25 Years Ago. . .

Twenty-five years ago, Earth,Wind, and Fire roses on the 1979 multi platinum "I Am". "After The Love Has Gone" was a mega smash hit over 25 years, David Foster produced the Grammy award winning classic; Maurice White leading the way from "In The Stone" to "You And I".

I Am Final Grade: 100% (A+)
I Am Final Points: 351/351
I Am Final Notes: "I Am" became the first R&B landmark albums of all-time.

Don't "Wait" to get I Am

This may not be EWF's most innovative or creative album like All 'N' All but it still delivers. The horns are kickin on all the tracks, especially on "In The Stone". "Star", "Boogie Wonderland", and "You And I" are catchy as hell and "Wait" and "After The Love Has Gone" slow down the pace a bit but not too much. My favorite song is "Can't Let Go" which is great here but even better on the "Live In Rio" cd. The only song on here that's a little iffy is "Rock That" but the album as a whole doesn't suffer and is still well deserving of 5 stars.

YES, YOU ARE! (4.5 Stars)

I Am is point-blank one of the greatest albums ever released. It is a cornerstone album for Earth, Wind & Fire and represents their first complete crossover album from funk to R&B. Coming off the incomparable All 'N All, this album proved that EW&F's commercial success was not a fluke.



I Am immediately blasts off with the infinitely uplifting "In The Stone", in which (forgive me, Lord) I would not be surprised if God himself jacks this intro during his second coming. As great as this cut is, I still bet Verdine wants a do-over on the last portion. On "Can't Let Go", EW&F highlights their updated dance-worthy sound, which Maurice handles like a pro on the vocal end. Then, we have the bigger-than-life, chart-climbing, Grammy-winning "After The Love Has Gone", which is a brilliant ballad written by the well-known David Foster. And still somehow, I don't think I could hear anyone singing this song except EW&F. "Let Your Feelings Show", another boogie-stirring creation, features creative lyrics and even more outstanding instrument usage. The track cleverly metamorphosizes from a sharp R&B presentation to a virtual jam session. The guitar licks will remind you of "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life", which was released some time later. There is probably nothing I can tell you about the monstrous disco anthem "Boogie Wonderland" that you don't already know, but I will say that it simply outdoes and is more authentic than ANY disco song created by ANY actual disco artists. If nothing else, that masterpiece should serve as a license for EW&F to crossover at will. Any song following "Boogie..." sounds out of place, as I've learned listening to greatest hits and compilation albums, and "Star" has the undesirable burden of doing so on I Am. It's sort of a more mellow disco song, but high-profile in it's own right. Phillip turns in a respectable performance on this one. "Wait" is an underrated, tear-jerking love ballad, which features Steve Lukather of Toto on rock guitar, who complements the song perfectly. Maurice sings behind himself, adding significant substance to this forgotten gem. Put this on a tape and send it to your ex-girl for maximum appreciation of this song. "Rock That!" is EW&F's obligatory jazz contribution, and should be a staple at sporting events. Envision a marching band, orchestra, jazz band and rock group all playing at a basketball game simultaneously, and you have "Rock That!". The original album closer is "You And I"; a gorgeous R&B joint that could never have been made by R&B artists. This feels like a premonition of the neo-soul that is prevalent in current R&B radio.



The bonus track, "Diana", has to be one of my favorites on this 2004 re-mastered album. The arrangement is so perfect, that it takes a while before you realize that the bridge only contained one word: "Love". The album is rounded out with the dirty "Dirty", which is also featured on EW&F's 2003 release, The Promise (see my review). This song would not have gelled with the glossiness of I Am, but is a must-have regardless.



So, genius vocals, flawless music: Why 4.5 stars? Well, because the message of spiritual empowerment and personal uplifting has seriously waned on I Am. "In The Stone" and "Star" are it. Everything else is basically crooning to the women. This group could take their music anywhere, i.e. All 'N All, Spirit and Open Our Eyes, and they chose to limit themselves. Nonetheless, as R&B albums go, I Am is a crowning achievement that you shouldn't be without. And, for a band that was traditionally funk, they have accomplished the unheard of task of a successful crossover. EW&F FOREVER!!!!!