The Meters is the debut studio album by the American funk group The Meters. It was released in May 1969 and is the first of eight albums by the band. The band's early works were developed through improvisation. Band members had spent most of the 1960s performing together in nightclubs of New Orleans. They had a fluid musical style that included elements of R&B, rock and jazz. The variety of instruments on the album cover symbolizes the diversity of compositions and rhythms. The album's back-cover depicts the band members in the early phase of their career.