What makes Pleasure by Ohio Players notable?

The album features the hit single 'Funky Worm', which became a cultural touchstone in hip hop sampling. It received positive reviews for its innovative sound, helping the Ohio Players gain a wider audience and contributing to the rise of funk music during the early '70s. Released on December 1, 1972, 'Pleasure' marked the Ohio Players' fifth studio album and followed their breakthrough success with 'Skinny Legs and All'. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their reputation as one of the leading funk bands, moving towards a more polished sound that would define their later work.

Pleasure works well if you're into upbeat grooves for social gatherings, short tracks for quick enjoyment and playful vibes for carefree moments.

How many songs are on Pleasure?

Pleasure has 9 tracks, running approximately 31 minutes.

Pleasure

Ohio Players · 1972

31 min · 9 tracks · funk

A vibrant fusion of funk grooves and soulful melodies that encapsulates the essence of early '70s Black music culture.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Funky Worm — This track is notable for its distinctive synthesizer riff and laid-back groove, showcasing the band's pioneering use of technology in funk music.
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Pride and Vanity — With its intricate horn arrangements and smooth vocals, this track exemplifies the Ohio Players' ability to blend sensuality with social commentary.
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Our Love Has Died — This poignant ballad highlights the band's versatility, featuring heartfelt lyrics and lush instrumentation that contrasts with their funkier tracks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends strong funk grooves with soulful melodies, showcasing musicianship while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered horns and syncopated rhythms, establishing a strong funk groove.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a contrast with the more upbeat earlier 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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

upbeat grooves for social gatherings
short tracks for quick enjoyment
playful vibes for carefree moments
catchy melodies that invite dancing

Maybe skip if you

seekers of lengthy compositions
fans of introspective ballads

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on December 1, 1972, 'Pleasure' marked the Ohio Players' fifth studio album and followed their breakthrough success with 'Skinny Legs and All'. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their reputation as one of the leading funk bands, moving towards a more polished sound that would define their later work.
Stylistic neighbors: Parliament· Kool & The Gang· Earth, Wind & Fire