Natural High cover

Natural High

Commodores · 1978

42 min · 8 tracks · funk

Funky grooves intertwine with smooth vocals, crafting an uplifting sonic experience that embodies the spirit of late 1970s soul.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fire Girl Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Three Times a Lady — This track is a quintessential ballad that showcases Lionel Richie's songwriting prowess and the group's smooth harmonies, becoming one of their most enduring hits.
  • →
    Flying High — With its infectious rhythm and uplifting lyrics, this song encapsulates the essence of joy and freedom that characterizes the album's overall vibe.
  • →
    X-Rated Movie — This provocative track stands out for its playful yet bold lyrics, reflecting both social commentary and the band's willingness to explore risqué themes.

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

Natural High blends funk and soul effectively, showcasing strong craftsmanship and memorable melodies.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track shifts to a slower ballad that highlights vocal harmonies.
  • Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with prominent brass and string arrangements that enhance the funk and soul elements.
  • The album closes with 'Visions', which incorporates a more introspective tone, contrasting with the upbeat nature of earlier songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

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
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 social gatherings
  • for relaxed evenings
  • uplifting vibes for feel-good moments
  • smooth transitions between moods

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
  • seek immediate, catchy singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established the Commodores' mainstream pop success and commercial appeal.
Career context
Released on May 1, 1978, Natural High was the Commodores' fourth studio album and solidified their transition from a funk band to mainstream pop success. Following the critical acclaim of their previous album, Commodores (1977), this record features their iconic hit 'Three Times a Lady,' further establishing their presence in the music industry.
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Tracklist

  • 1 Fire Girl Start here 4:17
  • 2 X-Rated Movie 4:48
  • 3 Flying High 5:15
  • 4 Three Times a Lady 6:51
  • 5 Such a Woman 4:40
  • 6 Say Yeah 5:43
  • 7 I Like What You Do 4:49
  • 8 Visions 5:44

What to play next

Midnight Magic
Listen next

Midnight Magic

1979

Continues the smooth vocals and funky grooves with a fresh energy.
Commodores
Go back to

Commodores

1977

Sets the stage with a similar blend of funk and soul, leading into 'Natural High'.
Full Commodores discography Where to start with Commodores Artists like Commodores
funk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata