The Isley Brothers

An inimitable funk powerhouse, the Isley Brothers are a musical institution, with dozens of classic albums under their belts. This LP -- their fifteenth! -- is among their best. Highlights include the super-charged protest song "Fight the Power" and "For the Love of You," two of the greatest ballads ever recorded.

The Isley Brothers have always been a discotheque band. Their "Twist and Shout" was the
seminal early-Sixties dance record and the addition of younger Isleys to the group over the
years hasn't changed their initial orientation. The Heat Is On is something of a departure in
that the second side features ballad material, crooned with relative restraint over Chris
Jasper's layered keyboards. But side one is crunching Isley energy all the way. "... More >

This is well-nigh flawless Isleys--the rockish electric textures are muted nicely on side two, "Fight the Power" does its bit to politicize the radio, and Seals & Crofts won't steal any lyrics. But Ronnie Isley isn't getting any less unctuous--when he tries to talk someone into bed he recalls one of those guys who started wearing love beads to singles bars in 1968 or 1969. Progress requires ambition, but the two aren't identical. (Grade - B)