Track Listing

1. Dance to the Music
2. M'Lady
3. Life
4. Fun
5. Sing a Simple Song
6. Everyday People
7. Stand!
8. I Want to Take You Higher
9. Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey
10. You Can Make It If You Try
11. Hot Fun in the Summertime
12. Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)
13. Everybody Is a Star
14. Family Affair
15. Runnin' Away
16. (You Caught Me) Smilin'
17. Thank You for Talkin' to Me Africa
18. Babies Makin' Babies
19. If You Want Me to Stay
20. Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #59679 in Music
• Released on: 1990-10-25
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
For a time, it seemed as if Sly Stone would change the world, and it's only because his music was so ambitious that we forget, sometimes, that he did just that. His integrated band played funk-based jams, but always with touches of soul, blues, rock, and lots and lots of pop, a synthesis that spoke to its time even as it predicted the future. Comprising some of the most accomplished and inspirational music ever created, this 20-song set contains all but the last of his hits as well as a few hard-edged album tracks. Until a proper box set is put together, this will have to do. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews

Great collection needs an upgrade.
This is the best Sly compilation currently available; it's basically the Greatest Hits album fleshed out with more album cuts and early-'70s material. While the music itself is, naturally, wonderful, and the song selection is generous, the CD's sound and packaging leave much to be desired. There's too little bass presence, three single sides ("Hot Fun", "Thank You", and "Everybody Is A Star") are in Godawful pseudo-stereo, and the booklet has skimpy liner notes and mediocre graphics.

Epic/Legacy supposedly has a Sly box set planned for next fall, to be followed (hopefully) by an overhaul of the Family's CD catalog. Until then, this will be the definitive compilation by default.

Great CD intro to Sly's music
This CD is much more essential than the first "greatest hits" album because a Sly collection is not complete without two of the greatest funk/soul songs ever written - "Family Affair" (a wonderfully poetic song that you won't get out of your head) and "Runnin' Away" (with its unforgettable trumpet melody). While there is a lot missing from this anthology, there is enough great material to make it a perfect introduction to Sly's beautiful contributions to soul music. Sly's music is a combination of multi-layered horns, bass lines, vocals (almost all the band members sang), and addictive melodies. He was also one of the first musicians to combine the hippie optimism of the 1960's with soul and funk music. Sly was almost more of a musical director than a performer, getting the most out of his tremendous musicians, especially the funkiest bass player around, Larry Graham. Sly's influence on soul music is immeasurable.

This is a way to introduce yourself to his music. It is a highly recommended addition to a music collection.

Everyday People.
If you're looking for some of the roots to r&b music, Sly and the Family Stone is where you need to listen. This anthology is excellent for the casual buyer. It has 20 tracks covering all their hits and well known songs. Like Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, George Clinton, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, The Temptations and Smokey Robinson, Sly and the Family Stone are a must have for any rock collector.