- Mr.Beloyd Talyor-------- MR Johnny Graham--doing his thing.---how about Mr.Andrew Woolfork play that sax. can i give you more names. How about Mr.Roland Bautista on bass you cant forget about Mr.Fred White on Drums and MR.Larry Dun on keys love you guys thats EARTH WIND FIRE NOT LAST BUT EARTH WIND FIRE MR M WHITE----MR P.BAILY MR.R JHONSON THATS MUSIC CAN SOMEONE LET ME KNOW WHERE ARE THE OLD MEMBERS ARE THEY ALIVE WHAT ARE THE DOING I THINK THEY SHOULD ALL GET BACK FOR ONE MORE LIVE SHOW

The quintessential sound of the era.......2006-01-01

This is one of the few recordings I've owned in 8-track, cassette, vinyl, and now CD formats. The live cuts are so superbly tracked it sounds as though you are standing on the stage with the band. I love the slighly overdriven bass speaker cabinet, especially. Gorgeous vocals and an audience that came to celebrate... a must-have among your must-haves!

The Best Live Album, From The Best Group!!.......2005-01-05

I was introduced to EW&F's music while I was growing up. My dad has always been a huge fan of their music; he played their songs all the time. This album along with 'Spirit' really made me see that EW&F can't be touched when it comes to pleasing people musically. When I was really young I loved this album, and to this day I still love this album. In my opinion, 'Gratitude' is the best live album that I've ever heard and believe me, I've listened to many live albums. I also would like to add that this album includes the live versions of two of my favorite EW&F songs, 'Reasons' and 'Devotion.' I prefer the live versions of these songs better than the studio versions.

A very good live album.......2004-07-15

This is the kind of live album that shows that Earth, Wind & Fire was a strong combo on stage, featuring a dynamic set with lots of improvisation and hot playing. Just listen to Sun Goddess, Africano or Reasons. Unbelievable! isn't it? Definitively of one the best live albums ever.

We Give you Gratitude EW&F.......2003-12-04

They don't make them like this anymore. EWF has always been known for their live performances. Unfortunately, hardly any were recorded in those days and even fewer video taped. Which makes this classic disc even more of a keeper. As always, let's look at it song by song:
Intro/Medley (Africano/Power): This album was all about the excitement of being at a concert and that excitement starts from the very beginning. The crowd is cheering, overwhelmed by anticipation. MC Perry Jones announces them, "Presenting, Earth!...Wind!...and Fire! With that, the band comes in with that funky/jazz style that would later become their trademark. They launch into Africano first. In the midsection, the horns bellow out (literally) the intro to Power. The title fits the song, trust me. As usual, Verdine is really thumping that bass on this one. All in all, a great intro. Yearnin'and Learnin': One of my favorite songs by EWF and it's done even better live. During this time, the band had two drummers and if you listen closely, you can hear one set of drums in one speaker and the other set in the other speaker. The horns, always a strong point with EWF, really sour and bite hard on this one. Again, a great song made better live. Devotion: One of the more spiritual songs from the group, this song done live shows the communal part of an EWF show. When the ladies are singing "Yeah, yeah, yeah", it sounds like the ocean itself. Truly amazing. If you're a fan it makes you feel like you're there. If you're another musician, you envy it! Sun Goddess: This is a cut originally done with Ramsey Lewis, Maurices old stomping partner. Again, the sound of the crowd is as musical as the band itself. Larry Dunn's keyboard solo is great and just as good as Ramsey's original. Of course, Verdine just keeps rumbling along. Reasons: This live version I feel is one of the best songs of the 70's. The band is so much in sync, the crowd is again completly into it, and Philip Bailey's falsetto has never been better. Besides the the sax solo, which is grea, listen to the bass part. Verdine keeps it interesting to say the least. Sing A Message To You: This is a live interlude. It last about a minute and is repetitive but still cool. Check it out. Shining Star: Okay, I know I'm going to get it for this but.... this is probably my least favorite performance from the live set. Don't get me wrong, I love the song and think it's one of the best of the decade but in it's original studio form. Shining Star is such a studio creation that it just doesn't sound right outside of the studio. The best Shining Star live performance I've heard is on the EWF Greatest Hits Live disc but even that doesn't get a complete thumbs up from me. New World Synphony: This is a gift. From EWF to us, the listener. It is the best cut on the album. It shows the band as the jam session band that they were. It also shows the jazz influences they possessed. The last section is the best. Verdine White, or as he's known to his friends, the Fire, takes over on bass here with a lenthy solo that finnaly burst at th seams in the climax. But wait, that's not all! The band comes in to re-state what Verdine just did and finally the song is over. The cheers and screams heard at the end of this masterpiece is amazing. When Maurice says to the crowd "Can you say yeah?", they answer with a deafening sound. Again, a gift. Sunshine: A good, catchy pop song, with a great performance by Philip Bailey. Sing A Song: Another good pop tune with a sing-a-long type chorus. Nothing really special though. Gratitude: This is just low down funk. Verdine lays it down on the bass and Maurice takes care of the main vocals. Celebrate: Another funky yet eird tune about celebrating life in general. Chek it out and see what you think. Can't Hide Love: The best new song on the disc. Another gift from the elements. Maurices singing is awesome, Verdines bass intro is amazing and the horns, well, they're the EWF horns! The new CD includes a live set from a TV show but it pales to the concert. My only regret about this album is that the entire thing wasn't live. But if that was the case, we wouldn't have gotten Can't Hide Love in the package. So let's leave it like it is.

Average customer rating: Nice change Kenny G- Duets Kenny G is a horrible saxophonist Very nice! My favorite CD of his yet.... It is OK ! Next time,team up with Anita Baker and Regina Belle !

At Last...The Duets Album Kenny G Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Essential Kenny G Ultimate Kenny G I'm in the Mood For Love...The Most Romantic Melodies of All Time The Greatest Holiday Classics Breathless ASIN: B00064K2RQ Release Date: 2004-11-23

Tracks:

1. (Everything I Do) I Do It For You- featuring LeAnn Rimes
2. Don't Know Why- featuring David Benoit
3. I Believe I Can Fly- featuring Yolanda Adams
4. At Last- featuring Arturo Sandoval
5. Beautiful- featuring Chaka Khan
6. Pick Up The Pieces- featuring David Sanborn
7. Careless Whisper- featuring Brian McKnight
8. Misty- featuring Gladys Knight
9. Baby Come To Me- featuring Daryl Hall
10. The Way You Move- featuring Earth Wind & Fire
11. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word- featuring Richard Marx
12. Alfie- featuring Burt Bacharach
13. XThe Music That Makes Me Dance- featuring Barbra Streisand

Amazon.com

The genius of At Last...The Duets Album is in its matchups and cross-pollinations. If producer Walter Afanasieff weren't already a much sought after music man--check out his arrangements here if his talents are unfamiliar--he might have built a brilliant career as a modern-day cupid. These are covers with a what-if factor (what if Brian McKnight covers Wham!? What if Richard Marx covered Elton John?) you don't want to miss: LeAnn Rimes wraps Bryan Adams' anthem-y "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" in rainy-day heartache; Yolanda Adams reaches for the stars in a rendition of R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" as inspiring as the original; Barbra Streisand waltzes through "The Music That Makes Me Dance" like the years since her heyday haven't mattered; and Earth, Wind & Fire dig the depth out of Raphael Saadiq's "The Way You Move." This, of course, is to say nothing of the sensuality brought to these collaborations by the goldilocked sax man himself. As with all Kenny G projects, the music is smoother than a frappuccino and oddly suited to a soap opera living room set; its swirls, swells, and crescendos seem meant to fall on bejeweled ears in pretty, carefully appointed spaces only. All-instrumental tracks like "Don't Know Why" with David Benoit and "Pick Up the Pieces" with David Sanborn have a fun look-at-me-sharing-the-spotlight quality, but in the end Chaka Khan puts across her point most convincingly: She, not Christina Aguilera, should have sung "Beautiful" to begin with. -Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Nice change.......2006-12-13

You know it's sad when someone has to put down another person just to make them feel bigger. I found this album was a fresh change to doing cover songs - face it, everyone in the industry is doing covers, but I really liked the different feel to them. There are some not so great Duet albums out there, unfortunately I have even bought a few, but I feel this one is a good buy...

Kenny G- Duets.......2006-11-10

Kenny G is excellent in this duets CD. Him along with other greats make for very enjoyable listening.

