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Fresh

by Sly And The Family Stone

Released: June 30, 1973

Funk, deep funk, progressive soul

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

The Album

It is noted for its lighter and more accessible sound compared to their previous album, "There's a Riot Goin' On," which had a denser, more experimental approach driven by drum machines. "Fresh" is the sixth album by the American funk band Sly and the Family Stone, released in June 1973 on Epic/CBS Records. "Fresh" marked a return to a more conventional band-oriented funk sound, featuring upbeat rhythms, catchy melodies, and Sly Stone's trademark social commentary in the lyrics.

Inside the Recording

The album was written and produced by Sly Stone over a period of two years.

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Explore the Album

Sly And The Family Stone - Fresh

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Then

Reception

It was well-received critically and commercially, becoming the band's final album to reach the US Top 10 on the Billboard Album Chart. It also topped the R&B chart, making it their third consecutive number-one album in that genre.

Now

Legacy

In recognition of its influence and significance, "Fresh" was ranked number 186 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time in 2003. The album continues to be celebrated for its innovative funk stylings and Sly and the Family Stone's musical legacy.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Fresh" is the sixth album by the American funk band Sly and the Family Stone, released in June 1973 on Epic/CBS Records. The album was written and produced by Sly Stone over a period of two years. It is noted for its lighter and more accessible sound compared to their previous album, "There's a Riot Goin' On," which had a denser, more experimental approach driven by drum machines.

"Fresh" marked a return to a more conventional band-oriented funk sound, featuring upbeat rhythms, catchy melodies, and Sly Stone's trademark social commentary in the lyrics. It was well-received critically and commercially, becoming the band's final album to reach the US Top 10 on the Billboard Album Chart. It also topped the R&B chart, making it their third consecutive number-one album in that genre.