About the song
“Let’s Groove,” a vibrant anthem by the American band Earth, Wind & Fire, was released as the lead single from their eleventh studio album, *Raise!* in 1981. Written by Maurice White and Wayne Vaughn and produced by White, this track emerged during a time when the disco genre faced significant backlash. Despite the prevailing sentiment, Earth, Wind & Fire made a bold move by reviving the disco sound, infusing it with their unique pop and funk elements. The result was a song that not only celebrated the era’s electronic innovations but also resonated with audiences worldwide.
Musically, “Let’s Groove” embodies the essence of post-disco with its dynamic blend of synthesizers, keyboards, and live electric guitars. The track opens with a distinctive vocoder riff, setting the stage for a rich tapestry of sound that includes a pulsating bass line and energetic horn sections. With a tempo of 126 beats per minute and a length of five minutes and thirty-nine seconds, the song exudes an infectious groove that made it a staple on dance floors.
The critical reception of “Let’s Groove” was generally positive. Ken Tucker of *Rolling Stone* praised the track’s urban appeal, noting its powerful horn section, while Record World highlighted the deep bass line that drives the song. Ed Hogan from AllMusic commended Maurice White for blending the emerging electronic sound of the ’80s with the band’s established funk style, calling it a gritty evolution from their earlier work. Jordan Bartel of *The Baltimore Sun* described it as “possibly the funkiest thing to come out of the early 1980s,” and Whitney Pastorek of *Entertainment Weekly* appreciated the song’s playful electronic effects, likening them to a Pac-Man-inspired boogie.
“Let’s Groove” achieved impressive commercial success, reaching number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and spending eight weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart. It became Earth, Wind & Fire’s seventh and final top 10 hit, selling over a million copies in the US and earning a gold certification from the RIAA. The song also received platinum status in the UK, reflecting its international appeal.
The accompanying music video for “Let’s Groove” marked a significant milestone in music television as it was the first video ever played on Video Soul on BET. Created by Ron Hays using the Scanimate analog computer system, the video was rich in vintage electronic effects and set a precedent for future music video styles. Its influence extended to contemporary artists, with Bruno Mars’ “Treasure” drawing inspiration from its visual aesthetics.
Overall, “Let’s Groove” stands as a testament to Earth, Wind & Fire’s ability to innovate and adapt, ensuring their place in the annals of dance and funk music history.
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