There's No Place Like America Today

Really good. What a wonderful voice Curtis has, the grooves are super laid back too.

Curtis Mayfield is one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time and this album proves it. Soul and funk at its best. Music with a message.

R&B is definitely not my thing but this album impressive.

Lyrics of the time that echo today

Buena musica para singar

Mayfield definitely has better albums, but this is still very cool and super poignant

Groovy as hell

Curtis rules. Not a moment on this I didn't enjoy, but does not hit the same highs as Superfly. Hard Times was originally written by Curtis for Baby Huey and recorded 5 years earlier. That version is good if you want to check it out. While you're there listen to Running by Baby Huey (sick song). Album was produced by Curtis. Titled "The Living Legend" even though Bay Huey died before it was release, will never understand that.

Curtis Mayfield is a sweet discovery for me on this list. Im appreciating his styles more and more Lengthy tunes here, but an album that is worth the time and attention. Billy Jack and Love To The People were my favorites

Good stuff. Soulful and real. It's both full and at times sparse. It's got a certain intimacy that's comforting, the musical elements feel present and close. Very well played throughout, tight and locked-in while still quite emotive. Mayfield's falsetto sits right on top like a silky ribbon wrapping it all up. Second half seems to get gradually more street and gritty from "Blue Monday People" onward. Good stuff for sure.

Always happy with a brass section.

Groovy

Love Curtis in general, though this didn't especially grab me — I think because we've happened to be served a fair lot of 70s soul in our first few records. Will return to it another time.

Mayfield has a knack for luring the listener to his serious message with his funky grooves and soulful falsetto. Only Marvin Gay comes close. 4/5 #212

Surprisingly never heard this one. I love his first three records but this one is much slower, funkier and dark. Sounds great too with a focus on the bass guitar for most of it.

This has some soul!

Pretty funky stuff

Lwk ts album hits differently while doing murder mysteries

Lovely production. Great mixture of funky shit and really soulful love ballads that are equal in hitting the sweet spot. Reverb-y guitar sound does a lot for that. Love you Curtis

Very nice album. Love the jazzy solos, the blues guitar, a great voice. Not the best author in the genre, but definitely in the top. Perfect for a rainy day at home.

Curtis Mayfield is another one of those artists that your favorite band is a fan of. He was known but for some reason never was huge. He has better albums than this but you can not deny his talents on this album. The cover goes so damn hard. Yet some of the songs fell flat for me. Jesus just didn't hit for me. Yet Blue Monday is on my playlist now, as is Hard Times. It's a great album even when it doesn't do it for me. I will be listening to his entire discography again now.

I think you either love Curtis or he does nothing for you. I'm the former. This one is kind of low-key throughout, but still something about it gets under your skin.

The only other record I've had from Curtis Mayfield so far was Superfly and although that was fine, I am really happy to have a non-soundtrack album from him. I think he deserves that for sure. From the first bass notes of this record I can tell I'm going to love it. Funky guitar comes in, vocals begin. This is going to be a good one. I love the grooves, and all the instrumentation is really great. Super laid back vibe that I could listen to all day. Jury's out on the vocals but they aren't off putting and fit well. Then there's a weird song about Jesus for some reason. It loses points for that. Write all the songs about Jesus you want but I feel like there is a different genre for that and it's oddly out of place on a mainstream record like this. The record is a too short, I was sad it ended. And that's the mark of a good album I think. I don't think this is the best early funk/soul record but I do really like it and will probably play it from time to time. 3.75/5

I love Curtis Mayfield’s silky voice. This album is political and impactful but it is a little one note. I enjoyed it thoroughly but I also have come to find through this that I love soul.

bello! l’unica roba sono le canzoni lunghissime che un po’ mi rompono

1970s smooth soul… classic sounds.. falcetto vocals… an album I really enjoyed 4 stars

The smoothest of smooth soul. So good, but hard for me to pay attention to. 4/5

Wow, heard of Curtis Mayfield but had no idea what he was about until listening to this album.

liked it. should’ve been 3,5 but they don’t have the 3,5 option

4/5

Great vibe, need to listen to more Curtis Mayfield

Spoko, nie spodziewałem się że tak przyjemnie się będzie tego słuchać

very smooth

70’s AF

Very good

I really like Curtis Mayfield. Great album. Didn’t love it as much as the song ‘Move on up’ so gave it a 4.

