"You Got the Power" by War

Song#:  0977
Date:  04/03/1982
Debut:  82
Peak:  66
Weeks:  6
Genre:  R&B, Funk



Pop Bits:  Developed by producer Jerry Goldstein and former Animals lead singer Eric Burdon, this group hit right off the bat with the #3 "Spill the Wine" (1970). Burdon only stuck around for two albums but War continued without him and released a streak of hit singles throughout the 70s including the #2 (#5 R&B) "The Cisco Kid" (1973) and their #1 R&B smash (#7 pop) "Low Rider" (1975). The late 70s brought many changes to the band and their popularity began to decline. A switch to the RCA label prompted the LP "Outlaw" and this single got them a third of the way up the pop chart while reaching the R&B Top 20.

ReduxReview:  War's funk still sounded a little stuck in the 70s, which was not really in favor at the time. Even Earth, Wind & Fire recognized early in the decade that they had to adapt and update coming up with the major hit "Let's Groove" (#3). Without anything new to offer, this song ultimately becomes forgettable. War typically offers up a nice groove, but this one lacks anything remarkable to make it stand out. Nice cowbell though...

ReduxRating:  4/10

Trivia:  At one point, the band that would eventually become War was called Nightshift. During this incarnation, the band backed football player-turned R&B singer Deacon Jones. Thought to be one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the game, Jones started a singing career while still playing pro football. It was during one of Jones' performances that Jerry Goldstein heard the band and liked their sound. Goldstein would help turn Nightshift into Eric Burdon and War.

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