Sly & the Family Stone 67-74 albums ranked
I don’t think anyone really bothers with the post Small Talk ones, so I never did. Whelp RIP Sly anyways |
| 7 |  | Sly and The Family Stone
Dance To The Music
The band hated the title track because it was so basic and while I’m don’t feel as strongly, it’s not exactly a highlight. It especially didn’t need a damn 12 minute medley version either.
Fave song: “Higher”
Worst: “Dance to the Medley”
3.5/5 |
| 6 |  | Sly and The Family Stone
Small Talk
This is very much a “the cracks are showing” kinda album. But honestly when it’s good it’s as amazing as the other. Lush strings galore.
Fave song: “Can’t Strain My Brain”
Worst: “Livin’ While I’m Livin’”
3.5/5 |
| 5 |  | Sly and The Family Stone
Life
Oddly forgettable, but in a way where rediscovering it is a huge treat. Possibly a transition album that hints of what’s to come. There’s nothing unique about this in the discography, but also not much wrong either.
Fave song: “Plastic Jim”
Worst: “Love City”
4/5 |
| 4 |  | Sly and The Family Stone
A Whole New Thing
I don’t get why this is sometimes seen as a rough beginning. It might be their most overtly psychedelic? Or at least the weirdest. It’s really adventurous to say the least.
Fave song: “Advice”
Worst: “I Cannot Make It”
4/5 |
| 3 |  | Sly and The Family Stone
Fresh
Dark production snd beautiful harmonies abound. Their might be their most sonically captivating album even if the 2 albums before it are more interesting melody wise.
Fave song: “If You Want Me to Stay”
Worst: “Que Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)”
4/5 |
| 2 |  | Sly and The Family Stone
Stand!
If they replaced “Sex Machine” with the 3 best of non-album originals, this could potentially be a 5. It’s such a “this is what the 60s is really about” kind of album in so many great ways. “Everyday People” and “Thank You” were monolithic #1s. Even though the latter didn’t make the album somehow…
Fave song: “Somebody’s Watching You”
Worst: “Sex Machine”
4.5/5 |
| 1 |  | Sly and The Family Stone
There's A Riot Goin' On
I mean this has the sonic interest of Fresh and the lyrical strength of Stand! and my favorite song by them period. No controversy here. Yeah it’s their best. “Family Affair” might even be the best song to EVER hit #1 in the US. The “worst” song on here is good, so don’t get too harsh about that.
Fave song: “Family Affair”
Worst: “Poet”
5/5 |
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