The Need of Love

Fusing a daring range of styles including funk, soul, and John Coltrane-inspired free jazz, Earth, Wind & Fire’s sophomore effort is fearlessly experimental. On the nearly 10-minute opener, “Energy,” a groove-oriented funk arrangement opens up into a freeform, kaleidoscopic jam. The mind-bending riffs and positive-minded lyrics of tracks like "Beauty" and "Everything Is Everything" have the uplift of early Sly Stone. With its spaced-out vibe and infectious hooks, this may be our favourite EWF record for late nights and hazy mornings.