Celebrate 50 Years of WAR’s Iconic Album with Exclusive New Releases
“The World Is A Ghetto: 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition” & “Greatest Hits”
Iconic funk band WAR is back with two major releases that collectors and music fans won’t want to miss. On 19 July, WAR will release “The World Is A Ghetto: 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition”, a 4-CD set, and the reissue of their classic “Greatest Hits” on CD and vinyl. These releases mark a significant milestone in the band’s illustrious career, making it a perfect time to revisit the sounds that shaped a generation.
A Milestone Album: “The World Is A Ghetto”
In 1973, Billboard Magazine declared “The World Is A Ghetto” the best-selling album in America. Fast forward 50 years, and the legacy of this groundbreaking album is celebrated with an expanded collector’s edition. Curated by WAR’s producer Jerry Goldstein, founding member Lonnie Jordan, and Jeremy Levine, this deluxe set includes the recently remastered original album, six bonus tracks, and “the making of” recordings that provide a deep dive into the creative process behind each song.
The six bonus tracks, recorded during the original sessions, showcase the evolution of songs that would later become WAR classics. Fans can enjoy early versions of tracks like “War Is Coming” and “L.A. Sunshine,” which highlight the raw and unfiltered energy of the band during its peak. Goldstein notes, “The final take of all of these tracks is the actual final master that we used in The World Is A Ghetto, without edits, without overdubs, just raw.” Jordan adds, “Then we turned it around… R-A-W to W-A-R.”
Greatest Hits Revisited
Alongside the collector’s edition, WAR’s original 1976 “Greatest Hits” album is also being reissued. This collection features universally beloved tracks such as “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “Low Rider,” and “Cisco Kid,” as well as deeper cuts like “Gypsy Man” and “Southern Part of Texas.” Available on CD and vinyl, this reissue is a must-have for both longtime fans and newcomers eager to explore the band’s diverse sound and enduring influence.
Both “The World Is A Ghetto: 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition” and “Greatest Hits” will be released on 19 July and are available for pre-order now.
Live Performance at Chaka Khan’s Meltdown
Adding to the excitement, WAR will perform their first UK show in 16 years on 21 June at Chaka Khan’s Meltdown at the Royal Festival Hall, London. This is a rare opportunity to see the legendary band live, bringing their timeless hits to life on stage. Tickets are available now.
“The World Is A Ghetto” not only topped the charts in its time but also continues to influence a new generation of musicians. Tracks from the album have been sampled by a wide array of R&B and hip-hop artists, including A$AP Mob, Geto Boys, Janet Jackson, and a supergroup featuring Method Man, Redman, and Cypress Hill.
With 17 gold, platinum, or multi-platinum albums in their career, WAR’s music remains a vital source of inspiration. These new releases are a testament to their lasting impact and the timeless appeal of their unique blend of funk, soul, and rock.
THE WORLD IS A GHETTO: 50TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTOR’S EDITION
5-LP Track Listing
LP One: Original Album
Side One
- “The Cisco Kid”
- “City, Country, City”
- “Four-Cornered Room”
Side Two
- “Where Was You At?”
- “Beetles In The Bog”
- “The World Is A Ghetto”
LP Two: Bonus Tracks
Side One
- “L.A. Sunshine” – Original Jam *
- “War Is Coming” – Original Jam *
Side Two
- “Lonnie’s Wednesday Night Jam” *
- “Lee’s Latin Jam” *
- “Blues For Papa Dee” *
- “This Is My Song Milton James” *
LP Three: Making of the Tracks
Side One
The Making Of “The Cisco Kid”
Side Two
The Making Of “Where Was You At?” *
LP Four: Making of the Tracks
Side One
The Making Of “City, Country City”
Side Two
The Making Of “Four-Cornered Room” *
LP Five: Making of the Tracks
Side One
The Making Of “The World Is A Ghetto” *
Side Two
The Making Of “Beetles In The Bog” *
* previously only released on 5-LP set
WAR – ‘Greatest Hits’
Side 1
1 All Day Music
2 Slippin’ Into Darkness
3 The World Is A Ghetto
4 The Cisco Kid
5 Gypsy Man
Side 2
1 Me And Baby Brother
2 Southern Part Of Texas
3 Why Can’t We Be Friends ?
4 Low Rider
5 Summer
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
