1975
The Undisputed Truth's 1975:
Cosmic Truth
& Higher Than High
The Undisputed Truth, led by the producer Norman Whitfield, release Cosmic Truth and Higher Than High in 1975 taking a more experimental direction.
Not feeling like reading? That's alright! 😎 Here is the funky magic of "Lil' Red Riding Hood." 🔊
Norman Whitfield: From 'Papa Was a Rollin' Stone' to Psychedelic Soul
Probably like many from my generation, I must have listened to 'Papa Was a Rollin' Stone' for the first time in the early 1990s, thanks to George Michael 👨🎤 I've heard the song played by many artists over the years - The Temptations' version has always been the one that stands out. And it is through listening to & reading about 70s funk that I learned: the song was originally written (by the great producer Norman Whitfield) for a different group: “The Undisputed Truth." When it initially failed, it was given to the Temptations because Whitfield was confident it would be a hit, and indeed it did win him a Grammy!
Norman Whitfield was a creative songwriter and producer within Motown, known to have written and produced hundreds of songs for the label's well-known artists. From Marvin Gaye's masterpiece 'I heard it through the Grapevine' to The Temptations' hit 'Cloud Nine,' Whitfield's influence appears across key Motown recordings. He blends genres, combining traditional soul with elements of rock, psychedelia, and even jazz. He would add funk elements to his tracks by incorporating syncopated rhythms, phased vocals, and phased guitars to create a distinctive yet recognizable sound. Known for studio experimentation, he would produce distinctive sound textures that would come to define psychedelic soul by utilizing cutting-edge methods like overdubbing, layering, and sampling.
Beyond the "Pet Project": The Evolution of The Undisputed Truth
The Undisputed Truth, formed by Norman Whitfield in 1970, is more than just another Motown act. Though often referred to as Whitfield's "pet project," The Undisputed Truth has its own distinct sound but still serves as a creative outlet for him to try out new productions. Whitfield, known for moving beyond typical forms within soul and funk, uses The Undisputed Truth to explore different vocal textures and musical approaches to his songs. They have a successful first album in 1971 with the song 'Smiling Faces Sometimes,' but I found out their funkier period is in the mid-70s, just a few years before their permanent disbandment.
1975 P-Funk Influence Context
🌟 The 1970s are widely considered the golden age of funk and 1975 is a year marked by significant change in funk. George Clinton's Parliament-Funkadelic revolutionizes the genre with their wild, psychedelic sounds and extravagant stage shows. The 1975 albums by The Undisputed Truth, Cosmic Truth and Higher Than High also show clear psychedelic elements. While their earlier work tends to lean more toward psychedelic soul with traditional soul and funk elements, both of these albums exhibit a distinct shift in their sound, with a heavier dose of funk elements, reminding of the Parliament-Funkadelic sound. The band's image also appears to change, adopting a more flamboyant and futuristic style that mirrors the costumes worn by Clinton's crew.
Cosmic Truth vs. Higher Than High
🛸 Cosmic Truth (released in March 75) sets the tone: songs like 'Earthquake Shake' and 'U.F.Os' have a space-age vibe to them, complete with futuristic synthesizer touches. Higher than High (out in October 75) is part of their ongoing exploration into this new sonic territory; the album pushes their sound in funk and soul directions, fusing rock and gospel influences.
Space-Age Visuals: The Art of the Psychedelic Soul Era
The music is amazing in both albums, and the album covers are also striking. Both Cosmic Truth and Higher Than High present the psychedelic soul / P-funk genre, and the album covers display the artistic trends of the mid-70s: bold colors and a spacey feel. Cosmic Truth leans into a more abstract direction, with swirling patterns and cosmic imagery in deep purples, blues, and oranges. Higher Than High appears to be a more literal interpretation, showing the band itself against a backdrop (in space) that evokes their music. 🌌
These remain lesser-known 1975 psychedelic soul recordings. Though I enjoy both albums, I think I like Cosmic Truth a little more! And if I had to pick a favorite track, I would go between 'Lil' Red Riding Hood' and 'Squeeze Me, Tease Me,' and finally select 'Lil’ Red Riding Hood' with its funky twist to the fairy tale and fun lyrics. 💟🐺
Gülben - 05/2024
