Earth, Wind & Fire

With each new album, Earth, Wind and Fire remain relatively true to their original sound:
elaborate, neatly orchestral funk, influenced equally by American and African sources.
But the band also keeps its ear to the radio. Accordingly, Raise! reflects the current wave
of street-gritty black pop, from Lakeside to Rick James. Most of the tracks crank up the
bass and feature rattling percussion that scrapes against the beat. In such songs... More >

As long as they hew to a few simple rules--up on the tempos, down on the bullsh*t, etc.--there's no reason why these fellows can't turn their sparkling harmonies and powerful groove into a pure, contentless celebration of virtuosity. I mean once a year--at least in theory. But this is the first time the possibility's ever even occurred to me, which must mean they felt a show of strength was due. (Grade: B+)