Earth Wind And Fire

Powerlight

What's heard when you light a candle after the lights go out

Review Score:

(8/10)
The first time I heard this album was when I was about the age of 4, so i'll try not to let my nostolgia skew my review too much. I get the idea that to some fans and critics, this album may not be considered so much of a classic...but it certainly is my personal favorite...and for the exception of that last minute of the track "Miracles" it's nearly flawless.

I think this album may sound a bit dated to some, due to the production work, it doesn't have the "timeless" feel on many of EWF's earlier releases...but there is something unique about "Powerlight' and that is the consistency of the rhythm along with the uplifing/light in the dark/glowing theme...almost a bit visual.

In my mind the sound of "Powerlight" is EWF catching up or reacting to the cold, electronic sound of the early eighties...but they create it such a subtle way, without losing the soul and their roots. A few of the uptempo tracks (Fall In Love With Me, Spread Your Love, Hearts To Heart) despite the synthesizers, (and I believe a drum machine was used) have big productions in the typical EWF style, but a little different this time...I can only describe it as sounding a bit more like Quincy Jones meets Juan Atkins, or Herbie Hancock.

Unfortunetly, the next release of the same year (Electric Universe) went further into the fads and trends of '82, '83...which saw Maurice White losing his steam...the EWF's lineup changed, which may have effected the focus later on...but i feel "Powerlight" doesn't in (any way) show that...to me this was their last great consistant album, and pretty much marks a line between the old EWF and what came after...ironically, kinda reminds me of what happened with Prince in the late 1980s after the release of "Lovesexy", before his lineup changed again...but that album ended up being one of his best recordings ever.

The standout tracks are the catchy but complex "Fall In Love With Me", the midtempo "Side By Side", and your good 'ol EWF ballad "Miracles"...My guilty pleasure is "Hearts to Heart" I love hearing the 2 choruses go back and fourth organic-like, it closes the album in the most perfect way.

I wouldn't reccomend "Powerlight" for anyone who may wanna make this their first EWF purchase, although it wouldn't be a bad start...but I think this album would sit better with the people who are already fans of EWF...there are some strange moments...but nothing that ruins it.

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