Album by Earth, Wind & Fire

This feels like a more processed, late ’80s/early ’90s version of Earth, Wind & Fire. Which for me means sometimes it hits and sometimes it doesn’t.

A lot of the core elements are still there — the groove, the vocals, the sense of rhythm — but everything is wrapped in a more polished, contemporary 90s sound. Sometimes that works, and sometimes it feels a little off compared to what I expected. But that could be on me. I came in expecting one thing and got something else.

There are definitely moments where it clicks. “Good Time,” with Sly Stone, is a standout — loose, funky, and full of personality. “Anything You Want” and “I’m in Love” lean into smooth R&B, slower and more laid back, while “Motor” brings in a cleaner pop-funk feel.

Beyond the songs themselves, the album has a certain vibe to it. There are interludes, bits of conversation, laughter — little moments that give it some character. It feels like it’s trying to create more of an atmosphere, not just a collection of tracks.

There are also touches that reach back to different musical roots — jazz influences, hints of Soweto, and reminders of the traditions Earth, Wind & Fire have always drawn from. Those moments add another layer to the album and help connect it to the musical history behind the sound.

Even when the production choices don’t completely work for me, that sense of history and connection gives the album a depth I wasn’t expecting.

Verdict: Worth a Spin

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