WAR to release 50th Anniversary Reissue of Greatest Hits

WAR is gearing up to reissue their iconic album, *Greatest Hits*, as part of Rhino’s Spirit of ’76 campaign, which pays homage to the albums that defined the Bicentennial celebration of the United States. The album, originally released in 1976, is set to mark its 50th anniversary on July 31, showcasing a diverse musical landscape that transcends traditional genres and celebrates unity.

The album’s message of togetherness and its unique blend of funk, soul, rock, jazz, and Latin influences remain as poignant today as they were 50 years ago. With tracks like “The World Is A Ghetto,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” “Low Rider,” and the brand-new song at the time, “Summer,” *Greatest Hits* goes beyond being just a compilation album. According to the album’s longtime producer, Jerry Goldstein, the inclusion of “Summer” on the original release marked a significant milestone as it became a hit in its own right, making this 50th-anniversary edition the most authentic and comprehensive version of *Greatest Hits*.

The upcoming reissue will be available on 180-gram black vinyl, ensuring a high-quality listening experience for collectors and lifelong fans. Additionally, a worldwide CD edition, released on the same day, will include bonus tracks such as “Spill The Wine,” “Don’t Let No One Get You Down,” “So,” and “Galaxy,” expanding the album’s reach to a broader audience.

In conjunction with the vinyl and CD editions, exclusive merchandise featuring the album’s songs will be available on WAR’s official website. Furthermore, lyric videos for the tracks on *Greatest Hits* will be released throughout the summer on WAR’s YouTube channel, offering fans a visual accompaniment to the music.

As part of the broader Spirit of ’76 campaign, *Greatest Hits* serves as a cornerstone, capturing the essence of the 1976 musical landscape and showcasing WAR’s contribution to the American Songbook. In a year when American music was expanding in various directions, the album stands out as a timeless classic that brings people together across cultural boundaries.

As WAR prepares to embark on their Greatest Hits Tour, audiences can look forward to experiencing their iconic catalog live, from the West Coast to the East Coast. Tracks like “Low Rider,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” and “The World Is A Ghetto” will come alive on stage, giving fans a chance to relive the magic of these timeless classics in a live setting.

In conclusion, 50 years after its initial release, *Greatest Hits* continues to resonate with audiences, reaffirming the power of music to unite people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the album’s message of unity and togetherness remains as relevant as ever, solidifying its place in music history and highlighting WAR’s enduring impact on the American music scene.