Album: Involved

Overview:
"Involved" is an album by popular American soul singer Edwin Starr. Released in 1971 under the Gordy label, a subsidiary of Motown Records, "Involved" significant Starr's 5th studio album and included his remarkable funk-infused dance tunes and soulful ballads. The album's release began the heels of Starr's hit song "War", which catapulted his career into superstardom. "Involved" shows not just Starr's effective voice and Showmanship however also delves into social and political problems, representing the socially conscious music that emerged during that era.

Production:
The production of "Involved" is typically credited to a few of Motown's finest manufacturers and songwriters, jointly called The Corporation. This group included names such as Berry Gordy, Alphonzo Mizell, Freddie Perren, and Deke Richards. Their influence included a touch of the traditional Motown sound to the album, resulting in a highly satisfying listening experience. Moreover, the distinctive and innovative plans on "Involved" display Starr's vocal prowess, more solidifying his status as a premier soul singer in the early 70s.

Tracklist and Themes:
"Involved" is an album composed of 11 tracks that explore different themes, displaying a broad representation of the artist's flexibility:

1. "War"-- A powerful anti-war demonstration tune which works as the album's opening track and Edwin Starr's most famous tune.
2. "Ball of Confusion"-- A cover of The Temptations' tune going over social and political concerns, including more range to Starr's repertoire.
3. "Funky Music Sho' Nuff Turns Me On"-- A hectic, groove-driven song showing Starr's hallmark funk-infused noise.
4. "Stop the War Now"-- Another anti-war anthem that incorporates affects from gospel music, declaring Starr's vision for peace.
5. "Cloud Nine"-- A cover of another Temptations' classic, matched for Starr's vibrant vocal abilities and style.
6. "Stand"-- A track that promotes unity and motivates people to stand up for their beliefs, including an uplifting and empowering message.
7. "Way Over There"-- Showcasing Starr's capability to adjust to different designs, this song includes a more pop-driven sound with melodic hooks and harmonies.
8. "My Sweet Lord"-- A heartfelt and spiritual rendition of George Harrison's song, including depth to the album.
9. "Black Star"-- A reflective and symbolic track that admires the African American culture and history.
10. "Ain't No Turning Back"-- An emotional ballad discussing the style of love and heartbreak, using reprieve from the album's heavy-hitting tracks.
11. "Take a Look Around"-- The last track on the album looped the previous 10 tunes, urging listeners to reflect on their lives and circumstances.

Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release, "Involved" got widespread vital acclaim and showed to be a commercial success. It peaked at No. 45 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and No. 6 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart. The album's standout track, "War", topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B Singles chart. Because its release, "Involved" has actually been hailed as a seminal soul album that exemplifies the versatility and talent of Edwin Starr while highlighting the issues of social inequality, discrimination, and war in the 1970s.

Today, over 4 years after its release, "Involved" stays pertinent and continues to influence numerous soul and R&B artists. The powerful messages and the incredible music within the album continue to resonate with more recent generations, making sure Edwin Starr's tradition as a popular figure in the history of American music.