In the league of funk-rock albums, “A Message To The People” is top-notch. Buddy Miles was easily one the better bandleaders of the early ‘70s, and his ability to unite a group of talented players around well-crafted songs definitely makes this one of his best albums.
The gorgeous “The Way I Feel Tonight,” the funky, horn-driven “Place Over There,” and the lovely closing “That’s The Way Life Is” all rank among Miles’ best songs and performances. Add to that two superb Gregg Allman covers. It’s a testament to Buddy Miles’ talent that, as first-rate as the album is, it will leave any listener wanting more. Still, A Message to the People is every bit a funk classic.