The One Giveth, the Count Taketh Away cover

The One Giveth, the Count Taketh Away

Bootsy Collins · 1982

41 min · 11 tracks · blues

A vibrant explosion of funk grooves and playful humor wrapped in a colorful sonic tapestry.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Shine-O-Myte (Rag Popping) — This track serves as an infectious opener with its catchy hooks and clever lyrics, encapsulating Collins' playful spirit and unique funk sound.
  • →
    #1 Funkateer — In this track, Collins proclaims his status within the funk community, blending humor with musical virtuosity that defines his artistic persona.
  • →
    Excon (Of Love) — This song stands out for its poignant exploration of love through a funky lens, showcasing Collins’ ability to mix deep themes with danceable rhythms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong funk compositions with humor and varied tempos, making it distinctive within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that features layered horns and a prominent bassline, setting a lively tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate playful spoken word segments, blending humor with musical elements.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo, providing a contrast to the upbeat opening songs and allowing for a more reflective mood.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • infectious grooves for dancing
  • playful storytelling with humor
  • steady pace for social gatherings
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • uplifting vibes for celebrations

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer serious, somber themes
  • seek long, introspective pieces

Where this album fits

Career context
The One Giveth, the Count Taketh Away was Bootsy Collins' fourth studio album, released during a period when he was solidifying his solo identity after rising to fame as part of George Clinton's P-Funk collective. Following the commercial success of his previous album, This Boot Is Made for Fonk-N, this release continued to showcase his distinctive blend of funk and humor, further developing his signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors
George Clinton· Parliament· Funkadelic

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Shine-O-Myte (Rag Popping) 4:32
  • 2 Landshark (Just When You Thought It Was Safe) 4:03
  • 3 Countracula (This One's for You) 3:14
  • 4 #1 Funkateer 3:26
  • 5 Excon (Of Love) 5:22
  • 6 So Nice You Name Him Twice 3:50
  • 7 What's W-R-O-N-G Radio 4:04
  • 8 Music to Smile By 4:15
  • 9 Play on Playboy 3:20
  • 10 Take a Lickin' and Keep on Kickin' 4:20
  • 11 The Funky Funktioneer 0:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata