Dance to the Music

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Dance to the Music · The second album by Sly and the Family Stone was released in April 1968. It exists because CBS executive Clive Davis wanted Sly Stone to make his sound more accessible. The band itself did not think much of it during the recording. Sly came up with a formula: the lead singers, Sly, Freddie Stone, Larry Graham and the new Rose Stone, share the vocals, by singing in chorus or alternating line by line. Through it all, his message of peace, brotherly love and opposition to racism remained intact.

The formula worked. The title song became a top ten hit and was regarded as influential on psychedelic soul and as a preparation for funk. Other soul groups began to adopt this sound, the Temptations already at the end of 1968. Later The Jackson 5 and Undisputed Truth also took on influences. The album closes its first side with the Dance to the Medley.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Dance to the Music2:59Apple Music ↗
2. 2Higher2:48Apple Music ↗
3. 3I Ain't Got Nobody (For Real)4:25Apple Music ↗
4. 4Dance To The Medley: Music is Alive/Dance In/Music Lover12:11Apple Music ↗
5. 5Ride the Rhythm2:47Apple Music ↗
6. 6Color Me True3:08Apple Music ↗
7. 7Are You Ready2:49Apple Music ↗
8. 8Don't Burn Baby3:13Apple Music ↗
9. 9I'll Never Fall in Love Again3:25Apple Music ↗
10. 10Dance to the Music (Mono Single Version) [Bonus Track]2:57Apple Music ↗
11. 11Higher (Mono Single Version) [Bonus Track]2:53Apple Music ↗
12. 12Soul Clappin' (Bonus Track)2:38Apple Music ↗
13. 13We Love All (Bonus Track)4:30Apple Music ↗
14. 14I Can't Turn You Loose (Bonus Track)3:33Apple Music ↗
15. 15Never Do Your Woman Wrong (Instrumental Version) [Bonus Track]3:34Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