Pre: love funky soul, have listend to other Mayfield and the 1st song but not the rest Post: great album, love the horns and grooves , fav track was so in love

soft but grooovy

90/1001 :: War - The World is a Ghetto Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yeah I don’t know if I’ll really ever listen to this again but I should. This is a damn good album. This is real soul.

Enjoyed this! Love his style. Good times.

Altså det er ikke Curtis eller Superfly, men det er Curtis Mayfield, så det er ganske fly. Mye mer laidback soul enn de tidligere nevnte, og selv om jeg foretrekker Mayfield i Curtis-modus, fucker jeg med dette også. Perfekt for en regntung høstdag.

Perfekt å starte dagen med

Dette er en masterclass i tilbakeholdenhet. Nydelig

Such a good ride

A classic, a legend.

Billy Jack is such a vibe.

Fun.

4.2/i didn't take a good look at the album art before listening and i thought this would be mid. i was pleasantly surprised. i guess that was the point, wasn't it

One of the better albums I've heard here. Might become one of 5 star ratings but I am not sure anymore. It requires more relistens for sure.

Y'know, the album my group got right before this one was LCD Soundsystem's 'america dream,' and I had to restrain myself from making any... Topical-as-of-this-writing commentary. "Oh-ho, the American dream? Let me tell you...!" You ain't come here for that. I ain't come here for that. I'll spare both of us. This album hardly has any relevant commentary of its own anyway, far as I can tell. CUT TO: the following night. And what does the Randomizer spit out at us? A lil' record by the name of 'THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE AMERICA TODAY.' If you can't guess what **this** album is about... Like, I'm surprised the Randomizer didn't just flash up a double dog dare for me to get political up in this muhfuh. It's kind of unavoidable if you wanna deal with this album's subject matter — I mean, what, you're gonna try and be apolitical about 'What's Going On' next? Gimme a break. But, y'know, how 'bout this: just for my own sake, I'll avoid any RECENT recent events. Right? Is that fair? Lemme jus' talk about 2025 as a whole if I hafta talk about it all? OK? Good. So anyway, Curtis Mayfield! I presume that this album is to him what HOT BUTTERED SOUL is to Issac Hayes — specifically in that it's the album of theirs on this list that isn't a blackploitation soundtrack. Though unlike Issac Hayes (and I'll admit this up front), I kind of had no idea who Curtis Mayfield was until I saw that he'd also done SUPER FLY? So, it's not a good sign right off the bat, I'd say. But, hey, SUPER FLY is one of the greatest soundtrack albums of all time (and I'm not just parroting the consensus here). So, if he can pull that off, who's to say he can't handle his own 'What's Going On,' huh? I mean, let's be fair and not compare this to 'What's Going On.' Curtis Mayfield is not Marvin Gaye, and this album is sure as heck not 'What's Going On.' That is **not** an album you'd wanna try and compare yourself to. But even if you remove it from your mind all together... I gotta admit, I wish I liked this more than I did? And let me be crystal clear: I liked this album a **lot**. My issue (ultimately a small one) is that... I expected it to be bigger? Like, it's maybe just a bit more relaxed than I thought an album with a title like 'There's No Place Like America Today' would be. Certainly, if anyone in 2025 was gonna make an album with a sarcastic title like that, it'd be big and **pissed**. Like, come on, Curtis — talk to 'em! I know you can use hard language: I've heard you sampled on "Jesus Walks". But maybe I'm spoiled by other 70's soul. Even putting Gaye aside, when I think of 70's soul, I'm bound to think of Issac Hayes and his larger-than-life psychedelic soul, or Stevie Wonder's transcendental funk soul. Certainly, I'm spoiled by Stevie's political tracks. "You Haven't Done Nothin'"? "Village Ghetto Land"? "Living For The City"? What tunes! What commentary! It's still a high as hell standard to hold anyone to. So, lemme more meet Curtis where he is. 'Coz even if the music on this album isn't as big as I'd want it to be, it's still smooth as all get out. Curtis has a great voice, and it pops out over these instrumentals — which are also great, I should say! These instrumentals ain't no Funk Brothers work (maybe they're a bit **too** tight for their own good?), but they do well enough for themselves and then some. Love that chill groove thing they got. The album's a good time all around. In the grand scheme of 70's soul protest album, this one obviously lives in the shadow of the Big One over there. Taken on its own, however, it's far from bad. If you like your protest music silky smooth, this wouldn't be a bad one to stop off at. And either way, you're bound to hear something that's... Sadly still all too relevant today. Boy, you sure do love when nothing fundamentally changes, eh? America: still ain't no place like it. And that's my political commentary for the night, folks! Hope you enjoyed it! I'll be here next week!

