LP Review: There's A Riot Goin' On
Previous LP: Stand! (A-)
Next LP: Fresh (A)
Released: 1971
LP Charts: #1 R&B (2 weeks), #1 pop (2 weeks)
Goodbye to that ‘60s optimism, hello ‘70s malaise!
After the supremely successful, multi-platinum Stand! (A-), Sly & the Family Stone took a nearly two-year break before their next full album. In the meantime, they put out a multi-platinum greatest hits album that featured three new songs.
ALL OF WHICH ARE AMAZING!
“Hot Fun in the Summertime”: a nostalgic, feel-good summer BBQ anthem. Bubblegum pop music at its finest that hit #2 R&B and #3 pop late in 1969.
A 10/10.“Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”: released in early 1970 this was a #1 R&B and #1 pop smash that essentially laid the groundwork for electrified funk as the Family Stone established yet another subgenre. In particular, Larry Graham’s slap funk bass was revolutionary. It also had a far more aggressive tone as Sly Stone sings about subduing a bully, presumably the police.
A 9/10 for me since it does drag on a bit too long.“Everybody Is A Star”: was the b-side of “Thank You” and was anything but aggressive. A mellow masterpiece and one last gasp of ‘60s optimism. However it’s so somber, I get the feeling that the band knows that what they’re singing is true—everybody is indeed a star and special—but that society’s power structure wasn’t gonna let that truth shine through anytime soon. A dispiriting 10/10.
After those three songs left their pop music impact, Sly Stone delved deeper into a cocaine addiction that left him practically bedridden. Seriously, the dude recorded most of his vocals for There’s A Riot Goin’ On from bed. Indeed, this whole LP sounds is a drugged out trip, but instead of LSD and other psychedelics, we got the lazy, muddy stoned sound of coke.
This album also had prominent use of drum machines, a first for R&B, soul, and funk. Yes, another breakthrough for this band. Live drummer Greg Errico still got to shine on several songs, though.
I would try to explain the sound of this album further, but this video from YouTube (I know famous last words) does a great job, so why re-invent the wheel? Give it a watch!
Okay. Done watching? Great!
With Sly Stone assuming ever greater control over the band, it’s unsurprising that the big hit single— “Family Affair” (#1 R&B, #1 pop)— featured only two members of the Family Stone: Sly and his sister Rose. The other two players on the track are Bobby Womack on guitar and Billy Preston on keyboards. I think this was also the first #1 song to feature a drum machine.
Anyhoo, this album is chock full of great songs that sound similar but not the same. They all have their own little twists that provide distinctive hooks.
“Runnin’ Away” has a great trumpet solo from Cynthia Robinson. “Spaced Cowboy” has yoddling. “Just Like A Baby” has some moaning like a (surprise) baby. “Poet” is pure sludge funk and I love it.
The only two tracks here that aren’t amazing are still very good. That’ll be “Africa Talks to You "The Asphalt Jungle"” and “Thank You for Talkin' to Me Africa”. The former is nearly nine minutes long, while the latter is essentially a remake of “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” that is slowed down and dragged out to just over seven minutes. At least it shows you a direct difference between pre-cocaine addled Sly Stone and post-cocaine addled Sly Stone.
ALBUM GRADE: A+
Nothing sounded like this album before, its impact was immense, and its sells platinum. And with that Sly & the Family Stone basically held serve and did There’s A Riot Goin’ On: More Riotin’ Goin’ On with their next album. As you’ll see when I send out that review, I ain’t complainin’.
Song Scores
Luv N’ Haight: 9/10
Just Like A Baby: 8/10
Poet: 10/10
Family Affair: 10/10
Africa Talks to You "The Asphalt Jungle": 7.5/10
Brave & Strong: 9/10
(You Caught Me) Smilin': 8/10
Time: 8/10
Spaced Cowboy: 9/10
Runnin’ Away: 9/10
Thank You for Talkin' to Me Africa: 7/10