Winner Takes All

Released in 1979, Winner Takes All is a double-disc powerhouse that solidified The Isley Brothers' dominance at the end of the decade. Following the success of Showdown, the group leaned further into the disco-funk trend without sacrificing their signature rock-soul edge. The album is notable for its 'Part 1 & 2' structure on nearly every track, allowing the band to explore extended instrumental outros and improvisational flourishes that became a staple of their T-Neck era recordings. Critically, the album is often cited as one of their most balanced efforts, showcasing the '3+3' lineup's ability to pivot from the aggressive 'It’s a Disco Night (Rock Don’t Stop)' to the ethereal 'Liquid Love.' While some critics at the time felt the double-album format led to slight padding, the sheer quality of the musicianship - particularly Ernie Isley's Hendrix-inspired soloing and Chris Jasper's keyboard arrangements - ensured its status as a gold-certified success and a foundational text for future R&B and hip-hop sampling.