One Nation Under a Groove
was not only
Funkadelic
's greatest moment, it was their most popular album, bringing them an unprecedented commercial breakthrough by going platinum and spawning a number one
R&B
smash in the title track. It was a landmark LP for the so-called "black
rock
" movement, best-typified in the statement of purpose
"Who Says a Funk Band Can't Play Rock?!"
; more than that, though, the whole album is full of fuzzed-out,
Hendrix
-style guitar licks, even when the music is clearly meant for the dancefloor. This may not have been a new concept for
, but it's executed here with the greatest clarity and accessibility in their catalog. Furthermore, out of
George Clinton
's many conceptual albums (serious and otherwise),
is the pinnacle of his political consciousness. It's unified by a refusal to acknowledge boundaries -- social, sexual, or musical -- and, by extension, the uptight society that created them. The tone is positive, not militant -- this
funk
is about community, freedom, and independence, and you can hear it in every cut (even the bizarre, outrageously scatological
"P.E. Squad"
). The title cut is one of
's greatest anthems, and
"Groovallegiance"
and the terrific
"Cholly"
both dovetail nicely with its concerns. The aforementioned
is a seamless hybrid that perfectly encapsulates the band's musical agenda, while
"Into You"
is one of their few truly successful slow numbers. The original LP included a three-song bonus EP featuring the heavy riff
of
"Lunchmeataphobia,"
an unnecessary
instrumental
version of
"P.E. Squad,"
and a live
"Maggot Brain"
; these tracks were appended to the CD reissue. In any form,
is the best realization of
's ambitions, and one of the best
albums ever released. ~ Steve Huey