Raise!
Earth, Wind & Fire · 1981
37 min · 9 tracks · funk
A vibrant fusion of funk and R&B, rich with horn arrangements and uplifting grooves that inspire movement and joy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Let’s Groove Start here — 'Let’s Groove' exemplifies the album's upbeat spirit with its infectious hooks and danceable rhythm, becoming a defining anthem of the era.
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My Love — This track showcases the band's smooth vocal harmonies and intricate instrumentals, highlighting their ability to blend romance with rhythmic complexity.
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I’ve Had Enough — With its poignant lyrics about personal empowerment, this track captures the emotional depth Earth, Wind & Fire could convey amidst their dance-heavy sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic grooves with rich horn arrangements, showcasing Earth, Wind & Fire's signature sound.
What we noticed
- Horn arrangements are prominent throughout, often layering over rhythmic grooves to create a rich, vibrant sound.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel typical of funk music.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
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
- danceable grooves for celebrations
- uplifting vibes for social gatherings
- steady rhythms for group enjoyment
- feel-good energy for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective music
- avoid upbeat, dance-oriented tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified their reputation during their commercial peak.
- Themes
- dance floor celebration· horn-driven grooves
- Career context
- Released in 1981, Raise! came during Earth, Wind & Fire's commercial peak, following the massive success of their previous album, Spirit. This album solidified their reputation as leaders in the disco and funk movements, showcasing a blend of genres that contributed to their enduring legacy.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chic· Kool & The Gang· Prince
Tracklist
- 1 Let’s Groove Start here 5:36
- 2 Lady Sun 3:39
- 3 My Love 4:33
- 4 Evolution Orange 4:37
- 5 Kalimba Tree 0:25
- 6 You Are a Winner 4:09
- 7 I’ve Had Enough 4:34
- 8 Wanna Be With You 4:35
- 9 The Changing Times 5:36
What to play next
I Am
1979
Continues the vibrant funk and R&B energy with rich arrangements and uplifting themes.
Faces
1980
Precedes 'Raise!' with a similar blend of funk and soulful melodies.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
C'est Chic
Chic
Features tight rhythms and lush arrangements that celebrate dance and joy, similar to Earth, Wind & Fire's vibe.
1999
Prince
Combines funk and R&B with infectious grooves, embodying a celebratory spirit and dance floor energy.
Wild and Peaceful
Kool & The Gang
Offers vibrant horn sections and upbeat rhythms, capturing the same festive atmosphere found in 'Raise!'.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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