Powerlight

Powerlight is Earth, Wind & Fire’s last classic album, and even though it doesn’t have the overarching vision of All ‘n’ All or Faces, it boasts some of the sharpest songs of the group’s career. The early 80's was a unique window in the history of R&B. Artists distilled the rhythms of disco, making them harder and funkier, thereby birthing a new strain of music alternately known as electric boogie or modern soul. Earth, Wind & Fire thrived during this period. They were students of groove, and their instrumental prowess helped to elevate “Fall in Love With Me” and “Spread Your Love.” Maurice White was overseeing the tightest, stickiest grooves of the band’s career, but he was also concocting some of the group’s most heavenly ballads, including “Straight From the Heart” and “Miracles.” Perhaps most spectacular of all, “Side By Side” and “Something Special” infuse the cloudless, passionate spirit of gospel into the modern funk setting. Even as the entire R&B world was tilting toward commerciality, EW&F continued to make music that was both innovative and inspirational.