Artist: Blood, Sweat & Tears Album: More Than Ever

Year: 1976
Duration: 0:0-1

Blood, Sweat & Tears' 'More Than Ever': A of the Album

Blood, Sweat & Tears is a world-renowned band, known for pioneering fused genres, namely rock, jazz, and blues. Formed in the late 1960s, the band has given us numerous hits that are still fondly remembered by music lovers all around the world. One of their most critically acclaimed albums is 'More Than Ever,' released in 1976. In this post, we'll delve deeper into the history of the band and the album, discuss its genre, the best songs on the album, the most innovative parts of the songs, and offer our take on the album as a whole.

History of Blood, Sweat & Tears

Blood, Sweat & Tears was formed in 1967 by Al Kooper, who had previously been part of Bob Dylan's group, and a team of session musicians. The band was known for its innovative approach to music and played a variety of different genres, including rock, jazz, and blues. The band's first album, Child Is Father to the Man, was released in 1968, and it was a commercial failure. However, the group's second album, Blood, Sweat & Tears, was a massive success, and it reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1969. The band went on to release several other albums, with varying levels of success, and lineup changes. In 1975, the band released New City, which was a commercial failure, and there were rumors that the band was close to breaking up. However, the band was able to come back with More Than Ever, which was released the following year.

Genre of the Album

More Than Ever is labeled as a jazz-rock album, but it is more accurately described as a pop-rock album. The album is a departure from the band's previous albums, which had a stronger jazz influence. The album is filled with catchy hooks, slick production, and strong vocal performances. It was a conscious effort by the band to appeal to a broader audience and capture the sound of the time.

Best Songs on the Album

The album has several standout tracks. Dreaming as One is a catchy, upbeat track that has a strong vocal performance by David Clayton-Thomas. Without Her is a beautiful ballad that showcases Clayton-Thomas' emotional range. The Sleeper is a bluesy track that features a strong harmonica performance by Jerry LaCroix. Roller Coaster is a funky track with strong brass and guitar work.

Most Innovative Parts of the Songs

Most Innovative Parts of the Songs

The most innovative aspect of the album is the use of brass and horns throughout the album. The band had always incorporated brass into their music, but it was even more prominent on this album. The brass and horns add a layer of depth and texture to the songs and give them a unique sound. Additionally, the use of synthesizers was a new addition to the band's sound.

Critique of the Album

While More Than Ever is an enjoyable album, it does not have the same impact as the band's previous works. The album lacks the experimental edge and jazz influence that made Blood, Sweat & Tears stand out. The album's attempt to appeal to a broader audience resulted in a loss of the band's unique sound. Furthermore, the production on the album is a bit slick, which can make the album feel sterile at times.
Overall, More Than Ever is a solid album by Blood, Sweat & Tears. While it lacks the punch of their previous works, it is still an enjoyable listen. The album's attempt at a more mainstream sound resulted in a loss of the band's uniqueness, but it's worth a listen to see the direction that the band was taking at the time. For fans of the band, it's an essential part of their discography and a testament to their ability to adapt and evolve their sound.