Artist: Funkadelic Album: The Electric Spanking of War Babies

Year: 1981
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critic's Take on Funkadelic's The Electric Spanking of War Babies

Funkadelic is a legendary music group that revolutionized funk music as we know it. Spearheaded by George Clinton, they came up with innovative and experimental sounds that were not only groovy but also politically charged. One of their most iconic albums is The Electric Spanking of War Babies. In this article, I am going to give you a critical review of the album, talk about the history of Funkadelic and its music genre, identify the best songs of the album, point out the most innovative parts, and finally give my critique of the album.

Funkadelic was formed in the late 60s and released their first album in 1970. They took elements of R&B, soul, rock, and jazz to create a new sound that became known as P-Funk. Their music was experimental and often used complex song structures and instrumentation. They also tackled social and political topics such as racism and inequality. The Electric Spanking of War Babies was released in 1981, and it features a powerful lineup of musicians.

The album is a mix of funk, rock, and electronic music, and it is one of the most experimental albums from the group. The title track Electric Spanking of War Babies kicks off the album, and it is a high-energy funk song with a driving bassline and psychedelic guitar riffs. Funk Gets Stronger is another standout track, with Clinton's unique vocal delivery and a catchy chorus. Shockwaves is a slower, more introspective track, with a beautiful piano ballad that builds up to a cacophony of instruments towards the end.

The most innovative parts of this album are found in the diverse instrumentation and the use of electronic effects. Funky Kind is a prime example - it starts with a vocoder-sample and builds up to a funky groove with plenty of synth sounds. Oh, I features an experimental drum programming and electronic soundscapes that create an ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere.

Critically speaking, The Electric Spanking of War Babies is not without flaws. Some of the tracks, like Icka Prick and The Silent Boatman don't quite hit the mark and come off as filler material. Also, the album feels a little disjointed, with the different styles of music sometimes not meshing well together. Nevertheless, some of the songs on the album are excellent, and it's testament to the fact that Funkadelic was willing to take risks and experiment with different sounds.

The Electric Spanking of War Babies is a fascinating album that showcases the innovation and experimental nature of Funkadelic. The album mixes different genres of music and features dazzling instrumentation and effects. While not without its flaws, the album is still worth a listen, particularly for fans of funk and P-Funk. Ultimately, it is a testament to Funkadelic's creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of what music could be.