Earth, Wind & Fire, Fantasy | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 3rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Fantasy” by iconic soul collective, Earth, Wind & Fire.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 3^rd edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Fantasy” performed by Earth, Wind & Fire.

“Every man has a place / In his heart, there’s a space / And the world can’t erase his fantasies.” Iconic, six-time Grammy-winning funk and soul band Earth, Wind & Fire never miss, PERIOD.  Once more, the legends ‘served up the goods’ on “Fantasy”, the groovy second track from their 1978 album,  All ‘N All.  “Fantasy” was not their biggest hit but still earned them another top 40 hit (no. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100). Maurice White, Verdine White, and Argentinian arranger, composer, and pianist Eddie Del Barrio penned the ballad. Maurice produced it. “Fantasy” was nominated for Best R&B Song at the 21^st Annual Grammy Awards. 

The sounds are breathtaking from the rhythm section, bright, articulated horns, and lush, sophisticated strings. Throw in a sickening harmonic progression and a key change, and “Fantasy” is simply fantastic! Beyond the innovative instrumental and top-notch musicianship, the singing is dynamic. The high tenor and falsetto of Philip Bailey (1951 – ) is otherworldly – perfection!  He sings expressively and passionately, bringing the distinct, thought-provoking songwriting to life. “Every thought is a dream / Rushing by a stream / Bringing life to the kingdom of doing.” Yes! One section that features variation, stands out:

“And we will live together

Until the twelfth of never

Our voices will ring forever, as one.”

The twelfth of never reference comes from an earlier source: Johnny Mathis’ 1957 song, “The Twelfth of Never”.  Another stellar lyric from “Fantasy”: “Come to see victory / In a land called fantasy / Loving life for you and me / To behold, to your soul is ecstasy.” “Fantasy” is another masterpiece from one of the greatest bands of all-time.  Energetic and innovative, Earth, Wind & Fire ‘put their foot’ into this classic that is best experienced by simply listening.  Unsurprisingly, it has been sampled many times.

Earth, Wind & Fire, // All ‘N All // Columbia // 1977

Earth, Wind & Fire, Fantasy: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 3 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Columbia; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]