Never ever listen to the critics, this album is brilliant.

Don't believe the received opinion about later Sly. This is terrific album. Sly's lyrics were always personal but this one goes a little deeper in some songs. Holdin' On, Loose Booty, Can't Strain My Brain and Time For Livin' are deeply funky, with a groove that will stick in your head. This is Love is a candy-sweet doo wop homage that leaves you wanting more. Mother Beautiful and Small Talk will delight fans of songs like Stevie's Isn't She Lovely. The extras are great, too. By the way - no string section (as mentioned above), only a single and very inventive violinist who provides a fresh new texture to Sly's sound. Get it now!