Kenny G is a horrible saxophonist.......2006-08-14

Please noone buy this cd. It is a waste of your time, and the fact that so many people buy this cd goes along with how humans are getting more idiotic as we destroy the planet and continue to rise conflicts in other countries that could amount to a bigger picture. Kenny G is a horrible saxophonist, and all he plays are simplistic lines that people can wrap their heads around easily. If you want to listen to a great saxophonist, listen to Kenny Garret. Or Cannonball Adderly, John Coltrane, Joshua Redman, Wayne Shorter. If you like smooth jazz, Gerald Albright is an excellent saxophonist to listen to.

Very nice! My favorite CD of his yet...........2006-06-17

I always find it humerous that far less accomplished "musicians" will blast Kenny's success all over the place, and basically rate him with the likes of a middle school wannabe. Bottom line - he is successful, he caters to the "average" listener without the ear fatigue that normally accompanies heavy jazz, he is respected among his peers in the business (as evidenced by his duets), and he repeats what works for his success. To trash his talent and success is to also trash the notable musicians and singers who obviously respect him enough to record with him on this CD. He's made millions, so there is an enormous fan base out there that doesn't care much for the jealous comments by aspiring performers. My advice is to judge for yourself!

If you appreciate great musicians coming together to produce some really listenable music, (and I do mean, over and over without ear fatigue), then this CD is for you! I only hope he doesn't stop here. I hope he comes out with more duet albums in the future. Maybe some Chicago, Rascal Flatts, Peter Cetera, Tower of Power, and any number of other great voices in the business!

My favorite is the remix of "The Way You Move"...nice grooves in there! If I had one complaint, it would be that the songs didn't actually line up in the order on which they were listed on the CD cover. Other than that, it's at the top of my favorites in my library of 3,000+ CDs!

It is OK ! Next time,team up with Anita Baker and Regina Belle !.......2006-05-28

Most of the tracks lack emotion and inspiration.
Try next time,with less hype and more substance.

Average customer rating: THE POWER OF WORDS PT. 2 This product is fantastic Earth,Wind,and Fire's Best and my Fav. One of the most perfect albums ever made Do you remember dancing to this?

That's the Way of the World Earth Wind & Fire Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Disco | Dance & DJ | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Disco | Dance & DJ | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | R&B General | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | R&B General | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Funk | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Funk | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Soul General | Soul | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Soul General | Soul | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Dance & DJ | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 R&B | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Gratitude Spirit All 'N All Open Our Eyes I Am ASIN: B00000JQFK Release Date: 1999-07-27

Tracks:

1. Shining Star
2. That's The Way Of The World
3. Happy Feelin'
4. All About Love
5. Yearnin' Learnin'
6. Reasons
7. Africano
8. See The Light
9. Shining Star (Future Star)
10. All About Love (First Impression)
11. Happy Feelin' (Anatomy Of A Groove)
12. Caribou Chaser (Jazzy Jam)
13. That's The Way Of The World (Latin Expedition)

Amazon.com

While not quite in a league with Stevie Wonder's best '70s albums, That's the Way of the World finds Earth, Wind & Fire taking a similar path to good effect. Melding rock, funk, jazz, and African influences, the group also works its positive messages--belief in oneself, understanding of others--into each track. "Shining Star," one of the greatest singles ever, leads off the set, but the title track, "See the Light," and "All About Love" keep the good vibes flowing with a minimum of sappiness. This excellent remaster contains a passel of bonus demo versions. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

THE POWER OF WORDS PT. 2.......2007-06-23

THIS IS A MASTERPIECE FROM THE SUPERBAND "EWF" THE REMASTERED EDITION OF THIS RECORDING IS GREAT,SEEK THIS ONE OUT.......TIMELESS

This product is fantastic.......2007-06-13

I love it that is why I bought it.

Earth,Wind,and Fire's Best and my Fav........2006-09-02

If someone asked me"What is the EW&F album you must own or start with"? I'd say"That's the Way of the World".
Every song is a winner.You can't say that about every EW&F album
although I love them all in different ways.This one gets the most play from me.It stands apart from everything before and after.It was the first EW&F album that I got into.
Now a review of the treasures

Shining Star-Love the interplay of Johnnie Graham and Al MacKay on guitar to start it off then Verdine and the Horns.WOO!
Never tired of this song

That's The Way of the world-Their national anthem.
Maurice's gospel vocals make this one of their best slow jams.
It talks about the things in this world and what it does to people.


Happy Feelin'-A song about good vibes

All about Love-One of Maurice's best vocal offerings rivaling
"Can't Hide Love" on their next album "Gratitude"
You can find love in some of the smallest and biggest things.

