War and Peace
Edwin Starr · 1970
38 min · 12 tracks · soul
A potent blend of soul and pop, infused with socially conscious themes and infectious melodies that resonate deeply.
Top tracks — play these first
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War — This iconic title track not only topped the charts but also encapsulated the anti-war sentiment of the era with its urgent message and infectious rhythm.
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California Soul — A vibrant cover that showcases Starr's vocal prowess while blending soul with West Coast influences, highlighting his versatility as an artist.
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I Can’t Escape Your Memory — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of heartbreak, featuring emotive lyrics and a soulful arrangement that captures deep longing.
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Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head — Starr’s rendition transforms this classic into a soulful experience, showcasing his ability to breathe new life into well-known songs while maintaining their essence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends socially conscious themes with catchy melodies, highlighted by its impactful title track.
What we noticed
- The title track 'War' opens the album with a strong, driving beat and politically charged lyrics, setting a tone that resonates throughout.
- Several tracks feature prominent brass arrangements, which enhance the soulful melodies and create a vibrant sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- heartfelt melodic reflections
- short, engaging listening sessions
- contemplative and introspective moods
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on August 7, 1970, 'War and Peace' was Edwin Starr's fourth studio album, following the success of his hit single 'War' earlier that year. At this point in his career, Starr was transitioning from novelty hits to more politically charged music, solidifying his role as a voice for social justice during a tumultuous era in America.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Brown· Marvin Gaye· Otis Redding
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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War
The song shifts from personal reflection to a strong condemnation of violence and conflict.
This shift amplifies the urgency of the message, reinforcing how personal pain is intertwined with broader societal issues.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 War 3:21
- 2 Running Back and Forth 2:47
- 3 Adios Senorita 2:32
- 4 All Around the World 3:11
- 5 I Can’t Escape Your Memory 3:00
- 6 At Last (I Found Love) 2:49
- 7 I Just Wanted to Cry 3:11
- 8 Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head 3:30
- 9 Time 2:55
- 10 California Soul 4:04
- 11 I Can’t Replace My Old Love 4:18
- 12 She Should Have Been Home 3:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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