That’s the Way of the World: Earth Wind & Fire’s groundbreaking album turns 50

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During the heart of the 1970s, a fleeting instant occurred – following Stevie and Sly’s funk revolution taking over mainstream music, preceding disco’s destructive rise – when soul music appeared to amass all the enchanting melodic influences that had been brewing within its genetic makeup: the funk, jazz, pop, rock, and gospel. It then fused these elements into a magnificent instant of pure joy.

If we were to imagine a soundtrack for that particular instance, it would be titled “That’s the Way of the World.” This harmonious blend was orchestrated by a collective of nine Los Angeles-based musicians known as Earth, Wind & Fire.

Originally, “That’s the Way of the World” (TTWOTW) was born with a double purpose – it started as a genuine film score and served as a soundtrack for a movie. The visionary producer, Sig Shore, who had made waves with the iconic blaxploitation film “Super Fly” in 1972, had an idea for a movie revolving around the music industry. He already had a script ready, along with a leading actor – Harvey Keitel. This movie needed a band, as did the soundtrack. To tackle two tasks at once, Shore decided to engage Earth, Wind & Fire to act in the film as the band and also create the soundtrack.

Fifty years later, Earth Wind & Fire’s That’s the Way of the World is still awesome

Previously, this individual collaborated with “Super Fly” and Curtis Mayfield, as well as “Shaft” and Isaac Hayes. Interestingly enough, these classic early ’70s’ films drew inspiration from Melvin Van Peebles’ 1971 movie “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song“, which prominently featured a band playing a funky soundtrack composed by Van Peebles himself. Remarkably, the band he selected for this task was none other than Earth, Wind & Fire.

Essentially, Maurice White, who effectively led EW&F, had a knack for navigating the realm of film soundtracks. He was astute enough to understand that the movie “That’s the Way of the World” wouldn’t make a significant impact. In anticipation of this, he chose to release the album independently prior to the movie’s premiere. And as he foresaw, the film failed to create even the slightest wave in the cinema world.

The album became a smash hit.

Maurice White, the drummer, established Earth Wind & Fire in the late 60’s, inviting his younger brother Verdine to handle bass duties. As a gifted songwriter, Maurice’s grittier baritone voice suited funkier tunes exceptionally well. Surrounding himself with an impressive ensemble of musicians and vocalists, he released their debut album titled “Earth Wind & Fire” in 1971.

In a distinctive fusion of jazz-infused funk with elements of African beats and captivating harmonies, EWF showcased their style right from the start. Tracks such as “Moment of Truth” and “C’mon Children” clearly demonstrated this blend.

By their fifth album, “Open our Eyes” from 1974, they had perfected their blend of funk into chart-topping hits such as “Mighty Mighty” and “Kalimba Story,” which became their first top ten R&B singles. By this time, White had undergone several changes in the band’s lineup. The most significant shift occurred in 1972 when he recruited 21-year-old Philip Bailey to share lead vocal duties with him. From then on, a consistent pattern emerged.

The White brothers’ music, with its funky vibe, would find a perfect harmony in the velvety soulfulness of Bailey’s remarkable tenor voice, capable of reaching lofty heights. On their album “Open Our Eyes“, Earth, Wind & Fire offer listeners an initial dose of their ultra-cool funk in “Mighty Mighty”, followed by the tender romance of Bailey’s “Devotion”. The public adored it.

The White brothers’ music, filled with a funky groove, would find a perfect balance in the smooth soulfulness of Bailey’s stunning tenor voice, capable of ascending to the heavens. On their album “Open Our Eyes“, Earth, Wind & Fire serve listeners a double dose – an initial blast of their cool funk in “Mighty Mighty”, followed by the sweet romance of Bailey’s “Devotion”. The audience couldn’t get enough.

Following that, “That’s the Way of the World” was played next. This album was released on March 3, 1975. Previously, “Open Our Eyes” had reached Number One on the R&B album chart. Remarkably, “TTWOTW” not only achieved the same milestone but also scaled the heights of the Pop Charts, confirming Earth, Wind & Fire as a crossover phenomenon.

The tune ‘Shining Star’ creates an explosive impact right from the start, reminiscent of the groove Stevie Wonder or George Clinton were known for in the mid-70s. It features horn blasts, jazzy guitar interludes, and a vocal range spanning low bass to high tenor notes. The band delivers these elements with unwavering self-assurance, showcasing their mastery of their unique style.

They start with the stunning title track, which heavily features Bailey’s falsetto. The White brothers lend their voices to mimic some of Bailey’s parts, adding a rough edge to this otherwise gentle tune. This is one of the reasons why Earth, Wind & Fire shone at their peak. Their funk was infused with soul. Even their most tender soul tunes had a strong foundation.

The songs could provide sheer delight and enjoyment, similar to “Happy Feelin'” and “Yearnin’ Learnin'”. Towards the finale, White and songwriting partner Larry Dunn incorporate the exceptional instrumental piece “Africano”. Initially, it emerges as a captivating flute solo by Andrew Woolfolk. After a drum break accelerates the pace, Woolfolk reappears, this time on a soulful saxophone sound that would be hard to find on a typical 1970s pop album.

Right before “Africano,” Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) subtly included a Philip Bailey song that could very well be the most enchanting pop tune of the last ten years. “Reasons” wasn’t initially released as a single, but it has since become synonymous with the group in much the same way as any other track they ever produced. Bailey’s celestial vocals gracefully carry the captivating melody, while the rest of the band offers radiant backing. With its intricate details, there is always something fresh to discover after multiple listens – a fact I can personally attest to.

In 1978, an influential film titled “Killer of Sheep” was produced, a cinematic legend born over the span of five years by UCLA student Charles Burnett. His goal wasn’t to follow in the footsteps of popular genre films like “Shaft” and “Superfly“, which often depicted the contemporary African American experience as exclusively focused on urban crime and drug trafficking. Instead, “Killer of Sheep” presented a typical black family living an ordinary life in 1970s Los Angeles, offering a more balanced portrayal of their daily experiences.

In the movie, there’s a poignant scene where I find myself reminiscing of my own youth. It’s when the young girl sings “Reasons” into a crackly radio, her reflection staring back at her from the bathroom mirror. This moment is one of the most moving and sincere in American cinema, capturing all the yearning and happiness that a three-minute pop tune can encompass more effectively than any other art form I’ve encountered.

At their peak performance, it was undeniably Earth Wind & Fire. Though they achieved even greater success in the latter part of the 1970s, nothing could surpass the masterpiece that is That’s the Way of the World. They didn’t need to strive for more; they had already reached the pinnacle of musical achievement with that album.

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2025-03-03 19:00