Aftershock
Average White Band · 1989
38 min · 9 tracks · blue-eyed soul
A vibrant blend of blue-eyed soul and funk, infused with rhythmic grooves and heartfelt melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Spirit of Love — This track opens the album with an uplifting energy that encapsulates the band's signature sound, featuring smooth vocals and infectious rhythms.
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Sticky Situation — With its clever lyrics and catchy hook, this track showcases the band's ability to blend humor with funk, highlighting their lyrical creativity.
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Love at First Sight — A standout ballad on the album, this song highlights the group's soulful vocal harmonies and emotional depth, demonstrating their versatility beyond upbeat tracks.
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Let's Go All the Way — This track features an infectious groove that invites listeners to dance, reinforcing the band’s knack for creating engaging party anthems.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks the standout tracks of their earlier work.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
- Several songs feature prominent horn arrangements that complement the vocal melodies, enhancing the funk elements throughout.
- The final track employs a playful call-and-response structure, creating an engaging conclusion that contrasts with the preceding material.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- infectious grooves for dancing
- steady pacing for socializing
- warmth for gatherings
- feel-good vibes for celebrations
Maybe skip if you
- seeking intense emotional depth
- prefer fast-paced listening
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'Aftershock' was released in 1989, Average White Band was experiencing a transition period after their peak in the late 1970s. This album marked their return to the studio after a hiatus, showcasing a new sound while still holding onto their signature funk roots. Despite not achieving the same commercial success as earlier albums, it represented their resilience and continued evolution as artists.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tower of Power· Earth, Wind & Fire· Chic
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Spirit of Love 4:15
- 2 Sticky Situation 4:41
- 3 Aftershock 4:14
- 4 Love at First Sight 4:51
- 5 I'll Get Over You 4:36
- 6 Later We'll Be Greater 3:59
- 7 Let's Go All the Way 5:57
- 8 We're in Too Deep 3:58
- 9 Stocky Sachoo-A-Shun 1:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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