There’s a Riot Goin’ On was recorded, mixed and over-dubbed, in 1970-71 by Sly Stone, mostly alone in the studio. It was made during a period of escalated drug use and turmoil between Sly and his Family Stone. The album is a sharp departure from the group’s previous 1960s records. The upbeat psychedelic soul sound of Everyday People, Dance to the Music and I Want to Take You Higher is instead replaced by a more edgy, funky and rhythmic sound. It is also very pessimistic and reflects Sly’s increasing disillusionment at the turn of 1970s, brought on by political assassinations, police brutality, the decline of the civil rights and anti-war movements, and the Nixon presidency. The first track “Luv n’ Haight” reflects his growing disdain for the hippie counterculture that was retreating from political and artistic activism, and relevance.
It is a commonplace declaration that the Altamont concert represented the “death of the sixties.” Perhaps, but for me this landmark recording also stands as a symbol of the changeover from the hopeful and progressive spirit of the 60s to the malaise and hedonism of the decades to come. This is perfectly captured in the album’s title, which was coined in response to Marvin Gaye’s album released six months before, What’s Going On, There’s a Riot Goin’ On.
As time has passed the album has consistently been praised as one of the greatest and most influential recordings of all time. It is one of the primary archetypes for the funk and hip hop genres that followed. It seems to creep higher with each release of greatest all-time lists. Rolling Stone had it at 82 on its most recent top 500. I personally put it much higher than that, and I bet George Clinton does too.
Parallel Narratives 