#18 of 25
· Cratewise Editorial
That's the Way of the World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Year
1975
Genre
FunkLabel
Columbia
Format
Vinyl LP
“'Shining Star' is the hit. 'Reasons' is the deep cut. Philip Bailey's falsetto over Maurice White's production is cosmic soul at its peak. This band made joy sound sophisticated.”
Earth, Wind & Fire emerged from Los Angeles in 1969, founded by Maurice White and Verdine White, becoming one of the most commercially successful and influential bands of the 1970s and 1980s. The group's sophisticated blend of funk, soul, jazz, and R&B, combined with elaborate live performances and positive spiritual messaging, earned them nine Grammy Awards and multiple platinum albums. Their peak period from 1975-1981 produced landmark albums including "That's the Way of the World" (1975), "Spirit" (1976), and "All 'n All" (1977), which showcased their signature sound of layered horns, complex arrangements, and Maurice White's distinctive production. The band's influence extended beyond music into visual presentation, setting standards for production values in Black popular music. Though the group disbanded in 1984, they reunited periodically, cementing their legacy as architects of the fusion era.
Style
Earth, Wind & Fire pioneered a sophisticated fusion of funk, soul, and jazz with orchestral arrangements, featuring prominent horn sections, complex rhythmic grooves, and ethereal vocal harmonies that defined the sound of 1970s R&B.
Significance
Essential for vinyl collectors seeking the soundtrack to the 1970s funk and soul era, their albums are prized for superior sonics and ambitious production that showcases the capabilities of vinyl mastering during that period, making them cornerstone acquisitions in any serious soul or funk collection.
That's the Way of the World was recorded during a particularly prolific period for Earth, Wind & Fire in 1975. The album emerged from sessions at various Los Angeles studios, with the band working alongside producer Charles Stepney and arranger/composer Allee Willis. The title track became the album's centerpiece, a sprawling orchestral funk composition that showcased the ensemble's sophisticated arranging and Maurice White's vision of blending jazz, soul, and world music influences. The album features the band at peak creative confidence, with Verdine White's bass work and the horn section driving tracks that balance intricate arrangements with accessible hooks. The sessions captured a moment when the band had fully matured their signature sound, integrating live instrumentation with studio precision.
Historical Context
Released in March 1975, That's the Way of the World arrived during the height of the mid-1970s funk and soul renaissance. The album topped the Billboard 200 chart and became one of Earth, Wind & Fire's most commercially successful releases, earning triple platinum certification. The title track and "Shining Star" became major radio hits, with the latter becoming a number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was embraced by both mainstream pop and deep soul audiences, reflecting the band's broad appeal. It also received critical acclaim for its ambitious arrangements and musicianship, establishing Earth, Wind & Fire as leaders of the sophisticated funk movement alongside contemporaries like The Isley Brothers and Parliament-Funkadelic.
Pressing Notes
The original 1975 Columbia Records pressing (PC 33694) is the primary edition collectors seek. Early pressings featured the "360 Sound" label design and solid center labels. The album has been reissued multiple times, including in audiophile formats and remastered editions. Vinyl collectors should note that original pressings vary in pressing quality depending on the plant; Columbia's pressing plants produced inconsistent results in the mid-1970s. The album was also issued in quadraphonic format on select pressings. Modern reissues are widely available but original 1975 stereo pressings remain the collector standard. Condition-wise, the album commands premium prices in NM/M condition given its popularity and heavy airplay history.
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
A funk-fusion masterpiece with the same groove-oriented sensibility and sophisticated instrumentation that defines Earth, Wind & Fire's sound.
Mothership Connection
Parliament
Offers the same expansive funk vision with complex arrangements, layered production, and an ambitious artistic scope that appeals to EWF enthusiasts.
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