Yearnin' and Learnin'-You learn alot and want alot.You can get it
if u look in the right places.

Reasons-Philip's sig.song in EW&F.
Lust/Love might not be enough to stay together

Africano-One of EW&F's best instrumentals.
This is when I realized that R&B groups could just play and not sing.When I first heard it at 7/8years old.I thought they shouldn't be doin'this. This is jazz.Bad song! I love it.

See the light-Excellent produced/song.Philip's sings
Gospel,Jazz and R&b.What a combination.They pull it off.


I love Larry Dunn's segues in between the songs of his moog synthesizers.Sounds like it's being played underwater or backwards.Great playin'

Buy this album.It's the ONE!

One of the most perfect albums ever made.......2006-08-04

Put this album in the time capsule. This band had one of the most amazing string of albums ever. The career arc, just in terms of hit singles, overall sales, etc, is astonishing. This album was the peak. As far as most people were concerned, it was EW&F's debut, but it was actually their sixth album, the fourth for Columbia. Their albums show an amazing evolution from a fairly loose, fairly generic 70s funk/horn band to an unbelieveably disciplined production juggernaut. The production came to rival and surpass anything heard before. It easily rivaled bands like Steely Dan, known for their production prowess. After this album there was a long plateau; several top selling albums and singles, before a long graceful decline. The production actually continued to evolve, but the songwriting had definitely peaked by the mid-to-late 70s.

Do you remember dancing to this?.......2006-02-08

Any time a successful R&B / Soul / Hip-Hop performer is asked who are his/her musical influences are two groups continually come up. George Clinton's many incarnations, (Parlement, etc.) and Earth Wind and Fire.
Here is not the first EW&F album, but the first widely known, album of their unique brand of "Funky, Jazzy, Soul".
Back in the Day, when I worked as a dance DJ, I would always let the other DJ's start the dance and when I thought the crowd was ready to get actually dancing I would play the first two cuts from this album "Shining Star', and "That's the Way of the World" back to back. By the time the two songs were finished the floor would be packed. The younger DJ's would always ask How do you do that?" It wasn't me it was Earth Wind and Fire!
"That's The Way of the World" is a great Album, and a Great place to start for your Earth Wind and Fire collection.

Average customer rating: Super PRAISE TO ALL 'N ALL - AND CORRECTION TO A REVIEW An EWF Classic, again! EWF - The best of all time Probably EW&F's Finest studio work

All 'N All Earth Wind & Fire Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: I Am Spirit That's the Way of the World Gratitude Faces ASIN: B00000JQFJ Release Date: 1999-07-27

Tracks:

1. Serpentine Fire
2. Fantasy
3. In The Marketplace (Interlude)
4. Jupiter
5. Love's Holiday
6. Brazilian Rhyme (Interlude)
7. I'll Write A Song For You
8. Magic Mind
9. Runnin'
10. Brazilian Rhyme (Interlude)
11. Be Ever Wonderful
12. Would You Mind (Demo Version Of Love's Holiday)
13. Runnin' (Original Hollywood Mix)
14. Brazilian Rhyme (Live)

Amazon.com essential recording

Not exactly a concept album, All 'n All (1977) nevertheless was Earth, Wind & Fire's biggest attempt yet at making a big statement. With several interludes providing musical links--and cultural and spiritual heavies such as Shakespeare and Buddha depicted on an inside-cover spread--it had all the trappings of a major extravaganza, while keeping the songs at radio-friendly lengths. That those songs included the perfectly named "Serpentine Fire" and the Stevie Wonder-style brotherhood anthem "Fantasy" helped make the record one of EW&F's most popular: as of the mid '90s, 3 million copies had shipped. This sparkling remaster includes three bonus demo, live, and alternate-mix cuts. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Super.......2007-05-26

I had this on casset when it was originally released. The CD version is better due to the new, unreleased tracks! Takes me back in time!

PRAISE TO ALL 'N ALL - AND CORRECTION TO A REVIEW.......2007-05-17

First of all, I am an Earth, Wind & Fire nut - almost literally. I am 33 years old now. And was first introduced to EWF in 1977 when I was just 4 years old. But I remember hearing the all n all album. And really remember being freaked out, amazed & shocked by the album cover. Then, 2 years later, I went to my first of many EWF concerts. Talk about being freaked out & amazed! ALL 'N ALL has everything going for it. Perfection.
But, I was going through these reviews and stummbled across something that was written a few years ago. It really pissed me off & insulted EWF.
Someone had the nerve to say "even though all n all is a real great album, it sounds like they took from Michael Jackson & it sounds like Jackson". First off, EWF should NEVER be compared to Jackson. I don't give a crap what THRILLER OR BAD did. Michael Jackson used to go EWF shows and take notes! Almost everything you see him or just about any performer do live that is dynamic or spectacular, EWF did first.
And Ralph is NOT one of the guitar players. Al Mckay is one & Johnny Graham is the other Ralph Johnson is a drummer/percussionist/backing vocalist in the band. This person made mistake after stupid mistake. If anyone else wants to comment on this band, know what you're talking about. That's all.

An EWF Classic, again!.......2007-05-14

It's the kings of funk/jazz/soul/pop/hop at it again. As an adult listener, I like it even better than the original! Maurice White/Phillip Bailey never go out of style!

EWF - The best of all time.......2007-03-09

Ever since at the age of 12 years old when I heard Devotion being played by my friend's father, I have been an absolutely unrepentant fan of EWF. I then went on to purchase "Way of the World" which I thought at the time was the best album they ever did.
When I bought All n All however, after having bought Gratitude, I began to wonder whether EWF could ever surpass this.
I went on to purchase all other albums and unfortunately these were all stolen in a house break in.
I have resisted buying remastered CD for a long time because they seem to be not the same in sound quality as vinyl.
However I surrendered and I am a little disappointed , but will use the modern day electronic wizardry to create good listening.
Always and forever EWF

Probably EW&F's Finest studio work.......2007-02-11

Although Earth Wind & Fire has been around for ever, from the mid to late 70's they created masterpiece after masterpiece. From "That's the way of the World", the live set "Gratitude", "Spirit", to the end of the 70's with "I Am" but in 1977 they did (in my opinion) their best studio work "All 'N All"

So many great, great songs, that when I worked as a DJ I could have played entire dances with just my EW&F albums and most people would not have complained a bit, (and if I didn't play one every five songs or so they did!) that's how good this stuff is. And as to this album... You could have put it on and come back to turn it over and called it a 45 minute set. That's how good this album is all by itself, the best work from the best overall dance band of the time.

Do yourself a favor, and get this CD, because although you can't fit into those "Angel Flight's" any more, (or Chemins De Fer) for you ladies. If this was a favorite of yours back in the day, you deserve it to yourself to float back to the times when you were too cool for words, when people tried to look nice, and there was music so good that will never be duplicated

Average customer rating: Awesome Album African Spirit Must Have!!! THE GREATEST BAND EVER! EW&F IN THEIR PUREST FORM

Spirit Wind & Fire Earth Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: All 'N All That's the Way of the World I Am Open Our Eyes Gratitude ASIN: B00005B17W Release Date: 2001-04-10

Tracks:

1. Getaway
2. On Your Face
3. Imagination
4. Spirit
5. Saturday Nite
6. Earth, Wind & Fire
7. Departure
8. Biyo
9. Burnin' Bush
10. Saturday Nite (Alternative Mix)
11. Seraphim
12. Imagination (Angels Mix)
13. Departure (The Traveler)
14. African Symphony

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Album.......2007-07-30

A treasured addition to my'Golden Groups & Artists Collection',
thanks Amazon for a timely delivery and for always keeping my shopping time to minimum;I can always find what I'm looking for.
Thanks,T. Lindsey

African Spirit.......2007-05-08

The story goes that Stevie Wonder's Song's in the key of life was being released the same day as EWF's Spirit. Motown knew this & moved Stevie's release date up 2 days. Which goes to show you the respect EWF was getting and still gets today. Of course it was not a rivarly going on, but in the mid-seventies, Stevie & EWF were what one might say, the two leading artists at the time in the black community, only Stevie had made the crossover, on his own terms of course, on a greater level than the blatantly Afrocentric EWF. Maurice & the band never really made too much comment about their heritage, but they celebrated it. Wholeheartedly. Not only within the music, but also in its imagery. We won't go into the well known fact of what Egypt is, that should be known by now.

