New Directions (The Meters album)

New Directions is the fifth studio album by the American funk band The Meters. Released in 1971 on the Josie label, it marked a significant shift in the band's sound, moving away from their earlier, more straightforward R&B style towards a more experimental and psychedelic funk approach. This evolution is reflected in the album's longer song structures and more complex arrangements, incorporating elements of jazz and soul.

While still retaining the characteristic Meters groove, ''New Directions'' showcased a greater emphasis on instrumental interplay and improvisation. The album features a blend of original compositions and covers, highlighting the band's versatility and expanding upon their musical vocabulary. Although commercially less successful than some of their previous releases, ''New Directions'' is now considered by many to be a landmark album in the development of funk music, influencing numerous artists and significantly impacting the genre's evolution. Its innovative approach to rhythm and instrumental interplay helped establish The Meters' status as pioneers of funk. The album remains a favorite amongst funk enthusiasts and music historians for its innovative approach and enduring musicality. Several tracks from the album, including [list of notable tracks could go here, but isn't required for this format], have become influential in their own right, finding themselves sampled and covered by artists across multiple genres.