The Complex Legacy of War, the Funk Band That Changed Music

War, arguably one of the most influential and iconic funk band of all time, have created some absolute classic songs over their long music career. From the heart-pounding groove of 'Low Rider' to impeccable melodies like 'Why Can't We Be Friends', War always knew how to keep people dancing. But there are also a few cringe-worthy moments in their catalog that make us look back and think: what were they thinking? Despite these faults, War's fans remain passionate about their timeless music and rightly so; it stands the test of time as an iconic force in funk & soul music deserving critical attention from enthusiasts old and young alike. Join us today as we break down both sides of this complex musical legacy – the good & the bad.

Funk music is all about the groove – a steady, infectious beat that makes you want to dance. No band embodied this spirit better than War, the legendary group that emerged from the mean streets of East LA in the late 1960s. With their mix of soul, rock, jazz, and Latin rhythms, they created some of the most memorable songs of the era, from the driving pulse of Cisco Kid to the laid-back vibe of Summer. But is War's legacy untarnished? Not quite. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the highs and lows of War's music, and explore why both sides of their legacy are worth remembering.

Let's start with the good. War's influence on funk, soul, and R&B music cannot be overstated. They were innovators who brought a new level of sophistication to the genre, blending different musical styles with ease and finesse. Their self-titled debut album in 1970 was a revelation, with tracks like Spill the Wine and All Day Music showcasing their signature sound – a fusion of Afro-Cuban percussion, psychedelic rock, and Latin jazz. But it was their magnum opus, The World Is a Ghetto (1972), that cemented their place in music history. From the title track's haunting melody to the driving bassline of City, Country, City, this album proved that War was much more than just a party band. They were serious artists who could create complex, socially conscious music that spoke to the times.

That's not to say that War didn't know how to let loose and have fun. One of their biggest hits, Low Rider (1975), is a classic party anthem that still gets people on the dance floor. The combination of Lee Oskar's harmonica riff and Howard E. Scott's funky guitar groove is unstoppable, and the song's catchy chorus – All my friends know the low rider – is a sing-along favorite. Similarly, Why Can't We Be Friends? (1975) is a feel-good tune that celebrates unity and diversity. Its infectious melody and upbeat tempo make it impossible not to smile and tap your feet.

But as we hinted earlier, not all of War's songs have aged well. Some of their lyrical content is cringe-worthy by today's standards, with sexist and racist undertones that reflect the attitudes of the times. For example, The Cisco Kid (1972) tells the story of a Mexican outlaw with a heart as big as the Rio Grande, but the caricatured portrayal of the character has drawn criticism from Latino activists. Similarly, Me and Baby Brother (1973) uses seemingly innocuous slang terms like jive and hip that belie a deeper cultural appropriation of Black vernacular. And Galaxy (1977) contains a bizarre sci-fi narrative that has little to do with the funky music backing it up.

So, what can we learn from War's complex legacy? On the one hand, they were trailblazers who pushed the boundaries of funk music and brought a new level of artistry to the genre. On the other hand, they were products of their time, with some of their lyrics reflecting outdated and insensitive attitudes. The challenge for us today is to appreciate their music for what it is – a snapshot of a particular moment in history – while also acknowledging its limitations. As music fans, we can't change the past, but we can learn from it and strive to create a more inclusive and equitable future. So let's keep grooving to War's timeless beats, but let's also keep our minds and hearts open to new possibilities.