Overall, the album has some glimmer of Sly's past genius but also signals his fading creativity, with tired hooks, and unimpressive instrumentals. Tracks that manage to stand out, in my opinion: "Can't Strain my Brain," "Time for Livin'" and "Better Thee Than Me."

If you're thinking about scratching together the $30 bucks that it'll cost you to buy this album (because Epic Records is too nearsighted to re-release it on CD in the U.S.), you might want to consider copping the "High On You" LP instead, which stands as a nice post-script to "Fresh." If you're an avid fan, grab "Small Talk" for completions sake--it does have its moments.

1) Small Talk: A lot of the talk around this album cites Sly's own family stone (wife and kid) as the reason for this mellow, humble selection of songs. The album starts with a very quiet track with a nice bass line where his new baby whimpers along. Very cute, very good background music.

2) Say You Will: This is one of the better songs on the record. Definitely the best instrumental performance, and the vocals are like fudge.

3) Mother Beautiful: One of the most intense songs ever recorded. The background vocals ride in and out like a giant snail, leaving their silvery slimy trails throughout the track.

4) Time for Livin': An anthem of sorts, but a good natured one. This is a great song, I think it went top 10 when the album was released. The Beastie Boys made a hard core cover of this on their Check Your Head album.

5) Can't Strain My Brain: Quiet, but dense in meaning. Sort of a personal theme for Sly, but the song speaks volumes. This is another example of a track that's scantly appointed by the band but indulgently iced by the vocals.

6) Loose Booty: Straight Party. Shadrach, Meschach, Abednego.

7) Holdin' On: Sly asks the band to 'yo punch in' at the beginning. This is a great melt of the band and the vocalists. You'll sing to yourself all day long.

8) Wishful Thinkin': This is an inspirational number. Great lyrics and intense feeling in the vocals.

9) Better Thee Then Me: Pretty good, but not great. It has a questionable theme that makes me not love the song, but I don't turn it off if it comes up on shuffle play.

10) Livin' While I'm Livin': The most apostrophes of any song title on the album. This is another fast and busy Sly song. It's a good time.

11) This is Love: This is boring. I don't like this song. It's a better doo-wop song, but definitely the least ear-catching song on the LP.

I got two copies of this on vinyl from a bearded woman that I worked with in the cafeteria of a mental institution when I was 19 years old. She was emptying closets, her husband was ending his career as an amateur party DJ, and I just acquired a turntable from a friend who doesn't pay back debts in cash (I found out too late). I was initially amazed by the "Mother Beautiful" track, and by the number of rap samples I recognized from the album. This really ushered me out of the east coast suburban metal/rap/punk scene I was into, and if I ever find that bearded woman I'm going to give her a kiss on the mouth.