There's No Place Like America Today

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

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.

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!?

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

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

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. 🪨🕒🪨🕒🪨

As if Prince did traditional soul music. Loved it.

I should sample the drummer.

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"

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

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.

Wow. Wenn ich etwas als zeitlos beschreiben würde dann wäre es das. Kopfhörer auf und Augen zu. Wie spannend das Musik 5 Jahrzehnte später solch eine Wirkung haben kann. Das Album zu hören fühlt sich an als würde man einen verborgenen Schatz ausgraben.

Fühlt sich durch die ganzen Samples die man kennt schon heimisch an

Junge Curtis.. wie krass bist du ja. 5 Sterne für Curtis mit seiner Stimme

Complete banger. The hidden gem of this whole thing so far to me. Didn’t really know him but was hooked on the first album. Could hear how he influenced so many through his music as it reminded me of a lot of different musicians.

Man, I'm loving Curtis Mayfield. Superfly was so funky and this one is so soulful but with funk too. I don't feel like I can rate this album higher than Superfly but I gave that one a 4 even though I thought real hard about giving it a 5. Should've gone with a 5. Maybe it's time to give the man his due. Billy Jack is such an infectious opener - the guitar, the bass lines, the slick keyboard, the funk. And his lyrics kick ass. The irony he was going for in the album name rings true. When Seasons Change is as good as a soulful Marvin Gaye tune. His vocals are awesome and dripping with emotion. So In Love brings a little optimism back - the woodwinds will fill your soul. Jesus and Blue Monday People are no slouches either - different attitudes obviously. But I appreciate how he closes the album with two hard hitting social commentaries in Hard Times and Love to the People - but with hope in the latter. Both with funky edge. Loved this whole album. Love this artist.

Wow, this is good. I don’t think I'd heard a single song on this record prior to this, but there's not a miss on here. 35 minutes long, but I could (and did) listen to this for hours. 5/5 Highlights: Billy Jack So In Love

I could listen to this all day.

Curtis is one of my all time favorites, and this is one of his best.

The cover depicts the social reality of whites and blacks at the time of publication. And the music thematizes the contrast. Unfortunately, it is - at least in part - still relevant today. An important album.

I was talking to my 19 year old son, Hal, about how some artists really only have one song. They might build a career around releasing different versions of essentially the same song, but, if the song is good enough, that can be pretty awesome and the basis of a worthwhile career. Is it unkind to suggest that Curtis Mayfield is a bit like that? He has a distinctive sound (funky, string sections, falsetto vocals, sinuous guitar leads, lightness of touch), especially in the 1970s at the height of his powers, as on There's No Place Like America Today. This album is slightly more laid back than, say, the Superfly record, but still distinctly Curtis Mayfield. What is pretty great. This is a wonderfully listenable album. I recently reviewed Clapton's 461 Ocean Blvd album, which is a similar vintage and similar album (laid back, tastefully arranged and played record from the mid 70s), at least when considered at a surface level. But while Clapton is a poorly sung, soulless and watered-down easy listening album, this album is the opposite. It is beautifully melodic, soulfully sung and genuinely moving album. You can hear how much Prince cribbed from this record. Favourite songs: Hard Times, and Jesus (the gospel backing is really great). It's church, it's street, it's real life. 4.5 stars

Look, I was born in Toronto. I grew up in Boulder. I live in suburban South Charlotte; not urban Mecklenburg County, we are talking across the county line in Union. And yet, putting this album on puts a pang in my soul to go directly to a car lot, buy a '76 Eldorado, and just drive slowly up and down the street while listening to Billy Jack, either until I die, or until the wheels fall off.

What a pleasant surprise. A beautiful and calming album musically, there is a lot of lyrical meat as well. The songs manage to be fiercely romantic while also addressing racial issues which are sadly still relevant almost 50 years later.

Love Curtis. I can't even explain why, it just makes me happy.

Really enjoyed this one, production, songs and performance

I wasn't aware of this Curtis Mayfield album, although I have several of other solo albums and some of the Impressions tracks. This is a gem, so understated, no heavy production - just pure, raw funky-soul vibes. I love it and have added it to my wants list. Perfection.

Wonderful funky beats. Love the base and the singer is fantastic. Lyrics are very critical towards society. Luvin' it

Soulful and funky, love it!

I love the groove of this album. It's so smooth, but you can feel it boiling underneath. Billy Jack is a wonderful vibe of a song hiding much darker lyrics. So In Love felt like a slow soul jam from Prince before Prince was a thing.

Incredible.

This is everything I need for '70s soul. Curtis Mayfield is a genius and the only problem I have with this album is it's not longer. It's phenomenal front to back.

Absolutely brilliant. Production superb, music so cool. The distinctive voice of Curtis Mayfield. This album was a joy to listen to.

What an album. Absolute everyone in the backing band are putting on a show, and then that voice on top.

Beautiful.

Great stuff.

I’d give it about 4.6 (rounded up to 5). Beautiful music, Curtis has such a great catalog that’s why it doesn’t get a 5.

Lekker funky, veel goede nummers

### In-depth Review of "There's No Place Like America Today" by Curtis Mayfield **Curtis Mayfield's album "There's No Place Like America Today," released in 1975, is a landmark in soul music. This record showcases Mayfield’s adeptness at blending socially conscious lyrics with rich musical textures. Here, we delve into its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, and weigh the pros and cons of the album.** #### Lyrics Curtis Mayfield's lyrical prowess is one of the defining aspects of the album. He paints vivid pictures of societal issues, personal struggles, and collective hopes. The lyrics on "There's No Place Like America Today" are introspective and critical, focusing on themes of disenfranchisement, inequality, and perseverance. - **"Billy Jack"** opens the album with a narrative about a man caught in the cycle of violence and revenge. The lyrics are stark and haunting, reflecting the struggles of those marginalized by society. > "Everybody wants happiness / Everybody wants peace of mind / Everybody says we shall overcome / But nobody's thinking 'bout the time." - **"When Seasons Change"** offers a more introspective take, contemplating the passage of time and the cyclical nature of hardship and recovery. > "And as sure as that day comes the change / It leaves you wondering why / You still remain the same." - **"So in Love"** contrasts the heavier themes with a tender exploration of love, showcasing Mayfield’s range as a songwriter. > "So in love / And the world still turns / And my heart still burns / And we still go on." Mayfield's lyrics are deeply poetic, often employing metaphors and vivid imagery to convey complex emotions and societal critiques. #### Music Musically, "There's No Place Like America Today" stands out for its lush arrangements and seamless fusion of genres. Mayfield incorporates elements of soul, funk, and R&B, creating a sound that is both unique and timeless. - **"Billy Jack"** features a brooding bassline and moody horns, setting a somber tone that complements the lyrical content. - **"When Seasons Change"** employs a more stripped-down arrangement, with gentle guitar strums and subtle strings underscoring the reflective lyrics. - **"So in Love"** showcases Mayfield's ability to craft beautiful melodies, with its soft, flowing arrangement and soothing vocal harmonies. Mayfield's falsetto voice is a highlight throughout the album. His vocal delivery is both emotive and nuanced, effectively conveying the depth of his lyrics. #### Production The production on "There's No Place Like America Today" is meticulous and sophisticated. Mayfield, who also served as the producer, crafted a sound that is both polished and organic. The album's production values are high, with each instrument clearly defined in the mix, allowing the intricate arrangements to shine. - **Sound Quality:** The recording quality is exceptional for the time, with a warm, analog sound that adds to the album's timeless feel. - **Instrumentation:** The use of orchestration, including strings and horns, adds depth and texture to the songs, enhancing the emotional impact. - **Mixing:** The mix is well-balanced, with Mayfield's vocals sitting perfectly within the arrangements, allowing the lyrical content to be front and center without overshadowing the music. The production techniques used on this album would go on to influence many artists in the soul and R&B genres, setting a high standard for quality and creativity. #### Themes The themes on "There's No Place Like America Today" are both universal and deeply personal. Mayfield tackles issues such as social injustice, love, resilience, and change, all while maintaining a sense of hope and determination. - **Social Injustice:** Songs like **"Billy Jack"** and **"Hard Times"** address the harsh realities faced by many, particularly within the African American community. Mayfield's commentary on these issues is both direct and poignant. - **Love and Relationships:** Tracks like **"So in Love"** and **"Love to the People"** explore the complexities of love and human connection, providing a counterbalance to the more heavy-handed themes of the album. - **Resilience and Hope:** Despite the often bleak subject matter, there is an underlying current of hope and resilience throughout the album. Mayfield's belief in the possibility of change and improvement shines through, offering a sense of optimism. #### Influence "There’s No Place Like America Today" has had a lasting impact on the music industry and beyond. Mayfield’s blend of socially conscious lyrics with rich, soulful music has influenced countless artists across genres. - **Musical Influence:** The album’s sophisticated production and orchestration have been cited as influences by artists in soul, R&B, and hip-hop. Mayfield’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music has inspired generations of musicians. - **Cultural Impact:** The album’s commentary on social issues remains relevant, reflecting the ongoing struggles for equality and justice. Mayfield’s willingness to tackle these topics head-on has paved the way for other artists to use their platforms for social commentary. - **Legacy:** Mayfield's work on this album solidified his reputation as a pioneering artist who seamlessly blended artistry with activism. The album is often referenced in discussions about the most important and influential records in soul music history. #### Pros and Cons **Pros:** 1. **Lyricism:** Mayfield's lyrics are thought-provoking, poetic, and socially relevant. His ability to address complex issues through his music is a major strength. 2. **Musicality:** The album's rich musical textures and sophisticated arrangements make it a standout in Mayfield's discography. 3. **Production Quality:** The production is top-notch, with a clear, warm sound that enhances the listening experience. 4. **Emotional Depth:** The album successfully conveys a wide range of emotions, from despair to hope, making it a deeply moving listening experience. 5. **Cohesiveness:** Despite the varied themes, the album feels cohesive, with each track contributing to the overall narrative. **Cons:** 1. **Pacing:** Some listeners might find the album's pacing a bit slow, as many of the tracks are mid-tempo and reflective. 2. **Accessibility:** The heavy subject matter and introspective nature of the lyrics may not appeal to all listeners, particularly those looking for lighter, more upbeat music. 3. **Commercial Appeal:** The album's focus on social issues and its sophisticated production might limit its appeal to a broader, mainstream audience, especially compared to more commercially oriented soul music of the time. ### Conclusion **"There's No Place Like America Today"** by Curtis Mayfield is a masterpiece of soul music, characterized by its socially conscious lyrics, rich musical textures, and sophisticated production. The album's themes of social injustice, love, resilience, and hope are conveyed with emotional depth and lyrical brilliance. While the album's introspective nature and heavy subject matter may not appeal to all listeners, its artistic and cultural significance cannot be overstated. Curtis Mayfield's work on this album has left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing countless artists and continuing to resonate with listeners today.

Such a great, laid back R&B/Soul album. Great for lounging on a sunny day or quiet evening.

I love soul and funk, and Curtis is obviously one of the greats. In addition to being incredibly funky musically, the lyrics on this album are so powerful. The cover is incredible too. Definitely a classic worthy of this list.

Amazing. Makes me want to dance outside or sit on the porch with a beer. Very outside, summer sunset kind of deal

I grew up on this!!

Great funk rock, will be listening to more of Curtis Mayfield Highlights: -Billy Jack -So In Love

Smooth, groovy, effortless. Good to throw on when you need to feel important

Really loved this. Cradles you in the groove and the immense highs and lows of its writing from start to finish.

Absolutely incredible! Short, sweet, and powerful.

Bom demais

This is music heritage.

W sumie to bardzo dobre. Chyba mój pierwszy kontakt z soulem. Dźwięki nasycone emocjami. Widać skąd czerpał inspiracje rap.

Absolutely loved this. Listened to it again straight after and thrn moved on to other CM albums. Ashamed I’d never explored his music before. A gem.

Pretty good

Incredible sound. Only miss on the album for me is "Jesus" and it's not even really a bad song. Added to the rotation for sure.

Seventies Curtis Mayfield album that I did not know as well as Curtis or Roots, but it sounded great, with high-quality songs (apart from the third track, which is a little bit too straightforward). score: 9/10

So insane. The sound of this record is so alive. Like you’re in the room. I’m amazed by this.

As incredibly thoughtful and craftfully played – somehow manages to be mellowly groovy and socially biting and quietly elevating at the same time. What a musical/political statement by an all-time artist. Just great.

Class

Instantly one of my favorite albums. I think the band was beyond tight, the bass and drums had that pocket stuffed. Mayfield was so soulful sounding I couldn't focus on anything else. Also I think this is one of the best mixed albums I've heard!! I don't know if it was my headphones hitting the right band for this but everything was crystal clear and the instruments sat perfectly alongside one another. Billy Jack, so in love, and blue Monday people are perfection.

A masterpiece of R&B! Amazing amazing

Love this music.

Delicioso

Loved it. Had a great time listening to it. Would listen to it again. What more can I say...

What a privilege to listen to Curtis Mayfield. Why did it never occur to me before that Prince was doing a Curtis Mayfield impression most of the time. This record is excellent and too short.

Very nice

10/10 Curtis fuckin Mayfield! the man can’t miss! I can’t put into words the joy I feel listening to his music

Hadn’t heard it; really great

Pure, raw, effective blues funk with crisp performance and smooth production. 4.7/5

I loved this - not sure I ever heard it before!

Such a great 70s soul album. “So in love” is my favourite Curtis Mayfield song

Noice soul

Almost like it was produced *Today* and not in 1975. Sad truth about it. This album brings calm and a little bit of funk in a time where people couldn't find it. The past for some was incredibly difficult and not so bad for others. This artist took time to produce such an understanding album of that during the years it took place. The cover art depicts it real well, too. The album is so underrated and should be more appreciated for what it is.

This was excellent! I really liked the grooves.

Excellent work!! Loved this album!

OMG. I now know who Prince listened to when he was a little boy. There were so many Princesque moments in Mayfield’s work it was undeniable his influence. Anyway, phenomenal album.

Love how soulful the album resonates throughout the repertoire of tracks. Has that classic soul sound and I love Curtis Mayfield’s way expressed the message with some classy backing tracks.

this album is amazing. cause their ain't no fun, bein' shot with a handgun.

This album is extremely tasteful, balanced, doesn't overindulge, the falsetto is amazing, the tempo is slow but driving, the horns are pleasant, the snare and toms are TIGHT. Great drumming. You can tell Prince was influenced by this album. Honestly super impressed. Great production, diverse themes, good lyricism, consistent concepts. Also its the perfect length. Solid 4.5/5 for me.

Excellent.

What an album. 35 mins of pure smooth down tempo funk. Crispy highs and punchy lows. Sounds great, plenty of space.

Oh I LOVE this record. Absolute classic. Curtis Mayfield is probably the most underrated bandleader of the 70's as far as mainstream recognition goes. I may dance to "So in Love" at my wedding.

GROOVYYYYY — listened in the shower and started my day off just right. Lovely tunes. Especially a fan of the track “So In Love”. Went back to listen again after I finished the album and listening as I write this review. About to make some noodles and dive deeper into Curtis Mayfield. Love his instrumental — the brass especially

1975 - Funk; Soul; R&B

This album is lovely. It's not what I was expecting exactly from Curtis Mayfield. It's much more sad soul than funk.

I prefer Superfly.