War

War were one of those rare bands who were as popular with black and Latino audiences as they were with white rock fans. The upbeat title track was a big hit and showed why War worked -- this is music that brings people and cultures together (and it can still easily be sung by drunk guys at barbecues and tailgate parties). While the L.A. band had a long line of big hits, "Low Rider" is their defining moment. It was a smash in Southern California and ended up defining Latino car culture for the duration of the '70s.

I like the way "Low Rider" does its bit for fuel economy, but the rest of the good stuff disappoints: the title hit is greater on the radio, "Heartbeat" is greater by the Wild Magnolias, and the salsa section of "Leroy's Lament" gets lost on a record that's a laid-back revision of their basic shtick. They're better off heavy. (Grade: B-)