Search - Various Artists :: Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Lots of Fire

Steven Housman | West Hollywood, CA & Miami, FL | 04/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When the idea of this album began a couple of years ago, Founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White, couldn't have been more thrilled that The Concord Music Group agreed he would retain control over matching the songs with the appropriate artists. After all, who were they to argue with this master multi-record selling and award-winning musician and producer? White was not only the man that founded and molded the sound of Earth, Wind & Fire, he also wrote and produced their music along with vocalist Philip Bailey and his vocalist brother Verdine White. The result of this tribute album is nothing less than astonishing.



The disc kicks off with the unrivaled vocals of Chaka Khan interpreting Earth, Wind & Fire's first #1 smash, "Shining Star." Her vocals are vibrant and reminiscent of her heyday with Rufus. And it's no coincidence that four of the ten tracks off this album were lifted from the 1975 multi-platinum opus That's The Way Of The World, which I still feel (after 32 years) is their best and most accomplished studio album. This is the album that introduced the fusion of Soul, R&B, Funk and Pop to the mainstream, and it still holds a place in my heart as one of the finest recordings of the 70's and the last half of the 20th century. Yes, it's that great!



The incomparable songstress Angie Stone weaves her golden vocals around the slow and sultry "Be Ever Wonderful" which is lifted from the group's 1977 tour de force All `N All, and makes it shimmer so beautifully that it makes me scratch my head and wonder why Stone hasn't been recognized by mainstream audiences. She's certainly highly regarded in the industry as one of the most amazing vocalists, but hasn't broken through that star barrier to household name status. This latest rendition is further proof that Stone ranks with the very best of them.



Kirk Franklin is the first Gospel vocalist in history to crossover to R&B territory and achieve platinum status with his own debut album, so it's no wonder that White chose him to interpret the E,W&F favorite "September." This man sings this song like it's nobody's business. This rendition begins with the original track as the intro, while Franklin makes it all his own with the same up-tempo spirit that White and company did when they recorded this jewel back in 1978.



"Devotion" is culled from Earth, Wind & Fire's fifth album, Open Our Eyes, exactly one year before the group took off into the stratosphere. The track is superbly performed by vocalist Ledisi, who's best known for performing with influential musicians such as Moby and Chaka Khan, just to name two. It's clear from listening to this song why it was a sign of the great things to come for E,W&F. This rendition may be lesser known than its interpreter, but it's a standout among standouts and slips seamlessly into this collection.



At the midway point of this album we are treated to one of the best recordings of the bunch, a soulful and inspiring performance of "Can't Hide Love" from The Randy Watson Experience featuring Bilal. This vocalist, who has the voice of an angel, made it clear to White that this was one of his all time favorite songs, and it's quite apparent after hearing his passionate and exquisite delivery.



"Love's Holiday is a gorgeous track performed by Lalah Hathaway (daughter of the late, great Donny Hathaway) and she follows in her father's footsteps with a magnificent interpretation of the 1977 chestnut lifted from the aforementioned All `N All album.



"That's The Way Of The World" was a worldwide smash in 1975, and this song is treated with the respect it deserves by male vocalist Dwele, who updates the song with a swifter beat while it retains its soulful sway that had my head bopping and my foot tapping. It's a great sign when you realize the music unconsciously takes over your body movements as this track did mine.



"After The Love Is Gone" is perhaps the song with the most crossover appeal. This single was a smash on the Pop, R&B and AC charts back in the summer of '79, when other rivals such as The Commodores and Kool & The Gang were keeping their own pace. The group Mint Condition is a quintet of five men that raises these gorgeous harmonies to the highest of heights, and builds to a crescendo when the wonderful sax solo takes over to a fierce climax. It's clear why this track was an instant classic and this interpretation just solidifies its standing in pop music history.



One of the most treasured and requested songs from Earth, Wind & Fire's vast catalogue is "Reasons." Never released as a single (but it should have been), Soul sensation Musiq Soulchild, who has one of the greatest voices in the business today, renders this track while it soars and takes flight and never comes down to touch the ground. This is truly a masterful performance that ranks as one of the finest "remakes" I've ever heard.



As the saying goes, "Save the best for last," and that's exactly what this album has done, offering nine-time Grammy nominee MeShell Ndegeocello and her rendition of the 1978 classic track "Fantasy." This unique singer enters our ears and fills our hearts with a knockout performance, complete with a spoken introduction, and vocally assumes the song that rendered chills all over my body.



My only complaint is that I wanted to hear more, much more. This group has been around for four decades, and to receive an album with just ten tracks is a tease. My advice is to get this disc and treasure it as I have. After hearing it, falling in love with it won't even be a choice. All we can hope for is a second volume. Until that happens, enjoy this CD, and if you have the hankering to hear more classic Earth, Wind & Fire songs, the solution is simple - just pop in one of their original CD's and live out your own fantasy.

