War
Deliver The Word
A2 In Your Eyes 4:22
A3 Gypsy Man 11:35
B1 Me And Baby Brother 3:30
B2 Deliver The Word 7:48
B3 Southern Part Of Texas 6:22
B4 Blisters 2:21
Written-By – War [B3 Written-By Jerry Goldstein]
Label: United Artists Records – UA-LA128-F
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Jazz-Funk
Deliver the Word is a critically acclaimed 1973 album by War, praised for its seamless fusion of funk, soul, jazz, Latin, and rock. While some critics don't consider it their absolute best work (often ranking it below The World Is a Ghetto or All Day Music), it is a highly regarded, strong contender that solidified the band's commercial success.
The album is a prime example of War at their best, blending diverse musical styles into a cohesive, laid-back "low-rider" groove that is both experimental and highly effective.
Engineered by Chris Huston, the album is noted for its exceptional audio quality, featuring rich, punchy bass, clear instrumentation, and significant dynamic range. The musicianship of the integrated, multi-talented band is a consistent highlight.
Standout Tracks:
"Gypsy Man": An over 11-minute "sprawling epic" and fan favorite, it evolves from a simple beat into a relentless, conga-driven groove, showcasing Lee Oskar's harmonica and ensemble vocals. It's often cited as one of their best recordings.
"Me and Baby Brother": A classic, funky track and a studio recording of a live staple, praised for its rhythm and energy.
"Deliver the Word": The title track is a sublime, jazz-infused ballad that delivers social commentary along with a great tune.
The track "In Your Eyes" is occasionally mentioned as a weaker or "off-center" track due to a prominent synthesizer riff that some find annoying.
Deliver the Word successfully followed up the band's massive hit The World Is a Ghetto, becoming their third consecutive gold LP. It delivers a compelling vibe and a groove that is hard to resist, making it an essential listen for fans of funk and jazz-rock fusion. Many reviewers highly recommend the album for its immersive, rich sound experience, particularly on good quality vinyl pressings.
The Music Band Jazz
Written-By – Dickerson, Miller, Brown, Scott, Oskar, Jordan, Allen, Rizzo
10:09
A2 Half Note
Written-By – Dickerson, Miller, Jordan, Allen
10:00
B1 E.R.A.
Written-By – Brown, Scott, Oskar, Jordan, Rabb, Allen, Rizzo, Hammon
5:24
B2 (a) Koronos
Written-By – Brown, Scott, Goldstein, Oskar, Jordan, Rabb, Allen, Rizzo
14:55
B2 (b) Sometimes I Wonder (Is It For Real)
Written-By – Brown, Scott, Oskar, Jordan, Rabb, Allen, Rizzo
B2 (c) A Pattern Of Time
Written-By – Brown, Scott, Goldstein, Oskar, Jordan, Rabb, Allen, Rizzo
Label: MCA Records – MCA-5411
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Funk, Jazz-Funk
WAR's The Music Band Jazz (1983) is a highly regarded, rare, and atmospheric album often cited as a favorite post-1975 release by fans. It showcases a unique, spaced-out, and cosmic blend of jazz, funk, and electronic influences, frequently described as a hidden gem within the band's discography.
Features core members like Lonnie Jordan (keyboards), Lee Oskar (harmonica), and Harold Brown (drums), alongside later additions like Luther Rabb and Pat Rizzo.
The album features a "spaced out" and "cosmic" feel, blending traditional WAR funk with jazz and electronic elements. It is considered one of the decade's top Cosmic Jazz Funk Soul LPs.
It is noted as one of the most unique albums in the band's catalog, offering a different vibe compared to their earlier, more commercially successful funk records.
While a stellar release, it is sometimes noted for being harder to find on high-quality formats, making it a prized item for collectors.
This album stands out for its experimental, laid-back, yet funky atmosphere, distinguishing it from the more radio-friendly, upbeat hits of their earlier 1970s, such as The World Is A Ghetto or Why Can't We Be Friends.