"No Sweat" is a studio album by the American band Blood, Sweat & Tears, released in 1973. It is the band's sixth studio album following the release of "New Blood" in 1972. The album is characterized by its jazz-rock, progressive rock, and classic rock influences.
"No Sweat" saw a slight negative shift in commercial success compared to their previous releases. Nevertheless, the album contains several notable tracks like "Roller Coaster" and "Save Our Ship," which display the band's unparalleled skill in weaving complex and layered arrangements. However, it was the least successful of the group's releases, falling short of the gold standard set by their earlier albums.
The lineup of the band during this period consisted of David Clayton-Thomas (on vocals), Dave Bargeron (on trombone and tuba), Bobby Colomby (on drums), Jim Fielder (on bass), Dick Halligan (on keyboards, trombone), Jerry Hyman (on trombone), Steve Katz (on guitar and vocals), Fred Lipsius (on alto sax and piano), and Lew Soloff (on trumpet).
David Clayton-Thomas's dominant vocals blend with the full spectrum of horns, ranging from soulful and deep segments to electrifying high notes. The album's rich sound comes from the group's fusion of rock and jazz motifs, with a touch of blues.
The album reflects the changing music scene during the early '70s, as rock moved towards more complex and jazz-influenced sounds. Despite the shifts, "No Sweat" retains the experimental and groundbreaking identity that Blood, Sweat & Tears introduced from their inception. "No Sweat" encapsulates a period of change for both the band and the wider music industry, preserving a unique piece of rock/jazz crossover history.