вау. There's No Place Like America Today, це правда. мені здається, єдиний цікавий погляд на америку залишився саме у темношкірих митців, бо погляд нейтів амеріканців дуже далекий від того, чим є америка зараз, а всі інші просто дратують або втомлюють. дуже приємний альбом.

Usually, when the album ends, Spotify's algorithm utterly spoils whatever groove was happening within a song or two. But not today-- turns out the AI digs 70s funk. This makes me feel a little less hopeless about the future.

king curtis! popular opinion woulda put his 1970 solo debut here, but i like it when the lesser known albums are included.

Pleasant surprise! Slick as hell

Soul, Funk, sehr schön

I'm not American, I don't believe in Jesus, and some of this was better suited to the bedroom than my morning commute, but I really liked this. The recommendations on Spotify afterwards opened my ears to a whole bunch of new tracks too!

Sounds a bit 70s pornoy All really good though

First impression: "Wow what an image." The lyrics held true to theme. Poignant and still tragically relevant in 2025. Nonetheless Curtis somehow makes this social liberation blues record sound like hot sticky sex? 3.8 outta 5

Great music for Sunday afternoon listening with a lot of positivity and great vibes in songs like "So in Love " "Jesus," and "Love to the People." "Billy Jack" is a great short story song about race relations and a tragic outcome. I had never heard much of Mayfield beyond "Superfly," and I really enjoyed this one.

The album was warm and soulful.

just what i needed

Nice fuck music.

Not the most dynamic album out there but the mood is so great I'll go back to it really soon

Curtis is a master at crafting progressive soul and funk music.

Slow smooth melancholy funky

It lacks a standout banger like Move On Up or Superfly, but it’s Curtis Mayfield so it’s still going to be great.

Brilliant horn arrangements, tasty guitar licks (love those wah-wah pedals), great vocals and insightful social commentary all make for a wonderful album.

Loved the discreet funky vibe, smooth arrangements and emotional songwriting. The instrumentation is great, even if it lacks a bit of punch. Not a big fan of his voice on this album, though - I usually love Curtis Mayfield's semi-falsetto, but this time he's going a bit too high for my taste. The album as a whole is a strange mix of social commentary and sexual tension, with a little bit of Jesus thrown into the mix to make it even more confusing. I’m not entirely sure Sexy Jesus is the answer to social oppression, but whatever sails your boat, man. A pleasant listen overall, even if it doesn't reach the phenomenal power of his debut record (Curtis). It’s often corny, but it's so incredibly smooth that my sex-appeal probably increased by 10 % just by listening to this album. A solid 4*.

Nice funk soul

fantastic cover art omg

It was a good album. Curtis Mayfield always a good choice. Very chill, very funky.

I enjoy it! It’s very catchy and I added many of the songs to my playlists. It feels very british and autumnal back to school gothenburg vibes. Feels kind of like I have heard some of the songs before but I’m not sure.

