What makes Contradiction by Ohio Players notable?

Contradiction was notable for its chart performance, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard R&B albums chart, showcasing the Ohio Players' ability to blend catchy hooks with deep grooves. The album further cemented their influence in the funk genre while also contributing to the burgeoning disco scene of the era. Released in 1976, Contradiction was the Ohio Players' sixth studio album and followed their successful hit Honey. This album arrived during a peak period for the band, as they were solidifying their reputation in the funk genre, gaining commercial traction after several successful releases in the early to mid-1970s.

Who is Contradiction for?

Contradiction works well if you're into infectious grooves for dancing, vibrant soundscapes full of life and playful energy for social gatherings.

How many songs are on Contradiction?

Contradiction has 9 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Contradiction

Ohio Players · 1976

38 min · 9 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of funk grooves and soulful melodies, layered with intricate rhythms and lush instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Who'd She Coo? — This track features a signature funky bass line and playful lyrics that exemplify the Ohio Players' knack for blending humor with danceable grooves.
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Precious Love — A standout ballad that showcases the band's smooth vocal harmonies and emotional depth, highlighting their versatility beyond upbeat funk tracks.
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My Life — This track stands out with its introspective lyrics and a mellow groove, providing a reflective contrast to the energetic vibes typical of their other songs.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong funk grooves and varied instrumentation, making it engaging but not.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a prominent horn section and layered vocal harmonies, establishing its funk identity immediately.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the interactive feel typical of funk music.
The rhythm section maintains a consistent groove throughout, while the instrumentation varies between tracks, introducing elements like strings and synthesizers in later songs.
The final track features an extended instrumental outro, allowing the album to close on a reflective note after the energetic preceding songs.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

infectious grooves for dancing
vibrant soundscapes full of life
playful energy for social gatherings
smooth vocals that invite engagement

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, introspective music
seek immediate gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1976, Contradiction was the Ohio Players' sixth studio album and followed their successful hit Honey. This album arrived during a peak period for the band, as they were solidifying their reputation in the funk genre, gaining commercial traction after several successful releases in the early to mid-1970s.
Stylistic neighbors: Parliament· Kool & The Gang· Earth, Wind & Fire