62: STAND! | SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE
Stephen Thomas Erlewine: Stand! is the pinnacle of Sly & the Family Stone's early work, a record that represents a culmination of the group's musical vision and accomplishment. Life hinted at this record's boundless enthusiasm and blurred stylistic boundaries, yet everything simply gels here, resulting in no separation between the astounding funk, effervescent irresistible melodies, psychedelicized guitars, and deep rhythms. Add to this a sharpened sense of pop songcraft, elastic band interplay, and a flowering of Sly's social consciousness, and the result is utterly stunning. Yes, the jams ("Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey," "Sex Machine") wind up meandering ever so slightly, but they're surrounded by utter brilliance, from the rousing call to arms of "Stand!" to the unification anthem "Everyday People" to the unstoppable "I Want to Take You Higher." All of it sounds like the Family Stone, thanks not just to the communal lead vocals but to the brilliant interplay, but each track is distinct, emphasizing a different side of their musical personality. As a result, Stand! winds up infectious and informative, invigorating and thought-provoking -- stimulating in every sense of the word. Few records of its time touched it, and Sly topped it only by offering its opposite the next time out.
"Sly and the Family Stone's "Stand!" album, released in 1969, is a groundbreaking masterpiece that defies categorization and exemplifies the spirit of musical innovation. From the moment the needle hits the groove, listeners are enveloped in a sonic tapestry that marries soul, funk, rock, and psychedelia with unparalleled finesse. Sly Stone's visionary production and songwriting, coupled with the band's infectious energy and tight musicianship, make "Stand!" a timeless classic that continues to influence generations of musicians.
The album's title track, "Stand!," serves as a rallying cry for unity and empowerment, infused with a potent blend of social consciousness and irresistible groove. With its iconic horn arrangements, funky basslines, and Sly Stone's charismatic vocals, "Stand!" encapsulates the spirit of the late 1960s civil rights movement while delivering a message of hope and resilience that remains relevant today. The song's anthemic chorus and infectious rhythm have solidified its place as a cultural touchstone and an enduring emblem of musical activism.
Tracks like "Everyday People" and "I Want to Take You Higher" showcase Sly and the Family Stone's ability to seamlessly blend joyous melodies with thought-provoking lyrics, creating a musical language that transcends boundaries and unites listeners in a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Sly Stone's eclectic vision and fearless experimentation are evident throughout the album, as he fearlessly navigates through different genres and moods, crafting a sonic landscape that is as bold as it is captivating.
As the final notes of "You Can Make It If You Try" ring out, listeners are left in awe of Sly and the Family Stone's musical prowess and their ability to create an album that is not just a collection of songs, but a transformative experience. "Stand!" stands as a testament to the power of music to inspire, uplift, and unite, solidifying Sly and the Family Stone as pioneers of a sound that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.