Overall, I thought this album was good, but not something I would be returning to. The vocals at points are just too high pitched for me. I’m more of a Gil Scott Heron kind of guy. The themes of the album stood at as a social commentary of the times back then, but felt like it was the same stuff a lot of artists were putting out. Gotta respect the legacy of Curtis Mayfield, but it ain’t a 5 from me.

Album was SMOOTH. Beautiful instrumentals. Beautiful vocals. And the social commentary was on point.

Better than Coldplay

4/5

Guay, rollo soul-funk aunque se hace un poco repetitivo, tampoco soy muy fan del género

Funky grooves for 36 minutes. Helluva enjoyable listening experience. Will return to this soon.

Great voice, great band, very good album.

Love it. a bit too slow but definetely a good one

A little slow for the mood I was in, but still very good Probably would have been a 5 without the Jesusy stuff

3.5 - Good

Cool album. Definitely something I wouldn’t have come across on my own

Very pretty, sparkling syrup. Can't deny it is good, but not something I'd listen to often.

Beautifully funky! It's like Marvin Gaye with a little more anger. I wish he didn't sit in the falsetto so much, but it's a stylistic decision. I think the music actually blunts the emotion a bit, because there are times it gets boppy, and he's pretty upset here. My Rating: 4/5

This is cool, I was only familiar with 'Move on Up' so expected something more upbeat, but I enjoyed the chilled out vibes. The vocals are great albeit I had heard enough falsetto by the end. Loved the bass and guitar playing, very groovy and sets a good tone

Chill af grooves. Glad I went back to it before rating it, would’ve regretted dropping a 3 and moving on with my life.

Enjoyable throughout. I think that Curtis Mayfield has some better albums out there, and the Supafly soundtrack is a hell of a listen, but this was still very good.

Good.

Really great very unique soul music that I haven't delved into much before. No absolute stand out tracks but consistently good 4.3/5

Corto pero potente 🔥 Música chill pero del tipo que me gusta

me encantan las vibes

Really enjoyable listen, from the singing to the laid-back but groovy sound.

Another fine crafter of albums and lyrics.

Very chill.

me sorprendió, me gusta lo que escuche, es más seguí escuchando algunas canciones dientes de el Curtis, por eso es que hago este "reto"

Fantastic album. Never heard it before. Too short.

Very groovy, not that long of an album, puts you in a good mood.

Falsetto blues, solid, classic, background music - not as good as ROOTS or CURTIS

Uh ohhhh, funkyyyyy

Lots of fun on her, I could listen to this stuff all day.

Direct precursor to some of the alt-soul artists we have today like D’Angelo. Very interesting to have these slow grooves and tasteful, but not flashy, instrumentals. Even his singing is restrained; I mean he’s not exactly wailing. It’s good, it’s like chill rainy day funk. Pensive soul. Must-listen #185.

I have heard other Mayfield albums, of course, this is a bit more laid back album, less pulsating bombastic. Solid funk. So in Love is a standout. Seems good but maybe not essential Mayfield. 3.5 - rounded up Heard before? No Owned: No. 1/1001, 1/6 (16%) Will I get? No Recommend: Sure

A really fun listen. No tracks shined brighter than the others, but as a whole, it’s a great album. So In Love seems to be the most popular song from this record and it’s a jam for sure. The horns!

Theres No Place Like America Today - Curtis Mayfield Really enjoyed this one. Short and a breeze to get through, easy to listen, great vocals, sounds great 4/5

Lovely and smooth once again from your man. A grower. First track is excellent.

Vibes

What a great surprise! This is a really good album, I love the groove and the energy even with the falsetos. Definitely will be listening to more Curtis' music! 4 out of 5 stars!

nice grooves -still have problems with too much falsetto

Love his voice

Really like this album, great discovery, funky, interesting, political, but doesn't stick as well as some other R&B albums for me.

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. Edit: upon a second listen, I’m dropping this a bit. Can’t quite get over Mr. Mayfield’s voice. Love him though.

This was a great new surprise.

Heavy religious influence in this album but in how it influenced the everyday worker

Rating (1-5): ✩✩✩✩ Higlighted songs: So in love Good chill vibes

There's No Place Like America Today is pure, soulful funk at its finest. The clear highlights are "Billy Jack" and "So in Love," both incredible. An enjoyable listen from start to finish—this one hits just right.

Still funky and atmospheric, even though the album is more subdued than much of Curtis Mayfield’s other work. The melancholic tone and socially critical lyrics give the album depth, yet it never loses its groove along the way. A strong and atmospheric record that works both as a political statement and a musical experience. 4/5

Standouts Billy Jack Hard Times Love to the People

I struggled to enjoy it as I'm not a massive fan of funk and soul, so my attention was easily distracted, but it was good music. Just not my cup of tea.

It’s so funky you forget to pay attention to the lyrics. An album of songs that make me think of movies

I was listening to this and my dad overheard and talked to me about how he heard this album in the Marines, when one of the black dudes in his Recon platoon introduced him to Soul music. This music goes steady enough to let you ponder the lyrics while enjoying the rhythm.

Pure Funk Curtis' voice is smooth as silk

Not Curt's best but I like it. Hard Times especially. Can't believe the brother Christgau disliked it so much. He's a confusing man.

The more I listen to it, the better it gets. What a smooth, sexy, but intelligent album.

Not my favorite Curtis album but still so great.

America's on the ropes, but this is a nice album (but it's no Super Fly).

Something totally new but so relaxing to listen to

Hadn't heard this album before, but I'm a fan. Funky (without being TOO funky) with some great singing from Mr. Mayfield. I will definitely work this into the rotation.

Soulful sexy time with some spirituality thrown in.

This feels a lil caricature-esque. Like the first couple beatles are like well ofc they sound like that. Thats exactly what youd expect. And this is like a meme in a way, but it sounds really good?

Very chill, feel good. Amazing as background music for setting a good, chill mood.

nice voices

Isss gooood 4/5

Bora já dizer o que todo mundo pensa. Sim, este disco é o “What’s Goin’ On” do Curtis. Pronto, podemos continuar agora. Um disco introspectivo e mais pra baixo que os maiores hits do Curtis Mayfield. Mas não tem erro, a voz dele, os temas mais conscientes, A VOZ DELE, a instrumentalização magistral de Soul, A..VOZ…DELE! Uma combinação fantástica. Um álbum curto, que te surpreende e te move e logo acaba, te deixando com uma vontade absurda de ouvi-lo novamente, sem perder tempo. Só a canção introdutória, Billy Jack, já entrega 4 estrelas para o disco. O resto só adiciona. 4/5

Good political and conscious soul, curtis stays consistent as he usually does. Gets kind of uninteresting around the end but still good. 7/10 Favourite: Billy Jack Least Favourite: Jesus

Surprisingly enjoyed it! Missing the one piece that pulls it all together, but great album.

Have never heard his work before. Donald Glover certainly took inspiration from him on some of his Childish Gambino work! Very cool album

Smooth, nice to listen to. Sometimes his falsetto scrapes my ears, but on the whole, this was a very enjoyable album.

Well. I really liked it. Yeah. Must relisten, though.

7.4

man, i really really dig some Curtis Mayfield. this album was such a joy to listen to. i was out walking in the sunshine last week catching up on this album, and man it just makes me want to jam.

Such good vibes. I really liked it. Love the style, love the singing. But a bit glad that it was pretty short because I could see myself getting bored with it if I carried on for too long.

Corto y mayoría fue sonido extraño

What a great sound! Compelling vocal performance

Funk, soul, and all the good feels. I can certainly see where newer artists were influenced by Curtis Mayfield.

