Artist: Earth, Wind & Fire Album: Electric Universe

Year: 1983
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critic's Take on Earth, Wind & Fire's Electric Universe

Earth, Wind & Fire, one of the most successful funk and R&B groups in music history, released their 13th studio album Electric Universe in 1983. As a longtime fan of the band, listening to this album was quite an experience for me. In this article, I'll share my thoughts on the genre of the album, the standout tracks, the most exciting elements, and my overall review of Electric Universe.

Electric Universe comes at a time when Earth, Wind & Fire was already established in the music industry as pioneers of the funk and R&B genre. However, the album marked a departure from their typical sound, venturing into a more experimental and electronic area. The blend of electronic beats, synthesizers, and soulful vocals made for an exciting and genre-defying sound.

The album's standout tracks include Magnetic, a fun and upbeat track that's a unique blend of 80s pop and funk. Electric Nation is an explosive track that's a perfect representation of Earth, Wind & Fire's innovative sound. Thinking of You is a classic ballad that showcases the band's signature soulful harmonies, and Touch is a jazzy track that features the band's excellent musicianship.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is its use of electronic elements. Electric Universe wasn't a full-on electronic album, but the use of synthesizers and electronic beats added a new dimension to the band's sound. The album's title track, Electric Universe, is a perfect representation of this. The song has a futuristic and spacey vibe that's exciting and different from what Earth, Wind & Fire usually puts out.

As good as Electric Universe is, there are some flaws in the album. The tracks Freedom of Speech and Here Today and Gone Tomorrow don't quite hit the mark and aren't as memorable as the other songs on the album. Additionally, some of the experimental elements in the album might be too much for fans who prefer Earth, Wind & Fire's classic funk sound.

In conclusion, Electric Universe is a fascinating and innovative album that showcases Earth, Wind & Fire's ability to evolve musically. The album's use of electronic elements, standout tracks, and genre-defying sound make it a must-listen for both longtime fans of the band and those looking to explore new sounds and genres. While the album isn't perfect and might not appeal to everyone, it's a testament to Earth, Wind & Fire's commitment to pushing boundaries and creating music that stands the test of time.