In 1975, the film “That’s the Way of the World” hit theaters, struggling to make a lasting impact on audiences. However, the soundtrack that accompanied it told a different tale.
Earth, Wind & Fire’s soundtrack for the movie soared to new heights, recently ranking as the 11th Greatest Movie Soundtrack of All Time by Rolling Stone. The album, described as a “three-times-platinum, soul-funk masterwork,” helped propel the band into a creatively successful era.
Produced and directed by Sig Shore, the film starred Harvey Keitel as record producer Coleman “the Golden Ear” Buckmaster in a cutthroat depiction of the music industry. Earth, Wind & Fire made an appearance as a fictionalized version of themselves known simply as “the Group.”
Despite the film fading into obscurity, the soundtrack has remained a defining album of the 1970s, featuring some of Earth, Wind & Fire’s most iconic songs such as “Shining Star,” “Reasons,” and the title track “That’s the Way of the World.”
The soundtrack’s success was marked by “Shining Star” becoming the group’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, propelling the album to commercial triumph. Maurice White’s signature kalimba playing and the group’s soaring harmonies received praise for their innovative and funky nature, as highlighted by Rolling Stone.
According to White, the soundtrack marked a turning point for Earth, Wind & Fire creatively and sonically, ushering in their signature big horn-section sound and incorporating a full string section in their music.
The recording sessions for the album pushed the group to play with more discipline and focus, resulting in unexpected hits like “Shining Star” and a fan favorite, “Reasons,” which White amusingly noted was often misunderstood as a love song.
Over forty years later, “That’s the Way of the World” remains one of Earth, Wind & Fire’s most celebrated albums, proving to be a rare gem that outshines the film that inspired it.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.