Davideye, u asked for it so here it is

Earth, Wind and Fire became a super group in large part due to the 4 studio albums they released from 75-80; That's The Way Of The World, Spirit, All n All and I Am. During this time they also released a live album (Gratitude) and a Best of (Vol 1) that included two new songs. I don't think it can even be argued that this period defines classic EWF. At least 90% of the songs they will be remembered for were recorded during this time. But what about the periods that came after this? Do you think the EWF fully fulfilled their potential? What are your favorite albums starting with Faces right up until now? What is your least favorite? Do you think the group has anything left in them? This is an open free ranging thread about one of the greatest bands ever. Take it where you want. Just keep the focus on post "I Am" EWF
[This message was edited Thu Apr 24 10:31:49 PDT 2003 by intha916]

Let's examine their 80s work...


***'Faces'(1980)---For the most part,I like this record.But,considering it was a 2-record set,it should have been more experimental.They had room to take a few chances and try some new things.But,instead,they mostly stick to the same formula.On a double album,that gets tiresome really quick.Still,there are some wonderful songs..."Sailaway" is simply gorgeous and dreamy..."Back On The Road" takes them in a cool rock direction...and the title track is a fiery Latin jazz workout that sizzles.

***'Raise'(1981)---This was a return to form.It contains the huge hit "Let's Groove".Other highlights include the sultry ballads "My Love" and "Wanna Be With You".The last track "The Changing Times" finds the guys rocking harder than usual.A strong,consistent album.

***'Powerlight'(1983)---This is my least favorite EW&F album.It was clear that they were running out of ideas.The songs sound bland and uneventful.There are a few decent jams ("Fall In Love With Me" is as good as it gets),but the passion and spark is missing.

***'Electric Universe'(1984)---The band needed to change their sound a little,and with this album,they succeeded.This is a vibrant,synth-heavy album tailor-made for the MTV crowd.Tracks like the blistering first single "Magnetic" and "Electric Nation" don't sound like old EW&F,but these songs rock! The ballad "Could It Be Right" is one of those "lost classics" that should have been a single.

***'Touch The World'(1987)---This was the their big late 70s comeback.In many ways,it picks up where 'Electric Universe' left off.The synths are loud and prominent,but overall,it's a better album.Highlights include "Victim Of The Modern Heart",the lush Quiet Storm ballad "Here Today And Gone Tomorrow",and the catchy first single "system Of Survival".

And now let's examine their 90s work and beyond...


***'Heritage'(1990)---This is another album that many fans and critics disliked.But I like it.I admit,it sucks having the talentless MC Hammer appear on two tracks (the annoyingly commercial "Wanna Be The Man" and the otherwise kickass jam "For The Love Of You"),but there is alot to like here.There's the sublime "Daydreamin"(another "lost classic" that should have been a single),the too-funky collaboration with Sly Stone "Good Time",the killer slow jam "Whatever You Want" (recorded with The Emotions),the aptly tiled "King Of Groove",the wonderful closing ballad "Welcome".To this day,I cannot see why this album is so underappreciated.

***'Millenium'(1993)---LOVE THIS ALBUM!! Filled with all types of cool jams.There's the opener "Even If You Wonder",which sounds like old times...Philip Bailey really gets a chance to shine on this CD,on beautiful ballads like "Two Hearts" and "Love Across The Wire"(this song makes me wanna cry when I hear it,it's just so gorgeous and effective)...there's the Prince-written "Super Hero",with it's thumping techno beat...there's the highlight "Wouldn't Change A Thing About You",and so much more!

***'In The Name Of Love'(1997)---I didn't really care for this album.There are too many Quiet Storm ballads,very little uptempo funk,and not enough of Maurice White's impressive vocals.There are some good songs here (the feel-good-all-over title track,the message-filled "Revolution",the Bailey ballad "When Love Goes Wrong"),but not enough to save a weak and uninspired album.