WAR - WAR

140-gram LP

WAR's 1971 debut reissued on vinyl

Featuring "Son Oh Son" and "Lonely Feelin'"

There is no denying the place WAR holds in American music, notes American Songwriter. The LA-based band's sound — an amalgam of Latin, jazz, pop, world, funk, soul, and rock — remains distinctive and influential today. They were one of the most innovative of the ‘70s West Coast acts and as 50th anniversaries go, WAR surely ranks as important enough to celebrate.

WAR's 1971 self-titled debut, separate from Eric Burdon, was released on January, 1971, by United Artists Records. The album is musically imposing in its sheer breadth and boldness.

"From the quietly soaring 1971-vintage opener 'Sun Oh Son,' the music drifts back into the heavily Memphis soul-influenced 'Lonely Feelin',' updated slightly but basically a rousing '60s blues-cum-gospel number that somehow ended up a failed single off the album. From there the album goes totally into left field with the gospel-style 'Back Home,' featuring lyrics provided by no less a figure than the Animals' Hilton Valentine. 'War Drums' is a killer showcase for Charles Miller's tenor sax, Dee Allen's percussion, and Lonnie Jordan's organ, and 'Vibeka' is a haunting, slow, bluesy workout, inspired by romance, tragedy, and realization, showcasing composer Lee Oskar's blues harp and Howard Scott's guitar. 'Fidel's Fantasy' gets into wholly experimental territory with its length, and the topical political message seems an oddity today, but there's no questioning its musical boldness." — AllMusic

 

Side A

1. Sun Oh Son

2. Lonely Feelin'

3. Back Home

Side B

1. War Drums

2. Vibeka

3. Fidel's Fantasy

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