Poplife Pick: "Stand!" (1969)
The music of Sly & the Family
Stone was truly pioneering from Sly's thick baritone to the group's
interracial image. Moreover, their sound defied all boundaries,
sometimes faring better on the pop charts. The first single from this
album was a prime example. The universally appealing "Everyday
People, " with an adamant plea from Sly Stone, speaks of the
similarities among all people. For four consecutive weeks, it was
number one on the Billboard pop charts, and number one on the
Billboard R&B charts for two consecutive weeks. The title track
brings a social message, which was timely considering the turmoil
the nation was experiencing. It slipped in at 28 on R&B charts.
No secret to many, Sly Stone literally meant "I Want to Take You
Higher." Often found to be inebriated from various substances, Sly
wails away on this turbulent piece. It peaked at 24 on the
Billboard R&B charts, resurfacing more than a year later peak at
38 in 1970. "Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey" is an instrumental
expression of frustration while "You Can Make It if You Try" is an
encouraging message to the masses. Most of the aforementioned
songs are psychedelic jams. -- Craig Lytle, All Music Guide
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