First Analysis of Earth, Wind & Fire during September! This is NOT the 5th Element!

This is my first time diving deep into Earth, Wind and Fire's sound. I have heard them in passing, but never truly actively listened to their work. And what better month to analyze "September" than in September!
Join professional opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff, as she analyzes Earth, Wind & Fire for the first time, performing "September".
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Performed by Earth, Wind & Fire // Written by Aly McKay, Maurice White and Alee Willis
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I definitely recommend watching the original video without interruptions. Here's the link: • Earth, Wind & Fire - S...
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Elizabeth Zharoff is an international opera singer and voice coach, with 3 degrees in voice, opera, and music production. She's performed in 18 languages throughout major venues in Europe, America, and Asia. Currently based somewhere between Los Angeles and Tucson, Arizona, Elizabeth spends her days researching voice, singing, teaching, writing music, and recording TONS. She also plays Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons.
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We have a sister channel: THE SINGING HOLE. Join us there to examine how ordinary creatures create extraordinary sounds. / @thesinginghole
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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
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#earthwindandfire #Reaction #TheCharismaticVoice
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[@TheCharismaticVoice]

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[@MrRabiddogg]

You might want to see if you can get a hold of James Hetfeld. Given everything he's been through with his voice, maybe he'd be willing to help?

[@JaguArchery]

Earth Wind & Fire Reasons

[@JaguArchery]

Your welcome

[@svipul2582]

Please react to Starset - Love you to death!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@robertboender5816]

If you want Philip Bailey separate you have to try The Chinese Wall

[@Kim-hc5si]

Philip Bailey’s falsetto is a gift to humanity. It makes me so happy. 😊

[@chriswhite5571]

He can still hit those notes live. I've seen them three times in the last 5-ish years, including opening for Lionel Ritchie this summer.

[@redhennradio]

lol. When PB dueted Easy Lover with PC in the 80s, as a kid, I had no clue who PB was.

[@redhennradio]

5:13-yup. Got the shivers in me timbers

[@markvanderstelt8999]

thanks

[@Davez621]

He was great with Phil Collins

[@L.A.Tex_Norway]

Earth, Wind & Fire ALWAYS makes me wanna dance my ass off, and just makes me smile and be happy.

[@adrian7132]

Yes I should sue them for the loss of my own ass (danced off as you say) circa 1979 :)

[@BudhagRizzo]

@@adrian7132 😁😆

[@fistovuzi]

i find it astonishing when reactors don't move their body when they first hear September. i've heard it hundreds of times, some part of my body will move to the beat, EVERY TIME. my head and hand start as soon as she unpauses. it's involuntary.

[@HiFiListener]

@TheCharismaticVoice Yes, you're right, Phil Bailey does the falsetto. Not only at Earth, Wind and Fire but also on solo recordings and the duet with Phil Collins "Easy Lover".

[@jhouck1969]

Phil also made extensive use of The Phenix Horns, which is why so many of his songs had this same horn sound.

[@melll1972]

I came here to suggest Philip Bailey’s duet with Phil Collins.

[@e.h.buchmann23]

+1 for Easy Lover ♥

[@noracola5285]

+ 2 for Easy Lover!!

[@Carnduffmc15]

@@melll1972 would you go "Easy lover" or "Chinese Wall" for the vocals? I am leaning to Chinese Wall. Great Idea thoug as it get's Elisabeth into some Phill Collins collaboration content too.

[@frankford1115]

One of the greatest bands ever. Whatever genre you like, any age, you put this on and you just feel happy.

[@andrewtongue7084]

Just so, Frank...you cannot help being uplifted by their music; in effect, it is timeless.....only their videos belie that fact...

[@nigelclinning2448]

I can feel the tears pricking my eyes as I’m overwhelmed by memories of first love, a teenage romance, dancing to this with the most beautiful girl in world.

[@mguerramd]

Music, and smells, are incredibly evocative of memories and feelings. God’s design is incomprehensible!❤

[@hubertchildress3192]

❤😊

[@Cadinho93]

How can anybody hear this and not just feel good? Also, "September" was released in 1978 and is now almost 50 years old. Earth, Wind & Fire is considered one of the greatest musical groups of all time and have so many timeless songs.

