Earth, Wind & Fire

No surprises here: Maurice White and company are still pumping out the same spiffy horn
parts, bouncy bass lines and stacked-to-the-sky vocals that have made Earth, Wind and Fire
a persistently platinum act. Unfortunately, the passion that showed itself in such EWF faves
as "Fantasy" and "Shining Star" now seems hopelessly lost under the patina of the
production values. For example, during the lamebrained "Something Special" ("L... More >

Since classic EW&F succeeds in spite of Maurice White's universalist hoohah, the paucity of inspirational numbers is a blessing. The one that celebrates voting is gratifyingly practical, the one that celebrates children's eyes one too many, and otherwise we're free to gape at this band's spectacular popcraft. Their sonic affluence and showtime groove encompass whispering strings no less perfect than their JB guitar beats, Funkafunnies harmonies no less schmaltzy than their Lionel Richie homages, and when the synthesis is this catchy it's the best argument for universalism they'll ever make. (Grade: A-)