What makes Law of the Land by The Undisputed Truth notable?

This album is significant for its ambitious reinterpretations of popular songs, such as Papa Was a Rollin' Stone and Killing Me Softly With This Song, which showcased the group's vocal prowess. The record received positive critical acclaim and helped solidify The Undisputed Truth's role in the evolution of soul music during the early 1970s. Released in January 1973, Law of the Land marked The Undisputed Truth's second album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the group was beginning to carve out a distinctive niche within the Motown sound, showcasing their versatility across genres while building on the commercial success of their earlier work.

How many songs are on Law of the Land?

Law of the Land has 12 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Law of the Land

The Undisputed Truth · 1973

45 min · 12 tracks

Psychedelic soul blends with funk and rock influences, creating a sonically rich tapestry of emotion and groove.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Papa Was a Rollin' Stone — This track stands out for its haunting arrangement and complex narrative, which reimagines the original hit while adding a deeper emotional layer through its vocal delivery.
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Killing Me Softly With This Song — The Undisputed Truth's rendition transforms this classic into a soulful exploration of vulnerability, highlighted by powerful harmonies that elevate its poignant themes.
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Mama I Gotta Brand New Thing (Don't Say No) — This energetic track exemplifies the band's ability to fuse funk with soulful melodies, delivering an infectious groove that captures the album's vibrant spirit.

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 strong vocal performances and creative arrangements but lacks a cohesive flow across its diverse tracklist.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that sets a mid-tempo groove, followed by a cover of 'Papa Was a Rollin' Stone' which shifts to a slower, more contemplative pace.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, often with call-and-response sections that highlight the group's vocal dynamics.

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

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Killing Me Softly With This Song

A pivotal moment occurs when the song shifts from recounting an observation to directly addressing the emotional impact of sharing one's story.

Tracklist

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

1 Law of the Land 4:24
2 Papa Was a Rollin' Stone 3:25
3 Girl You're Alright 2:54
4 Killing Me Softly With This Song 4:49
5 Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) 3:40
6 This Child Needs Its Father 3:24
7 Mama I Gotta Brand New Thing (Don't Say No) 3:37
8 Feelin' Alright 4:51
9 Love and Happiness 3:13
10 With a Little Help From My Friends 4:23
11 If I Die 3:16
12 Walk on By 3:46

What to play next

Listen next

Down to Earth

1974

Go back to

Face to Face With the Truth

1972

Full The Undisputed Truth discography Artists like The Undisputed Truth

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata