There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
1975
Album Summary
There's No Place Like America Today is the seventh studio album by Curtis Mayfield, released in 1975 on Curtom Records. It peaked at number 120 on the Billboard 200 chart, as well as number 13 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
WikipediaLoved this funky and fun. I enjoy any kind of music like this tbh, sometimes it can get repetitive I guess but overall really enjoyed
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!
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.
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.
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
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!?
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
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"
The first R&B album I've listened. Cover is full of contrast, based on a 1937 monochrome photograph by Margaret Bourke-White, titled "At the Time of the Louisville Flood".
Stiam doar Move on up de la Curtis. Un album soul foarte placut și scurtuț la doar 35 de minute. Multe elemente psihedelice si de gospel. Linii de bass foarte funky iar vocea subtire si inalta de neconfundat a lui Curtis. O săritură in timp in anii 70 soul ai Americii
I'll get one thing clear. I think Curtis Mayfield is one of the most talented, influential and all-round spectacular artists to have spent time on this blue spinning orb. This album is soulful and magnificent. Apart from Jesus. Despite Jesus, this is still a Curtis Mayfield album and it has to get five stars. If you've given it fewer, you need to give your head a shake.
Absolutely loved this. Curtis Mayfield was a big listen at Uni, but this was all new to me.
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!
Amazing album, and new to me. Love Curtis’ voice throughout, and the backing carried it all along nicely. Not as uptempo as some of his other work, but no less engaging for that.
Adorei, o álbum é uma delícia de se ouvir. Fiquei com vontade de ouvir mais... Melhores músicas: Billy Jack, When seasons change e Blue Monday People
Definitely made me want to fuck someone. Even the song about Jesus, which also really hammered the notion of drinking wine tonight into my head. "Gateway to hell" album. 5/5 stars.
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.
I love this album! It’s like a musics sushi roll of funk! That smooth sultry voice is the best spicy tuna you’re gonna find and the bass is the unagi of phat beats. Topping it off with the horns coming at you like little masago balls of joy. 12 stars!
interesting title, this is going to be political isn't it lol. nice intro. really nice voice. oh second song's awesome too, this is going to be a 5 easily. 'if you want a good life, best look into yourself'. interesting lyrics, pretty straightforward messages but you could probably tune them out if you're not really paying attention, he sounds so calm all throughout. it's a good balance then i guess. also i love the song lengths, they feel fully realized, hate when songs that sound good end too soon or go on for too long and become diluted, here they're perfect. it was a very satisfying listen all in all. i guess the album could feel a little bit samey but it's just over half an hour long and the variety in song themes makes up for it. first three songs were my favorites but they're all pretty good. it ended it up not being quite a 5 cause 'jesus' did nothing for me but really good otherwise.
Couple of songs on here that didn't really land on me the first time, like Hard Times, but as the album was only 35 mins I went back and relistened to them. I can't really fault any track, great album. And one of the best album covers I've seen.
now that is a opener to an album not what I expected at all "Don't get me wrong, the man is gone But it's a wonder, he lived this long" "Ah! didn't care nothing about being black" the instruments here are outrageous wow this album is throwing me not what I was expecting really enjoying it JESUS! ... JESUS! ... JESUS! "Doin’ crime wastin’ time! Drinkin’ that wine Drinkin’ and drinkin’ and drinkin’ and drinkin’" "Although he be my brother he wants to hold me up" "News is bad on every TV show So I tune in my radio, talkin' 'bout"
I like this music but I dont know, the album as a whole was kind of boring. I really liked Billy Jack.
Some solid conscious soul and funk. I think it falters a little around the middle of the album, but it starts and ends strong enough to make it to four stars for me.
Another fantastic album! Keeping the streak alive from last week. Curtis Mayfield is probably my all-time favorite R&B voice, his falsetto is pretty unusual but very affecting. I hadn't heard this album before, but I know "So In Love" very well, thanks to GTAV. The politics on here sneak up on you, it's very effective. And it's still just great music to listen to, some undeniable grooves and melodies. I hope we also get the Superfly soundtrack on here, but I won't hold my breath. Awesome album! Favorite tracks: So In Love, When Seasons Change, Billy Jack, Blue Monday People, Love to the People. Album art: Very telling. The contrast between the American Dream and American Reality. Really like this classic art style too, especially when used ironically. 4.5/5
It's the same case as with electronic music - it's impossible to make bad RnB/Funk album.
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.
I don't know where Mr. Mayfield got his information, but Jesus definitely did drink that wine, drink that wine, drink that wine. Anyway, this was smooth as hell. Best track: So in Love
Curtis Mayfield is a musical and poetic genius who is not afraid to push a few buttons.
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.
I already had Superfly in this list, and this doesn’t quite hit the same heights, but still excellent. Adding to the rotation.
my initial impression is hippie vibes it has a slow melody, but works for what the genre is. it is an easy album to listen to, very calming the guitar riffs are really good, it reminds me of some old time blues
I really liked his voice and the songs are impossible to dislike. Very solid album overall!
Some funky songs, some chilled out ballads. Short album. Bit God Squaddy on some songs
Nice mix of wah-wah funky bass and horns, if a little slow. Standout tracks: Billy Jack Hard Times Love to the People
I didn't get the meaning of all songs from this album, but it's one of that cases where a classical is easily recognizable.
Was totally unfamiliar with this album and really enjoyed it, despite it being quite short. I hadn't realized that Mayfield penned Baby Huey's "Hard Times" until I heard it on this album. Good listen worth another round.
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.
I feel like Curtis Mayfield had THE definitive soul sound of the 70s. His aesthetic was infectious and caught on like wildfire. Listening to this, you can tell Marvin and Curtis were listening to/influencing each other. This one just got better and better with repeated listens.
-pretty nice groovy stuff, but nothing to go crazy over -i like the high-pitched backing vocals -not as strong as his "Pusherman" album
Beautiful soulful and funky record. Love the bass tones and the guitar. Great arrangements. Slower than his other stuff I've heard.
You understand that you're getting old when soul music doesn't sound embarrassing anymore. Sweet! I'm in, deeply.
Prefs: Billy Jack, Jesus, Blue Monday People, Hard Times, Love To The People Moins pref: When Seasons Change
I didn’t have time for a proper listen but what I heard was Heartfelt, passionate and soul baring. Billy Jack and So I love were great. First impression is 3 stars but I think when I listen to it more carefully I might find it to be as good as Superfly so I’ll bump the score up another point now.
Best Song: Billy Jack. A real soulful introduction to the album, with this current of funk that is disappointingly less-prominent in the rest of the album. Worst Song: Jesus. I love me some gospel music, but the falsetto became a bit too much, and the guitar solo in the middle just felt like Eric Clapton was trying to butt himself into the track, uninvited. Overall: A lovely soul/funk/R&B album. I don't know if I'd heard Curtis Mayfield before, but he has a beautiful voice. I also appreciate that the album is short; at 37 minutes it doesn't overstay its welcome. Perfect for relaxed settings. Music to cook and eat to.
Great to listen to such an influential artist who kept making music after his accident that left him paralyzed.
Billy Jack - Very funky opening riff. Melody reminds me of Pink Floyd for some reason.
Not being familiar with that particular album, i expected something more "funky-psychadelic". Outstanding sonics and musicianship tho.
18/08/2022 Curtis Mayfield – There’s No Place Like America Today This album is a great surprise. R&B, funk and soul are styles I don’t listen to too often, but I’m going to start doing it if I can listen to great albums like this one. What a vibe! Everything sounds super smooth, sentimental, and made from the heart. The album is also lyric heavy, so it is worth it to listen and read. A note: as I said, I’m not well versed in these styles, so the review is only based on what I have feel with the songs (not that I’m a professional with the rest, but at least I have something to compare them). Billy Jack – 4.5/5 Incredible way to start the album. Great vibes and feelings, contrasting in a way with lyrics about the (probably violent) assassination of a man. When Seasons Change – 4/5 Again, a song with great sentiment put into it. I maybe like it a little less than the previous one. So in Love – 3/5 This song musically transmit so perfectly being in love. But (if I’m not wrong) the singer is trying to apologize for an affair? I don’t know, I feel like it violates the meaning and feelings of the song a bit. Jesus – 3/5 The song sounds great, but I’m not really into religious preaching. Blue Monday People – 4.5/5 This song does lyrically what So in Love does not, in terms of loving someone. Additionally, talks about the working class and depression. Its music is great too. My favourite of the album. Hard Times – 4/5 Great song with a great message, without frills, very simple. Love to the People – 4/5 Great conclusion to the album too. Great music, great vibes, great lyrics, great message.
Review #1 of 1001 Grooves 5/5 Vocals 3/5 Lyrics 5/5 Motown, 1970s Mayfield sheds light on a persistent struggle for people of color and the working class in general. Content as relevant nearly 50 years later as when this album originally released in the 70s. Impeccable instrumental funk vibes, the vocal style isn't my favorite, but has some high points. Favorite song was Blue Monday People. The album grew on me as it progressed, overall enjoyable listen. 3.5/5 Album art is very evocative, elevates the album as a whole to a solid 4/5 for me. Looking forward to hearing more in the soul/funk genre.
While not as loud or a as bombastic as you would think an album like this would be given the subject matter, the anger is still prevalent. The recording is subline, masterfully recorded and mixed that allows every instrument and voice space to breathe.
Super smooth and super cool. Not normally a style of music that I seek out but I really liked this. 4 stars.
When Seasons Change puts the blues into rhythm and blues! So In Love throws back to Stax in the mid-'60s. After an outstanding start it did tail off.
Funky! The only thing that brought it down for me is that almost the entire thing is sung in falsetto, or at least that's how it sounds to me. Still worthy of 3 stars.
This type of music is always easy to listen to in the background, wouldn't say I love it but it's got a certain something
Robert Demery est fidèle a lui même en selectionnant un nouvel album completement anodin dans sa liste, la cohérence est respectée, bravo Robert pour ta liste de merde.
Did you know? Mayfield was paralyzed from the neck down after lighting equipment fell on him during a live performance at Wingate Field in Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, on August 13, 1990.
The first three songs are great... really enjoy the groove of Billy Jack, but somewhere around Jesus, it gets a bit more ordinary. An enjoyable listen, but falls a step down from classic.
Io sono un soul man e Curtis è un pilastro del genere però a volte in questo disco lo trovo troppo poco supportato dagli arrangiamenti tipici del genere, che lo rendono moderno ma allo tempo stesso i pezzi non mi emozionano come dovrebbero. Questo diviene evidente in un pezzo come Hard Times che è bello però non ha lo stesso impatto della versione di Baby Huey. Mi sembra veramente un coito interrotto a tratti. Voto 3.5 ma con punizione.
Interessante, mi ha colpito molto già dalla prima traccia. Solo che verso la fine ho iniziato ad accusare i toni soft della Soul music. Non riesco a dargli 4 per questo motivo, ma riconosco la bellezza di quest'album e la bravura di Curtis, che non conoscevo e che, leggendo la sua biografia, è stato proprio sfortunato... Poraccio!
The list of all-time best falsetto performers has to include the likes of Smokey Robinson, Barry Gibb, Prince and Philip Bailey. And Curtis Mayfield throws his hat in the ring here in a big way. We probably don't appreciate Curtis Mayfield enough. He's a two time inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, fathered ten (!) children, and wrote "People Get Ready". This isn't his best album, and honestly it underwhelms. It's a bit too preachy for seductive purposes. There's a better representation of the Mayfield Magic yet to come on this list.
Zwaar relaxt soul-album! Heerlijk!! Laat je niet misleiden door de hoes, die me aan Mary Poppins doet denken. Mijn favorieten zijn toch weer up-tempo nummers: "Billy Jack" en "Love to the people". Daarmee heb je ook meteen het probleem van dit album. Het is mij iets te relaxt en het kan wel wat meer pit gebruiken. Laatste kritiekpuntje is dat de hoge stem op een gegeven moment ook kan gaan vervelen. ***
Mr Superfly himself! Have not listened to anything else he had done and I'm glad we got some! Felt just like his Superfly soundtrack too which I liked. I have no qualms about this album but also nothing that really stood out to me. Great start to the week and so much better than a live album.
I've only heard of Curtis Mayfield's Move On Up before, never listened to any of his albums. Enjoyed the slow steady funky beats and bass.
That is soulful and electric! The starting and landing points are wonderful; The rest of the material is nice but musically low-key and vocally didactic. It would have been great to hear that grey area explored more deeply.
Pretty good R&B album. None of the songs really separate themselves but the whole album flows nicely. The mellow funkiness with the horns and drums makes this a good smooth listen. 7.3/10
So much wah-wah pedal, this is some funky guitar. Really high-pitched voice, reminds me a bit of vocalist from The Heavy, but if he was really going as high as he could. Very soulful album, had it on the background but didn't really pull me in too much. I'd be willing to bet there are quite a few babies that were born because of this album.
Al ver el título de este álbum no esperaba mucho, sin embargo lo subestime demasiado, tiene canciones que son buenas y otras que solo son canciones.
IMO not Mayfield's best work, but it's hard to beat 70s Soul/Funk. That album cover is the shit, however.
Great musician, great voice but an unexciting collection of songs with no real stand outs to move or excite you.
This was all right. I was eagerly expecting a pizza delivery from a mustached delivery man that I simply don't have cash to pay for do you accept any other forms of payment? while listening to this album.
Smooth and soulful, but the wispy voice and minimalist arrangements start to sound pretty similar after a while.
I find it hard to imagine disliking anything Mayfield did and this is no exception, but nothing in it grabbed me that strongly or really stood out for me.
First half of the albums I was leading towards a 2, the second half is much better and Love to the People is fantastic.
I wanted to like this a lot more than I did. Maybe it's just the mood I am in but overall this album fell flat. It felt like Curtis Mayfield by numbers rather than being an essential work
I've never heard this album before today. It's not something I'd reach for all the time, but I enjoyed discovering it. Favorite: When Seasons Change
No es que sea malo, pero no terminé de emocionarme con este disco. A ratos suena como cosas actuales que me gustan (Black Pumas, échenles un ojo) pero nunca llega a reventar.
Un disco sabrosón, con muy buenos metales y música en general muy agradable. Se siente mesurado, bien pensado y nunca apresurado. Nada malo, pero al no ser un entusiasta del género siento que le falta acción, algún punto álgido.
The first track is promising. I like it. I'm excited about the rest of the album. The second track is a bit of a let down if I'm honest. Maybe I was too excited, and expected too much? The third track has started well. This is what I'm talking about. Yes. Soul brother. Fourth track starts promising. He needs to start singing rather than talking though, he's not William Shatner ffs. Here we go. I'm not sure tbh, am beginning to worry this album might not live up to my expectations. The fifth track is ok. A step back towards what I like. Sixth track is good, still a chance this could end well! The last track is decent as well. I mean, it's a decent album. I enjoyed it. Nice to have on in the background, or while you're spending time with your gf or whatever. Yeah, nice. But I mean, this is the 1001 albums you must hear before you die isn't it? I feel that there are loads of better albums in this genre that could have been chosen. It'd not bad, but I could have died without hearing it and not been worse off tbh.
Very different vibe for this next one, particularly after doing them back to back :D Feels very much like the sort of thing that I've quite enjoyed, but will almost certainly never listen to again... I don't know the R&B scene at all, but this is a lovely gentle intro to it, very relaxed in terms of the style of music (even if the first track is about someone getting shot!). Also, at 35 minutes it doesn't overstay it's welcome, only 7 songs too. Not normally a God fan but Jesus is class... Spotify listens suggest a big drop off after the first three songs, but that's not the case in terms of the quality. Tracks 2, 3, and 7 my faves.
Billy jack intro de l'album excellent un des soulmen les plus influents et talentueux Le reste de l'album un peu chiant
Like the sound this album has, just not a big fan of his high voice. I wouldn’t return to this album very fast probably.
I'd only heard Mayfield's first three solo albums before and, while I didn't enjoy this one as much as those, it was a good listen. There weren't any stand out tracks for me but there were some great grooves and melodies, and this is one that I think will grow on me with revisits/deeper dives into the lyrics
This was nice and chill, but it really did just plod along and I have already forgotten most of it.
Decent R&B, but nothing that really stood out and screamed "I'm a great album!!" It was just kind of there. I'm not disappointed I listened to it, and I'm not ecstatic I listened to it.
Curtis Mayfield was a mildly familiar name, but all of the music on the album was new to me. I enjoyed listening to the album, but none of the tracks stood out to me as something that I'll come back to.