Sly & the Family Stone

There’s a Riot Goin’ On

First released1971

There's a Riot Goin' On was recorded primarily at the Record Plant in Los Angeles between 1971 and 1972, with Sly Stone serving as the primary producer and creative force behind the album. The recording process was notably unconventional, featuring heavy use of overdubbing and multitrack recording techniques, with Sly often recording instruments and vocals himself rather than relying on full band sessions. The production style emphasized murky, funk-driven soundscapes with layered instrumentation and innovative use of studio effects, departing significantly from the brighter, horn-driven sound of the group's previous work. Engineer Tom Hidley and producer Sly Stone collaborated to create the album's distinctive sonic texture, which reflected both the group's musical evolution and the turbulent social climate of early 1970s America. The album was released in November 1971 and became one of the most influential funk and soul records of the era, showcasing groundbreaking production techniques that would influence hip-hop and electronic music for decades to come.