This 1971 Warner Brothers debut is what I like to call "The best Earth, Wind & Fire you've never heard". This is pre-Columbia Records, so there's no Charles Stepney, Phillip Bailey or any of classic-era members save for Maurice and Verdine White. That being said, 'The Elements' have an in-your-face sound that combines War's multi-ethnic funk and tight horn arrangements reminiscent of Tower Of Power. Buy this album for "Help Somebody"; Dig a little deeper for funk-burners like "Fan The Fire" or the smooth "Love Is Life".

This Is The First Album EW&F Ever Made [1971] Love Is Life, Fan The Fire & Moment Of Truth Were The Hits