"Go for Your Guns," the fifteenth studio album by The Isley Brothers, is a captivating blend of Motown, quiet storm, soul, and northern soul elements that showcases the band's versatility and musical prowess. Released on April 16, 1977, under their T-Neck label and distributed by Epic, this album is a testament to the Isley Brothers' enduring influence on the music scene.
The album features a mix of upbeat disco-funk tracks and slower, more introspective jams, marking the beginning of the band's quiet storm era. Standout tracks like "Voyage to Atlantis" and "Footsteps in the Dark" highlight the group's signature ambitious jams and improvisational skills, while songs like "The Pride" and "Climbin' Up the Ladder" demonstrate their ability to fuse funk and rock seamlessly. The title track, "Go for Your Guns," is a standout example of the guitar work of Ernie Isley and Marvin Isley, who engage in a thrilling musical battle throughout the song.
"Go for Your Guns" was a commercial success, peaking at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Soul chart and reaching No. 6 on the Billboard 200 just a month after its release. The album's enduring appeal is a result of its timeless production and the Isley Brothers' exceptional songwriting and performance skills. Whether you're a longtime fan of The Isley Brothers or a newcomer to their discography, "Go for Your Guns" is an essential addition to any music collection. The album's diverse range of styles and high-energy performances make it a standout release in the Isley Brothers' impressive catalog.