Its title track was Parliament's first chart hit and remains one of the most well-known P-Funk songs.

The original title of the album was Whatever Makes Baby Feel Good, and the cover featured group leader George Clinton hovering over a woman in distress, sporting a black wig and monster-type gloves.

Up for the Down Stroke is notable in that it rekindled George Clinton's professional relationship with bassist Bootsy Collins, who had taken a two-year hiatus from the group.

Collins would play a pivotal role in all of the Parliament albums released through Casablanca Records.

The following songs were released as singles: "Up For The Down Stroke" was later remade by Fred Wesley and the Horny Horns on their first album A Blow For Me and a Toot For You.