Earth, Wind & Fire Album: “The Promise”

Given the many years that have passed since the heyday of EWF, this is one group that I thought would not record together again, much less to do so in such a brilliant fashion.

I am amazed at the manner in which EWF has managed to release a product that is both true to its origins and does not get lost in trying to use all the bells and whistles (i.e guests rappers, Neptune-production, Dianne Warren single) that most artists (new and old) think that they need to resort to in order to sell records.

Maurice White and Philip Bailey have such a chemistry and the music sounds like classic EWF without the repetitive familiarity that sometimes taints oldies but goodies after one hears them over and over again. There are potential singles galore, but what I like is that you can hear it from the beggining to end without ever forgetting that it's EWF, but it still feels new and cohesive. The only "guests" on the CD are The Emotions ("Best Of My Love"), Angie Stone, and Gerald Albright, but they only add to what is EWF and don't serve as pasted on marketing ploys.

Here is to many more years of music from the heart. EWF's message of love and light may seem like new age psychobabble to some, but they've been at it before it became fashionable or went out of fashion. Give this release a try and you might find yourself surprised at how good you feel afterwards.

6 years ago, I was eagerly waiting for Earth, Wind, & Fire to release a new album. Then, I heard that EW&F was going to release a new album called "The Promise". On May 20, 2003, I was excited to rush to the record store and purchase a copy of the new album. Let me just say that "The Promise" is an amazing EW&F album. I haven't heard an album so inspiring and powerful. On this album, EW&F mixes their 1970's heyday sound with today's pop-oriented sounds. "All in the Way" is a lively-pop tune with great percussion work and vocal arrangements. "Betcha" is a more radio-friendly tune. It's a great, mid-tempo ballad with Phillip Bailey singing his smoothest falsetto voice. "Why" is probably my favorite track on here. It's a smooth-drenched ballad with Maurice White singing his most spectacular baritone vocals. The next track is called "Wonderland". It's a neo-soul tune with Angie Stone sharing the microphone with Phillip and Maurice. "Where Do We Go From Here?" is a catchy, smooth jazz tune with a nice vibe in it. "Hold Me" is a mellow and lushy ballad with an infectious groove and hypnotic melody. "Never" is a latin-influenced jam with outstanding horn arrangements. I like that song a lot. "All About Love" is a mid-tempo smooth jam with complex instrumentation. It's a decent track. "Suppose You Like Me" and "Let Me Love You" are a little uninteresting to me, but they have their moments. "She Waits" has great and exciting instrumentation. It also has an infectious bassline. "Dirty" is a hot and funky gem. Overall, "The Promise" is an album that keeps EW&F's legacy going. The two missteps of this album is the interludes and the use of the live horns and percussion instrumentation. The interludes were very spectacular, but they were also uneven and somewhat uninteresting. Another thing I had a problem with was the use of electronic instruments, especially the drum machine, on some of the tracks. They could've used more live instruments, but that is alright. "The Promise" is a knockout record that proves EW&F is still going strong. Maurice keep the legacy going. Hopefully, the next record would be better. A-

LET THE SPIRIT MOVE YOU! I have got to be the biggest EWF fan on the planet, and the last few CDs were not the best EWF could do. Well, this one is amazing, moving, and well - what can you say about the best band that ever was? - still grooving, moving, creating the most incredible music ever made. Suppose You Like Me, tucked back at #12 is the most beautiful song I ever heard. They are still SUPREME, MATCHLESS and doing what many have attempted to imitate. Maurice is still as full of love as he ever was, which goes to show true talent and blessings are timeless. Thanks for this fantastic compilation - and God bless EWF for sharing their limitless gift of music. Kisses - TLC

This is such a great cd, I just can't get enough at listening to all the songs. This album was well worth the wait. Hats off to Reese, Phil, Dino, "Avatar" Ralph & all other creative talents for contributing outstanding performance/production/songwriting and arranging. These are very talented cats (as they would call themselves back in the 70s)! Earth, Wind & Fire's newest set sounds distinctly unique (not a departure) from their classic albums... a more mid-tempo, smoother R&B jazz-funk sound combined with other flavors of musical elements. Maurice White's production are skillfully masterful! You will hear simple melodies, more keyboards, harmonic vocals, and funky guitar licks. I love "All In The Way"! Maurice's trademark kalimba sound is back! Greg Curtis is one of the great new songwriters for EW&F... we should hear more of his songs on their next album. "Betcha" is one of Philip Bailey's best new performances. I betcha that "Betcha" will be one of EW&F's biggest hits on the airwaves. As well as "Let Me Love You", "Never", "Why?", "Wonderland" and "Where Do We Go From Here" written by Bill Meyers & Ross Vannelli. This is an excellent previously unreleased tune from the 1978 "I AM" sessions. Be sure to also check out another great little ditty called "Dirty"... it's also unreleased from "I AM".

I'm just very disappointed at my local R&B radio station V103 WVAZ, 102.7 FM in Chicago for completely ignoring EW&F! "The Promise" is not getting heavy airplay! What's up with that?? These are one of R&B's greatest touring and longest-lasting musical legends!

I am so excited about this cd. If you are a true earth wind and fire fan then you will notice the growth and maturity. Im not a fan of the interludes, they are somewhat distracting, but the majority of the album does not disappoint. My favorites that I find myself listening and singing aloud the most are Betcha,She waits and the powerful three w's, Why,Wonderland and Where do we go from here. I am also excited that they are touring again this year with Chicago. I will be going. This shows their diversity in terms of musical styles. I challenge everyone to listen and pass the information on because this is a gem.