Sly and The Family Stone- "Sly and The Family Stone Greatest Hits"
I thought I'd start off with this one because I have talked alot about my other favorite artists and their albums here. This is one of my all time favorite bands and albums. This album means alot to me because it was one of the first albums that I was introduced to growing up. I have so many fun memories of my father blasting this in the car on summer mornings while he took me to my summer recitals, camps etc. Summertime was always a special period for me growing up because my father exposed me to so many amazing artists while I was little which is why I am so crazy in love with them today.
This album has more meaning for me today because now that I am an adult I have a better understanding of the messages in this album. The lyrics are powerful and have actually helped me in understanding life and the world around me today. It has given me the power to have my own voice and to stand up for my beliefs and injustice. Also, it aided me in seeing how special everyone is in their own way and how we should embrace our uniqueness. I think this album really helped me to become more socially conscious as well as music conscious while I was growing up.
It also was a great introduction to the amazing catalogue of Sly and the Family Stone. Ironically, my favorite song on the album is a added bonus song that can only be found on this greatest hits album, "Hot Fun In The Summetime" its such a funky fun song. Sly's adlibs were very influential on this track because it later influenced alot of other pop singers and funk singers. The production was very creative and artistic. It was suppose to be on a future album but they never got around to making it. "Everybody is a Star" and "Thankyou" are also songs that never made it on any of the albums but were included on this greatest hits album. The ENTIRE production and arrangements was AMAZING, innovative and creative on all the songs. Its crazy knowing that Sly Stone play most of the instruments along with his kick a ss band.
I loved "Everybody Is a Star" because it discusses how everyone is appreciated because everyone has their own individuality that makes the world the way it is. It talks about acceptance and loving who you are.
I loved "Thankyou" as well which is another song that discusses similiar issues but in this song we actually get a chance to thank society for allowing us to be who we are
"Life" love love this song. Very empowering song that encourages you to stay motivated and determine despite the struggles life brings you.
These are a list of some of my favorite tracks but overall I enjoy the entire album. Its really sad to see what happened to O Sly. Maybe he was just too funky for his own good. I think he was a genius! He was such an amazing writer, singer, musician and performer. Its ashame he doesnt own his catalogue and he lives in a trailer in LA. He is so underrated. He deserves some kind of legend or acheivement award. His sound and music made a significant impact on soul/funk and psychedelia.