But with this record, Spirit, EWF does something exquisite in making the music & lyrics appeal directly to the community, but at the same time giving it worldly appeal. There is no way to describe this one track by track, it is a total experience. GETAWAY is a great opener & Burnin Bush is an even greater closer and in between is music that will ultimately stand the test of time. Feel that.

Must Have!!!.......2007-01-04

In my opinion, this is the best EWF recording of all time. Buy both this CD and their "Greatest Hits", and you will be in for a true EWF musical experience!

THE GREATEST BAND EVER!.......2005-05-11

This is one of my favorite EWF albums! I had the incredible
experience of hearing Philip Bailey, sing Imagination,ACAPPELLA!
That was back in 87. What an amazing voice he has! Maurice
White, you have a fantastic voice too! Nobody can sing lead,
like them. You are, and always will be, my favorite band!!!

EW&F IN THEIR PUREST FORM.......2004-08-26

Only this album and Open Our Eyes is where you find Earth, Wind & Fire 100% doing them. Face it! As great as All 'N All was, it tried to be just that, catering to all conceivable audiences. Spirit is an album that controls its audience, showing you the true depth of this legendary outfit.

Getaway - 10 of 10 - Huge, overpowering, funk-defining jam, Maurice, Phillip, Verdine, the horns, the licks, DAMN!!!!

On Your Face - 9 of 10 - Probably the most overlooked jam in EW&F history. I think I heard it on the radio once in the past eight years. Hot, mid-tempo, party-compatible joint with a message and top-notch vocals.

Imagination - 9 of 10 - Beautifully crafted selection headed by the great Phillip Bailey with soaring choral background vocals.

Spirit - 7 of 10 - Reflective and artistic song that could be considered a dedication to the late Charles Stepney. Slow tempo causes the album to sag a little here.

Saturday Nite - 9 of 10 - Red-carpet jam for the club-hoppers, created in the same vein as "Shining Star". Charges the album back up some. I'm sorry, I love it when Maurice throws that exaggerated twang onto his voice. For more, see "Mighty Mighty" and "Yearnin' Learnin'". Don't get down wit' the roach, though.

Earth, Wind & Fire - 10 of 10 - Hovering introspective cut, which adds meaning to the group's name. Calls for everyone to find a spiritual focus. Excellent vocal work from 'Reece.

Departure (Interlude) - 10 of 10 - Despite Maurice's advanced skills on the kalimba, this is a simplistic interpretation of the group's journey to their own inner spirits. I even taught myself how to play this on the kalimba!

Biyo - 9 of 10 - Another one of EW&F's well-known studio jazz sessions, but with a futuristic edge. Not quite as memorable as "Runnin'" or "Africano", but still raises their instrumental game.

Burnin' Bush - 10 of 10 - EW&F's heavy shout out to gospel music. Crisp and still authentic. You almost wouldn't care if the song never ended.

EXTRA TRACKS - 6 of 10 - I don't drink coffee, but I just wanna get a cup, kick back and listen to "Seraphim", except it's not long enough. An extended version of "Saturday Nite", and short acappella "Imagination", and a might-as-well-be-one-long-song "Departure (The Traveler)" and "African Symphony", which is the extended version of the "Departure" interlude are not enough to make you feel like you are getting much extra.

Anyway, despite proclaimed lack of commerciality at the time, Spirit was and is high-quality music and any recording artist that existed when this classic dropped in '76 would have been ecstatic to have their name associated with this masterpiece in any way. Cop this for true EW&F essence.

Christian Music:

1. Eleven to Fly (+3 Bonus Tracks) [Import]
2. Empty Bottles
3. Genius & Friends
4. Genius Loves Company [Enhanced]
5. Get Lifted [Explicit Lyrics]
6. God Bless America / Shape of My Heart / O Holy Night
7. God Is a DJ (Enhanced) [CD-single] [Import]
8. Goodies
9. Grown & Sexy [Content/Copy-Protected CD] [Enhanced]
10. Heart of a Poet

Christian Music

christian music

Christian Music

People [EP]

Family

In My Eyes [Import]

Birth Of A Nation: A Patriotic Celebration Of American Music

Hard Hop Superstars [Import]

Journey with the Whales

Gullfakse: Norwegian Folk Music

Hilary Duff [Enhanced]

Glass Fortress [Import]

In the Heat of the Night: Live [Import] [Live]

Greatest

El Viaje

Hillwood [Explicit Lyrics] [Live]

Lebendige Vergangenheit: Richard Tucker II

Violin