The new album from Earth, Wind & Fire, Now, Then & Forever, marks a return to the signature sound that made them international superstars. After an eight-year absence from the studio, the legendary band takes center stage with ten all-new, vibrant, energetic songs befitting one of the most beloved ensembles in music history. From the rich tenor vocals of Philip Bailey to the deep-groove rhythms of bassist Verdine White and percussionist Ralph Johnson - not to mention the stellar horn section - Now, Then & Forever features all the elements that made them international superstars. Features the feel-good celebration of love "My Promise," the socially-conscious "Sign On," and the fun, funky anthem "Dance Floor."

01. Sign On
02. Love Is Law
03. My Promise
04. Guiding Lights
05. Got To Be Love
06. Belo Horizonte
07. Dance Floor
08. Splashes
09. Night Of My Life
10. The Rush

CD
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006BFK5DK/?tag=imwan-20

MP3
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E00RB5I/?tag=imwan-20

Vinyl
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DJAUP08/?tag=imwan-20

NOTE: Pre-orders received on or before 11:59 PM EST July 3rd, 2013 via the band's website will have the purchaser's name printed on an exclusive fold-out poster in the CD package.

https://www.myplaydirect.com/earth-wind-and-fire

Earth, Wind and Fire dropping new album Sept. 10
Associated Press
Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Earth, Wind and Fire initially wanted to release its new album around the 2012 presidential election, but the band realized it wasn't satisfied with the songs it created.

"We have a lot more bells and whistles in place now and the record is better," singer Philip Bailey said in a recent interview.

"Now, Then & Forever," the group's first album in eight years, will be released Sept. 10. Bailey said the band called co-founding member Larry Dunn and others to help produce its latest sound.

"I said, `Let's go back to the drawing board,'" he recalled. "It's a great representation of who Earth, Wind and Fire is now, but not departing from the classic sound."

"It doesn't sound like we're trying to be anyone other than Earth, Wind and Fire," added bassist Verdine White.

The band - which includes founder Maurice White and Ralph Johnson - has worked on the album for two years. Its new single, "My Promise," was released Monday and was co-written by Academy Award nominee and Grammy winner Siedah Garrett. Fans who pre-order the album will have their names put in the album packaging.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers are currently on a tour. Bailey said he enjoys having his son, Philip Bailey Jr., on the road and as a writer and producer on the new album.

"It's a great experience to the say the least. I spend so much time away from my family and kids (that this is) bonding like never before," he said. "He has the same passion."

I heard "Guiding Lights" late last year, and was thoroughly unimpressed. "My Promise" is closer to the EW&F aesthetic, but still a shadow of what they once were. I actually thought their last album, Illumination, was pretty strong, especially the collaborations with Raphael Saadiq and Brian McKnight. In fact, I was hoping they'd do an entire album with Raphael Saadiq producing, which I think would've really been a strong comeback.

This one...I'll wait and sample before purchasing.

The Target version includes two bonus tracks:

11. WHIRLWIND (Target Exclusive)
12. HERO AS HE ROSE (Target Exclusive)

You can hear the whole album streaming here: http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/stop-the-p ... 32630.html. It's got the old sound, IMO, but not the old magic. No Maurice (which is understandable), and no discernible Kalimba (which is not). I'll add it to the shelf.

As does the Best Buy version, although those on the latter are remixes:

• Can't Hide Love [Masters At Work Remix]
• Shining Star [DJ Jin Asakusa Samba Remix]