Step Up
Tower of Power · 2020
55 min · 14 tracks · funk
A vibrant fusion of classic funk grooves and contemporary soul, driven by powerful horns and heartfelt vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Step Up — The title track encapsulates the album's uplifting message, blending infectious grooves with a call to action that resonates throughout the record.
-
→
Addicted To You — This track showcases the band's signature horn arrangements alongside passionate vocals, creating a compelling narrative about love and desire.
-
→
Let's Celebrate Our Love — With its joyous energy and celebratory lyrics, this song serves as an anthem for unity and positivity, reflecting the band's ethos.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and vibrant performances, balancing energetic grooves with reflective moments.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track featuring a prominent horn section that sets a lively tone for the record.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the interactive feel of the music.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo, providing a contrast to the earlier upbeat songs and allowing for emotional reflection.
- 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
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 grooves for dancing
- celebratory vibes with friends
- heartfelt melodies for connection
- uplifting energy for gatherings
- for sunny afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- seek minimalistic soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — A strong return after a gap, showcasing continued creativity and vitality.
- Career context
- Released in 2020, 'Step Up' is Tower of Power's first studio album in nearly five years, following their 2016 album 'Soul Side of Town'. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their legacy as funk pioneers while continuing to evolve their sound, showcasing both nostalgia and modern influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Earth, Wind & Fire· The Meters· Chic
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 East Bay! All The Way! 0:54
- 2 Step Up 5:10
- 3 The Story of You and I 4:48
- 4 Who Would Have Thought 3:58
- 5 Addicted To You 4:45
- 6 Look In My Eyes 3:45
- 7 You Da One 4:23
- 8 Sleeping With You Baby 5:43
- 9 If It's Tea Give Me Coffee 3:16
- 10 Beyond My Wildest Dreams 4:53
- 11 Any Excuse Will Do 4:43
- 12 If You Wanna Be A Winner 3:22
- 13 Let's Celebrate Our Love 4:36
- 14 East Bay! Oaktown All The Way 1:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.