Machine Gun
Commodores · 1974
36 min · 10 tracks · funk
A vibrant fusion of funk grooves and soulful melodies that invite both dance and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Machine Gun Start here — The title track stands out with its infectious rhythm and powerful brass arrangements, capturing the essence of the band's energetic style and lyrical themes of urgency.
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I Feel Sanctified — This song combines gospel-inspired vocals with a funky groove, showcasing the band's range while highlighting themes of joy and spiritual elevation.
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The Assembly Line — Addressing the monotony of daily work life, this track cleverly uses metaphorical lyrics paired with an upbeat rhythm, reflecting societal themes through a funky lens.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends engaging funk grooves with soulful melodies, showcasing strong arrangements and vocal interplay.
What we noticed
- The title track features a prominent horn section that drives the rhythm, while the verses alternate between spoken word and sung lines.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that encourages listener engagement.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 dancing
- short bursts of energy
- soulful melodies for celebration
- fun party atmosphere
- engaging sing-along moments
Maybe skip if you
- slow, introspective listening preference
- prefer lengthy, complex albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified the Commodores' status in the music industry with a chart-topping hit.
- Career context
- Released on July 22, 1974, 'Machine Gun' was the Commodores' third studio album, following their self-titled debut and 'C'easy,' which established them as a prominent act in the funk genre. At this point in their career, they were transitioning from a primarily backing band for other artists to becoming stars in their own right, showcasing their songwriting and musicianship.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Earth, Wind & Fire· Kool & The Gang· The Isley Brothers
Tracklist
- 1 Machine Gun Start here 2:41
- 2 Young Girls Are My Weakness 3:02
- 3 I Feel Sanctified 3:46
- 4 The Bump 4:10
- 5 Rapid Fire 3:04
- 6 The Assembly Line 5:12
- 7 The Zoo (The Human Zoo) 3:05
- 8 Gonna Blow Your Mind 5:42
- 9 There's a Song in My Heart 2:42
- 10 Superman 2:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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