"Deliver the Word" is the sixth studio album by the American band War, released in 1973 by United Artists Records. This album followed their successful The World Is a Ghetto and continued to showcase their unique blend of funk, soul, and rock.
The album includes notable tracks such as "Gypsy Man," which became a hit single. Deliver the Word explores themes of social and political commentary, reflecting War's signature style of combining musical experimentation with lyrical depth. The release was well-received for its inventive sound and strong performances, solidifying War's reputation in the early 1970s music scene.
Deliver the Word by War received a range of reviews upon its release. AllMusic praised the album, highlighting its strong musical content and innovative style. Robert Christgau gave it a B+ rating in his Christgau's Record Guide, indicating a favorable but not overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception.
The album featured notable singles including "Gypsy Man," which was significantly edited from its 11-minute album version, paired with "Deliver the Word," which reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Another single, "Me and Baby Brother," paired with "In Your Eyes," reached No. 15 on the same chart. The song "H2Overture" cleverly plays on the chemical formula for water (H2O).
Additionally, a 4-channel quadraphonic mix of the album was released in the 8-track tape format, featuring a different track order, a reprise of "H2Overture" with an early fade-out, and an early fade-out of "Gypsy Man."
