What makes The Concept by Slave notable?

The Concept is notable for its innovative blend of funk and soul, showcasing Slave's distinctive sound that influenced later funk bands. It received positive critical reception, with particular praise for tracks like Stellar Fungk, which has become a staple in funk playlists and exemplifies the band's rhythmic prowess. Released on August 1, 1978, The Concept was Slave's third studio album, following their self-titled debut in 1977. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the funk and R&B genres, building on the momentum from previous releases.

How many songs are on The Concept?

The Concept has 7 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

The Concept

Slave · 1978

37 min · 7 tracks · rhythm and blues

Funky grooves entwined with soulful melodies create an infectious energy that invites both dancing and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Stellar Fungk — This track stands out with its complex rhythms and dynamic instrumentation, serving as a quintessential example of Slave's signature funk style.
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The Way You Love Is Heaven — A smooth blend of soulful vocals and lush arrangements, this song highlights the band's ability to balance groove with emotional depth.
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Just Freak — With its infectious beat and catchy chorus, this track encapsulates the party atmosphere that Slave often aimed to create in their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album blends funk and soul effectively, showcasing strong grooves and distinctive arrangements.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a prominent bass line that drives the rhythm, while horns and vocals layer in to create a rich texture.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
The album includes extended instrumental sections where the groove is allowed to develop, particularly evident in 'Stellar Fungk'.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Stellar Fungk 8:43
2 The Way You Love Is Heaven 4:33
3 Thank You Lord 1:31
4 Drac Is Back 3:59
5 We've Got Your Party 4:49
6 Just Freak 7:56
7 Coming Soon 6:20

What to play next

Listen next

Just a Touch of Love

1979

Go back to

Slave

1977

Full Slave discography Artists like Slave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata