Yeah, it was a riot, but not in the conventional sense. Frankly, Sly was too stoned to get out of bed and leave his environs, but the riot was internal.

The stark difference between this album and Sly Stone’s previous work is dumbfounding, and although the album was a #1 hit, it confounded his fan base considerably. The multi-ethnic, sexually mixed high energy statement of previous albums was utterly lacking here, with Sly succumbing to drugs and political pressure until the album became so deeply personal that most fans completely misunderstood this album in its time. Funny how, decades later, the genius hiding inside the hiss and confusion would become the album’s defining characteristic, and also its most influential.

Featured tracks include:

Luv ‘n Haight

Just Like a Baby

Poet

Family Affair

Africa Talks to You ‘The Asphalt Jungle’

There’s a Riot Goin’ On

Brave and Strong

You Caught Me Smilin’

Time

Spaced Cowboy

Runnin’ Away

Thank You for Talkin’ to Me Africa

November 1971 - Billboard Charted #1