Customer Reviews

Promise

5 star:		(58)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I can't believe that at nearly 40, I'm still excited about a brand new EWF release! I clearly remember stopping at the local Licorice Pizza record store when "I Am" and "All 'n All" were released. I still have that childish feeling of anticipation about this release! I got this CD the day it was released and I love everything on it! There's not a dud in the bunch. A true sampling of what the powerhouse EWF is all about. Philip is outstanding, as expected. He shines on "Betcha", even emitting a trill that reminds the listener of the classic "Fantasy". He truly sounds as good as ever. It's so refreshing to hear Maurice on so many more tracks than the last release (Avatar aka In The Name Of Love). I was so afraid that his condition would prevent him from recording ever again, but he's obviously gotten Parkinson's under control. Maurice's voice is not as strong as before, but it is as smooth as ever, shining on "Let Me Love You", "All About Love", "She Waits" and so many more. Of course, the KALIMBA rings strongly throughout the entire CD. Background vocals from former members of The Emotions sound fantastic. The only real criticism I have is that I understood that many of the former members (Al McKay, Larry Dunn, Andrew Woolfolk) were to perform on this album and that is not the case. Also absent is long-time member Ralph Johnson. Nevertheless, Maurice, Philip, Verdine and other talented musicians provide a classic true EWF sound. (Note: If the track "Dirty" reminds you of classic EWF, there's a reason: it was actually recorded in 1978 during the "I Am" sessions. Still sounds great today, though!) Get this album! You can't go wrong. I've already gotten three: one for home, one for the car and one for the office. Peace, Kalimba.

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.

I'm seriously, honestly impressed by this CD. I must admit, due to Maurice White's on-the-road absences, I expected less than this effort. Not only was I shamed, but I'm sincerely blown away. Every track is a serious contender to ANYTHING, ANY SONG in today's music business.

R&B, Pop, Smooth Jazz, Dance, Latin... most importantly... classic, hearfelt, deep-in-the-groove ballads featuring both Maurice and Phillip... it's all here.

I am not capable of accurately describing the musical importance of EWF and this CD. Take the best "elements" of the EWF sound- Maurice, Phillip, Verdine's driving bass, horns, the Emotions (yes, they participate heavily on a couple tracks)- it is all here.

My favorites... first track, "All In the Way," is a fun marriage of contemporary R&B with classic EWF sound, complete with the Emotions, horn section and kalimba! What a great way to kick off the set... second track, "Betcha'", wow. Phillip Bailey perfectly delivers the ULTIMATE breakup anthem, in a way that could certainly make 99.99% of today's male R&B singers choose a diffent career... but then... Maurice delivers the double KO after track 3's interlude on "Why". I'm talking CLASSIC, purely soulful Maurice White... Then... "Wonderland", an uplifting inspirational/love masterpiece in the vein of "That's the Way of the World," "Devotion," and "Keep Your Head to the Sky" just melts me with its harmony (and appearance by Angie Stone). Just beautiful... One more to cover here, because I must leave a few surprises to the EWF fans out there, and as I'm typing this, I'm realizing that I'm totally loving every song and this review could easily surpass the maximim 1,000 words... Track 6, "Where Do We Go From Here?," I found myself humming the hook at a bowling alley!!! The harmony is totally embedded in my mind now, and if the sounds of pins crashing can't overpower it, I don't know what could. Wow.

I'm 30/White-Hispanic/Male/Married. I'm totally sucked in. DO BUY THIS CD.

Thank you, Earth, Wind and Fire, for your timless Devotion to music and an outstanding new recording. It's an instant classic.

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-

True Musicians. True Vocalists. Outstanding original arrangements. This CD epitomizes what music should be; original, lasting and "real". EWF is back with a vengeance and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of what can only be described as brilliant! Maurice White and Phillip Bailey are truly phenomenal on this as well as the musicians (drummer, bassists, horns, pianos, guitars, percussions, etc.). It's all there, like back in the day. You can sense the love and motivation they show on this new millennium CD. Pick up what is sure to be a classic today.

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

I can not thank God enough for this gift from this group who never had to make another album, and we still would be groovin to music and adhereing to the messages of albums past. From the first note of this new offering you feel the flavor and as it continues you can feel the work that has been put in. I am so touched by this music which is on time with whats happening today and still gives you the original flavor. I was blessed to meet the group when they were in concert here recently and I had to bear witness that this CD is amongst their greatest. Not that I am being biased because EWF is my version of the Beatles and I have been in love with them for over 28 years. After all these years of seeing them with and without Maurice I would have been content with a concert that featured these songs only(well maybe two or three classics) but I am serious this is a CD that you buy not download support EWF as you would Disneyland for they are an instituuion and they are better than ever that is a "PROMISE"

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!

The world is blessed to have these men still bringing REAL music to the table, IN A BIG WAY! How many BANDS can say they've stood the test of time?

With Phillip Bailey's silky smooth falsetto soaring seamlessly on tracks like "Betcha" and Maurice White's long-awaited vocal resurgence back into the band he created over 3 decades ago, The Promise of lush melodies, hypnotic vocals, teasing interludes, & infectious grooves is kept with this long awaited release from the "elements".

Angie Stone makes a soulful appearance on "Wonderland" and Gerald Albright adds a delicous splash of sax on the achingly sweet "Why". (when Maurice breaks it down its absolutely priceless) The Emotions are back, adding more vintage flavor to the pot and its "All About Love".

White is putting in serious work on vocals, but the grittiness and power in his voice just is not there. Call me 'old skool', but I miss that raw edge, ie: "Can't Hide Love", "Love's Holiday," "Side by Side". Bittersweet as it is, his presence alone is a GIFT to us and hearing him is like drinking from an ice-cold fountain in the middle of a scorching desert. The thirst is definitely quenched. Hopefully he'll continue prevailing over his Parkinson's to bring more light to the world through music & maybe even hit the road for a date or two.

Most of The Promise is filled with gentle midtempos and gives off a smooth jazz vibe. "Never" picks up the pace with its Latin-drenched flow. "She Waits" has marvelous instrumentation, with an infectious bassline. "Let Me Love You" has a gorgeous melody and chorus and Maurice dives and jumps hitting vocal highs and lows. "Dirty" explodes on the scene in all its revamped/retroe'd glory, making you want to pull out the platforms and pick out your afro.

I gave 4 out of 5 because I wanted more uptempo tracks & more live horns/percussion. Maybe the next project will fulfill this desire. Time will reveal.

Overall, The Promise is a journey back in time. The interludes. The Kalimba. The blend of Phil & Mo. That unforgettable and incomparable sound. This CD is a MUST HAVE! Peace. CLB.

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.