"

'Interpretations' Is FINALLY Released! (4.75 Stars!)

chakasworld | Atlanta, GA United States | 03/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After countless delays, Maurice White finally releases 'Interpretations - Celebrating The Music Of Earth, wind & Fire', and the results are good for the most part. Before I review this CD, it's important to know that Maurice personally chose each of the artists on the CD, and he didn't want them to rehash the old songs with the same old arrangements...He wanted them to INTERPRET the songs in their own way! Hence you get the title 'Interpretations'...NOT REMAKES. So give this CD a chance because NOBODY expects the artists to surpass the classic songs, and they don't, but it is pretty interesting to say the least.



Now for my review! 'Interpretations' starts with a BANG as Chaka Khan (backed by members of Soulive) tears through her reading of 'Shining Star', and with her high octane vocals up front (and in good form), the song turns out to be a serious funkfest (don't sleep on Soulive...they can PLAY!!).



'Be Ever Wonderful' is a STRANGE choice for the 2nd track, and it features Neo-Soul legend Angie Stone, who doesn't give me enough on this reading. She is simply TOO restrained and after hearing the song, I'm left wanting more. Don't get me wrong, Angie sounds good, but the song never fully develops (the original was almost 6 minutes long!) as it fades out with a quickness after only 4 minutes.



'September' is a perfect vehicle for Kirk Franklin, and his reading of the classic is a winner. He updated the lyrics and transformed EWF's classic into a Gospel stompfest.



'Devotion' by Ledisi really shines, and Maurice is to be commended for pairing the singer (no, the SANGER) with this jam. NO, Ledisi doesn't try to be Philip Bailey here, but her extensive range is on full display here. Like the original, I can actually FEEL her rendition, not just hear it!



'Can't Hide Love' was tastefully done by The Randy Watson Experience Feat.Bilal, and I have nothing against this track, but it really pales in comparison to D'Angelo's 1996 version (IMO). I've never paid much attention to Bilal, but I'm feeling this track, which will probably grow on me. The change in tempo halfway through the song was pretty interesting, and it gives the band a chance to stretch out a bit.



'Love's Holiday' by the one & only Lalah Hathaway was tastefully done, and her jazzy vocals are perfect for the song, which begins as a semi-accapella tune. Eventually, the rhythm section joins Lalah, but like Angie Stone, I was left wanting to hear more as the song faded out TOO EARLY!



'That's The Way Of The World' by Dwele is given a Neo-Soul makeover, and I'm really impressed. The driving beat and vocal (also ala D'Angelo) are quite exceptional, and I must applaud Dwele for his updated version of the 1975 anthem.



'After The Love Is Gone' is next, and Mint Condition does it's thing! I am SO happy that Maurice asked Mint to be on the CD because Stokely is such a talented vocalist (& drummer, etc). Mint doesn't really alter the original's arrangement, BUT it is tastefully updated at the same time. This track is a winner.



'Reasons' by Musiq Soulchild is next, and initially, I didn't have high expectations for him to do justice to Philip's classic performance. Well, I was pretty impressed with Musiq's take on 'Reasons' and his falsetto was very sweet, BUT not Bailey Glass Shattering, and he stays true to the original. Even though Musiq didn't inject his own flavor on 'Reasons', I'll say it's a highlight on the CD.



Closing the 10 track CD is 'Fantasy' (IMO, 'Be Ever Wonderful' would be a better CLOSER!!), and the ultra talented MeShell NdegeOcello transforms the classic into something um...different. She takes 'Fantasy' on some weird acid rock trip, and doesn't end the CD on a high note! Whew...



All n' All, 'Interpretations...' is a winner, and I enjoyed the informative linernotes by Maurice White & David Nathan, but where are the cool pictures that Maurice took with each of the artists ?? I also heard that a bonus 'making of Interpretations' DVD was supposed to be included...Hmmm!! Questionable sequencing of songs, and including ONLY 10 tracks on the CD is kind of WEAK when you think about 35+ years of music from EWF!! I must say that it would've been cool to have additional tracks like 'Head To The Sky' by Maysa, 'Wanna Be With You' by Urban Knights, 'Sun Goddess' by Doc Powell, and 'Serpentine Fire' by Brian Culbertson. Oh well, I'll extend my personal copy to include these great 'bonus' tracks, but I'd also recommend 'Interpretations...' to music lovers & fans of EWF alike. It'll do until we get a new CD from the Elements!

Peace, SD

(Chakasworld)



"

A HEARTY SNACK FOR THE EWF HUNGRY (3.5 Stars)

Christopher Williams | Syracuse, NY United States | 04/07/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This album, both victim of my expectations and masseuse of my ears, was not a bad idea overall and gave me enough to smile about to be happy with this purchase. While it's not a new EWF album, it caught my attention with a lineup like Angie Stone, Chaka Khan, Kirk Franklin and other neo-soul powerhouses. I scooped it the day it went on sale, and it continues to have a positive effect on me.



Chaka's "Shining Star" - Chaka combines her energy from Rufus years with the inherent energy of this original EWF classic and, well...do you mind if she smokes? Gotta be one of the strongest performances here. She comes off so Chaka, even in this remake, and absolutely blows the doors off the studio. I'm sayin', when's her next joint comin' out? (10/10)



Angie Stone's "Be Ever Wonderful" - OK, Angie's diggin' into the track. I feel it. It's mellow. Appreciating the updated music. Building up for the ending. What??? It's over? A disappointment only because the song fades out before she gets into the big "Badap Bow" ending. "Be Ever..." being one of my favorite EWF cuts, I felt seriously slighted. (5/10)



Kirk Franklin's "September" - Particularly a big one for me, because I gave my heart to the Lord on September 4th. Full of energy and just as danceable as the original. Thorough representation of the uplifting feel of this classic, but with all-new Christian lyrics. Kirk knows just where to drop those ad libs. Check out Kirk's version of "Keep Your Head To The Sky" on the "Hero" album. (10/10)



Ledisi's "Devotion" - I enjoyed this one. Ledisi is an underrated artist and has the vocal range to pull this off. I must admit, I listened to it tongue-in-cheek with skepticism, holding her accountable for every imperfection as she reached for those Bailey notes. Her performance was definitely high-quality and that "o-pen your heart" add-in section won me over. (9/10)



Bilal/RWE's "Can't Hide Love" - Intrigued by this collaboration and well aware of Bilal's vocal dexterity, I couldn't wait for this one to jump off the disc. Truth be told, Bilal starts off a little weak, perhaps in an effort to sound somewhat subdued, as though he is trying to subtly convey to the woman "You know you want me". But he quickly shakes the dust off onto the instruments, which seemed to achieve the closest dart of sound to the classic EWF bullseye. Bilal's uninhibited freedom of expression on this track actually makes up for the fact that he's not Maurice and the Latin spin down the stretch makes this cut arguably the most worthy entry to this CD. (10/10)



Lalah's "Love's Holiday" - Definitely eye-opening to hear a woman singing in the same key as Maurice. Lalah seems to take notes from the demo version "Would You Mind" (see "All 'N All re-release CD) and starts this remake out with no percussion. Couldn't help but compare this to her "Forever, For Always, For Love" remake of Luther's classic, but Lalah sounds top-notch and the snares do eventually kick in. Still a bit short. (7/10)



Dwele's "That's The Way Of The World" - Dwele chose this song, with HIS low-key singing style? He sure did, but in case you've forgotten, he very slickly produces his own tracks. He successfully turned this larger than life opus into something you can test your new Bose speakers with. While his falsetto achieves a totally different venue of cool, I just can get past the fact that there are no background vocals (ehh...and no Phillip Bailey). (8/10)



Mint Condition's "After The Love Has Gone" - Not too many artists have the vocal clarity that Maurice White has become known for, but Stokley most certainly does. He effortlessly belts out the lyrics with conviction, but the downfall comes from lack of musical originality, or should I say "interpretation" and the background vocalists didn't open their mouths and let the words ring out, which negates some of the power inherent in this cut. I'll probably never prefer another artist's version of this song, but it's a good effort. (8/10)



Musiq's "Reasons" - Wow, Musiq. You dare to take it here??? Not for nothing, while Musiq pulls off the falsetto, of course not equalling Phillip's unforgettable performances (on TTWOTW or Gratitude, take your pick), it doesn't sound like Musiq at all, which is a bit of a problem. Let's say Pharrell one day decides he's going to go diaphragm. How would that affect his singing career? Maybe it's just me. I'm not the biggest Musiq fan anyway, but it's more his Stevie-esque style that gets my attention. (6/10)



Meshell's "Fantasy" - Whew! Wasn't expecting that kind of turn, but apparently I was able to muster enough suburbanite to actually feel this super-rock version of the EWF classic. I was with her all the way up until "As you stand...", because then the track strangely became settled in the music played during the verse, making the notes Meshell sang incompatible and pointless. I'm sorry, but a prerequisite to music I like is that the musicians actually play to the notes being sung. (6/10)



There's no denying the level of talent compiled on this disc, nor their sincerity in their respect, love and understanding of EWF music. I'd be intrigued to see some of these artists do more work with EWF in the future. However, don't purchase this album expecting to be tided over until the next EWF feast. Instead think of it as a hearty snack between meals. Without a doubt, there will never be an equal to the immensely talented and instrumentally endowed prequel to the Wu-Tang Clan that is EWF."