Earth, Wind & Fire – Powerlight

The mix of 'Fall In Love With Me' from the copy i got (25AP 2480) is lacking the guitar solo that's present on the digitally distributed mix of the track. And for what im seeing in here in some editions the track is 5:40 and full 6 minutes in others. I dont know what's up with that. It's a killer solo too, so i'm BUMMED about this!

Even though "Earth, Wind & Fire" have been a constant mainstay, even by the early '80's, you can tell that it was starting to take a toll on them....Even though some of the thought thay should have taken a break, "Maurice White" somehow persuaded them to Record and release "Powerlight"...

This is not a bad album by any means....It's not essential, but has its good points....

"Fall In Love With Me (The Crown Jewel, and my favorite on the album) starts the album off nicely with that FANTASTIC BLAZING Guitar work.....

"Side By Side", the 2nd Crown Jewel, is a nice jam, with "The Emotions", "Wanda Hutchinson Vaughn" helping out on Vocals...

"Straight From The Heart" has another inspired Vocal performance by "Philip Bailey"......

"Something Special" is that "Strolling Down The Street" jam.....

Then there's "Miracles" (3rd Crown Jewel), with help from a gang of young Children...

This album also brought about changes...

"Al Mckay", after all the experience from working under and Writing with "Maurice", went on to become a Producer in his on right (like Producing "The Temptations" "Treat Her Like a Lady")...."Johnny Graham" also left the group as well....So to fill the void, "Maurice" reached out to former member, "Roland Bautista"....

I really, in my heart, wanted to make this part of the Album Revolution, but my conscience would not let me do it...You could hear the voice of "Verdine" when he said that they should have stopped after "Raise!"....

But I will say that because of this album, People were still interested....Not bad from a group that was starting to fall apart.....Like I said, not essential, but worth checking out.....

PS: 7/2/2024: There is material that came from the "Powerlight" Sessions, like: Little Girl (Interlude) and a FANTASTIC CROWN JEWEL BOMB called "Night Dreamin'"....I first heard these t on the "Earth, Wind & Fire", "The Eternal Dance" 3CD Box Set, that I bought in 1992....I know there was more there, so "Sony Legacy", COME ON, LET'S DO IT!!!!! Bring it out ON VINYL!!!!!!

Found this original 1983 release vinyl and wow I am so impressed with the pressing. Audio fidelity and dynamics are all very good.

A very strong release from the elements. Don't be fooled because it's a good ten years after their debut. This album has some quality tracks, 'side by side' 'the speed of love' and 'something 'special' are my three favourites, but the rest of this album holds up decent. Maurice White, god rest his soulful soul was a genius. I can't listen to EWF without him. This album has some very catchy songs on it, the musicianship is as you'd expect from this group, superb.The beautiful end track 'Miracles' plays out like a lullaby. A perfect end to a near perfect album. What a run they had, the greatest group ever. Maurice, I bow down to your greatness....Rest in paradise brother.