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Our Top 10 Sly And The Family Stone Songs looks back at one of the greatest rock and roll meets soul style party bands of the 1960s and 70s. Sly and The Family Stone were a little bit of everything. From James Brown and Stevie Wonder to the Rolling Stones, Love and the MC5, Sly and The Family Stone blended so many styles of music together that just about everyone who has ever heard one of their tunes fell in love with them. What Prince was to the 1980s, Sly and The Family Stone were to the late 1960s and early 1970s. Our top 10 Sly And The Family Stone Songs presents ten of their most important and enjoyable songs the band released during their somewhat short career from the late 1960s to the early 80s.
# 10 – Fun
We open up our top 10 Sly And The Family Stone songs list with the great party style song “Fun.” The song was released on the group’s third album entitled Life. The record was released in 1968. The Life album was not a big commercial success, yet it remains one of of their most interesting even though it has hovered under the radar all these years. ” Fun,” was never released as a single but it did appear as the B Side to the single “Hot Fun in the Summertime.”
# 9 – Everybody Is A Star
The great Sly And The Family Stone song “Everybody Is A Star,” was released on the band’s Greatest Hits album in 1972. The song was also issued as the B side to the single “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” which was also released on the Greatest Hits album. Since the song “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” hit number 0ne on the Billboard Charts, the song “Everybody Is A Star,” was also considered a number one single. Regardless of chart success, the song defines such a cool groove and civil rights statement intertwined that it goes down in history as one of the most important Sly and The Family Stone songs ever released.
# 8 – If You Want Me To Stay
As we continue this top 10 Sly And The Family Stones songs list, we present the group’s last big hit of their career. The song “If You Want Me To Stay,” was released on the 1973 album entitled Fresh. The song hit number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. Musicians on the track included Sly Stone on vocals, guitar, keyboards, Rustee Allen on bass, Andy Newmark on drums, Cynthia Robinson on trumpet, Jerry Martini and Pat Rizzo on saxophones.
# 7 – Stand
The great majestic style r&b song entitled “Stand,” was released as the title track to the great Stand album. The record was released in 1969. “Stand,” was issued as a single also in 1969. It had great commercial success as it reached the number thirteen spot on the Billboard Hot 100 during the Spring of 1969. The song has been covered by a wide range of artists over a long period of time ranging from the Jackson Five in the 1960s to the jam band Phish in the 1990s.
# 6 – Dance To The Music
Many would argue “Dance To The Music,” was the bands biggest hit. Their right and wrong. Dance To The Music was a massive hit song by Sly And The Family Stone. It wasn’t a number one, but what was most important about the song was that fact that it was the single that introduced the world to Sly and The Family Stone. It was the band’s first top 10 hit as the song peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968.
# 5 – Family Affair
This was a big one. Sly And The Family Stone’s classic song “Family Affair,” was released in 1971. It was issued on the album There’s a Riot Goin’ On. The song hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed in that spot for almost a month. The song also featured the great Billy Preston on keyboards playing a significant role in the song’s success. The great Bobby Womack also had a hand in creating a number one record as he played a very soulful rhythm guitar on the track.
# 4 – Hot Fun in the Summertime
As we enter the second half of this top 10 Sly And The Family Stone songs list we turn to one of our all time favorite Sly and the Family Stone songs. The great track “Hot Fun In The Summertime,” will always be remembered as one of those great late 1960s summertime songs. The song was released during the summer of 1969 just after Sly And The Family Stone had blown away the audience at Woodstock. “Hot Fun In The Summertime,” was released on the album Sly An The Family Stone Greatest Hits. It was one of three songs on the album that had never been released before. But a hit it sure was, as it went all the way to number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
# 3 – Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)
Bassist Larry Graham really shined on this classic Sly And The Family Stone song. Easily one of the top 10 groove songs of all time. This was another one of the great new songs that was released on the greatest hits album in 1970. Imagine putting out a greatest hits album and placing some new songs on the album that go straight to number one. Its already packed with hits and now you have new hits on top of the old hits. That’s what Sly and the band did. “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” went straight to number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
The musicians on this one included Sly Stone on lead vocals and guitar, Rose Stone also on lead vocals, Jerry Martini on tenor saxophone and vocals, Cynthia Robinson on trumpet and vocals, Freddie Stone on guitar, and vocals, the great Larry Graham on bass and vocals and Greg Errico on drums and vocals.
# 2 – Everyday People
This legendary group released so many great songs over a very short period of time. Some of them would become ingrained in society so deeply that the song would almost become bigger than the band. “Everyday People,” is one such type of song. A great universal song calling for peace, it stands as one of the great classic rock peace songs of the 1960. The song was originally released on the album titled Stand. The album was issued in 1968. “Everyday People,” went all the way to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed in that spot for an entire month. Powerful song, even more powerful message.
# 1 – I Want to Take You Higher
We close out our Top 10 Sly And The Family Stone Songs list with what we believe was their greatest recording. The song “I Want To Take You Higher,” was released on the album Stand. The song was never released as a single but was issues as the b side to the single “Stand.” We placed “I Want To Take You Higher,” in the number one spot because we believed this song defined what the bands most important message. And that was to celebrate life. Putting aside all the politics and society issues of the 1960s and early 1970s, Sly and The Family Stone at their core were a party band, a kicking soulful party band at that. These musicians grooved hard and they wanted to take us all along for the ride.
![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
