#420 Earth, Wind and Fire, 'That’s the Way of the World' (1975)

Previously #486

Opening with the heavily sampled ‘Shining Star’ (34 times, according to WhoSampled), ‘That’s The Way Of The World’ was Earth Wind and Fire’s sixth studio album. It was also the soundtrack to a forgotten film of the same name.

This album is heavily driven by the Verdine White’s bass and half-brother and band leader, Maurice White’s silky vocals and steady beats. Also, special shout out to second vocalist, Philip Bailey, otherwise known for his duet with Phil Collins, ‘Easy Lover.’ The title track served as the theme song for the TV show ‘Heart’s Afire’ starring John Ritter (am I the only person in the world that remembers this show?). Elsewhere on the record we hear honky tonk piano, mbira (South African thumb piano), flute, Blaxploitation and African beats in the aptly titled ‘Africano’.

#rs500albums