[@NecramoniumVideo]

Ironically, the album and single was released in November of 1978.

[@DianaBell_MG]

@@NecramoniumVideo I was also "released" in November of 1978, so people can quit saying it's almost 50 would be really nice....

[@IgnisConsumens]

I don't think it's particularly ironic that the song was released in November, because the verse is asking whether the listener, by now ensconced in late autumn or early winter, could remember the 21st night of September.

[@GroinStrain_]

The happiest and danciest song ever. Nobody can hear this and not move and smile. What a tune. A perfect pop disco dance song, one of the best ever produced

[@bwcbiz]

Well, top 5 happiest, anyway. Among others, "I'm Walking on Sunshine" is up there, along with "Rock Lobster".

[@timthefosterdad]

@@bwcbiz add Mr Blue Sky

[@GroinStrain_]

@@bwcbiz and Love Shack😅has no right being that damn catchy

[@MobiusBandwidth]

and when Phillip saw the lyrics, he frankly has his doubts that this track was going to really work! XD

[@setharroyo7]

Hard to choose between this or boogie wonderland as their danciest song.

[@korrainomad365]

No matter what I'm doing, where I am or how I'm feeling, this is one of the few songs that just explodes with joy and makes me giddy ☺️

[@richardchocolas8800]

I've seen Earth, Wind & Fire twice in concert with Chicago and it was one of the best shows ever. Also, if you aren't in a great mood after listening to them, you just aren't a happy person

[@Monster-x7c]

I agree. ❤

[@kevinj.oconner788]

Although I won't go see them now. Earth, Wind & Fire without Maurice White just isn't Earth, Wind & Fire for me.

[@richardchocolas8800]

@kevinj.oconner788 very true. R.I.P Maurice White

[@markvanderstelt8999]

i remember seeing you at both shows what one did you like the most

[@paulrobuck8249]

Just saw them at PNC arts center in NJ with Chaigo still amazing if you can see them play together go .

[@treehuggingbuddhist]

I’m happy you now know the joy that Earth, Wind & Fire brought to my life back in the day! ❤ 🌍 🌬️ 🔥

[@karstenewald5324]

This is a prime example of why us old-timers (60 years young here) consider this era of music, The Best Music EVER. Your enthusiasm is contagious Elizabeth!

[@h.albertmayorga5522]

It is quite simply, musicianship, like listening to Chuck Mangione

[@brianhayes7153]

I’m with you! Back in 82 I ordered my first EWF album from some club selling albums at school. Kids gave me grief for ordering it, until they heard it!

[@hubertchildress3192]

I really enjoy watching her reaction they seem so real and unencumbered 😂😂 she crackes me up .😂😂😂

[@alexpompu4634]

So many great tracks! Shining Star, Let's Groove, Boogie Wonderland, Sing A Song, After The Love Has Gone

[@4knuckle]

Adding my +! for Boogie Wonderland. Elizabeth, you haven't lived till you've heard Earth, Wind and Fire with The Emotions! Talk about feel good vibes! Heaven!

[@lollylula6399]

+ Fantasy

[@desttu9531]

So many great tracks! Don't forget Reasons

[@BillWalker3rd]

LOTS & LOTS!!! ❤

[@hubertchildress3192]

Yes indeed she don't know yet only heard this song.🎉

[@richeardley127]

"September" is one of the great anthems of the 1970's.. Being a teenager in that decade, we all danced and sang along to this song no matter what genre was our favorite. Interesting note, in 2015 Earth, Wind and Fire toured with Chicago (another big pop band with lots of brass that you have analyzed) and they opened the show with both bands on stage together (~14 or so musicians) singing each other's hits. Awesome. I had hoped that you would get to this song someday and now the day is here. Thank You.

[@grepora]

While I was watching this video, I was thinking they sound like a funky version of Chicago.

[@mrcryptozoic817]

They were so so so close to Chicago.

[@danbardos3498]

Wow, that's awesome!

[@kentandersonrocks]

One thing that makes this song feel so "free" is that it never really resolves to the root chord (A). That leaves it feeling open and free-floating. So much smart composition, great musicianship, and stellar singing in this and most EW&F. Amazing!

[@davelegg1490]

When my son chose the sax for band in elementary school, he was struggling with controlling all of the keys. I showed him this video so he can understand what the struggle was for, and why it was worth it. Once he saw what could be done with a great horn section, he was so much more excited to learn the sax. Of course, I also showed him "Baker Street" by Gerry Rafferty. Both are iconic.

[@kinexkid]

We just had a wedding at my property yesterday for my sisters childhood friend. They chose that date because it was also the bride's mothers birthday, but the first song they played after the reception was this song! They also walked out to a harry potter song, walked back in to the star wars imperial march, and had an old swing/fallout music playlist going during most of it all. It was amazing!

[@cwes6404]

That whas a great day.

[@widexawake_]

My Birthday is the 21st of September and this song is the alarm I use to wake me up. It's a certified classic, personal biases excluded.

[@auntiegravity7713]

As a GenXer who adores a good dark song, I have to say that Earth Wind and Fire, and this song in particular, makes me simply HAPPY. I'm discovering that it's not simply because of nostalgia.. there's something else going on here. It's becoming a yearly ritual to listen to and acknowledge this song. You just made me love this song even more by breaking it down. Ba dee ya dee yaa dee ya.. YEAH! ( I can't resist suggesting Easy Lover with Phil and Phil (Collins and Bailey) next.. it would be such a fun video to analyze!)

[@noracola5285]

Yes, for us it's that early childhood kind of happiness that can't be replicated, even with nostalgia for the glory days of our youth in the 80s and early 90s

[@gailbreslin5441]

Yes! September Reasons and Fantasy are my favorite songs by Earth Wind and Fire. Fantastic analyses. Thank You so much for doing this. You Rock!

[@Topgunphoto]

their greatest hits is a banger, on top of your list, That's the Way of the World, Can't Hide Love, Get you into my Life, Sing a Song, Let's Groove, Boogie Wonderland. So much happiness listening to this album!

[@gailbreslin5441]

@@Topgunphoto Agreed!

[@gryffydd42]

Phillip Bailey teamed up with Phil Collins (another artist you’ve delved into) for a few songs. Their biggest hit was called Easy Lover. Thank you for this dive into Earth Wind & Fire. It’s great to gain awareness of subtleties that we may miss in casually listening to songs, and helps make us more sensitive to those as we learn more. ❤️

[@dennisfriden]

A couple of years ago I started playing this song every friday afternoon on my commute home from work. Always puts me in the best mood. Seeing Elizabeth analyse it and just smiling away throughout the entire song totally made my Monday as well.

[@HiFiListener]

Oooh, I feel thrown back in time, listening to my portable radio when I was a kid. I always felt good, hearing such beautiful music, back in that days. ❤❤ 🎶

[@Carjamrac]

“Fantasy” is amazing, please do a deep dive into this Earth, Wind and Fire hit song.

[@ruthlafler5622]

Fantasy has been one of my favorite songs for almost 50 years!

[@LAnimeMaster]

Yes! So happy to see you doing Earth, Wind and Fire. I hope you do more songs from them like the live version of Reasons, Yearnin' Learnin', and Sing A Song. And more soul R&B music in general for that matter.

[@patturk7408]

1978, Jr High science class, my science teacher walks in with EW&F Greatest Hits, breaks out the LP and we proceeded to hear an hour's worth of that album.

[@danbardos3498]

Music is a science so let us study this phenomenon!

[@craigabrown1]

Earth, Wind and Fire are my go-to for those down days. . . . just so full of life in their sound

[@charlescallen460]

I’ve seen dozens upon dozens of your reactions and this is one of my favorites. You’re so genuine in your reaction and enjoyment of music and it’s contagious for certain. I hope you never stop publicly sharing your expertise and adoration of music! 🙂💯

[@peb2398]

When you're feeling down, Earth, Wind, and Fire's Greatest Hits will always lift your spirits.

