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| In many ways 1973 was the golden year of funky music, with classic hits produced by Berry Gordy, Curtis Mayfield, Philly masterminds Gamble & Huff, George Clinton, James Brown, and of course, Sly Stone. Admired as a genius among his contemporaries, Sly had really pushed the frontiers of American music across racial lines, capturing the hearts and ears of the Woodstock generation in the process. His legendary performance at the Woodstock festival kicked open the door for other African-American artists, and less than a decade later white kids would be dancing to "black music" in discos across the country. But in 1973, this was not a fait accompli. That's why we must realize that the funkiest track of all time, "If You Want Me To Stay," was really a musical deal clincher, rocketing high in both the R&B and the Pop charts for weeks on end, burning down barriers. Fresh was not as musically inventive as Sly's earlier records, Stand! and There's A Riot Going On. It was more an album of consolidation than of innovation, pulling together all the elements that made this group great—accessible lyrics, soulful singing, punchy horns, loudly grooving bass, kicking drums, and above all else, an energy level designed to take you higher. From first to last, the tracks flow with a kinetic energy that infects your feet, making it impossible to listen to motionlessly. Notoriously stoned and egotistical, Sly belts out "Let Me Have It All" like a great artist shamelessly demanding the world...and in 1973, it was his for the taking. Still, humility comes to the rescue in "Thankful N' Thoughtful," a gospel-funk tune that allows Sly the chance to bow his head before "the main Man" while in the midst of an ass-shaking groove. More contemplation comes in a funked-up remake of the classic "Que Sera, Sera," the album's second song to hit the charts. On "Skin I'm In," Sly tones down his self-admiration with a more thoughtful message of black-pride. He mixes social commentary in with the funk on "Babies Makin' Babies," a still relevant lament on teenage pregnancy. Fresh was well-recorded and masterfully mixed, with Rusty Allen's bass pushed way up and carrying the album along. The remastering leaves nothing to be desired, except maybe the inclusion of a few outtakes. This is a group that is way overdue for a box-set. Let's hope Epic gets on it soon! —John Ballon (email)
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