Why Can't We Be Friends?

by War

Overview

Cut from the same cloth as the band's 1973 Deliver the Word LP, War's 1975 Why Can't We Be Friends? is a masterpiece in its scope and breadth. And, emerging as the last work the band would do for its longtime label, United Artists, it became a fitting swansong, powering up the charts and giving War its fourth and final number one hit. In recent years, the album has been overshadowed by the monstrously popular bass-beating and bright brass of its singular hit, "Low Rider." Indeed, the song would become the band's signature theme, as the Latino street-cruiser jam quickly became a live set staple and, much later, was reinvigorated through sampling on songs by the Beastie Boys, Stereo MC's, and Offspring. However, that one track, iconographic as it is, is by no means the only treat onboard Why Can't We Be Friends? There are far more interesting and superb treats roiling in the wake of "Low Rider." The snappy title track, which poses the question of the decade and, oddly, closes the album, is a feel-good thumper. Its bright brass punctuation and rakish vocals are wonderfully combined with an absolutely contagious reggae beat. Then, add the doesn't-get-much-better-than-that medley "Leroy's Latin Lament." Divided into four "songs," the music swings from the smart vocal opening "Lonnie Dreams" to the effervescent Latin jam of "La Fiesta." And, of course, where there's War, there's funk -- this time on the seven-plus minute"Heartbeat." Wrap it all up with the poignant ballad "Lotus Blossom," and the result is pretty much perfection. Why Can't We Be Friends? remains one of War's truly outstanding efforts, and has become an integral part of the funk genre's landscape. It also remains the nightcap of their finest hour. War's ill-timed move to MCA changed the energy and focus of the band forever. ~ Amy Hanson

Product Details

Release Date:	08/19/2022
Label:	Avenue Records
UPC:	0603497844944
Rank:	25781

Album Credits

Performance Credits

War   Primary Artist
Eric Burdon   Primary Artist,Vocals,Percussion
Charles Miller   Flute,Vocals,Clarinet,Woodwind,Saxophone,Percussion
Lee Oskar   Vocals,Harmonica,Percussion
Howard Scott   Guitar,Vocals,Percussion
Harold Brown   Drums,Vocals,Percussion
Papa Dee Allen   Congas,Vocals,Percussion
B.B. Dickerson   Bass,Vocals,Percussion
Lonnie Jordan   Guitar,Vocals,Keyboards,Percussion

Technical Credits

Sergio Reyes   Composer
Andrew Berliner   Engineer
Bill Inglot   Digital Remastering
Ken Perry   Digital Remastering
Chris Huston   Engineer
Ed Barton   Engineer,Mixing Engineer
War   Composer
Charles Miller   Composer
Lee Oskar   Composer
Howard Scott   Composer,Associate Producer
Sara Allen   Composer
Jerry Goldstein   Composer,Producer
Ralph Molina   Composer
Thomas Allen   Composer
Harold Brown   Composer
Papa Dee Allen   Composer
B.B. Dickerson   Composer
Leroy Jordan   Composer
Lonnie Jordan   Composer,Producer,Associate Producer
Jim Matheos   Composer
Gerald Goldstein   Composer
Kenton Nix   Composer
Morris "B.B." Dickerson   Composer
Thomas Sylvester Allen   Composer
Alvin Trivette   Composer
Francie Nelson   Composer
Keri Oskar   Composer
Arturo Molina   Composer
Marcos Reyes   Composer