What makes Wild Cherry by Wild Cherry notable?

This album is best known for its breakout hit 'Play That Funky Music', which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a defining anthem of the disco era. The success of this single not only propelled the band into stardom but also helped popularize funk music in mainstream culture during the 1970s. Wild Cherry released their self-titled debut album in 1976, marking the band's first major entry into the music scene after forming in 1970. At this point, they were still establishing their unique sound, transitioning from earlier rock influences to the funk-infused style that would define their career.

How many songs are on Wild Cherry?

Wild Cherry has 9 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Wild Cherry

Wild Cherry · 1976

33 min · 9 tracks · funk rock

A vibrant blend of funk grooves and rock energy, capturing the party spirit of the mid-1970s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Play That Funky Music — This track serves as the album's lead single and epitomizes the fusion of rock and funk that Wild Cherry is celebrated for. Its catchy hook and danceable rhythm made it an enduring classic, cementing the band's legacy.
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I Feel Sanctified — With its infectious groove and uplifting message, this track showcases the band's ability to blend funk rhythms with soulful vocals. It exemplifies their knack for creating feel-good music that resonates with listeners.
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The Lady Wants Your Money — This song highlights a more humorous take on relationships and consumerism, featuring witty lyrics over a funky bassline. It demonstrates Wild Cherry's lyrical diversity and musical prowess beyond just dance hits.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album captures the vibrant energy of its era but lacks some depth in songwriting and cohesion.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal arrangements, enhancing the communal and party atmosphere of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. 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 Play That Funky Music 5:01
2 The Lady Wants Your Money 4:13
3 99 1/2 3:00
4 Don’t Go Near the Water 3:16
5 Nowhere to Run 3:05
6 I Feel Sanctified 3:53
7 Hold On 4:12
8 Get It Up 2:59
9 What in the Funk Do You See 3:25

What to play next

Listen next

Electrified Funk

1977

Go back to

Play That Funky Music

1976

Full Wild Cherry discography Artists like Wild Cherry

funk rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata