Still Kool

Released in 2007, Still Kool represents a significant chapter in the later-career discography of Kool & the Gang, arriving over thirty years after their commercial peak. The album serves as a bridge between their funk heritage and the smooth jazz/adult contemporary markets they successfully navigated in the 2000s. Recorded with a focus on high-fidelity production, it features a mix of original compositions and a few nods to their legacy, most notably the 'Celebration' medley. The record achieved notable success in Europe, particularly in France where it was certified platinum, signaling the band's enduring global appeal. Sonically, it is defined by the interplay between Ronald Bell's sophisticated horn arrangements and a more modern, synth-heavy R&B backdrop. Critically, it was viewed as a solid, if safe, addition to their catalog that emphasized their transition into elder statesmen of soul.