What makes Armed and Extremely Dangerous by First Choice notable?

This album is significant for its influence on the disco movement, as it features danceable tracks that predate the genre's mainstream explosion. The title track became a staple in dance clubs and has been sampled by various artists, underscoring its enduring legacy within R&B and dance music. Released in January 1973, Armed and Extremely Dangerous was First Choice's second studio album, following their self-titled debut in 1970. At this point, the group was solidifying their presence in the music scene, channeling their unique sound into a more polished production that showcased their vocal harmonies and rhythmic innovation.

How many songs are on Armed and Extremely Dangerous?

Armed and Extremely Dangerous has 11 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Armed and Extremely Dangerous

First Choice · 1973

51 min · 11 tracks · rhythm and blues

A vibrant blend of disco grooves and soulful melodies that captures the essence of early '70s R&B.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Armed and Extremely Dangerous — The title track stands out with its catchy hooks and strong political undertones, addressing themes of empowerment and resilience. It encapsulates the album's spirit while resonating with social issues of the time.
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Love and Happiness — This track showcases lush instrumentation and powerful vocal performances, embodying the emotional depth characteristic of First Choice's style. Its themes of love resonate strongly within the context of the album.
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Smarty Pants — With its playful lyrics and infectious rhythm, Smarty Pants highlights the group's ability to combine humor with catchy melodies. This track exemplifies the fun side of R&B during this era.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and arrangements typical of early R&B while influencing the disco genre.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature prominent horn sections and layered vocal harmonies, characteristic of early '70s R&B.
The title track employs a call-and-response structure between the lead vocals and backing singers, enhancing its anthemic quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Armed and Extremely Dangerous

The verses directly address societal issues with a confident tone that is both assertive and engaging.

This approach not only draws listeners into the narrative but also establishes a direct connection between personal empowerment and broader societal themes.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Love and Happiness 6:59
2 Smarty Pants 5:16
3 Newsy Neighbors 6:10
4 Armed and Extremely Dangerous 4:56
5 One Step Away 3:11
6 The Player 7:14
7 Running Out of Fools 3:33
8 This Is the House Where Love Died 2:59
9 A Boy Named Junior 3:42
10 Wake Up to Me 3:46
11 This Little Woman 3:51

What to play next

Listen next

The Player

1974

Full First Choice discography Artists like First Choice

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata