Reviews (page 5 of 8)
Good fun, better than I was expecting.
Some good tracks, but a lot of filler, probably inevitable as a soundtrack tge instrumental tracks probably worl great in the film, but don't work in the context of a standalone album
Only ever heard title track. Pretty fun music to work to.
I've never seen the movie but the music was quite cool! I enjoy instrumental albums a bit less though
Very very strange that this album makes the list and Saturday Night Fever does not Fine 3
I don't remember the movie, but this soundtrack seems too mellow for it.
Well I’ve had Theme from Shaft in my head all day now, which is actually kinda nice.
Not a huge fan of soundtracks but this one is a vibe.
This was a pretty cool score. I’ve actually never seen the movie, so my entire perception of the album is purely based on the music. Overall, it’s pretty mid tempo, mellow, and smooth, perfect for winding down or even starting your day. It’s basically funk and soul presented in a cinematic way, with most of the tracks being instrumental. The vibe is laid back.
Absolutely hilarious that a soundtrack album is included on this list and it's Shaft of all things. Isaac Hayes knew how to make some funky music and it's on full display here, that being said I'm not a huge fan of soundtrack albums and this one got pretty boring pretty fast, still though, Isaac mutha fuckin Hayes. 3/5
Very fun
This album made me laugh at first because it is a bit cheesy. I got into it though as I listened further and some of the songs really got me groovin'. There were lots of cool instrumental moments, like sweet brass lines and some jazzy flute. 7/10.
Although I gave this a 3, I do wanna say, I really did enjoy this album. But I think I need to rate these albums with the name of this list in mind, ones you must listen to before you DIE. & if I'm being honest, I wouldn't really have that much regret if I was 6 feet under without having heard this soundtrack. I think as far as movie soundtracks go, this ones not even A tier. HOWEVER, Theme from Shaft, & Do your thing, are two stand outs for me, the groove they kept in the first song on the album was giving me some mad stanky face. The other songs were great and funky and soulful as well, but weren't anything mind blowing.
альбом на фон, приятный но не цепляет
Surprisingly good! Funky and cool, although it largely blends into itself for me, which is my main detraction. Also verrry long.
Pretty solid but not very memorable. Not to pit two greats against each other but it doesn't hold a candle to Superfly, in my opinion.
Like it
I'd pick another blaxploitation movie over this one. It's fine!
Fun album, great songs, screams "cool" from the start. That said I don't know how often I'm going back to replay, but wouldn't mind hearing it every now and again.
As iconic as an album can start. But most of the rest is just background scene filler music, no?
Muy buena la canción del título. Pero lo demás es una banda sonora correcta.
Good, but it's just background music.
3.5
- I enjoyed the melodies of the pieces and how they flowed. I liked the fact it was mostly instrumental because it meant it was quite a calming album to listen to.
Soundtrack album, havent had one before! Funk/soul with big band/orchestral arrangements. Best track (not all on spotify) - Cafe Regio, Walk from Regio's, No Name Bar 3 stars
3.0 / 5.0
Banda sonora de una película, ritmos funk y de RnB. Entretenido.
This was a pretty cool score. I’ve actually never seen the movie, so my entire perception of the album is purely based on the music. Overall, it’s pretty mid tempo, mellow, and smooth, perfect for winding down or even starting your day. It’s basically funk and soul presented in a cinematic way, with most of the tracks being instrumental. The vibe is laid back.
It’s just ok
The cultural cache and the obvious quality of the arranging and playing lift this, but i didn't get into it as an album. The opener is famous, but this is albums to hear before you die not songs.
So many different moods
Definitely a mixed bag. The title track is awesone, and deserves it's plaudits. The rest - OK, but filler. (Also, a lot of the album has been removed from Spotify.)
Great album. Instrumentals? Not a problem. Vocals cool.
For the most part this really felt like a movie soundtrack. As in, it is meant to be background to the action happening on screen. Most of this is not that interesting. There’s a couple tracks that work on their own but for the most part it was boring and repetitive. Do you thing was cool.
Actually this was half-decent. I enjoyed Hayes' soul. It's not something I'd listen to every day, but for a first spin, I thought it did pretty well.
Rating: 6/10 I enjoyed it since it's funky, but will not return to this.
Surprisingly solid.
Chill
Smooth and groovy, but also very long.
Weird album, kinda liked it, kinda didn't
I don’t know what all there is to be said about a movie soundtrack. Of course Shaft has become more than that, a shorthand for cool or an ironic, satirical nod to bravado. Really love Black Moses.
Good - bit dated with language.
Not my cup of tea but I understand the importance of this artist.
Hyvä albumi, ei sen enempää
Good, but not his best.
Ég þekki auðvitað aðalstefið í bíómyndinni sem kom manni í gírinn. Svo kom eiginlega bara allskonar bíómyndabakgrunnstónlist að frátöldu einu 20 mínútna lagi sem var full langt fyrir minn smekk þótt tónlistin sé góð. Fengi 3.5 en set í 3 stjörnur því ég veit ekki hvenær ég myndi hlusta á þetta aftur.
good but soooo long, so it goes from 4 to 3 stars
Pretty good, and fun to have on in the background. It was great having seen the movie in theaters a couple years ago.
Good
This was fine, but I wanted a bit more from it. The linked album in Spotify doesn't have the full track listings available, but you can find it here https://open.spotify.com/album/5HAXYSqdNjjbvoFrXwtrBw?si=tEeyeA62TXyFgPLDMiL3dg Ok as background music but not really that much to get excited about.
6/10 This soundtrack definitely has some grooves, and would be nice to come back for some classy jazz. I’m not too high on this album as some others are. Not much going on for me.
What did I stroke while listening to this bloke? SHAFT! Damn straight
Initially thought Dimery was about to have even more blood on his wrinkled, god-forsaken hands for suggest a 70s movie soundtrack with a 19-minute penultimate track written and performed by a known scientologist. But, as it happens, this is pretty damn good. Didn’t make me want to actually WATCH Shaft, but certainly rekindled a yearning for the days of soundtracks before Trent Reznor and Hans Zimmer fucking ruined them seemingly permanently (no shade on Reznor’s actual music. Full shade on Zimmer though, fuck that old skunk). Also, how incredibly cheeky to release a deluxe edition of this album and the only change is to put the opening song in there again but at the end. Like not even a reprise just basically the same fucking track again. Jokes. Theme from Shaft (8/10) Bumpy’s Lament (8/10) Walk from Regio’s (6/10) Ellie’s Love Theme (8/10) Shaft’s Cab Ride (7/10) Cafe Regio’s (7/10) Early Sunday Morning (7/10) Be Yourself (6/10) A Friend’s Place (7/10) Soulsville (8/10) No Name Bar (7/10) Bumpy’s Blues (7/10) Shaft Strikes Again (6/10) Do Your Thing (4/10) The End Theme (7/10) 6.9/10
Really good, but the mix was rough. I had to adjust the balance myself, which I never do.
Missing the movie.
I mean, it’s soundtrack background music mostly. It’s good, it’s got some funk, it’s smooth and calming at some points. Over an hour of it is more than I need. Feeling pretty conflicted on what to rate this. I get that it’s pretty unique, but I can’t imagine when I’m going to want to sit and listen to it again.
Very nice start with great instrumentals giving a very smooth but elegant instrumental sound. Did not enjoy the vocals on the first song. Song 4 very smooth with nice simple guitar riff song 6 chill but sounds like something in a roblox tycoon by song 6 everything is merging into 1 song but this is probably on purpose due to it being a film soundtrack song 8 actually sounding different again more funky less jazzy Soulsville best song so far, much better vocals and choir than in intro song. Beautiful soul song, the lyrics explain the struggles of being a poor black person in the early 70s. Great instrumental with hard hitting saxophone. Album starting to drag a bit should have been shorter also sorry I am not listening to a 17 minute song no matter how good it is Overall pretty decent 6-7 out of 10 as it was good but did not blow me away but added context with the film may improve the rating for some
It's a good background-music sort of album, given that a good portion of it is instrumental. I recognized the first track (Theme from Shaft) but not the rest.
Surprised by how much of this felt like conventional (for the time) background instrumentals. The songs where Hayes sings are great, but this falls short of his efforts on Hot Buttered Soul.
While a pleasant listen, it's largely an instrumental score (but for the theme song & Soulsville, which are admittedly amazing.) And like a lot of purely instrumental music, I struggle to connect with it as anything other than neutral background music.
Some funky songs and fun! But nothing v standout
Mostly instrumental
70’s funk, more instrumental than expected
Day510 - iconic opening and then an average instrumental album after
this made my evening walk even more vibey 3,5/5
One of the better instrumental albums I’ve gotten from this list. Fits the movie really well, very 70s gangster with a smooth soul touch
It's funny to get this one today, I just had Superfly a couple days ago. But still, it's a soundtrack. The cultural relevance of this one definitely earns it a spot in this list. I mean if Isaac Hayes had released this as just a regular album and not specifically for a movie soundtrack, would people be upset it was included in this list? I don't think so. Regardless, Theme From Shaft is a fantastic piece of music and one that almost anyone (over 30 years old maybe...) would recognize even if they haven't seen the movie, which most at this point probably haven't. That said, I don't think this is as good an album as Hot Buttered Soul, the other Hayes album from this list. A lot of this one is almost like generic elevator music or something you'd hear playing in the airport waiting areas. But that's the nature of it being a soundtrack I guess - support what's happening on screen without taking attention away. So in that sense it’s quite successful. But this one is still just a 3/5 from me.
This is a movie soundtrack. Most of these tracks are background for movies, which makes this basically an ambient album but funky. Some good stuff here and the title track is great, but I cannot stress this enough: this is the score of the movie. Culturally significant and enjoyable listen, sure, but it's just ambient funk with a few songs. The title theme isn't enough to lift it above that.
Great title track which will always remind me of a friend at university who introduced me to it. The rest of the album was a little bland as you’d expect for background music.
Superfly Score > Shaft Score. Do Your Thing 🔥
3.5/5
Opening and ending are iconic and epic, but the middle feels like a on-hold music slog at times. 3.2
First, the album is good. I like soul music, and Isaac Hayes is very influential. However, this is a movie soundtrack. It is not bad, but it is not a regular soul album. I tried to exercise while listening to the songs, but it didn't do anything for me. This is better to listen to at leisure. 3/5.
Funky, groovy album. Though there were some lulls throughout only because I think it’s missing the visual element of the movie itself, but when it hits, it hits. I think I enjoyed listening to the Super Fly soundtrack more, but I found this entertaining.
groovy!
Soft too
This was a pretty solid 3 for me. The 'theme' is pretty iconic and I'm sure it was groundbreaking at the time. In the intervening years this 'format' has been watered down a bit, though this OG release is still pretty solid. Not exactly my cup of tea all the way through but interesting and fun, well-recorded, good players and singers etc.
Title track 9/10 rest. 5/10
6/10
Not sure why this is on a list like this. Some ok songs but idk.
The thing about soundtrack albums is that they sound like soundtrack albums. "Shaft" is no exception in this regard, as its music aims to serves cinematic moments from the film. However, the 'Theme from Shaft' has evolved beyond the film itself, emerging as an anthem that surpasses the movie's popularity. Aside from 'Soulville,' a slow ballad, and the nearly 20-minute track 'Do Your Thing,' the remainder of the album consists of instrumental pieces that vary from jazzy to funky to soulful. The musicianship displayed on the album is both tight and exceptional. However, despite its sonic diversity and standout moments, the album lacks radio appeal and engagement. I appreciated discovering the album as a whole, especially considering the context as a defining sound of the 1970s blaxploitation film era. (I would have rated this as a 2, if not for the cultural significance and masterpiece of "The Theme From Shaft".)
✨️shaft✨️
Track 1 : mmmm, inject this funk directly into my veins Other tracks : oh, OK, this doesn't really work as a standalone does it
Groovy and sweeping. A great soundtrack but doesn’t rise to the level of an album I’d revisit often.
...
Acho que ouvi esse disco nas condições perfeitas. Tinha acabado de chegar em casa, cansado depois de um dia de trabalho de 10 horas. Dei play no album, tirei o tênis, me servi um copo de uisque, e deitei no sofá ouvindo e olhando pro teto. Os grooves entraram por cada poro do meu corpo, e me infectaram completamente. Antes de terminar o lado 1 do disco eu ja estava flutuando. O album é duplo e tem mais de 1 hora, mas ele faz o tempo passar em instantes. Sonoridade extremamente agradável. Um disco soul que rejuvenesce o espirito e acalma a alma 3.5/5
I struggle with albums that are soundtracks because much like Superfly, these are enjoy both within and without the movie or series they're attached to, but also unlike Superfly I never really see this soundtrack necessarily overshadowing the movie its originally from (I mean I really haven't seen anyone talk about this so...). So, hearing this soundtrack without the original images it accompanied the movie is fine but probably makes me less familiar with some of the themes and how they were accentuating the movie or how the mellower tracks were a part of the vibe of the movie. It's a lot of things that if I had watched it I probably would appreciate the soundtrack more, but when I'm sitting in my room just listening to it doing menial tasks it doesn't feel like it carries the same impact. The vibes are immaculate though, the softer songs are very pretty and the more funk/psych soul jams are probably my favorite parts from this so I do want to check more things Isaac Hayes made in his own albums.
The music is great, but without the context of the film it doesn’t really work for me 3/5
Best in its instrumental, jazzier moments but much better than I would have expected!
It was fine, but listening once was enough
The title track is an all time classic, the rest is some pretty decent background music
The main theme song is iconic, but the rest is not required.
Enjoyed the funk sound!
Groovy start. Expositional intro music. Easy listening. ...Feels kinda like an Austin Powers movie, except they're not being satirical about it. 3,5/5
Un peu bizarre à noter, puisque c'est la soundtrack d'un flim que j'ai pas vu, mais l'énergie soul d'Isaac me transmet quand même une bonne vibe groovy
The title track is classic, and I think the record is well worthy for an inclusion on the 1001 because of how early of a soundtrack record it was for a major major hit. Conversely, the rest of the album is sort of filler to me, I'd much rather listen to P-Funk from this era.
It's a fun listen. Didn't mind it as background music driving around all day. Cheesy without going overboard. But there's a ceiling to instrumental soundtracks.
Enjoyed some of the instrumental funk. Would prefer a full album of songs
3.5
According to the wiki page, this was released as a double album, however the app has it as a single album with only six tracks. So I listened to the six tracks on the app. For me the first few tracks were great but by the end it got less interesting.
This was also pleasant, although very hard to track down all the songs of online. I like the instrumentals better than the singing ones, but both are mildly enjoyable. I already know 'Theme from Shaft' because it's on some compilation CD (of movie/TV themes), so I particularly like that one, but whether it's due to familiarity or inherent bangerness, I cannot say.
Good soundtrack
Soundtracks aren't really my thing but this did have a cool 70s feel
It's alright for a soundtrack, but I don't think they should have broken the "No Soundtracks" rule for this. There are much better soundtracks out there that are more historically significant to music than this one. It's not bad music, I just don't think it belongs on the list. That being said....
The issue with soundtracks is they include incidental music, which is fine in the context of the movie but less so on record. Fifty years on, it has a nice retro feel and it's a perfectly pleasant soundtrack but lacks that something to elevate it any more than this.
Smooth funk. The title track is amazing, and the rest is some good blaxploitation-era fun. Being a film soundtrack a lot of it is quieter music and not as upbeat as I would like, but also that may just be Isaav Hayes for you. Needs more chocolate salty balls!
Opening track is great, if a little kitschy at this point. The rest is mostly background music, which I guess makes sense as a soundtrack, but it’s also kind of dated. Cafe Regio, No Name Bar, and Do Your Thing are all pretty solid.
I guess it’s alright but surely these songs are better when accompanied by the visual effect of the sections of the films they were made for? Not quite sure how I feel about soundtracks being in this list but hey, that’s not my call. Most tracks all sounded the same. Not terrible but not particularly interesting either.
It’s interesting in terms of being a historical marker for what was quite an iconic type of sound from TV and Movies of the 60s/70s. But as a stand-alone piece of music you want to listen to for pleasure it gets dull pretty quick. It was heading for a 2* but rather unexpectedly ‘Do your thing’ and it’s highly entertaining 10 min guitar solo rescued the day somewhat.
Massage för trumhinnorna. Alltid bra skit när instrument låter weewoowoowee wakkawakkow. Jag behöver en svart läderjacka och ett uppdrag.
A soundtrack album is tough to get into without the context of the film to make sense of it. Having said that, this soundtrack brought back memories of playing a medley of songs from this album back in high school band. Of course the concept of "black exploitation film" was not on our adolescent minds. It was just fun to play. Wish things were that simple...
Gear: Hifiman Arya Artwork: 😎🔥🟪 Production (Remastered 2009): 👂🔪🩸 Music: 👮🏿♂️💥🌆 Rating: 🔫🔫(🔫)/5
Solid. Nice mix of chill jazz and brassy action type music
Shaft feels like a flex. Isaac Hayes, especially in this period of his career, was untouchable. Why the fuck wouldn’t he make a great soundtrack? His compositional skills as an R&B/soul musician are on full display here. There is so much cool keyboard work, so much funk guitar, so much style dripping off every second of Shaft. It’s so masterfully crafted, and yet it feels so effortlessly cool and suave. That said, it is a soundtrack album, and one disconnected from its source material by being on this list. Now, sure, I can enjoy a lot of this without ever seeing Shaft or even knowing the plot of the movie. “Theme from Shaft” spells out the vibes pretty explicitly. “Do Your Thing” feels ginormous, epic, and I highly doubt they play all 19 minutes and 30 seconds of it in the film. And it’s not like I’m only on board for the tracks with vocals. “Ellie’s Love Theme” and “Early Sunday Morning” bring a sensual, sweet, comforting smooth jam vibe, while “Café Regio’s” kicks in the door and will inevitably end up on a hot girl walk playlist for me. Even “A Friend’s Place” kills, showing off how talented Hayes was even when he leaned into making a more traditional orchestral score. But overall, as a singular piece of art to sit down and play on a turntable, Shaft is a strange record. Most of it, well, is a film score. Even the best film scores are supposed to be background characters, set dressings, supportive structuring. Nothing here is a sonic wallflower, but a lot of it feels like it’s padding up something else, and you can feel the absence of that something else while you listen to it. Sure, “Theme for Shaft” belongs on 1001 Songs, but once again, that doesn't mean the entire soundtrack belongs here. The records Isaac Hayes made around this time period are all excellent. While that is true for Shaft, I also don’t know if Shaft is on par with any of its siblings. That doesn’t mean Shaft is bad, but it’s a film soundtrack, and inherently ephemeral. I like it, but it doesn’t stick with me. It’s an incredibly dope flex that he even got to make this record, though, so I’ve got to respect that, at least.
Fav: Theme From Shaft Least Fav: Do Your Thing Do Your Thing going the Oasis route of being atleast 5-10 mins too long
Great music. Theme from Shaft is a classic. But this is a true soundtrack including background music. Some songs sound like the background to a scene in a coffee shop. Just hard to listen to much of it more than once. I do love hearing Chef sing though.
3.5
Isaac Hayes' vocals are a stand out but utilized a lot less than I would have expected. Strong opening and closing track.
Daaaaaaaamn right! Liked Songs Added: Theme From Shaft
Really nice. Like his work 7/10
This is a tough one to review. Even though I've never seen the movie the soundtrack does a great job of setting the scene. The main theme is great, but the rest of the tracks are made to be background music and I'm not sure I want to listen to any of them again.
Helt okej
A bit odd to see a soundtrack on here, didn't think there would be any. If this is the only one, why are there no others? I feel bad giving this a 3 because it's not bad. Overall it's a fine soundtrack and to be fair, I haven't seen the film, but detached from the visuals, it fades into the background and I find myself not paying much attention to it. If I were actually watching the film I would surely appreciate it much more. Even still, I know that Theme From Shaft is considered classic but it just reminds me of the Simpsons for whatever reason, feels a bit daft. I will also mention that I very rarely listen to soundtracks independent of the media they accompany, even if I really like them, so that will mark this down automatically for me. Again, don't really understand why this is on here Highlights: Do Your Thing
Our second Isaac Hayes album! And a classic, of course, although perhaps not nearly as interesting as "Hot Buttered Soul". I'm embarrassed to admit that I've never watched all of "Shaft", although I've heard some of the more popular songs on this album (well, make that the two radio-length songs), and been intrigued by Gordon Parks' foray into directing films during his long career in photography and activism. It seems perfectly fine as a soundtrack, but not all that exciting as an album, and kind of a bummer that most of the tracks are (understandably) instrumentals. As I listened to it I was reminded of listening to the Lohn Lurie soundtrack for "Get Shorty", and how I'd enjoyed that album but not as much as I'd hoped to (except of course in that case I'd seen the movie so the various themes were at least a little more obvious). Given that I also didn't overly enjoy the Barry Adamson fake soundtrack "Moss Side Story", I guess I'm just not a big soundtrack fan. A shame that this is Isaac Hayes most popular and commercially successful album, as it doesn't seem like the kind of showcase he deserved.
3-
Iconic album deserving of a spot on the list. But let's be real - it's mainly included for the title track and the other, few, songs where Hayes actually sings. Good album to strut to though.
Movie sound track are difficult as the filler dings are just that. It was good mostly and great in other parts
Some funky tracks that are fun to listen to, but the album mostly feels long and monotonous - probably better appreciated with the visuals.
This feels like a really difficult album to review, as I’m sure that in the context of the movie it hits completely differently to just listening to the soundtrack. I’ve never seen Shaft, so I don’t know the context of when these tracks play, but I will say that there is a nice amount of smooth funkiness. My favourite was probably the intro track. I also liked Do Your Thing, but beyond that it’s mainly atmospheric ambience. Again, probably great in a film setting, but kinda boring without the context.
Solid jazz/funk album. Largely instrumental. 1001 album worthy: Yes - 12/24
more boring soul music. i dont want to listen to it anymore.
I knew this album was on the list, but somehow I was still surprised that I got it. I guess I thought I was exempt or something. The album is fine, it's not very memorable or something that I would include in a list like this, but whatever. Low 3.
I mean. I can see how it’s a cool movie soundtrack?
第一首的電吉他的刷琴聲在裡面很有特色，是聽起來舒服的專輯。
Never realized how much of an orchestra was involved in this TV theme and score.
Good stuff
7/10
Needs more Chef singing.
Amazing soul album I was taken aback by how much I actually liked. Some memorable songs but a bit repetitive.
It was decent. Not sure why it was included in this list
It is kinda nice. Maybe I'll watch the movie. Will I listen to again: 5%
This is an excellent soundtrack. Full of funky grooves and soulful melodies. I do not, however, understand why it’s on this list. The vast majority is just instrumentals, and it’s clearly more of a score than it is an album for general musical consumption. I would agree that Shaft should be on a list of 1001 movies to watch before you die, but I don’t think this record fits here. I enjoyed it, and I have a ton of respect and admiration for all the musicality that went into making it, but I am not gonna be listening to this again. 3* I guess???
Honestly enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Pretty fun background music for a slow afternoon at work.
OK for background music. That's what I thought for most of the album, also regretting the quasi absence of Hayes' voice. The whole thing is saved by Do Your Thing, this 20' long track that is by far the most interesting part of this record. Whereas the rest of the album fails to generate cinematic images, we are here really transported on a journey. Do Your Thing is a 5, the rest is a mere 2.
gott stöff
Kuten nimikin viittaa, niin taustamusiikkia TV-sarjaan ja sen huomaa. Ajoittain hiukan tylsähtävää vaikka ihan hyvää soulia. Do Your Thing varsinkin meni aika progressiiviseks rokiks. Parhaat: Theme From Shaft, Do Your Thing, Cafe Regio's
Sure, this is fine.
I was surprised that this soundtrack compilation was deemed worthy of the list. But ok, 3 stars for longevity and American cultural significance. :)
I prefer Hot Buttered Soul
Seems very much tied to the cultural landscape of its time. On a pure musical level this is good, it vibes, grooves and whatnot - but it is after all a soundtrack - to a film I haven't seen.
it's ok, I behind on rating these. I'm going to knock out a bunch that I dont really have much to say about. All going to be 3's
It’s a pretty nice change of pace, but realistically I’m only ever gonna listen to the title theme and even then, probably the Bart and Lisa Simpson version.
Good music. Good movie.
Some really good stuff here. The switch from a 20 minutes long "Do Your Thing" to the "The End Theme" at 2 minutes gave me a little whiplash.
This was really great, the instrumentals really take you to a specific place and feeling which is what a soundtrack is supposed to do, I could get the vibe of a scene from the songs. Something you can throw on in the background any time. I'm giving it a three for that reason though, it feels a bit like background music at times which is it's intended purpose but that holds it back a touch.
Well, this plays like exactly what it is, a film soundtrack, but beyond the well worn SHAFT theme, there's some great soul tones and some excellent jazz guitar on here, if you care for that sort of thing. I do not.
So, you know, this is an OST. So, like without the visual impetus of the film it has huge mountains to climb before it sounds even halfway good. (Arguably, a good soundtrack is redundant without the accompanying visual text.) Anyway, this is half good. It’s unfair to grade it. I actually think that without this soundtrack, Shaft would be a footnote rather than the iconic introduction to the 1970s that it is
"Goddamn it James Taylor! What are you doing singing about prostitutes to the children?" 3
Not his best. And I’m not sure why it was his most rated album for a long time.
It’s a good soundtrack. I kept picturing people walking about in the 70s gear as I was listening. But it doesn’t really work as a stand alone album. Might have to give the movie a watch now
The Spotify link only includes side one of four. It's nice soul music, but I'm just not that into soul. I can't fault it though, it's a fairly enjoyable thing to have on.
It’s a great moment of music with influences throughout the decade of the 1970s
Even though its a soundtrack and it feels like it shouldn't be on this list, it's kinda fire. It's like a snippet of the 70s. Favorites were Walk From Regio's, Cafe Regio's (this one's a banger), and No Name Bar.
I didn’t think soundtracks were allowed on the list, but here we are I guess. This is funky and smooth. I feel like I should watch the movie because Shaft seems like a bad mother (Shut your mouth). Favorite songs were Theme From Shaft, Cafe Regio’s, and No Name Bar.
un soundtrack
I've never seen the movie 'Shaft' but I get the impression that the titular protagonist is one bad motherfucker! For as goofy and cheesy as the opening track to this is, I fucked with Isaac's small spoken word bit and it's probably my favorite song on here - it's weirdly addictive. I'm quite familiar with Isaac Haye's music, primarily with 'Hot Buttered Soul' which is one of my favorite soul albums of all time, compositionally and lyrically with the closing 'By the Time I Get to Pheonix' - but I'll talk more about that when the time comes. The production on that album feels orchestral and larger than soul, and there are certainly still crumbs of those sounds here starting from the second track 'Bumpy's Lament'. However, the biggest issue for me here is it does feel like a soundtrack. The songs sound great as little snippets, but they just come off as underdeveloped on a good chunk of the album. It's solid in the background but the songs don't play like songs, but scenic backdrops, it's almost like an ambient record in that sense. 'Cafe Regio's' perfectly encapsulates my feelings towards this record in song form, pleasant but sort of mild structurally speaking. There are still some highlights however: 'Soulville' is a great standalone soul track and I'd go as far as to say the 20-minute 'Do Your Thing' is the saving grace of this album. I've always been a sucker for incredibly long and hypnotically repetitive, groovy soul cuts and this one more than fits the bill - it's the typa shit that could've been on that 'Hot Buttered Soul' album. The blaring distorted record scratch at the end of it scared the shit outta me though. Didn't love this thing but maybe I can't fully judge it without watching this 'Shaft' movie and seeing how well it fits in there. By the looks of it (based on this album), the movie sounds epic as all hell. Maybe that's the only real way to judge a soundtrack, by experiencing its associated media piece...who knows (though I've heard better things about Curtis Mayfield's 'Superfly' soundtrack, so maybe I'll hold off on concluding till' I reach that record).
I can dig it
I liked the music, but break up that last 20 minute track, way too meandering and took away from the album as a whole.
A fun album and well worth a listen.
kannte nur den titeltrack .. und eigentlich ist da ja nicht viel mehr.
Ist ja nicht so meine Musik, aber durchaus spannend gemacht und Big Band mässig.
It's one of the few soundtrack albums of this challenge - it's good music but very much felt that it's accompanying music to a movie, therefore it is not like other, studio albums that can be comparable to this. It's hard to rate this one, I'll give it a 3 because it is good musically but it's not on the same level as studio albums.
Very groovy baby, yeah
Okay
Great movie, great backing track but not really cutting it as an album.
No private session used either time I listened to this album. I knew the title track of course, but that was it. I was surprised how easy listening the rest of the tracks were, but given it was for a movie, I get how it they could work in the background.
Sondtrack from the classic Blaxploitation movie. It's hit and miss. Some tracks are superb others do their job of just playing in the background while action is going on whereas one 19 minute long track will either leave you astounded or bored. Best Tracks: Theme from 'Shaft'; Soulsville; No Name Bar
Listened to this while playing Isofarian Guard. I did not enjoy this as much as I enjoyed Hot Buttered Soul...but it definitely was still a mood. As for soundtracks, I'd rather listen to Superfly over this...but still a good album.
I was mixed on this. Much of it bored me. But the ones I did like carried the rating.
there's a track on here that's an album in itself! worth a listen
What a journey! I loved this - soundtrack was fun, lovely, lively, emotional - loved it
Previously rated: Hot Buttered Soul (4/5) ************************* Maybe the main theme should be on 1,001 *songs* to hear before you die, but not necessarily the whole album. Not that the other stuff is bad, it’s just mostly blacksploitation movie background music. Do Your Thing also stands out. It’s 20 minutes long though. Will I listen to the album again? Probably not, but I might see the actual movie one day.
Nothing here really grabbed me, but it wasn't bad. 3/5
Musical. Agradable. Normal.
Not a fave, but beats most of the crap out there
Isaac Hayes’ Shaft is a funky and slick album that perfectly captures the essence of 1970s soul and funk. The iconic title track, with its unforgettable guitar riff and commanding vocals, sets the tone for a record that is both cool and charismatic. While the album is often classified as a soundtrack, it feels more like a score in places, with several instrumental tracks that enhance the mood rather than stand out as individual songs. This gives the album a cinematic quality that adds depth but occasionally makes it feel more like background music than a collection of hits. Hayes’ rich baritone and creative arrangements shine throughout, bringing a unique flavour to the record. Despite this, Shaft remains an enjoyable listen, blending groovy rhythms with smooth orchestrations that embody the era. It's an album that holds its place in music history, even if not every track demands your attention. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 4 STAND OUT TRACK - Theme From Shaft
This album was not quite as groovy or soulful as I had expected. The theme song is well known, but most of the album seems to be backdrop scene music so is not quite as engaging.
Chill, a bit funky, jazz music. Way too long.
I think this might be our first movie soundtrack on the list? I'll have to go back and check. This is a nice album. The theme song is incredibly good and forever catchy and memorable for me. If I was joking with friends and starting singing this song, I think most of them would be able to finish the lines that I would be starting, and at the very least hit the "SHAFT" callout when it happens. Outside of that track, the rest of the album has some nice tracks on it but nothing of course as monumental as that title track. The production is also a standout. "No Name Bar" sounds like it is being performed inside of my ears which is incredible for this being a 50+ year old album.
Shaft is a good listen but not as good as the Hayes album we had a few weeks ago. I'm not really a fan of soundtracks being on this list, especially when, as good as this might be, it's not nearly as good as it being in context with the film. Probably lands as a 3 because there are some quality grooves in there, but a lot of film filler, not enough of Hayes' voice which is ordinarily the star of the show, and it's mostly in here because it was part of the film, not the main feature.
Not what I expected. Good working music.
I've already reviewed Isaac Hayes's Hot Buttered Soul, which I absolutely loved, so I've been looking forward to having this pop up on my feed for a while. I know the main theme to Shaft, but I've never seen the movie, so the rest of the album will be a new experience for me. I'm ready to dive into this album. Overall, I thought this was fine. The main theme is absolutely fantastic, and overflowing with soul and funk. The main guitar riff is incredibly catchy, and its sound is perfected by rhythm of the hi-hat and the string arrangements that add an exclamation point every now and then. The call-and-response vocals are great too, even adding a touch of humor to the serious sound. The rest of the album was a touch boring. The arrangements were nice, but they really didn't feel like they fit the soundtrack of an action movie; they felt more like something you'd hear at JC Penny in the nineties. "Soulsville" was pretty good though, and it was nice to hear Hayes's vocals again on the album. "Do Your Thing" was my second favorite song on the album. Despite its length, it was really fun to listen to, and I loved the way that the sound developed over the course of the run time. I loved the longer songs on Hot Buttered Soul as well, so I enjoyed seeing something really ambitious like this on this album as well. Overall, this was fine, but the songs that didn't feature any singing were pretty bland. I'm happy for the experience of listening to this album, but I don't think I'd go back to it.
Classic movie soundtrack.
I liked it. Great sounds and parts. Saved a song to try and learnt the sax
Nice
This really needs the film with it. Or something else ;) - would have been higher if it had either.
Can you dig it?
Love “Theme from Shaft” and the rest of the album is a solid film score. Not one of my favorites, but still decent. 3.5/5
Great music, but not sure it's really something that works without the movie.
It can be much, much better accompanied by the movie, but I can see some perks here and there. It deserves a listening session, even knowing that Hayes has other much better albums.
Shaft and when Isaac sings brilliant
Haven’t watched Shaft but I do know of Isaac Hayes.. Fun album, jazzy and funky soul music, really nice listening. That being said, not sure why a movie soundtrack would be included on the list. I wish half ratings were a thing because although I’d like to score higher than a 3, it doesn’t quite reach 4 for me. 3.5/5
Shaft es una de las mejores canciones de Soul de todos los tiempos. Soul sinfónico, Blaxploitation, proto Philly soul... Ya un año antes “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song” con música de los Earth Wind & Fire habñia dado el pistoletazo de salida al género, pero Shaft lo amplió a límites desconocidos. Isaac Hayes publicó dos álbumes ese mismo año: Shaft y Black Moses aunque el mejor es el del 69: Hot buttered soul. Con este Shaft fue el primer afroamericano en recibir un Óscar a la mejor banda sonora. Tiene solo tres canciones vocales: la balada Soulsville, el brillante maratón de soul que es Do Your Thing y la citada Theme from Shaft, el resto son instrumentales que bien podrían estar en la línea de Bacharach con buenas orquestaciones de soul sureño. Hubo algunos discos tanto o mejores, en un excelso 1971: Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin IV, Marvin Gaye - What's Going On? David Bowie - Hunky Dory, The Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers, The Who - Who's Next, Don Mclean- American Pie, John Lennon – Imagine, T. Rex - Electric Warrior, Sly and the Family Stone - There's a Riot Goin' On, The Allman Brothers Band - At Fillmore East, Nick Drake - Bryter Layter, Can - Tago Mago, Black Sabbath - Master of Reality, Rod Stewart - Every Picture Tells a Story, Carole King - Tapestry, Leonard Cohen - Songs of Love and Hate, Paul and Linda McCartney - Ram, Funkadelic - Maggot Brain Flamin' Groovies - Teenage Head, Faces - A Nod Is As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse, The Doors - L.A. Woman, The Beach Boys - Surf's Up RORY GALLAGHER - Deuce, NINA SIMONE - Here comes the sun, IKE & TINA TURNER - Workin' together, BADFINGER - Straight up ,Jethro Tull - Aqualung, Janis Joplin - Pearl, David Crosby - If I Could Only Remember My Name, Pete Dello and Friends - Into your ears, Santana - Santana III Gene Clark - Gene Clark/White Light, Van Morrison - Tupelo Honey Joni Mitchell- Blue, Nilsson - Nilsson Schmilsson, Elton John - Madman Across the Water, Al Green-Al Green Gets Next to You, Kevin Ayers – Whatevershebringswesing, Sixto Rodriguez - Coming From Reality...
How can anybody listen to Shaft and not smile?
Who's a soulful funky sexy all time classic song? Shaft. Who's a bunch of background funk that only really works as a soundtrack and is carried by it's titular track. Shaft. Shaft. Who's an album by Isaac Heyes for which your much better off listening to his other, better work,? Shaft. Shaft.
Isaac Hayes is cool and the music isn't bad but I think I'd get more out of this if I had actually seen Shaft.
Trilha sonora clássica que funcionou muito bem como uma narrativa independente.
Takes you to that time.
Funky and fun to listen to, though I do prefer his regular work vs. this soundtrack.
Sjovt. Jeg har filmen på dvd... Men det eneste jeg kan huske fra den, er soundtracket. Men om det direkte er et album som man skal have hørt... Det syntes jeg ikke. Men en times funk var da fint. 🙂
It's weird to listen to a soundtrack out of context.. Like soundtracks nowadays are one thing where they have actual songs which stand alone as individual musical works regardless of whether the movie is playing or not.... But this album is basically a score.... A bunch of instrumental works that, on their own, don't mean much. It's just kinda bland music that doesn't really stand up on its own. Putting soundtracks like this on a list like this is kinda dumb. This is my third soundtrack so far, and each of them I had the same complaint. I mean, the music is fine, but it'd be better while watching the movie I think. Like... This album has song titles like Walk from Regio's..... Who the fuck is Regio? .....why are they walking from his place? ..... Is it raining or sunny?? This album does have a few stand alone songs on it, but a lot of background music. Overall, some solid funk/soul but taken out of context of the movie, the music looses a bit for sure. Favourite songs: Soulsville, Early Sunday Morning, Theme From Shaft, Ellie's Love Theme, Cafe Regio's, No Name Bar Least favourite songs: Walk From Regio's 3/5
3.5 stars. Progressive soul soundtrack from a 70's blaxploitation film. Probably won't go back and listen to individual tracks but it I would enjoy having it on in the background again.
Pleasant, interesting,
Just okay
Fun enough album to listen to while working, but it is a soundtrack after all. A lot doesn't really connect outside of the film.
I had fun listening for the most part, but there's surely no other reason this album is on the list than it's title track. Who makes selections that no one can explain? DIMERY!
I first encountered the theme from Shaft in the movie the commitments and I dont think im ever gonna forget that needle drop . this album is so fucking cool. I give it a 3 because Isaac Hayes the goat Hot Buttered Soul is undoubtedly & Certainly a 5 star album, Black Moses is also incredible but not a five, and this album is not as good as black Moses but still very cool. Shoutout Isaac Hayes the goat
funky
Good music. It's the actual soundtrack. That means it has mood builders and sustainers and all that, which makes it kind of boring to listen to when there's no movie with it.
Some fine funk and soul. I wish there were more vocals on the album but I get it because it is a soundtrack.
classic. kitchy
No, the album shouldn't be on the list. The elevator music of 1971.
Interesting album. I understand that the movie's soundtrack has to be varied and also consist of some slower background tracks. But I was a bit bored during those calm moments. Parts of this album are around 4 but when I consider every song it is only 3.
I know this artist and have heard of this Soundtrack. Not going to listen to much of it I've heard of it and know the movie.
When I started listening to this list I thought live albums were off the chart, but learned otherwise. Apparently we can have soundtracks now as well? It's not a terrible album, and it was nice to work to, but I just don't quite understand why this of all movie soundtracks ended up here? There are so many others that are more worth putting here instead, like Lord of the Rings, Godfather, Star Wars, various soundtracks from Disney movies, to only name a few. I assume it was never claimed by the list creator for this list to be objective in any sense, but this move certainly proves the lack of it in my opinion, and gives me some second thoughts about how well verse the author of this list actually is in music. Back to the album. The opening theme song is very cool, and like I alluded to, I like the overall feel of the album. It fits nicely together and gels well. But I don't think it belongs on this list, and it's not anything I will probably put on ever except when working as a wall of sound. 1 star for the decision to include it in the list, 3 stars for the actual music and the album as a soundtrack.
Surprised how much I like this, though not really something I would want to listen to in my own time.
I hope 'Black Moses' or 'Hot Buttered Soul' are also on this list as they are better albums. This is obviously influentiial but it really is a collection of soundtrack music. I honestly don't think the main theme song is even that strong though of course it's a self-made meme these days. That said it's a high quality funk and soul soundscape and has some classic staples of the type on display, wakka-wakka-waah guitar, crisp horns and grooovy vocals baby. Ike has much more to give than this though.
besides the obvious title theme a pretty slow one...
This threw me back to the actual movie and the whole movement to claim space in a racist environment. I think of the energy in the ghetto hero and the real inspiration behind it. The music is perfect and has the same tonal value. It is nice to hear the soundtrack complete as opposed to just during the film. I had not realized it was a soundtrack in itself. It is definitely cool.
skemmtileg bakgrunnsmúsík. 3,5.
Good album. I like Isaac Hayes with his smooth tones, but this album as a whole, is not my thing. Do Your Thing detracts from the album as a prog R&B jam, which is not my thing. All of this to say this is an ok album, 3/5.
It was a good fun album. Very funky and something you can have on in the background that's pleasing to hear.
Very solid funk rock, I quite enjoyed it Although I’m not necessarily feeling a strong desire to return this one.
Soulful funky story telling.
Great background Jazzy instrumental jams
1 briljant nummer en nog een paar aardige.
pretty cool
medio mema
Toller Sound, aber nur wenige Stücke des Albums frei verfügbar (auf spotify).
Iha jees! Hyvää yritystä. Vähä liian pitkä.
movie score. mostly instrumental
altså den er fin men den er ikke Curtis Mayfields soundtrack til Superfly 🤷 temasangen er fed! fine instrumentals! På Soulsville har jeg godt nok svært ved at abstrahere for at det er Chef fra South Park, der synger lmao
Meget groovy! Også meget lang og lyder virkelig som et soundtrack!
This is most definitely a soundtrack where seeing with the movie would make it better.
At the insistent request of an oddball German professor, I performed the theme song to Shaft with a band during my college days, and I'll never forget our singer shamelessly declaring: "Who's the black private dick that's a sex machine to all the chicks?" What a weird piece! However, I was pleasantly surprised by the rest of the record...
I feel like Hot Buttered Soul was enough to cover Isaac Hayes on this list but it was an interesting listen at least. The music is good and I respect Hayes' musicality a lot. This could have been so cheesy but the man knows how to be over the top without being unserious. All around a fine if not inspiring listen.
Great 70s vibe from this soundtrack album.
Soundtrack, soft music
Great grooves here. For me, though, it suffers from the soundtrack issue of "interstitial" songs. "Do Your Thing" is a great groove that turns into an Allman Brothers jam.
3
Most of this sounds like Sims music.
Beautiful soundtrack, love the inclusion of the vocal tracks but I really appreciate how sparsely used they are. Mostly just incredibly produced instrumental tracks that immediately sell you on the vibe and setting.
Funky. Good background listening. I listened to this album very early on a Sunday morning.
Creative soundtrack that goes well with the film Shaft.
The title track is a classic, obviously, and I liked Do Your Thing, which just about earned its 19 minute runtime. But in between those there was a fair bit of filler.
Definitely grew up with the theme song everywhere. It was even in my high school band's repertoire. Most of the album though sounds like thematic movie scenes and I probably wouldn't listen to most of it except for a few gems.
Mixed bunch of tracks - but kinda nice!
Very nice in the background, not catchy and compact enough as a standalone album.
Nice, smooth and good for chill
The Title track and last are icons. I do like how the rest is just the score for Shaft just doing his daily business hahahah
Been a while since I've seen Shaft. The score is great, but not something I'd listen to on its own again.
I don’t dislike this, but it’s not really engaging without the movie. I don’t see any other soundtracks on the list, so why include this one? Because it has one iconic song? The Saturday Night Fever album has four. Because it’s by Isaac Hayes? He’s got better work on the South Park bill.
I mean, it's not really the right fit for this list but its never a bad listen
I dug this. Being a soundtrack, I don't think it should be on this list. Soundtracks can certainly stand on their own, but without seeing the film it's hard to fully appreciate. But I defs dug it and can see it soundtracking some dinner prep on a rainy night. 3.5/5 Fav track: theme from shaft
Cool but kind of odd to listen to a soundtrack here! It’s a pretty different experience than your usual album listening experience. Amazing opener - the rest kind of feels like it’s missing the actual film to complete the experience. Hayes brings so much character to his soundtracks, and although this is a classic in its own kind of way, there are some of his other scores with highlight guitar licks and orchestral movements that probably stand out even more (namely Truck Turner and Three Tough Guys). Three stars. Fave track: Theme from ‘Shaft’
J'ai l'impression que c'est un album qui vaut la peine d'être réécouter car je n'ai pas pu l'apprécier à sa juste valeur après une écoute. Généralement j'ai trouvé l'albiance très agréable et malgré que c'est une trame sonore ça s'écoute comme un album à part entière. Pas un album parfait, mais je comprends bien son statut. 7/10
What's the album that's a sex machine to all the chicks? Shaft!!!!! Ya damn right
Nothing special, but good background music.
Really enjoy individual tracks on this record, but I feel like it doesnt really come together as an album (probably cuz it doesnt have the movie attached to it)
Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: Yes I did quite enjoy this one, very strong vocal performance Favourite song: Track 14 - Do Your Thing
Okie doke
Pleasant and funky elevator music
Not as engaging as I would have thought it would be, but the first and last couple of tracks are really great.
Great film score. I'll certainly put the movie on my watchlist!
It's a nice groovy and moody soul jazz output, especially the epic 20 minutes track "Do Your Thing", but it can also becomes very bland by moments, too long winded I guess.
It was nice ! Funky.
It's fine but not really my thing
It’s a pretty good album, but it’s 75 minutes long. It overstays its welcome and then some. Most of the songs have a similar sound which doesn’t help the length.
The theme is iconic and the rest of the album is good but a bit forgettable. 3.5/5
This is what Chef puts on the record player when he's about to make sweet love by the fire. It's good but I might like it more if I was familiar with the film. The nearly 20 minute 'Do Your Thing' was surprising and some of the orchestration reminded me of Sinatra. This makes me wonder if Black Ceaser will eventually pop up on this list which I would argue is a better soundtrack.
Vierastan edelleen ajatusta miten soundtrack voi nousta parhaiden levyjen listalle. Ihan hyvät groovet ja kuuntelee helposti montakin kertaa, ei siinä mitään.
Aina yhtä viihdyttäbä
Movie scores aren’t my thing however I enjoyed it. 3.5/5
Nice and funky, but very few songs available.
Yeah Shaft soundtrack
Enjoyed this.
Funky
A movie soundtrack in the 1001? You’re damn right. 3.5 stars.
Funky, goed
I wish I could get shafted by Isaac Hayes (rip)
classic album and title theme track, rest of the album leaves a little to be desired. watching the 1971 movie (4k remux) while recumbenting. listened 2x. 3 stars for the experience with movie.
I mean the theme is dope but it's a soundtrack album and since I've never seen the film it's just good background music. 3.5/5
Hmmmm. As much as the vocal times are pretty decent, this is a lot of soundtrack for a film that I’ve never seen. I totally get why the movie is imported, but if you don’t know it it’s tricky to get past the fact that there’s a lot of instrumental warbling here. And if we’re having soundtracks,‘where’s Saturday Night Fever, Grease, Rocky Horror or, heck, Restless Natives.
A movie soundtrack, felt like a spy on the bus on my way to uni
Made my car journeys extremely dramatic! Some absolute bangers on this album, interspersed with lots of ‘vegas lounge room fillers’. The 20 minute long track at the end of the album seems unnecessary and is loooong and repetitive. It’s made me want to watch the film!
ОСТ в лучших альбомах это забавно конечно, но этот милый
A soundtrack album! Yes, it's a bit dated now but it's a fun listen. Can't help but think there are much better Isaac Hayes albums though.
This album was a pleasant surprise. This record has a nice chill vibe going for it, and plays really well in the background while you're doing other things around the house.
- I can't take the first song seriously at all because it's just Chef from South Park - Pretty vibey soundtrack, but nothing I'd go back to
- listen it’s good but not something I’d ever go back to - love a good horn section tho