About the song
“Let’s Groove,” released by Earth, Wind & Fire in April 1981, is a quintessential track that epitomizes the band’s signature sound while navigating the evolving musical landscape of the early 1980s. As the lead single from their eleventh studio album, *Raise!*, the song showcases the group’s ability to blend funk, pop, and the emerging electronic influences of the era.
Written by Maurice White and Wayne Vaughn, and produced by White himself, “Let’s Groove” quickly became a commercial success. The track peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking it as Earth, Wind & Fire’s seventh and final top 10 hit. Additionally, it spent an impressive eight weeks at the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, reflecting its broad appeal. The single achieved gold certification in the US for selling over one million copies and was certified platinum in the UK, further cementing its place in music history.
Musically, “Let’s Groove” is a post-disco anthem characterized by its upbeat tempo of 126 beats per minute and a distinctive blend of synthesizers, keyboards, and live electric guitars. The song features a robotic vocoder riff that aligns with the electronic sound of the early 80s, a stylistic shift from the disco roots of the late 70s. This innovative approach was complemented by the punchy horn sections, reminiscent of the band’s earlier hits like “Getaway,” and contributed to the song’s gritty, modern sound.
Critical reception was generally positive, with Ken Tucker of *Rolling Stone* describing it as “city music” with an electrifying horn section, while Record World praised its deep bass line. Ed Hogan from AllMusic highlighted the track’s reflection of the emerging electronic sound of the 80s, noting its departure from the band’s earlier style. Although *People* magazine considered it a “disappointment,” other reviews, such as Jordan Bartel’s in *The Baltimore Sun*, praised it as potentially the funkiest track of the early 80s.
The music video for “Let’s Groove,” which was the first video ever played on BET’s *Video Soul*, utilized the Scanimate analog computer system to create its distinctive visual effects. This innovative approach in the video’s production influenced subsequent music videos, including Bruno Mars’ “Treasure.”
“Let’s Groove” has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with its infectious rhythm and electronic sound resonating through various media, including films like *The Waterboy* (1998) and *Kronk’s New Groove* (2005). The song’s influence extends into modern music as well, with interpolations in tracks like Calvin Harris’s “Feels” and Kent Jones’s “Alright.”
In summary, “Let’s Groove” stands as a testament to Earth, Wind & Fire’s ability to adapt and thrive amid changing musical trends, solidifying their legacy in the annals of funk and pop music.
Video
Lyrics
Let this groove, get you to move,
it’s alright, alright
let this groove, set in your shoes,
stand up, alright
Gonna tell you what you can do,
with my love, alright
Let you know girl you’re looking good
you’re out of sight and alright
Move yourself and glide like a 747
loose yourself in the sky among the clouds in the heavens
Let this groove, light up your fuse, alright
Let this groove, set in your shoes
stand up, alright
Let me tell you what you can do
with my love, alright
Gotta let you know girl you’re looking good
you’re out of sight, you’re alright
Tell the DJ to play your favorite tune
then you know it’s okay
What you found is happiness, now
Let this groove, get you to move, alright
Let this groove set in your shoes
stand up, alright
You will find peace of mind on the floor
Take a little time, come and see, you and me
make a little sign, I’ll be there after a while
if you want my love
We can boogie on down, down, down, down
Let’s groove tonight
share the spice of life
baby slice it right
we’re gonna groove tonight