As One cover

As One

Kool & The Gang · 1982

35 min · 7 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of funk, jazz, and R&B grooves that invites listeners to dance and celebrate together.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Street Kids Start here — This track opens the album with an infectious energy, combining playful lyrics about youth with an upbeat rhythm that captures the essence of celebration.
  • →
    Hi De Hi, Hi De Ho — With its catchy chorus and groove-driven instrumentation, this song exemplifies Kool & The Gang's ability to create memorable hooks that resonate on dance floors.
  • →
    Let's Go Dancin' (Ooh, La, La, La) — This track showcases a lively and carefree spirit, encouraging listeners to embrace joy through dance, which is a hallmark of the band's philosophy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid funk grooves but lacks the standout tracks of their earlier work.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong brass section in 'Street Kids', establishing a lively and energetic tone.
  • Tracks like 'Hi De Hi, Hi De Ho' feature call-and-response vocals that engage the listener and encourage participation.
  • Several songs incorporate layered harmonies and intricate arrangements, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the overall groove.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • steady groove for socializing
  • danceable rhythms for gatherings
  • uplifting vibes for celebration
  • infectious melodies for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced listening
  • seek deep introspective themes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid entry in their catalog, not a standout for new listeners or major recognition.
Themes
dance floor celebration· 1980s party spirit
Career context
Released on September 7, 1982, As One marked Kool & The Gang's transition into the 1980s after their commercial peak in the late '70s with hits like Celebration. At this point in their career, they were exploring a more polished sound while still embracing their roots in funk and R&B.
Stylistic neighbors
Earth, Wind & Fire· Chic· Average White Band
New to Kool & The Gang? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Street Kids Start here 5:51
  • 2 Big Fun 5:03
  • 3 As One 4:42
  • 4 Hi De Hi, Hi De Ho 4:01
  • 5 Let's Go Dancin' (Ooh, La, La, La) 6:42
  • 6 Pretty Baby 4:56
  • 7 Think It Over 4:36

What to play next

In the Heart
Listen next

In the Heart

1983

Continues the energetic funk and R&B vibes with fresh sounds and themes.
Something Special
Go back to

Something Special

1981

Leads into 'As One' with similar upbeat grooves and celebratory spirit.
Full Kool & The Gang discography Where to start with Kool & The Gang Artists like Kool & The Gang
funk jazz

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Raise!

Raise!

Earth, Wind & Fire

Shares a celebratory spirit and vibrant funk-infused grooves, for the dance floor.

C'est Chic

C'est Chic

Chic

Features polished production and infectious rhythms that embody the dance party vibe of the early '80s.

1999

1999

Prince

Blends funk and R&B with an upbeat celebration of life, aligning with the party atmosphere of the era.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata