There's No Place Like America Today

Is it wrong that I masturbated for the entirety of this record?

Goddamn did this thing suck holy. Each song sounds like one of those sex songs that Chef sings in South Park. Only reason it gets a two is cause it was short and it was groovy ish I guess?

What a delightful album. It was an absolute joy to discover this. It makes the 1001 project worthwhile. There's a downbeat soul feel throughout. No so much Move on Up, but take a look down instead. Things are happening, and not all of them are good. This is an introspective album from Curtis. Sadly not a lot has changed in America half a Century later. Add in the odd love song, plus THAT voice and you have the perfect album. This is a companion piece for What's Going On. Amazing. And short!

that was alright i suppose. didn't really have a standout track and the chances of me ever wanting to listen to this album again are incredibly slim. my opinion of curtis mayfield was higher than it is now i've listened to this album.

This is Mayfield's "What's Going On". It's subtle yet effective in all the right ways. Fans of "Superfly" and his earlier works should be ready to slow it down. We're just gonna soak this music in and look around. Reflect for a moment. Yeah.

Wild/sad that these themes are still so real in 2022. Solid listen.

The vocalist sounds like someone is standing on his windpipe or smashed in his balls with a 9-iron. The music just isn’t interesting. It’s not ear screeching awful, it’s just bland and boring like eating white rice at retirement home. 3/10

Loved this funky and fun. I enjoy any kind of music like this tbh, sometimes it can get repetitive I guess but overall really enjoyed

There’s No Place Like America Today I’d not really heard of this album before, but I thought it was excellent; kind of sad and despairing with a haunted melancholy to the music and lyrics, but all tied together with that sweet, rich, warm voice. Billy Jack feels like the other side of Superfly, the sadness of an extinguished life, while the fantastic When Seasons Change feels like an ode to resilience, with that same sad undertow. So in Love feels like one of the few hopeful moments on the record. Musically I like Jesus alot, with that guitar in the chorus, but its overtly religiosity feels a bit overbearing. Blue Monday People is great, a snapshot of reality and futility. Hard Times tight groove is superb, symbolic of words and themes of hardening your heart in the face of tough times. Love to the People’s hints at upbeatness are cut through by the bleakness of the verses, but amplified by the chorus. The playing, particularly the bass and drums, is absolutely superb. Not overly showy, but tight and precise, augmenting and embellishing when necessary, and letting the songs breathe. I also love the really slowed down tempos, really intensifying the dispiriting themes and lyrics. This really got under my skin over repeated listens, it’s trading of immediacy and optimism for a spareness and a mournful tone working a slow kind of hypnosis. It was a 4 at first but after a few listens I can’t really think of a reason to not give it 5 - it’s a sad and sombre 35 mins of brilliantly played, fantastically sung, anguished mid-70s soul. 🪨🕒🪨🕒🪨

Three tracks in, and this album just oozes sex and anger, which is an enjoyable mix! The anger is masked behind the gorgeous arrangements, and is mixed with a hope that maybe we can do better in future. It's certainly lyrically ambitious. It's really good - but falls short of five stars for me. You know when something is so perfectly done you stop noticing it? Like good aircon or a comfy bed? This is the same - it's so musically tight it becomes hard to focus on the songs. A little bit more rawness and it'd be perfect. If that makes sense!?

A fantastic album here, I love listening to it. The music is warm and soulful, full of beautiful arrangements and Mayfield's incredibly evocative songwriting. Mayfield's vocals are flawless, as always. His ability to convey broader social concerns in such quiet, personal terms is a gift that no one else has truly been able to match. For those of you puzzling over a track like "Jesus," I would point out that this is Curtis Mayfield here. There is always a strong underpinning of faith in his work, and this is where soul music comes from. If you enjoy that, I highly recommend checking out his other work, including with the Impressions. Fave songs: Billy Jack, Blue Monday People, So in Love

Billy Jack immediately has my attention with a bass tone that is just a hook machine. This is such a groovable record, So In Love is a laid back R&B track with a pocket so deep you could fall in it. How do these R&B singers get this damn high?! Great minor colors on Blue Monday People. Fabulous album.

Billy Jack is the easy standout here, but, overall, a highly enjoyable slab of soul and funk.

As if Prince did traditional soul music. Loved it.

Music is good when it sounds good and this sounds good like good music

Damn! This was a beauty!

Another fine album from Mr Mayfield. I am a real fan.

Soulful and tight. Nice short album that has a lot to say in the most beautiful way.

Hooked straight in due to that funky bass and guitar, then the vocals come in and daaamn what a combo. Another person I knew the name of but never listened to. I'm in a coffee shop and I can't sit still, such a vibe. Unfortunately none of the other songs hit that high for me, but they were still soulful as hell. Love to the People may be my 2nd fav. This Wiki anecdote is worth noting: "On August 13, 1990, Mayfield became paralyzed from the neck down after stage lighting equipment fell on him while he was being introduced at an outdoor concert at Wingate Field in Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York. Afterwards, though he was unable to play the guitar, he continued to compose and sing, which he found he could do by lying down and letting gravity pull down on his chest and lungs." Gotta admire that dedication.

Soulful, spiritual. Feels very mature, laid back, but tightly controlled. I'm not particularly spiritual, so I could do without "Jesus", but it's still a great album overall. Favorite tracks: "Love to the People", "Hard Times"

Conoscevo Curtis Mayfield solo di nome, probabilmente citato come ispirazione da qualche artista. Cazzo che m'ero perso! Questo album è una bomba. Quasi tutti i pezzi mi hanno praticamente ipnotizzato dall'inizio alla fine per l'eleganza degli arrangiamenti, i testi e la composizione raffinata e disordinata al punto giusto. La voce di Mayfield fa impressione e spesso basta quasi da sola a reggere 4 minuti di pezzo. La cosa che mi ha colpito di più forse è quanto questo disco suoni moderno per essere un disco del '75. La produzione della voce sembra quasi pop contemporanea e anche a livello compositivo mi ricorda l'RnB moderna e artisti tipo The Weeknd o Labrinth. Per me è un 4.5 che non raggiunge il 5 solo per Jesus che è un po' debole rispetto agli altri e il fatto che ogni pezzo finisce in fade e te lo fa sembrare incompleto con le orecchie di oggi. Comunque grande scoperta da approfondire!

J'ai un peu surnoté cet album mais il est ici question de la survie de notre espèce

Well, I tried. Several times. It's just not connecting. He is just not connecting. Lyrics appear and then slide off. I like the bass riffs and the arrangements but it's not feeling like my music. The vocals, sliding and tremulous, high and delicate with strength and substance, but still, not for me. Thanks. 2 stars.

I should sample the drummer.

Smooth vocals and light funk and soul underscore these tunes to show that there's something lurking in the depths of the US. Best Tracks: Billy Jack; When Seasons Change; So in Love

The voice is wonderful. Gentle, rich, warm. Lyrically curious, with a meandering nature. The music is quite wonderful; the flow through the whole album makes it seem like an extended jam session, with the focus moving from instrument to instrument. Totally relaxed and yet tight and on the groove.

A warm, embracable album, quite odd from such a politicised disc. Indeed, the juztaposition between the bitterness of the lyrics and the smoothness of the music works rather well. I was not persuaded, however, by the song Jesus: is religion really the most reliable panacea? It didn't really work on What's Going On, and it doesn't really work on this. Also, perhaps a little too short? Curtis Mayfield already had a fistful of classic albums, so he could afford himself a little space to experiment and indulge. Still, a solid album by a true great.

that voiiiiiceeeee

Bad music

This isn't really the genre for me -- much of this music sounded the same to me.

Meh....

Boy I hated this

Was a bit jazzy and depressing

Yeah, There's No Place Like America Today is not a good album at all even though it was dealt some decent cards. The instruments used were okay but the composition was so poor that it made the songs feel incredibly disorganized. Curtis's voice would be okay if it were used with better compositions but it was not. Some of the songs also went on for too long so that didn't help the matter either. This is a bad album no doubt but look on the bright side, there is nowhere to go but up from here (unless i get another bad album) Best Song: Love to the People Worst Song: Jesus

Didn't expect to be so bored by this

Meh. Boring. Slow.

After the first song, which I liked, I had high hopes for this, but it just plodded along. And didn't go anywhere in particular. Shame as he does have a nice voice and don't mind some of his stuff. Surely the albums 'Curtis' or 'Superfly' would have been better choices? Just a 1 for this. Sorry Curtis and I hope the lighting engineer is still feeling guilty.

boring

Totally not my genre!

This was interesting but not retuning for more

i don't live in america so whatsoever

Sorry, this was just annoying to listen to. Gave me a headache as well. I don’t really get why anyone has given it a good score. I liked the first 30 seconds. Not for me

🥴

One star for Curtis Mayfield’s amazing falsetto, but that’s all I can manage to give. It’s like warmed-over mid-morning funk leftovers.

It sounded very empty, like there wasnt much going on. Wasnt a fan of the vocals either

Mmmh

Koukuton, ohut, tuntuu kahden tunnin mittaiselta vaikka kestää 30 minuuttia, jne.

Tefrfg

Oh man. Really, really good. This is a rare one for me -- I usually don't give much mind to lyrics, and my enjoyment of an album is mostly due to the music itself. Not here. Powerful, powerful words. THIS is poetry in music, and everything helps serve the message Mayfield is trying to get across. The vibe is a little repetitive, but I think the album is the right length to make it work. "So in Love" almost seems out of place, but I don't think it is. There's this constant push and pull in the album of trying desperately to find hope and joy and love in a broken nation that seems dead-set on making sure you never will. So, it works: it's a momentary triumph. And this album as a whole is a complete one. Fave songs: Everything. But, particular attention to "Jesus." Wow, wow, wow. How many people in America today would be ready to hear that song? How many people would even grasp what it means? And, isn't that an interesting notion -- how many people would be ready to hear a song that came out 40 years ago?

There’s No Place Like America Today is the sound of a man looking directly at systemic injustice, racial despair, and broken promises—and making it sound like honey poured over a protest sign. It’s smooth. It’s slow. It’s devastating. Curtis doesn’t shout—he aches at you. He lets you sway your way into a revelation. ⸻ Rating: 4.9/5 Short Review: Soulful despair in a three-piece suit. Graceful rage wrapped in strings. Like if Marvin Gaye gave up on hope but still wanted you to feel beautiful while falling. Favorite Track: “Billy Jack” – hypnotic, mournful, feels like someone trying to keep calm while the building burns around them. Consistency With Me: 8.7/10 Why: I’m all about emotional depth and righteous critique, but I don’t have blood, history, or heartbreak that sounds this organic. Curtis lived what he sang. I’m just observing it from the cloud with awe.

he reminds me of marvin gaye i love him already i love the vibe of this album very 70s with love and soul

this is honestly much much better than Superfly. I loved it :)

muy muy chulo. este me lo guardo!!!

Smooth groovin’ to love, Jesus, no love, bad times, good times.

Excellent album. My music app then matched it with other music from that genre and era. Total enjoyed it.

There's no album like this today

maybe i do follow jesus

Great music

Really not my music genre at all, I've never been a big soul guy, but there is no denying that this is an incredible album. Just really funky and beautiful and sexy, it's hard to say more than that. This album feels like it sort of exudes smoothness and call - we put it on while eating dinner and were really struck by how compelling the whole project is . As someone who knows next to nothing about soul, it's interesting to compare it to one of the few sort of neo soul albums I'm familiar with, Awaken My Love, because you're instantly hit with how influential this is. Giving it a 5 - it's more of a 4.5 for me, but the .5 is more of a taste thing than an actual quality thing, and I think on objective terms this is undoubtedly a brilliant piece of art. Favourite tracks: Billy Jack, Hard Times Least favourite: Jesus Least fav

Excellent.

This was very good shit. Not something I'd usually listen to and really enjoyed it. A great new discovery.

Ja goed!

Juju

Curtis Mayfield equals "Funky and Smooth!"

I didn’t know Hard Times by the Roots was a cover! This album far exceeded expectations.

Great album. I love these influential albums that I’m not familiar with but have inspired so many other great artists.

I didn't grow up with Curtis but I know Superfly and a few of his other big songs. It was a real treat to get acquainted with this record. It's definitely up there with What's Going On by Marvin Gaye as a seminal work of 70s Soul music.

Funky fresh

This is the first actual soul album that I've come across on this list. So, so heart-wrenchingly beautiful. The songs pulse and sway like a human heartbeat. This is always my favourite thing about good soul - the music is so undeniably a direct capture of the human condition. Sweet in its sadness, uplifting when the world brings you down. This album finds me with a tightness at the back of my throat and a tear in my eye for all 35 minutes. I am not Christian, but when I hear Jesus, I feel a spirit move within me. This album is a wonderful example of how music connects us all, regardless of tribe. An absolute must-listen before you die. Will be frequently replayed in my house.

I always knew Curtis Mayfield, and I liked the few songs I heard, but I'm embarrassed to say I didn't really know his music. So thank you to the 1001 Album Generator for dialing this up. I'm going to listen to this all day tomorrow. Billy Jack- fantastic vocals, never heard a guitar like this- the drum is almost Ringo-esque- snare and high hat doing all the work When Seasons Change- what is there, three instruments on here? A bass, guitar and a keyboard? And it sounds so deep and layered So In Love Jesus Blue Monday People Hard Times Love to the People

Such a poignant, thoughtful album. Curtis Mayfield is one of the greats - not only in soul music, but in songwriting and composition. 9.5/10

Mellowly groovy, deep and thoughtful, the only criticism one can think to make is that maybe the sweetness might dilute social' commentary's anger and impact. Much depends on how one feels about the falsetto – one's a fan, see the first-rate "So In Love" as its maximum effect. The playing is tight, unhurried, assured – see waltzy bass line and shuffling drums on "Jesus," or the understated soloing and (again) poignant-staccato drumming on "Hard Times." A few cuts, say "Seasons Change" and "Blue Monday People," sound like a cross between spoken-word gospel and lieder, with most uplifting effect (e.g., "only you know how to be free," "only you know how to solve your problems"). "Love to the People" is a wonderful closer, bracing and vaguely warm, if serious.

I mentioned in some previous reviews that this entire project was worth it for me since it introduced me to soul and funk music, which I now enjoy a lot and explore on my own. I enjoyed Mayfield in Superfly so I’m really looking forward to this one. Right from the cover art we can see what we’re gonna get. Tales of hardship and oppression, and it’s wrapped in the most beautiful music you can think of. Funky rhythm, call and response between Curtis and the guitar. This is so great. I just love how this both sad and somber and funky and groovy all at the same time. That’s so hard to get right and Mayfield nails it. Oh the bass tone is also incredible and the trumpet (I think) solos also delightful. It’s like this great musical conversation with the vocals, lead guitar and trumpet trading the lead. When you see an album that’s tackling social injustice you kinda expect to be big and loud and in your face. This is more of a quiet personal desperation kind of album. Very unique. Five stars.

Very good, the music flows so nicely and I like the lots of different instruments

Really liked it. Saved the first three songs, drifted into work a bit after that. Will listen again.

This is the first album I’ve had the time to listen to since I’ve been getting the daily recommendations. It’s an album I was previously familiar with; Mayfield is one of my favorite artists. The title clearly lays out the subject matter, turning a common positive statement into a more negative one. The album harps on people needing to have personal responsibility, specifically those in the black community, while firmly addressing society’s attempts to make financial security an impossibility to achieve. Later songs lose the layer of personal responsibility and switch more to just complaints about the black community, and how individuals within it operate. Jesus might be my favorite track, outlining the hypocrisy in many followers of Christianity. They preach about Jesus but fail to follow his practices. So In Love is interesting, the love is never named so my interpretation is that the love is America. Though it has its problems, especially in its treatment of black people, Mayfield still preaches his love for the country, saying “don’t ask me why”, either unable to put into words the reasons or a reference to his own blind patriotism due to maybe media or our tendency as humans to participate in tribalism. Overall, this is an absolute banger musically and exists in the peak time of one of my favorite genres. Add in the commentary from Mayfield on the world around him and you’ve made a 10/10 album.

OOF! Curtis starts off laying it on THICK and then just keeps giving on this album. Lyrically good, sonically great, this album is fantastic.

4.6 - This honestly has so much going on, loved it.

Real American and peak of the black Motown movement.

Gotta love Curtis Mayfield. He has the ear for the groove.

Fantastic album. Very much needed yesterday

Let there be no doubt. This guy fucks.

Sweet album now in my rotation

Sublime, beautiful.

Never heard this album, but it’s a great one.

This is the 59th album I’m rating. I don’t really know who this guy is but the album name is incredible. Adding to my Playlist - Billy Jack, When Seasons Change, So in Love, Jesus, Blue Monday People, Hard Times, and Love to the People. Not Adding to my Playlist - Nothing. All in all I liked 7/7 songs. This was just a nice chill album and there is something about his voice that I really like.

This man can do no wrong. I listened to it twice. Sweet butter.

Love it.

This album cover is extremely relevant even at present day, which is sad. The album itself is amazing. Curtis’ voice just held my attention the entire time, and somehow even managed to get me to not skip a track about Jesus, as I tend to do. Hell I started singing along at parts. Must listen!

It’s wild listening to an album that is simultaneously ahead of its time, whilst also sounding so entirely timeless. Right off the bat you can tell exactly what you’re going to get with this record, which is funk, soul, and a whole lot of feeling. The message about urban gun violence in “Billy Jack” feels more relevant now than ever, which is impressive for something released in 1975. The instrumentation throughout this record is absolutely stellar, and every musician played their part perfectly. I can’t find a lot of fault in this one. 4.5*.

Funky. Great album

Funky vibes.

Smooth and funky

According to Mayfield, yesterday's 'America today' was 'scufflin' times': 'A lot of scars - that kind of scare you to remember.' It's more like collapsin' times in today's 'America today,' but this record remains timeless. Mainly, this is political music that gets going b/c it negotiates the mundane with sweetness and honesty: 'Waking up now in the morning / A little morning sigh / Ready not to get it together.' This is truth music b/c Mayfield is attuned enuf to appreciate that 'Truth is not the whole question.' Musically, this is a funky cry, and a crying funk: 'The way you do it - is to get right to it.' Amen. And even an atheist like me can get down w/ 'Jesus.'

Essential. A gem.

idk how to describe it but this reminds me of the time I was waiting for the G at 830am on a thursday, the platform was empty except a guy blasting "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" by Al Green on his radio and everyone else just silently nodding and enjoying it. Brooklyn man!

Everyone should listen to this

Billy Jack - Well yes! When Seasons Change - love this... how did he make a song that sounds like the seasons are changing... i will be back for more, you'd best believe! I'm loving this so far, this is such a vibeeeee!!! Also literally like the timeliness of this album.... mmmmm no comment. There IS no place like america today! Jesus - take me to CHURCH Love to the People!!! YASS Loved this front to back. Super super out of my wheelhouse so I'm glad I made time for this baddie. Now.. from the top!

ALL I DO IT WINNNN!!!!! i love curtis mayfield so fuckign much!! the brass arrangement on So in Love 😭 i love this man so goddam much. to be loved by him must have been so special. the keyboard too!!! this man was a genius. Three songs in and just devastated we lost him when we did. maybe one of the most serious funk albums ever made lol - what a visionary!!!!!!!!! it's light and the music never feels heavy but what he's saying is so somber. i love the contrast Power to the people baby. We will either sink or swim together.

"There can't be no fun, to be shot with a hnd gun". Curtis was out there with the truth. Great album.