Artist: Earth, Wind & Fire Album: I Am

Year: 1979
Duration: 0:0-1

A critical review of the Album: I Am, by Earth, Wind & Fire

If you're a fan of funk and soul, then you've certainly heard of Earth, Wind & Fire. This iconic band has been producing groovy tunes since the 70s and has gained a devoted following of fans who love their upbeat, feel-good tunes. I Am is one of their most famous albums, and for good reason. In this critical review, we'll take a closer look at this album, including a brief history of the band, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a critique of the album.

Earth, Wind & Fire was formed in 1969 in Chicago and was composed of Maurice White, Verdine White, Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, Al McKay, Andrew Woolfolk, Larry Dunn, and Johnny Graham. They were notable for their unique mixture of R&B, funk, jazz, and disco music, as well as their flamboyant outfits and stage performances. They quickly gained a following with hits like Shining Star, After the Love has Gone, and September.

The genre of I Am is difficult to pinpoint, as it draws from many styles of music. However, it can be broadly classified as R&B and funk, with a touch of jazz and disco. The album was produced by Maurice White, who was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to blend different styles of music seamlessly. This is evident in I Am, where each song has its own unique flavor, yet still fits into the overall vibe of the album.

The standout tracks on the album include Boogie Wonderland, After the Love has Gone, and In the Stone. Boogie Wonderland is a funky disco track that will make you want to hit the dance floor. After the Love has Gone is a soulful ballad that showcases Philip Bailey's incredible vocals. In the Stone is an upbeat jam with a catchy chorus that will have you singing along in no time.

One of the most innovative parts of I Am is the use of electronic instruments, such as the synthesizer and the vocoder. These instruments were relatively new at the time, and Earth, Wind & Fire were one of the first bands to incorporate them into their music. The use of electronic instruments gives the album a futuristic feel and adds to the overall sound of the album.

As for my critique of the album, I have to say that while I Am is a great album, it's not without its flaws. Some of the tracks feel a bit dated and cheesy, particularly Let My Feelings Flow and In the Marketplace. Additionally, some of the songs can be a bit repetitive, such as You and I and Love's Holiday. However, these are minor gripes, and overall, I Am is a solid album that's sure to please fans of funk and soul.

In conclusion, Earth, Wind & Fire's I Am is an excellent album that showcases the band's unique sound and impressive use of electronic instruments. While it's not a perfect album, it's still worth a listen, especially if you're a fan of funk and soul. The standout tracks, such as Boogie Wonderland, After the Love has Gone, and In the Stone, are definitely worth adding to your playlist. Overall, I Am is a classic album that still holds up today and is a testament to the enduring legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire.