#343 Sly and the Family Stone, 'Greatest Hits' (1970)

Previously #61

I was so sure that this wasn’t the first entry from Sly and the Family Stone this time around. Seems I’m incorrect and I’m remembering their multiple entries last time. This album was their highest last time around and at the time I wrote “I just don't understand this. So many albums by The Family have appeared in this list. Is this entry really necessary? Majority of these songs have featured. Songs are great, band was great and super talented. All the hits up to 1970 are here. Moving on...”

I still feel the same about Greatest Hits compilations on this list, but I’ll let it slide as it’s the first entry. This album is comprised of 5 singles and their B-sides plus one additional single and an album track. Sly and the Family Stone made some of the most incredible funk/soul of all time. Songs such as ‘I Want To Take You Higher,’ ‘Everybody Is A Star,’ ‘Stand!’ (the first time I heard these two songs was the versions by The Jackson 5), ‘Dance To The Music’ and ‘Everyday People’ are real classics. This collection actually flows cohesively as a a standalone album, so I so understand how it was included. Outside of the Stone family, I love Larry Graham on the bass and Cynthia Robinson on the trumpet (I’ve seen both live separately and they’re awesome in their own ways). A masterclass in harmonies on these songs. Something I picked up this time which I didn’t last time, ‘Thank You (Falenttinme Be Mice Elf Again)’ is the basis for Janet Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation’ and multiple elements are sampled heavily throughout her song. It’s almost impossible to listen to the song without hearing Janet’s vocals. Reading my review from last time, I could tell that I was rushing towards the finish line. The frustration of another greatest hits collection was palpable. 

#rs500albums