[@nohandle54]

Someone once asked Maurice White what "Ba dee ah" meant - and he said "who cares - never let a lyric get in the way of the groove"

[@clcortelyou]

Yeah! The songwriter, Allee Willis, who died just before Christmas in 2019. NPR did an interview with her about this song and included that quote from Maurice White.

[@rickemmet1104]

@@clcortelyou She said that it was a huge lesson for her - she thought that wouldn't work at all!

[@rickdeckard6294]

So glad you are hearing Earth Wind and Fire. They’re such a great band. I love both singers but Philip Bailey is a special talent. His duet with Phil Collins on Easy Lover would be a very fun song to analyze in the near future.

[@noracola5285]

Another vote for Easy Lover!!

[@monicadunlap3778]

As a child of the 1970's, I heard this band growing up. Wonderful! This was real dance music.

[@bonniebernido8510]

I loved this one for personal reasons. My dad was a huge funk fan, especially earth wind and fire, and tower of power. You brought back so many warm memories of listening to this with him

[@murrayspiffy2815]

Perfection is a rare thing. In my 65 years of living - *_September_* - is the most perfect song I'm aware of. It is universally loved.

[@johnwollenbecker1500]

As a brass player that grew up in the 70s, this was one of the bands we strove to play like.

[@grav8e]

This song hits me hard. My daughter and I used to dance to this when she was a toddler. Now she is in college and I just sent her the link to this and I'm basically half in tears because I am really feeling it right now. Thanks for doing this video. I'm grateful that I can share your videos with her based on this connection.

[@davemcsorley]

Elizabeth - So glad you have discovered this iconic band! You can't help but love them - please do more!

[@seancarletonzero]

Appreciate you reacting to and breaking down beloved classics.

[@t.dillon5680]

EW&F have been on my "happy music" playlist for decades!! Make cocktails, invite friends & have a summer dance party on the patio. The horns, the harmonies...EW&F are all killer, no filler.

[@Robert_Herring]

My Earth, Wind and Fire memory is from about a little over a decade ago. Our municipality had a music festival, and the brass band I play in were the opener for Earth Wind and Fire. The horn section stood offstage during our performance, then we had a great conversation after our set. Great guys

[@willfromyadkinville]

i don't think i will ever get tired of your music reactions! thank you!

[@zaphodjuniorjr7292]

Need a bingo game for all the different reactions (60 in total, 5 categories: I am still working on the game).

[@markvanderstelt8999]

wow thanks

[@andrewsiff]

The greatest show band of all time! I was fortunate to see them 4 times during the 70’s. Tremendous talent.

[@jenfries6417]

"September" is one of the happiest songs ever recorded. I love it so much. Thanks for this deep dive. This is definitely on my happy playlist, along with Pharrell's "Happy," Allman Brothers "Jessica" and anything by Sergio Mendes and Santana.

[@chrisoakley5830]

Earth Wind and Fire introduced Soul music to all of us rockers back in the 70s and we loved it!

[@magicbrownie1357]

This has been on my happy play list for a very, very long time.

[@tobys4197]

I'm happy that you posted this. My mother passsed away last year and this song is her birthday!

[@Justicefordadmom]

❤❤❤ THE PHOENIX HORNS WERE THEIR SECRET WEAPON ALONG SIDE THEIR VOCAL PROWESS.❤❤❤

[@sgtdevildogdavethesilentwars]

Great choice Elizabeth. Earth, Wind, & Fire... Funk-a-Disco. I was 8, 9, 10 yrs. old and my mom would have their music in heavy rotation in the house. It was about the same time that this genre of music became more popularized with a wider demographic of people in the USA. In the late 70's the films Saturday Night Fever, and reboot of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band led by The Bee Gees, Frampton, & E, W, & F and heavy radio play on Top 40 radio led to the disco-funk explosion. I was already digging into AC/DC, Kiss, and Rush at the time. I am grateful for the wide variety of music my parents listened to when I was young. I have the same "open" ear they had. Thank you for your effort, excellence, & enthusiasm. Side Note: it would be fun to watch a musical film such as Spinal Tap, Sgt. Peppers, Rock of Ages with you and the Charismatics. Like an extended play - drinks, snacks, laughs.

