For fans of: Classic Funk / R&B

What they're saying: A strong review from AllMusic notes the core of the Kool & The Gang’s future success was already present on this first record: “Kool and the Gang is a blast of a record containing strong elements that would become the band's trademarks: smooth melodies, suave rhythms, and brassy horns. This is one of Kool & the Gang's jazzier albums and a strong debut worth checking out, though less accessible than any of their later pop recordings.”

What we say: This reissue of the 1970 debut LP has a lot more in common with James Brown, Booker T, and the like than the group’s more famous disco-era records. Kool And The Gang is heavy on killer instrumentals too, if that’s your bag. True unsung gem from the stellar early period of the future superstars.