Understanding That's the Way of the World requires appreciating founder Maurice White’s multifaceted vision for Earth Wind & Fire. This vision embodied innovative melodies, sounds, lyrics, and orchestral arrangements manifested by a creative ensemble who were encouraged to embrace their diverse spiritualities, eat healthy, and live right (although not always successful). Some of their instruments were relatively new to music such as keyboardist Larry Dunn’s synthesizer, while White’s African kalimba was brand new to American music.
TTWOTW presents hopeful messages about the world to the people of the world. The album instilled self-pride and confidence through innovative musical approaches. TTWOTW did not tell listeners exactly how to live or love, but instead how they can live in a quest for self-actualization. The songs encouraged us to listen, see, learn, yearn, love, and have fun. If art can help mold a better future, than EWF’s musical legacy of empowerment will continue to contribute to individual growth and social change as their melodies linger.
