This history-making family, even with all the success it's had, the critical acclaim, and the adoration of its loyal fans, is still probably the most under-rated act of the "rock era." It sounds like a pretty bold statement, but think about it. How influential were songs like "Shout," "Twist And Shout," "This Old Heart Of Mine," and "It's Your Thing"? And that was before phase II of the Isleys story began. Now add to the list "That Lady," "Fight The Power," and "For The Love Of You." This was a living legend of a group at the time "Go For Your Guns" was released in 1977. Yes, 1975's "The Heat is On" topped the pop chart, but for my money, "Go For Your Guns" is the ultimate Isleys experience. While there were still plenty of hit singles and fine albums to come, I think the team got a bit mired in the formula in subsequent releases, especially in the apparent need to make every song a part 1 and part 2. This album featured a #1 R&B hit ("The Pride"), two indispensible concert items ("Footsteps In The Dark" and "Voyage To Atlantis"), and a rockin', raucous two-part single. "Livin' In The Life" is hard to find on CD. It made #4 R&B. The b-side, "Go For Your Guns," is an instrumental of "Livin' In The Life," with lead guitarist Ernie Isley given free rein. Two tracks remain: "Tell Me When You Need It Again" features the group in a stripped-down funk groove. "Climbing Up The Ladder" is a pretty clear manifesto for the group at that time. The brothers were undeniably popular, selling millions of albums each time out. But the ladder of respect is a fickle one. For as much as the Isleys have done for rock and roll (and plain rock) music, you never hear them played on so-called "Classic Rock" stations. Not even on acid-hot rock performances like "Climbing Up The Ladder" or "Hope You Feel Better Love." Or on across-the-board hits like "That Lady" and "Fight The Power." The Isley Brothers have been too good, in terms of expanding the parameters of music for ALL musicians. They don't deserve to have such a lack of respect for their music.

This album is a great example of the great music made in the 70's that never made it to the radio. The Isley brothers have always been makers of great music. They have always been colorblind in making their music, it wasn't disco, it wasn't even funk in the way that many people think of the genre'. This album like the rest of the work they did in the late seventies was a rocked up funk, suitable for clubs, parties and dances, that is if you could find a club, dance, or party that didn't play the tripe that was on the radio at the time. I love this album! Livin in the Life was my mantra during those years and I remind myself of it from time to time rattling the windows of my car. Too bad that this innovative work didn't have the influence that it should have at the time, music today would have been enormously better off.

driving funk and "beautiful ballards." "Go For Your Guns" could be looked upon as a signature Isley Bros. album. Standard, reliable funk from one of the best R&B bands of the decade, if not all time. The Isley's made some great albums during the '70's and this is one of them. What sets this album apart is the beautiful ballards contained in this collection: "Footsteps in the Dark" and "Voyage to Atlantis," one of the best slow jams ever. Ronnie Isley's vocals are yearning and sexy on these two classic slow jams. It is these two tunes, and the slow jams on other Isley Bros. albums of the '70's, that would set the Isley Bros. apart from their contemporaries. "The Pride," "Tell Me When You Need It Again," "Climbin' Up the Ladder" and "Livin'In the Life" are examples of party music at its best; driving funk that makes you move. But what tunes do you usually remember from this album when you talk about puttin' this one on the player? One of the best.

Having been a fan of theirs for over 40 years,I had the priveledge to see this concert at the Oakland Colesium in the fall of 1977. Their performance was awsome and the memory has stayed with me all these years. This album testifies to their raw talent and creativety.I highly recommend it to anyone who missed this once in a lifetime experience.

My step father use to blast this group twenty-four seven.
One thing I always liked about the Isley Brothers sound (which is missing in today's so-called music), they had a rock and funk appeal. For example the cut "Livin In The Life" the intro just drops this funky bass on you like DAMN!!! I have to reply that again!!! Then the precussion guitar kicks off with the beat just rockin and rollin away, I mean this was a baddass jam.

But I always liked this rare up tempo track (was never played on the radio) by the Isley Brothers, which was the b-side to the
12 inch version of "I Want To Be With You" called "Rockin with Fire." So question people, WHICH ALBUM (OOPS! CD NOW) CAN I FIND THIS OTHER BADDASS RARE TRACK BY THEM? HELP!!!!