Half a century has now elapsed since War released their landmark album’ Why Can’t We Be Friends?’ and remarkably, the music is every bit as modern and contemporary today as it was back then. In 1975, War wasn’t simply making hits they were making strong statements on unity, identity, and the human condition. With their unique fusion of funk, Latin, soul, and rock, the band made songs that were deeply personal and yet irresistibly danceable. In 2025, that legacy is being honored with a bonus tracks 3CD Deluxe Edition, released on June 6 on Rhino Records.
This latest release is more than a remastered album. It’s an in-depth exploration into the heart of a band that used rhythm and melody as a tool to break through cultural barriers and bring people together.
The Sound of Togetherness
Everybody who’s ever hummed along to the beat of “Low Rider” or sung the chorus of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” understands how much War’s music resonates with them. The title track, for instance, was inspired by a real-life situation — a confrontation at a Japanese celebration — but became an all-encompassing song about friendship and understanding. Its message only grew stronger with time.
And then of course there’s “Low Rider,” the song that instantly captures the cruisin’ culture of East Los Angeles. Its iconic cowbell, smooth bassline, and laid-back swagger of a beat, it captured a scene and cemented its legacy. These songs, and the whole album, spawned a generation and continue to strike a chord with listeners today.
A Thoughtful and Richly Detailed Collection
The original album is perfectly presented on the first disc of the deluxe version, with the music being extensively remastered to reveal every detail. Tracks like “Smile Happy” and “Heartbeat” have never sounded so vital and crisp before, inviting both old and new fans alike to delve into the depth of the musicianship by War.
The second CD is more in-depth, including unreleased and out-of-print tracks that provide an improved portrait of the group’s art process. Original versions of songs like “So” and “Low Rider” exist here, along with uncovered songs like “Zorro” and “Roam & Ramble.” These songs showcase the band’s raw, experimental side.
The third disc offers even more depth with extended jams and behind-the-scenes content. Among the treats is a previously unreleased session called “Oatmeal Box,” in which the band’s humor and spontaneity are revealed. There’s also a 22-minute audio documentary, “The Making of ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’,” in which fans are taken into the studio with the band. It features their conversations, creative process, and the chemistry that made War so special.
A Legacy Which Remains Inspirational
It is always what set War apart that the way they took disparate styles, sounds, and stories and made them something cohesive. Their music reached a broad audience, inspiring pride in culture but always based in real human feeling. Fifty years later, the same messages resonate as powerfully as they did in 1975.
This anniversary edition is not just a nostalgic trip. It’s a reminder of the consequences when music is made from a place of honesty and collective co-operation. It’s a tribute to a band that refused to settle, who dreamed bigger, who sounded different from anybody else.
Mark the Date
The 50th Anniversary 3CD Deluxe Edition of Why Can’t We Be Friends? will hit stores on June 6, 2025. Pre-orders are now up at a variety of retailers, including Amazon and Rough Trade. If you enjoy excellent music with a message, this collection is a powerful experience. It is a gateway to rediscovering War’s genius or discovering it for the first time. Either way, you have something great in store for you — a lovely reminder of how music can and does unite us.