[@sidewaysoul]

Nice to finally see a little color on the channel, and particularly something from the funk/disco realm.

[@jamesleasure8836]

I'm glad you noticed it speeding up. I've always noticed that and liked how it energizes the song. They do that in a couple spots. Brilliant in its subtlety.

[@Metalrogue]

So many of the great 70s bands were just pure vibes. Being born in the early 60s, I was old enough to really appreciate the vibe. So much happiness.

[@jsshuntr1257]

Yes, Elizabeth you finally reviewed EWF in September! Good timing. This song is definitely a happy song along with Mr Sunshine, Saturday in the park for the month of September.

[@07scsu]

Elizabeth, thanks for making me smile and feel better after a very stressful weekend 🤗 I always enjoy your educational, insightful and always entertaining content!

[@kevinL5425]

Back in 2005 “The Today Show” had a concert series. One of the shows, which you can find on KZbin, was Earth Wind and Fire with the band Chicago. What a horn section! Definitely worth a listen.

[@martymiller9802]

I can’t tell you how pleased I am that you are diving into EWF! You’ll love it.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

thanks

[@CabinFever52]

We had two amazing marching band directors in high school and whenever a new E,W, & F song would come out, they would make an amazing arrangement for us with an equally amazing field routine. This band has remained one of my all-time favorites---to this day (Thank-you Mr. Hall and Mr. Brown).

[@donaldpruitt6787]

You have to listen to Fantasy a killer piece and Philip Bailey's range is unreal His falseto head/voice is like a trumpet at the e in d when he improvises on the out take ... song structure amazing a must listen a song to hear for a life time ...this group was awesome live as well Fantasy is a masterpiece 👍👍👍👍♥️☮️

[@observer127]

You got it correct Elizabeth about who is low and high voices. Philip Bailey had released solo albums, including one that featured Phil Collins - "Easy Lover".

[@DuranDuran31]

I've been working at sunset sound since 1987 Earth wind & fire has done a few albums there. Verdine is a good friend of mine. And a sweetheart of a man. Enjoy

[@beadybaby]

Philip and Phil (Collins) “easy lover” great song and video!

[@noracola5285]

👆💯💯💯

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

Great reaction and analysis of this great track, Elizabeth. This was released (in the U.K.) in September 1978 on promotion white label, I know this as I was DJing at the time, it's official release was later in the U.S.A. in November. You're right about the singers, the lower voice being Maurice White and Phil Bailey with higher voice in Yellow in the front row. This was a massive hit from them this year, their track "Fantasy" was another big hit for them released January the same year in the U.K. and a month later in the U.S.A. for some reason they tended to release their singles earlier in the U.K. than the U.S.A.

[@THEkiloniner]

I was so happy when I saw that this song is today’s deep dive. My first thought was, “Oh, Elizabeth is going to _love_ this.”

[@chetsmith2593]

to hear Phillip Bailey's beautiful falsetto, "Reasons" allows you hear the incredible range. So amazing! I haven't heard anyone else ever get as high as him.

[@jorgerpena]

LOVE Earth, Wind & Fire! Thank you!!

[@rnelson1415]

Earth Wind & Fire is no small part of the soft spot for brass that I've carried from middle school band class into my late 30's. I love this shit, and it's why I so adored Silk Sonic with that throwback energy in the 2020's.

[@jagfan1de]

EW&F performed 3 songs during last year's The Voice final, including September as the last one. It was simply the perfect energy, everybody, all ages, was dancing. 🥰

[@clcortelyou]

Married eleven years ago on 9/21/13. This was the DJ’s first pick after our first dance, two dances for parents, and “Old Time Rock and Roll” because my father in law is a huge Bob Seger fan.

