"E Pluribus Funk" is the fifth studio album by American rock band Grand Funk Railroad, released on November 15, 1971, by Capitol Records. It was recorded at Cleveland Recording Company and is notable for being the last album produced by Terry Knight, who had worked with the band on their previous releases. The title of the album is a play on the Latin motto E pluribus unum, which means "Out of many, one," translating here as "Out of many, Funk," a fitting phrase for a band that blended various musical styles into their unique sound.
The album's cover, designed by Ernie Cefalu, is one of its most distinctive features. The original release featured a completely round cover made from a silver-like material, designed to resemble a large coin. This was a bold and unconventional design choice, matching the album's energetic, larger-than-life aesthetic. On the back of the cover, there was a die-cast image of Shea Stadium, which referenced the band's achievement of beating The Beatles' record for attendance at Shea Stadium. Grand Funk Railroad had sold out the stadium in just 72 hours, an accomplishment that added to their reputation for connecting with massive audiences.
E Pluribus Funk continues the hard rock and blues-infused style that Grand Funk Railroad was known for. The album showcases their signature blend of heavy guitar riffs, powerful drumming, and Mark Farner’s distinctive vocals, which helped the band become one of the most popular rock acts of the early 1970s. Despite its success and the band's growing fan base, E Pluribus Funk is often remembered as a transitional album, marking the end of the era when Terry Knight was involved in the production of their music.
The album’s tracks reflect a mix of straightforward rockers and funk-infused jams, with songs like "People, Let's Stop the War" and "Country Road" highlighting the band's social consciousness, while the instrumental "E Pluribus Funk" encapsulates the energy and groove that would become a hallmark of their sound. The band’s popularity was reflected not only in their record-breaking Shea Stadium performance but also in the continued success of albums like E Pluribus Funk, which reached solid chart positions.
Overall, E Pluribus Funk stands as a testament to Grand Funk Railroad's raw, unapologetic style and their ability to push boundaries in both their music and their image.