Love the funkyness and grooviness of this record and the bass lines are beyond superb: 8/10

Soulful no superfly but I enjoyed it

First off, what an album cover. Wow. It really caught my attention. It’s sad that 50 years later this is still relevant. Now to the music, I know some Curtis Mayfield material but I’d never heard There’s No Place Like America Today. This album starts off really strong and continues a wonderful soulful journey over the next six songs. I really love the musical arrangements on these songs. And combined with Mayfield’s vocals, they allude a profound and heartfelt sentiment. I found myself appreciating There’s No Place Like America Today more and more as I listened to it. I would add this to my library. A very good album. I’m going with a 4 rating. 4/5

god this is so good. so in love is one of the best tracks ever recorded

I love a short king (re: album length)

Great album. Some of the vocals were a little annoying though.

This was very nice. Turns out I’m kinda into politically charged soul. Simpsons: Yes

Soooo chilled

More commentary on American society. Really nice relaxed soul album. Curtis’ falsetto is smooth and invigorating.

Wow! I’ve never listened to a full Curtis Mayfield album before. Really really great. “So In Love” is maybe one of my new favorite songs of all time. I see SO many reasons why Mayfield was influential. I immediately think of D’Angelo’s Voodoo and Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterly. “Blue Monday People” also an awesome stand out! 10 tracks no fluff.

Great and funky

just some solid, patient funk. never gonna complain about albums like this on the list

Based on album art alone this is going to be powerful. Great music, wonderful voice, painful lyrics.

Maybe it is because I listened to this on the first sunny day we've had in weeks, but I feel like a better person for having listened to it.

Excellent album, and it does hang together as a whole cohesive album and not just a collection of banging tunes. OK, there is nothing as iconic as "Move On Up", but considering the subject of the album, it's not a surprise. Well worth listening to.

Short, sweet and soulful.

Пока лихорадка диско захватывала один танцпол за другим, Кёртис Мейфилд даже не пытался уловить пульс новых ритмов. Он окинул округу взглядом бывалого репортёра и разразился почти что проповедью, далёкой как от бликов зеркального шара, так и от упругого фанка своих предыдущих альбомов. Американская мечта оказалась фальшивкой. От неё осталась лишь облупившаяся краска на щитах с приторно-идеальными семьями белозубого среднего класса. Вот кусочки той самой краски - в трауре новостных программ и передовиц, в плошке бобов на столе малоимущих, в пыли тротуаров под ногами очередей безработных и в пороховых газах оружия сброда подворотен. Не надейтесь на время - оно не лечит, а лишь добавляет шрамы. В этом весь "There's No Place Like America Today" - печальный, эмпатичный и на редкость задумчивый альбом. Аранжировки подстать содержимому - чуть монотонные, неспешные и полные воздуха, они призывают замедлить шаг или остановиться вовсе, вздохнуть и прислушаться. Не к лоску импозантного баса, вкрадчивым партиям органа или неброским фразам духовой секции, а прислушаться к себе и ко всему миру. Надрывные высокие ноты Мейфилда обескураживают, но в его палитре есть место не только десяткам оттенков чёрного и серого - он говорит о тяжести и боли, не забывая о важности надежды, сколь бы призрачной она ни была. Да, времена не из лучших, но у нас есть любовь, чувство братства, вера, национальная гордость в конце концов! Наивно? До крайности, но если эта отдушина позволяет хоть ненадолго забыться, если эти эфемерные понятия обращаются твёрдой клюкой, то не всё ли равно? Кого-то смутит сильная религиозная нота и избитые посылы, да и в перспективе дискографии артиста "America Today" явно не сильнейшая из его работ, но к его чувственной созерцательности стоит прикоснуться, даже если вы далеки от расовых и социальных раздоров

Wonderful soul record from front to back, with powerful themes of injustices to marginalized populations in America. Curtis Mayfield has such an amazing voice, which compliments the production perfectly. Some tracks went on for a bit too long (notably Jesus), but that's the only complaint from me.

This is an album that deserves to stand alongside What's Going On by Marvin Gaye as an inditement of the state of America. Mayfield sings of poverty, violence and oppression counterbalanced by love and faith. A great soul album, in the truest sense of the word.

I enjoyed this. Mayfield's voice is pleasant to listen to, the tracks were funky, and it didn't overstay its welcome.

hooked with the first song

I feel like this rewards deep and background listening. Really well written, played, and recorded music, that is also great just for vibes.

Show, but good

Have to be in the right mood for this but it hits

Enjoyable soul. 4/5

Love me some horns and funky guitars

Very nice

Beautiful, funky, sonically adventurous. Especially the instrumental work. The constant falsetto vocal became a bit overbearing eventually.

Genuinely amazing. Other than the Jesus song, every tune on here was pretty bangin! I only know his work from the superfly soundtrack and some other key tunes, but I've never given a full album of his a listen. Great stuff.

A solid, short, funky album.

Funk is one of those genres that can be almost inaccessible, but this album is very good. It's influences (soul, jazz, R&B, rock) are obvious, but it is in no way merely derivative.

love the vibe, but songs sound quite the same

Familiar with mayfield’s music but never given this one a listen. Love the politically conscious lyrics. Musically it is sublime; the bass lines really shined for me. Needs a few more listens to really get a hold of what’s going on here 3.5 / 5

Good music. I had heard the name before today, but knew nothing else about him. I can see how music today is still influenced by him.

What a smooth as hell record.

Like a funky companion piece to MG’s What’s Going On? Positive vibes against the worst of the world. Photo that the cover is based on (by Margaret Bourke-White) is brilliant.

Pleasantly surprised! Feels very modern for a 40 year old album. Nice, relaxed and good produced

I have never listened to this album all the way through. Some of the song titles look familiar. I know and love So In Love. Blue Monday People is hard. The drums and percussion fucking snap. Some really great songs and awesome production.

One of Curtis Mayfield's best albums.

I don’t know enough about the genera here to really know if this is any good or not. It seemed entirely fine to me, although nothing set the world on fire as such. Pretty solid and I’d listen again.

This dude is a hip cat!!! Not sure how you couldn’t enjoy Curtis Mayfields vibe.

I love Curtis Mayfield, but not super familiar with this album, so this is a great listen. It's certainly not up to the epic level of Superfly, but that's maybe the greatest funk/soul album of all time--it's incomparible. First two tracks are solid, and So in Love is a decent love track. The gospel track 4 is pretty iffy, but it's not bad musically, I guess. Just a little much for me. Hard Times is the standout track here--deep funky groove. Also the sample for a Ghostface or Raekwon track--I can't remember which "There's no love to be found..." Love to the People is a great finisher. All around short but sweet album. 4/5

Billy Jack, great opener Love to the People, great closer

Now this is the stuff

I love me some Curtis Mayfield! And his voice is like heaven! But not my favorite album of his.

Nothing wrong with this. Classic soul/funk.

Wonderful vocals. Not my favourite genre, but a solid album. 4 stars

Listened to a few of the first songs. Groovy i like but it wasnt like crackacocaine where i immediately fell in love

Very groovy and unique, especially the voice of Mayfield. Worth giving a listen to.

Smooth soulful with a dash of sexy. Delightful vocals all the way through, and very good morning vibes.

Not one that I will probably go back to and nothing that really stands out. But I really appreciated it in a more passive way. I could hear the influences on more modern R&B music that this album has had and that elevated it for me.

4 stars. great stuff.

Seeeehr groovy - ich mochte es, aber ich glaube nicht, dass ich's nochmal groß hören werd

Super chilled and Hard Times is unbelievable. Not as immediate as Superfly but beautiful.

Pretty good but didnt exactly click

Good

My main issue is that it isn’t longer. (That’s what he said) So in Love is my favorite track. The whole album is sublime and thoughtfully composed. No throw away pop filler here, every piece hit with a message and interesting musical ideas.

I haven't heard this for years, but this is a great album. Probably among his best.