[@joedella-mattia2234]

Oh I can’t wait!!!! Elizabeth, I would love if you checked out Lighthouse outta Canada. Sunny Days , One Fine Morning, Pretty Lady. Often called the Chicago of Canada. Amazing horns and vocals. You will not be disappointed!!❤❤❤🇨🇦

[@KenRoerden]

Great tunes. One Fine Morning is my favorite. The album version is important to listen to over the single, but there may be a live version out there somewhere that is even better.

[@yoda9188]

One of the best upbeat bands of all time

[@sandman_says_runrunner4701]

EWaF has always, always put me in a good mood. Even when I am low or depressed they lift the spirit!!

[@CorpseBride64]

I love them, and still listen to them all Summer long!!

[@Trucker_Dashcam]

Funny this popped up... just watched a video of a parakeet whistling 'September' on the toob, it was awesome.

[@wrathfultick]

This is a wonderful song, really takes me back - thanks for digging into this one! Over the weekend I was looking through your videos to check if you had ever listened to any songs by The Cars and I couldn't find any. I've never made a recommendation before, but I thought I'd suggest starting with "Just What I Needed", which is just about one of the most perfect pop songs I've ever heard.

[@MrNeatoMiniStock13]

"September" by Earth Wind and Fire is at the top of my favorite songs by them. Just a simple and fun song, very upbeat and great harmonies. I can still remember hearing it on the radio as a teen in the late 1970's and have always loved the song. There are certain songs you feel like cranking up on your car stereo, this is one I would crank it up.

[@donnamcmanus7360]

I work at a big boxstore and this song and Don't Stop till You Get Enough by Michael Jackson are the only two songs over the years that gets the most people singing and dancing as they work and shop. There's just that sence of joyfulness that hits you.😊

[@tiernanfoss]

Saw them in 1976. Best memory of a live show I have. Absolutely epic and inspiring!

[@markvanderstelt8999]

remember seeing there what a Night

[@dave30076]

Elizabeth's mention of "soul disco" makes me thing that is a good description of 70's funk.

[@berglopen]

You nailed the confidence insight. Your genuine enthusiasm is refreshing--it must be fun to find so much "new" music. Still amazes me--but watching you having fun is so cool.

[@KitiRama]

I'm certain this will be on Elizabeth's happy playlist. Maybe Shining Star and Let's Groove will also make it onto that list. September has been on my happy playlist for the last 44 years.

[@notanotherenigma7759]

This takes me back to a dance I use to go to on Saturday nights when I was 17 or so. It was run by a church, but was still great fun. I had a girlfriend at the time (she passed away about 6-7 years back) who loved to dance, and this sort of music. If you watch the video for Boogie Wonderland, she use to dance like the woman in that video. This was back in 1978-9. So long ago, but the memories remain.

[@doplinger1]

They also perform what is arguably the best cover of a Beatles song ever - “Got to Get You Into My Life”. It would be fun for you to do a breakdown, listening to bother the original and the EW&F version!

[@mikewatts1533]

That is the wonderful thing about this band. It is, like you said, a joyous interlude into life.

[@monsterhouseenjoyer]

Through the Dark - The sundays harriet wheelers voice is absolutely amazing

[@chuck1370]

One of my favorite songs ❤

[@jimwilson7528]

They came out with a Christmas album. Pre-covid and re-recorded September so it said December! They were the first to use fog, smoke, and lasers in their concerts. Besides the amazing uplifting songs, you got the most bang for your buck for total entertainment when you saw Earth, wind and fire in the '70s and '80s. They have a live version of September, on the live from Japan album. It's so amazing how the audience responds. Ps: You get some yeeoows in a couple of their ballads, as well!

[@petersage5157]

That high note at the beginning is a great example of an inverted pedal point ostinato, which are two of my favorite music tropes. Oh, and the phrase anticipations are anacruses, another great music trope dating back to before the common practice period. The pacing here keeps the listener engaged and seems to relate to a possibly apocryphal origin of the phrase "rock and roll."

