Released at the tail end of the '60s, set the precedent for how would evolve in the early '70s, simultaneously establishing and as major forces within black music. Though not quite as definitive as or as well-known as , remains an undeniably seminal record; it stretched its songs far beyond the traditional three-to-four-minute industry norm, featured long instrumental stretches where stole the spotlight, and it introduced a new, iconic persona for with ' tough yet sensual image. With the release of this album, suddenly seemed manufactured and a bit too theatrical. Surprising many, the album features only four songs. The first, is an epic 12-minute moment of true perfection, its trademark string-laden intro just dripping with syrupy sentiment, and the thumping mid-tempo drum beat and accompanying bassline instilling a complementary sense of nasty to the song; if that isn't enough to make it an amazing song, ' almost painful performance brings yet more feeling to the song, with the guitar's heavy vibrato and the female background singers taking the song to even further heights. The following three songs aren't quite as stunning but are still no doubt impressive: trades in sappy sentiment for straight-ahead , highlighted by a stomping piano halfway through the song; is the least epic moment, clocking in at only five minutes, but stands as a straightforward, well-executed love ; and finally, there's the infamous 18-minute and its lengthy monologue which slowly eases you toward the climactic, almost-orchestral finale, a beautiful way to end one of 's timeless, landmark albums, the album that transformed into a lifelong icon. ~ Jason Birchmeier