Sly & The Family Stone, “Que Sera, Sera” | Throwback Vibez

In the 29^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” by Sly & The Family Stone. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 29^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)”, performed by Sly & The Family Stone. 

Theme & Lyrics  

Ah, there’s nothing like a psychedelic soul rendition of a beloved 1950s classic.  Jay Livingston and Ray Evans wrote an iconic song in “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)”.  Doris Day would record the definitive version of the song.  That said, “Que Sera, Sera” is an oft-covered joint so, there’s plenty of room for one of the best funk/soul bands of all time to drop their own take.  Sly & The Family Stone certainly transform the 50s version of the tune into something soul lovers can hang with on their 1973 album, Fresh.

Sly & The Family Stone slacken the tempo and add soul-ify this classic, period.  In the band’s hands, this is a nearly five-and-a-half-minute ballad.  They milk it and the results are nothing short of glorious. We get some awesome keyboard (including organ), making it idiomatic of the 70s. Larry Graham does what he does best – hold down that bass!  Graham is a great vocalist too ( “One in a Million You”, HELLO), but his bass playing was innovative. Of course, the main attraction are the vocals by Rose Stone and Sly.  Rose’s tone is perfectly suited for the three tender verses, while the record intensifies in the chorus: “Que Sera, Sera / Whatever will be, will be / The future’s not ours to see / Que Sera, Que Sera, Que Sera.” Here, Sly sounds incredibly gritty.

Final Thoughts  

Perhaps purists who heart the Doris Day version will cry foul about this take. Personally, I consider it one of Sly & The Family Stone’s BEST songs. Sure, they have bigger, more important hits in their catalog but “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” is special too!

Sly & The Family Stone • Fresh • Sony • 1973

Sly & The Family Stone, “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)”: Throwback Vibez No. 29 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  The Musical Hype, Sony]