[@carolemurray4532]

I am so happy listening to Earth, Wind and Fire singing September. It is such a happy song sung with enthusiasm and joy. Your reaction in priceless!

[@skakangi]

Oh wow, I never thought you’d react to this song. This song brings back some of the best memories I have as a child in the 70’s. I’ve always loved Phillip Bailey’s voice. Thank you so much for doing this reaction. 😊

[@AVGuyhall]

EWF's catalog is full of fun, upbeat and inspiring music that won't let you sit still. I saw the current lineup a couple of years ago. They sure can get a bunch of Boomers out of their seats and dancing. Go see them if you have the chance. Thanks, Elizabeth, for giving them a listen.

[@johngaunce]

Iconic song! So good!

[@neseirf70]

This is my daughter's song, born on September 21st! 🥰😁 Also I seem to recall Maurice during in an interview saying sometimes the song is sun with 'Do you remember the love that we shared in December which brought us our joy in September' or something very near to that. I find that very fitting as well! Love your analysis as always, wish I could make more lives but thank you!

[@gtjacobs]

This is one of the purest distillations of happiness in song form that has ever been committed to wax. Your reaction is delightful; thank you as always for sharing

[@rickemmet1104]

Okay, let's go Elizabeth! I have never heard anyone (any critic) say they loved Maurice's voice - I thought the guy was outstanding. One of the first things you mentioned was that Maurice is bridging two measures with a phrase, this is an example of syncopation (sort of) which is central to Funk. Remember, Maurice played drums for years in the studio and on the road - he played drums, notably, for Ramsey Lewis. And his background, professionally, was primarily in Jazz. And Philip Bailey can sing like nobody else on the planet. I always felt that Maurice was enhancing and extending the emotional content of any passage he sang. And when you speak of "confidence," what's happening is that the vocalist is FEELING IT - the music has to flow through you. Obviously, you have to have the chops, but all the people in EW&F were as good as they come. BTW, I love your excitement in taking a deep dive into the song, now you know how all of us felt when "Way Of The World" was released. The music on that album (the first I heard from EW&F) was at once super romantic, extremely lush, incredibly infectious and impossible not to dance to. I had been listening to Progressive Rock since Buffalo Springfield's first album, but with EW&F, it was as if music had just been invented.

[@toecutter3100]

What a choice! My all-time-number 1- through-50+ years-band. You can take each song, most of them are masterpieces. And their gigs (i met EWF 17 times) were celebrations, if they played a big venue like Eissporthalle in Berlin or tiny open air at Hamburg Stadtpark, i loved each and every one!

[@kevinmackowski8500]

Keep up the great work!! Your choices are a delight!!! So much fun enjoying these songs together, it truly is amazing!

[@scot_irsh]

Okay now you've gone and opened that door. Now you have to listen to the Commodores and Sly and the Family Stones. Welcome to American pop, soul, and jazz fused together. You will find all the happy music your heart can hold. This is going to be a fun ride. I'm so glad I found your channel. Would you like to dance ? As I hold my hand out and palm up.

[@abevillanueva1974]

1978...it was their PRIME!! Really, no group has inspired fans like Earth, Wind and Fire. As great as their recordings are it is at the BEST you can witness a live concert...even today in 2024. Although only 3 of the "original 9" exist today, the current members do the group justice. Generally, Maurice and Philip did ALL the voices in their studio recordings. But, in concert the others joined in. The Phenix Horns...by god! That is the SOUND of Earth, Wind and Fire! You know when you're "Classic" when today's HS and college ensembles play this and many of their other hits today. So much to say here...but, thank you for your analysis of the Mightiest Elements of the Universe!!

[@anthonyboucher7077]

Mr. Bailey's falsetto is otherworldly on "Mighty Mighty"

[@pamelabasilone5173]

They were fantastic! Even better in concert. I saw them several times through the years, with and without Philip Bailey. Always amazing.

[@keithrussell6766]

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE

[@toolhead6691]

Yes. Sat by the ocean.

[@davidoconnor3201]

Song for the dead