Earth, Wind & Fire - Spirit

Spirit is the seventh studio album by American band Earth, Wind & Fire, originally released in September 1976 via Columbia Records.

Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) is an American band that has spanned the musical genres of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, rock, Latin and African. They are one of the most successful bands of the 20th century.

The band was founded in Chicago by Maurice White in 1971 and other members have included Philip Bailey, Verdine White, Ralph Johnson, Larry Dunn, Al McKay and Andrew Woolfolk. The band has received 20 Grammy nominations; they won six as a group and two of its members, Maurice White and Bailey, won separate individual awards. Earth, Wind & Fire is known for the dynamic sound of their horn section, their energetic and elaborate stage shows, and the interplay between the contrasting vocals of Philip Bailey's falsetto and Maurice White's tenor. The kalimba (African thumb piano) is played on all of the band's albums.

Spirit was released 45 years ago in 1976 by Columbia Records. The album rose to No. 2 on both the US Billboard 200 and Top Soul Albums charts.

Two singles became huge hits; “Getaway” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart. The single also rose to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Saturday Nite” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Spirit received critical acclaim. The New York Times wrote; “What is most interesting about Maurice White and his musicians, is their refusal to be locked into any stylistic format Mr. White's record will be labeled 'disco' in some quarters, and indeed parts of if, would not sound out of place in a disco. But, generally, Earth, Wind and Fire is closer to jazz, or to jazz‐rock, than to the thumping formulas of disco. And yet the group isn't afraid to slip in a ballad, either”.

Isaac Hayes called Spirit one of Earth, Wind & Fire's five essential recordings. Spirit was also nominated for an American Music Award for Favourite Soul/R&B Album.

A song from the album called “Earth, Wind and Fire” was also Grammy nominated in the category of Best Instrumental Composition.

This album is a limited edition 2021 reissue of 2,500 individually numbered copies on 180 gram audiophile flaming orange & yellow mixed coloured vinyl with a printed insert, pressed in Europe via Music On Vinyl.