There is nothing quite like War. To classify their music as exactly one or another sound is impossible, as the group is composed of a wide array of members from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, leading to a sound that is simply a perfect representation of America’s strong diversity. Their fifth album, “The World Is A Ghetto,” is a perfect example of this eclectic sound.
While the album only consists of six songs, it still comes in at around 44 minutes as two of the songs are at least 10 minutes long. Its sound, while diverse, can best be described as a mix of funk, soul and rock.
It becomes apparent very quickly how many different voices and instruments this album is composed of. Often, songs are flavored with backup vocals from multiple members along with miscellaneous vocal jabber that almost makes the songs feel as though the listener is witnessing them live.
And that’s another beautiful aspect of this album: all the songs feel alive. The saxophone in the title track feels so sorrowful, and the organs and harmonica in “City, Country, City” almost drag you into the respective rural and urban environments they intend to replicate the feeling of.
“The World Is A Ghetto” is nothing short of a masterpiece, through and through. It is lively and beautiful, and is a shining example of music as an artform.
Rating: 10/10