Friday Flashback :: Earth Wind and Fire's "Devotion"

It's very hard to believe that Earth, Wind and Fire was considered something of a minor band, with just a cult following. Apparently, there were people that couldn't really get into Maurice White and Philip Bailey and their particular brand of funky R&B. Nonetheless, it was true.

Then came Open Your Eyes.

It was this 1974 LP -- EWF's fifth -- that truly established them as one of the premier bands in the music business. It was a Number One LP, with several bona fide hits including "Kalimba Song," and "Mighty Mighty." But the song that established the LP, and the most known of the cuts appearing on this release, is today's Flashback: "Devotion."

The funny thing is, Devotion was not a huge commercial success on its release. It was a Top 40 success, but based on the song's longevity and...devoted...following (excuse the pun) you'd have assumed that this was a Grammy winner and a Number One song. It did neither.

But regardless, over time, Devotion has become one of Earth, Wind and Fire's most beloved and requested songs. Of course, the song is thick with EWF's best qualities: sharp, meaningful vocals, a fantastic backing arrangement, and great chorus work. It's an impressive example of EWF's work and one of the classic R&B songs of all time. As a testiment to its long lasting popularity, the song has seen several covers, from smooth jazz, other R&B crooners trying to do it justice.

None though, come close to engendering the feelings and excitement of the original.

The Friday Flashback for Friday, December 21, is Earth, Wind and Fire's "Devotion."

Earth, Wind and Fire :: "Devotion"
Album: Open Our Eyes
Released: 1974
Billboard peak: #23 Black Singles

Play the Track: Devotion (to download, Mac users, Control-click, and choose 'Save Link As...' Windows users right-click the link and choose 'Save Target As...').