The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2 cover

The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2

Earth, Wind & Fire · 1988

43 min · 10 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of funk and R&B, pulsating with joyous grooves and rich harmonies that invite endless dance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Let’s Groove Start here — This track epitomizes the band's signature sound with its infectious rhythm and uplifting lyrics about enjoying life amidst disco influences.
  • →
    After the Love Is Gone — A powerful ballad showcasing the group's vocal harmonies and emotional depth, it addresses themes of love lost and longing.
  • →
    Boogie Wonderland — Featuring a driving beat and catchy hooks, this track became an anthem of joy and celebration, emblematic of the disco era.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

This compilation showcases strong tracks but lacks the cohesive flow of a studio album.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, often featuring call-and-response patterns that engage listeners.
  • The instrumentation prominently includes brass and string sections, creating a rich, full sound that complements the rhythmic grooves.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

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

  • danceable grooves for celebration
  • for group sing-alongs
  • steady energy for gatherings
  • uplifting vibe for weekend fun

Maybe skip if you

  • prefers slow, introspective music
  • seeks minimalist soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — This compilation showcases beloved tracks, appealing to dedicated fans of the band.
Themes
disco culture celebration· late '80s joy
Career context
By the time 'The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2' was released in 1988, Earth, Wind & Fire were transitioning from their peak creative period in the late '70s and early '80s. This compilation followed their acclaimed album 'Powerlight' (1983) and highlighted their enduring hits while reflecting a slight shift in musical styles as they adapted to the changing landscape of pop music.
Stylistic neighbors
Chic· Kool & The Gang· Prince

Tracklist

  • 1 Turn On (the Beat Box) 4:43
  • 2 Let’s Groove Start here 5:39
  • 3 After the Love Is Gone 3:58
  • 4 Fantasy 3:49
  • 5 Devotion 4:53
  • 6 Serpentine Fire 3:53
  • 7 Love’s Holiday 4:26
  • 8 Boogie Wonderland 4:52
  • 9 Saturday Nite 4:06
  • 10 Mighty Mighty 3:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata