What makes As One by Bar-Kays notable?

This album reached number 11 on the Billboard R&B chart, showcasing the group's ability to adapt and thrive amidst changing musical landscapes. Its infectious energy and danceable tracks solidified their influence in the funk scene, paving the way for future artists in the genre. As One marked the Bar-Kays' fifth studio album, released after their resurgence post-tragedy, following the plane crash that took the lives of several members in 1967. By 1980, they had established themselves as a key player in the funk genre, building on the success of their previous album, Gotta Groove.

As One works well if you're into upbeat grooves for dancing, joyful vibes for celebrations and catchy melodies to sing along.

How many songs are on As One?

As One has 8 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

As One

Bar-Kays · 1980

36 min · 8 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of funk grooves and soulful melodies, encapsulating the joyful spirit of late '70s R&B.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Boogie Body Land — This opening track sets a lively tone with its infectious groove and catchy hooks, epitomizing the Bar-Kays' signature sound.
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Say It Through Love — The heartfelt lyrics combined with smooth melodies highlight the band's versatility and ability to convey emotion within the funk framework.
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Work It Out — This track showcases tight musicianship and rhythmic complexity, making it a standout example of their ability to fuse danceability with sophisticated arrangements.
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As One — The title track encapsulates themes of unity and love, featuring rich instrumentation that reflects the band's deep roots in soul music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong funk compositions with vibrant arrangements, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

The first four tracks maintain a consistent upbeat tempo, while the fifth track introduces a slower groove that alters the album's energy.
Each song features prominent brass arrangements that are layered with rhythmic guitar riffs and bass lines, characteristic of funk music.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interactive feel typical of live funk performances.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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

upbeat grooves for dancing
joyful vibes for celebrations
catchy melodies to sing along
short bursts of infectious energy

Maybe skip if you

slow-paced reflective listening
introspective quiet moments

Where this album fits

Career context: As One marked the Bar-Kays' fifth studio album, released after their resurgence post-tragedy, following the plane crash that took the lives of several members in 1967. By 1980, they had established themselves as a key player in the funk genre, building on the success of their previous album, Gotta Groove.
Stylistic neighbors: Earth, Wind & Fire· Parliament-Funkadelic· Sly and the Family Stone

Tracklist

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

1 Boogie Body Land 5:49
2 Say It Through Love 3:54
3 Work It Out 4:30
4 Body Fever 4:10
5 As One 4:26
6 Take the Time to Love Somebody 4:09
7 Open Your Heart 4:12
8 Deliver Us 4:53

What to play next

Listen next

Nightcruising

1981

Go back to

Injoy

1979

Full Bar-Kays discography Artists like Bar-Kays

funk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata