Berlin, September 21st, 2026 (The Berlin Spectator) – Founded in 1969 by the late Maurice White, Earth, Wind & Fire (EW&F) became a unique band, one that covered many genres, including Soul, Dance Funk and Jazz-Funk with African and Latin elements. To its big fan base around the world, EW&F remains the best band in the world until today.
Sure, it is a matter of taste. But the quality part cannot be denied. Very few bands on the planet ever reached their level, and most future bands never will. By the way: They are still touring today, obviously without Maurice White. His brother Verdine White is running the show with Ralph Johnson and Philip Bailey.
During their best times, from 1975 to 1981, Earth, Wind & Fire came up with huge and partially very commercial hits such as “Boogie Wonderland”, “Let’s Groove”, “Fantasy” or “September”. Do you remember the 21st night of September? We don’t, because this piece was written in the morning. But we do remember ten less famous EW&F tunes everyone should know. Here they are.
1: “FACES”
“Faces”, a semi-instrumental which is the title track of their 1980 album, features the crisp brass section EW&F are known for along with eclectic rhythms. This composition defies all definitions of musical genres and it shows what Earth, Wind & Fire really are all about.
2: “MIRACLES”
To some die-hard fans, including the author of these lines, “Powerlight” (1983) was the last EW&F album which featured their original sound, before they started giving in to typical 1980s drum programming and synth-heavy productions. This tune, with that children’s choir and those disharmonic sounds towards the end, is too beautiful to be real.
3: “SUNSHINE”
In 1975, Earth, Wind & Fire started their first international tour. They were the opening act for Santana in Europe. The same year, they released the album “Gratitude” which features both live and studio tunes. “Sunshine” is one of the many songs dominated by the stunning falsetto voice of none other than Philip Bailey.
4: “SPASMODIC MOVEMENTS”
Early on, in 1974, EW&F demonstrated where they really came from, in this instrumental entitled “Spasmodic Movements”. It is a contemporary Jazz tune. The band’s founder Maurice White had a lot of experience with this kind of sound, also because he was the drummer for The Ramsey Lewis Trio.
5: “EVOLUTION ORANGE”
“Evolution Orange” from the 1981 album “Raise!” is one of their last 70s Funk tunes. Until today, they have not played it live, for some reason. This very special track went down in music history as one of their most brilliant songs.
6: “COULD IT BE RIGHT”
“Electric Universe”, another 1983 album, was EW&F’s entry into programmed 1980s sounds. But one song stood out: “Could It Be Right”, the lyrics for which were written by the great late Allee Willis.
7: “RUNNIN'”
One of the most sophisticated American Jazz-Funk tunes ever was part of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “All ‘N All” album which hit record stores in 1977. “Runnin'” is one of the most energetic tunes of this genre ever recorded.
8: “CAN’T LET GO”
In 1979, Earth, Wind & Fire’s “I Am” album was released. It contains several stunning tunes, including “Can’t Let Go”. This is what this band is all about. And this album is one of the best ever recorded by man.
9: “EARTH, WIND & FIRE”
Before their 1976 recording “Spirit” was released, Earth, Wind & Fire lost their collaborator Charles Stepney who died of a heart attack at age 45. The late producer, composer, songwriter and arranger contributed a lot to the development of EW&F’s sound during their best times. In the wake of this loss, they recorded this song about themselves: “Born of the Earth, are nature’s children, fed by the Wind, the breath of life, judged by the fiery hands of God, …”
10: “ALL ABOUT LOVE”
Earth, Wind & Fire are right. It is all about love indeed. This one was part of the 1975 album “That’s the Way of the World”.
These are only ten of countless brilliant EW&F tunes. Was it hard to pick them? Yes, because there are many others we really wanted to include.
We have a recommendation for anyone who wants to learn about Earth, Wind & Fire’s history, its sound, development and members: The autobiography “My Life With Earth, Wind & Fire” was written by the man with the vision, the band’s founder Maurice White.
By the way: Why hasn’t the latest HBO documentary about EW&F been released in Europe? We want to watch it NOW!
