"I Am" is the ninth studio album by the influential American band Earth, Wind & Fire. The album was released on June 5, 1979, under CBS Records and was produced by the band's leader, Maurice White. Upon release, it received both commercial and critical success, eventually going double platinum in the U.S.
One of the album's most notable tracks is "Boogie Wonderland", a collaboration with The Emotions, which became one of Earth, Wind & Fire's biggest hits. Another significant single from the album is "After the Love Has Gone", which won a Grammy and is often considered an essential Earth, Wind & Fire song.
"I Am" demonstrates the band’s versatility, spanning across genres including R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, rock, dance, Latin, and Afro pop. The album's mix of danceable melodies and reflective ballads helped Earth, Wind & Fire solidify their position in the music scene and enhance their influence on the industry. Their innovative sound, including the blend of high-caliber musicianship and complex compositions, fully blossoms in this album.
The album cover was also notable for its innovative holographic design, its science fiction imagery reflecting the band's visionary approach to their music. The band members have often discussed the importance of the album's message of universal love and harmony.
The musical artistry and innovation present in the "I Am" album marked a high point in Earth, Wind & Fire's career, solidifying their status as one of the most influential groups in music history.
