Earth Wind & Fire – I Am VG+/VG+

“I Am” is a seminal album by the legendary American band Earth, Wind & Fire, released on June 9, 1979. The album showcases the band’s unique blend of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, rock, dance, Latin, and African music. This fusion, which had become the band’s signature sound, was particularly polished and vibrant in “I Am”.

The album is renowned for its sophisticated production, characterized by the use of the Phenix Horns and rich, multi-layered vocal arrangements. “I Am” features some of Earth, Wind & Fire’s most memorable and enduring hits. Among them, “Boogie Wonderland” (a collaboration with The Emotions) stands out as a disco-era staple, known for its infectious groove and jubilant energy. Another major hit, “After the Love Has Gone,” is a ballad that showcases the band’s softer, more introspective side and became a significant success in the pop, R&B, and adult contemporary charts.

The album art of “I Am” is also notable, featuring the band’s iconic Egyptian-themed imagery, which aligns with their broader interest in Afrocentric and mystical themes. The album’s name, “I Am,” itself is a nod to the philosophical and spiritual depth that Earth, Wind & Fire was known for.