Felix Bartlett
Felix Bartlett is a photographer, journalist, and print editor at CLUNK Magazine, where he dives into the heart of independent music and culture. He’s also the founder and director of AMPED, CLUNK’s sister mag, dedicated to all things heavy.
This Black Friday, WAR fans were treated to more than just a deal on their favourite gear – instead, we were gifted an extraordinary box set compiling five of their most influential albums
The legendary Southern California band WAR announced their upcoming vinyl collection earlier this year, and to say we were excited about the news would be an understatement. While few reading this may be newcomers to the SoCal funk crew, with over 50 million records sold worldwide and 20 platinum, multi-platinum, and gold certifications, their influence on the music world has been nothing short of immense.
On Black Friday, WAR gave us the chance to revisit some of their rich musical history with ‘The Collection 1977-1994‘, an extraordinary box set that compiles five of their most influential albums. The set features ‘Platinum Funk‘ (1977), ‘Galaxy‘(1977), ‘The Music Band‘ (1979), ‘Outlaw‘ (1982), and ‘Peace Sign‘ (1994), all wrapped up in a stunning package. For fans of the pop/funk crew, this collection is a must-have and will surely be a fine addition to any collection.
This 32-track compilation marks the first vinyl release of these albums since their original pressings, each LP pressed in a stunning array of colours. Remastered by the award-winning Bernie Grundman, the set breathes new life into these classic albums, ensuring they sound as fresh today as they did when first released. Despite being nearly fifty years old, popping this record on and plugging in still feels as fresh as the day it was released.
Diving into the 5 LP collection we kick things off with WAR’s ‘Platinum Funk‘(1977) which still holds up as a funky masterpiece that still holds up in its originality today. Tracks like ‘Slowly We Walk Together‘, ‘You Never Give Me Your Money‘, and ‘L.A. Sunshine‘ provide throbbing grooves that sink deep into your ears and perfectly encapsulate the sound of the 70’s.
Following shortly after in the same year, fans were treated to the arrival of the follow up album ‘Galaxy,’ giving fans a further taste of the progressive jazz-funk sound the band had become known for. Whilst not quite hitting the same high mark as the former album, the title track became an instant classic, becoming a national anthem for anything looking to get down and groove.
It would be two years before we got a follow-up to ‘Galaxy‘, and in 1979, ‘The Music Band‘ arrived, experimenting with something new by blending soft rock with Latin influences and even a touch of gospel. Tracks like ‘Corns & Callouses (Hey Dr. Shoals)’ and ‘I’m The One Who Understands’ perfectly encapsulate this blend and give a taste of what the band was experimenting with as the world entered the ’80s.
Heading into the 80’s we get a taste of WAR giving it their all in 1982’s ‘Outlaw‘ providing a funky outing leaning into the signature sound and production of the early 80’s with a sound that gives us dance floor anthems mixed with reggae influences on tracks like ‘Just Because‘ and ‘The Jungle.‘. This is an album that stands out for its easy-going, yet groovy nature.
Finally, we arrive at ‘Peace Sign‘ (1994), released over a decade later, but still drawing from the same funk and jazz influences. While the album has that unmistakable ’80s production touch, there’s a vibe that links it to the previous decades, particularly on tracks like ‘Wild Rodriguez‘.
This jazz-funk fusion collection is likely to resonate with those who grew up with it, but it also offers a fresh perspective for newer listeners. For long-time fans, it’s an opportunity to revisit some classic albums and experience them in a whole new light. With such a rich back catalog still to explore, WAR shows no signs of slowing down.
From jazz and funk to Latin influences, each of the five albums in this collection showcases the band’s diversity and adaptability, managing to stay fresh and innovative across their eighteen-year career. Celebrating their 55th anniversary, WAR’s legacy is a testament to their remarkable achievement in shaping the sound of multiple generations.
‘War – The Collection 1977-1994‘ is out now via Rhino.
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