Grade: D
Earth, Wind & Fire’s 20th studio album “Now, Then & Forever” furthers the band’s tradition of funky jazz-pop, now entering its fifth decade.
Only co-founders Verdine White and Philip Bailey, two of the original 10 members, remain in the now 11-piece ensemble.
The single “Night of My Life” is all the soaring falsettos and jubilant horn you could want in an Earth, Wind & Fire song, but modern digital layering obscures the music’s charms.
At certain points, the mash of instruments and voices sounds cacophonous. After an eight-year break, this album disappoints in its delivery of a tried-and-true formula which is based in nostalgia and not quality. It’s disheartening to hear an iconic group come off as out-of-touch and boring because of its inability to experiment.
Listening to “September” on repeat would better serve your Earth, Wind & Fire needs than this new album.