Sly and The Family Stone
A Whole New Thing
A2 If This Room Could Talk 3:00
A3 Run Run Run 3:14
A4 Turn Me Loose 1:52
A5 Let Me Hear It From You 3:35
A6 Advice 2:22
B1 I Cannot Make It 3:20
B2 Trip To Your Heart 2:30
B3 I Hate To Love Her 3:30
B4 Bad Risk 3:04
B5 That Kind Of Person 4:15
B6 Dog 3:10
Written by S. Stewart
Label: Epic – BN 26324
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1967
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Funk
Sly & the Family Stone's 1967 debut, A Whole New Thing, is a spirited, if uneven, R&B/funk precursor, praised for its raw energy, tight musicianship, and pioneering blend of soul, rock, and proto-psychedelia, showcasing the band's foundational sound with standout tracks like "Underdog" and "Trip to Your Heart," though it lacks the polish and big hits of their later classics. Reviewers note its significance as a creative seed for future funk, despite some underdeveloped songwriting and less cohesive psychedelic elements compared to their subsequent work.
The album pulses with high energy, strong horn arrangements, and infectious grooves, establishing the group's unique, multi-racial sound.
Hints of fuzz guitar and experimental sounds appear, but the psychedelic edge isn't fully developed, making it more R&B-focused than later albums.
It's seen as a vital, exciting debut that foreshadowed the band's revolutionary impact, even if it wasn't yet their masterpiece.
A unique aspect is that it was recorded live, contributing to its raw feel, though it predates Rose Stone's full involvement.
Generally considered a strong, fun debut with flashes of brilliance, establishing the core Family Stone sound. While not as consistent as Stand!, its raw creativity and hints of future greatness make it a must-listen for dedicated fans.
Dance To The Music
A2 Higher 2:46
A3 I Ain't Got Nobody (For Real) 4:24
A4 Dance To The Medley:
Music Is Alive, Dance In, Music Lover 12:13
B1 Ride The Rhythm 2:46
B2 Color Me True 3:08
B3 Are You Ready 2:48
B4 Don't Burn Baby 3:12
B5 Never Will I Fall In Love Again 3:24
(All songs written by S. Stewart)
Label: Direction – 8-63412
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1968
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Funk, Rock
Dance to the Music is the second studio album by Sly & The Family Stone, released in April 1968. It is considered a seminal work that helped lay the groundwork for the development of funk music and popularize the subgenre of psychedelic soul. The album is known for its exuberant sound, which blended R&B, soul, pop, rock, and gospel influences in a unique, integrated approach.
The album is a "psychedelic sun splash" of bright melodies, horn lines, fuzz guitar, and heavy bass, with a tight rhythm section.
The top ten hit single "Dance to the Music" was highly influential, introducing the band's innovative style to a wide audience and prompting other R&B artists (like The Temptations and the Jackson 5) to adopt the "psychedelic soul" sound.
The band was a groundbreaking multi-ethnic, gender-integrated group, a "comfortable rainbow coalition" that was reflected in the music's harmonious, democratic sound, where each instrumental voice was carefully articulated.
The title track famously introduces the band members by name and instrumental role. Other tracks feature a mix of uplifting party messages ("Higher," "Ride the Rhythm," "Are You Ready") and some more somber social commentary ("Color Me True", "Don't Burn Baby").
The album features significant amounts of scat singing, prominent instrumental solos, and Larry Graham's innovative "slapping technique" on bass, which became synonymous with funk music.
Though some critics consider the album itself a bit uneven compared to its more focused successors like Life and Stand!, its best moments were intense and influential, establishing the band's vibrant and innovative presence in music history.
Dance to the Music helped popularize the psychedelic soul subgenre and influenced many other artists, including The Temptations and Diana Ross & the Supremes, who began creating similar-sounding material.