That's a Plenty
The Pointer Sisters · 1974
48 min · 9 tracks · country music
A vibrant fusion of jazz, R&B, and pop that showcases rich harmonies and playful instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fairytale — This track not only highlights the sisters' vocal prowess but also showcases their ability to blend country influences with contemporary pop sounds.
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Salt Peanuts — The playful arrangement and energetic performance make this song a joyful highlight that captures the album's eclectic spirit.
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Bangin' on the Pipes / Steam Heat — Opening the album with infectious rhythms, this track effectively sets the tone for the lively and varied musical journey that follows.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends multiple genres effectively but lacks a strong cohesive narrative throughout.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a medley that combines theatrical elements with jazz influences, setting a lively tone.
- Several songs feature call-and-response vocals, emphasizing the group's harmonies and playful interaction.
- The last track closes with a gradual fade-out, creating a sense of completion after the varied styles presented.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- 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
- dynamic vocal harmonies throughout
- wave-like pacing keeps engagement
- playful moments invite participation
- varied tempos for mood shifts
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Helped establish their unique sound and gained traction in the industry.
- Career context
- Released on February 1, 1974, That's a Plenty was the third studio album by The Pointer Sisters. At this point in their career, they were establishing their unique sound after their debut album, which included a mix of genres like country and gospel. This album helped solidify their presence in the music scene leading up to their later commercial successes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chaka Khan· The Emotions· Donna Summer
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bangin' on the Pipes / Steam Heat 5:42
- 2 Salt Peanuts 5:12
- 3 Grinning in Your Face 4:51
- 4 Shaky Flat Blues 4:43
- 5 That's A-Plenty / Surfeit, U.S.A. 3:42
- 6 Little Pony 4:45
- 7 Fairytale 5:07
- 8 Black Coffee 6:10
- 9 Love in Them There Hills 8:32
What to play next
Steppin'
1975
Continues the vibrant blend of genres with more polished production and catchy hooks.
The Pointer Sisters
1973
Introduces their signature sound and harmonies that lead into this lively album.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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