What makes The Black-Man's Burdon by Eric Burdon & War notable?

The album is notable for its ambitious fusion of genres and critical commentary on race and society, receiving praise from music critics for its innovative approach. It charted on the Billboard 200, demonstrating Burdon's enduring influence as an artist committed to addressing contemporary issues through music. Released in December 1970, The Black-Man's Burdon followed the commercially successful album Eric Burdon Declares War (1970), marking a period of collaboration between Eric Burdon and the band War. This album represents Burdon's deepening engagement with themes of social justice and cultural identity, further solidifying his shift from rock to a more eclectic sound.

How many songs are on The Black-Man's Burdon?

The Black-Man's Burdon has 15 tracks, running approximately 90 minutes.

The Black-Man's Burdon

Eric Burdon & War · 1970

90 min · 15 tracks

A fusion of rock, funk, and soul, intertwining social commentary with vibrant instrumentation and expressive vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Paint It Black Medley: Black on Black in Black / Paint It Black / Laurel & Hardy / Pintelo Negro / P.C. 3 / Blackbird — This expansive medley encapsulates the album’s themes by reinterpreting the classic 'Paint It Black' alongside new compositions that explore identity and cultural heritage.
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Gun — The track's raw energy and confrontational lyrics comment on violence and societal issues, showcasing Burdon's commitment to relevant social commentary through powerful music.
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They Can’t Take Away Our Music — This anthem serves as a celebration of resilience in the face of adversity, emphasizing the healing power of music amidst struggles.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

71 /100

Treeline

Higher than 65% of albums we've rated

The album's fusion of genres and social commentary creates a distinctive sound, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation and interaction among the musicians.
The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining a steady groove while others shift abruptly in tempo and mood.
Lyrical content often addresses social issues directly, creating a contrast between upbeat instrumentation and serious themes.

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: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

1 Paint It Black Medley: Black on Black in Black / Paint It Black / Laurel & Hardy / Pintelo Negro / P.C. 3 / Blackbird 13:24
2 Spirit 8:39
3 Beautiful New Born Child 5:07
4 Nights in White Satin I 4:30
5 The Bird & the Squirrel 2:44
6 Nuts, Seeds & Life 4:00
7 Out of Nowhere 3:21
8 Nights in White Satin II 2:57

Disc 2

1 Sun / Moon 10:06
2 Pretty Colors 6:46
3 Gun 6:00
4 Jimbo 4:42
5 Bare Back Ride 7:11
6 Home Cookin’ 4:14
7 They Can’t Take Away Our Music 6:51

What to play next

Listen next

Eric Burdon Declares "War"

1970

Full Eric Burdon & War discography Artists like Eric Burdon & War

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata