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A Whole New Thing

by Sly And The Family Stone

Released: October 31, 1967

Psychedelic funk, psychedelic soul

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Genre Shift.

The Album

Its departure from the pop sensibilities of subsequent albums like "Dance to the Music" and "Stand!" is notable, with lead vocals shared between Sly Stone, Freddie Stone, and Larry Graham. "A Whole New Thing" marks the debut album by funk/soul pioneers Sly and the Family Stone, released in 1967 under Epic/CBS Records. Notably, Rose Stone would later join the band for their work on "Dance to the Music." Despite its commercial shortcomings, "A Whole New Thing" remains a significant milestone in Sly and the Family Stone's pioneering musical journey.

Inside the Recording

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Sly And The Family Stone - A Whole New Thing

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Then

Reception

CBS Records executive Clive Davis urged band leader Sly Stone to pursue a more commercially viable direction, leading to the creation of the album "Dance to the Music." In contrast to later releases, "A Whole New Thing" was recorded live in the studio, eschewing overdubs and showcasing a raw, unfiltered sound. Despite its innovative approach, the album received mixed criticism and failed to make a significant commercial impact, ultimately not charting.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"A Whole New Thing" marks the debut album by funk/soul pioneers Sly and the Family Stone, released in 1967 under Epic/CBS Records. Despite its innovative approach, the album received mixed criticism and failed to make a significant commercial impact, ultimately not charting. CBS Records executive Clive Davis urged band leader Sly Stone to pursue a more commercially viable direction, leading to the creation of the album "Dance to the Music."

In contrast to later releases, "A Whole New Thing" was recorded live in the studio, eschewing overdubs and showcasing a raw, unfiltered sound. Its departure from the pop sensibilities of subsequent albums like "Dance to the Music" and "Stand!" is notable, with lead vocals shared between Sly Stone, Freddie Stone, and Larry Graham. Notably, Rose Stone would later join the band for their work on "Dance to the Music." Despite its commercial shortcomings, "A Whole New Thing" remains a significant milestone in Sly and the Family Stone's pioneering musical journey.