I always liked Curtis. Became a fan when I heard Superfly. I have never listened to this album though. Not his best but still good. Loved the cover art.

Really interesting album. Groovy.

Funk! This was really good, every song on here was good although I wasn’t the biggest fan of when seasons change or Jesus but they weren’t bad by any means I just feel they weren’t as good as the others. The bass throughout is incredible and the funky guitar is awesome. Vocals maybe not perfect but I thought they worked really well. Lyrically as well this album had a good message. Overall 7.5/10.

Great. Calm vibes, sounds ace, just the right duration.

Opening track was great. All songs perfectly crafted but a bit samey

Pretty solid Curtis album. Listenable, no major stand outs for me. 3.7/5

1. Love to the people/hard times 2. Blue monday people 3. So in love

he's so cool

Great. Loved the guitar.

The word that comes to mind is ‘soothing’.

3.6 Enjoyable. Nice to have on the background. First and last tracks were particular highlights. Very inoffensive music. Love the album cover.

Funky, silky smooth and just a delight to listen to.

Oh boy this is smooooooooth Best Song: So in Love Rating: 8/10 Stars: 4/5

Super chill album. Short and sweet.

Really vibey and smooth. I will be returning to this album

I feel like I'm gonna get sexed up by whoever's playing this smooth jazzy msuic in the bedroom.

Funky. Jesus.

Smooth and easy, Curtis Mayfield strikes again.

The grooves on this album are second to none. There may not be an album I’ve listened to from this list that has immediately connected with me as this one. From the moment I clicked play, to the moment it ended, I was locked in. This record doesn’t seem to have the same pop aesthetics that often come with his counterparts in Motown. As such, it strikes me as really fresh, but I’ll acknowledge that early funk and soul is a major blind spot for me as a massive fan of hip hop and modern R&B. Curtis is just giving me another reason to need to explore further!

Finally some FONK! Jesus was good

Soul sounds and great lyrics. Then this paired with great arrangements and compositions bring this to a crisp and beautiful sounds from the record. Great discovery.

Oh yeah!

Really good stuff Curtis

Excellent Curtis

Funky, fun and totally delicious. I will explore more CM

fantastic groovy gospel music. Highlights: Billy Jack So In Love Love to The People 4/5

++: Billy Jack, When Seasons Change, So in Love, Jesus, Hard Times, Love to the People +: Blue Monday People 9,7/10

that good ol' soul

Heard some Curtis Mayfield songs before. Wow what a great album 4/5

A really cool album. In the long run, Curtis Mayfield's high falsetto voice is a bit exhausting. I really enjoyed listening to the album. 4/5

I enjoyed this, I'd pick this up if I saw it.

Chill

Excellent album, I have heard his other work and I'm a huge fan of the Superfly soundtrack. This album has great beats and super smooth vocals, the lyrics are really nice too. I'm a fan and will continue to listen to his music, I think it's great for a lot of occasions, very chilled out but romantic too.

A very good, but not great Mayfield record. Still: Billy Jack and Love to the People stand shoulder to shoulder with his classics from the early 70s.

groovy, funky and the guitar licks are just incredible. Honestly a record that I am going to revist, it does not do it enough justice to listen once, this record was an experience that you have to take in. I liked the Curtis' guitarwork and his feel for r&b, soul and funky guitarwork is just incredible, the music synchronizes so well with the text. Overall very impressed. Favorite track: Jesus. Overall score: 8.5/10

3.5/5

The record settles in and chills out, but the music is so solid and interesting.

REALLY good. Very relaxing. Gorgeous voice.

This was a cool chill album

Wonder 70’s soul.

A masterclass on restraint.

It seems that the goddesses have blessed me recently, showing me with so much funk and soul. Listening to this, I think that Curtis Mayfield must have been a big inspiration for artists like Childish Gambino (especially the track Redbone). I love CB, so this is definitely a good thing if there are parallels. The music here probably leans more into soul than funk, but the vocals are the highlight for me. The falsettos are so pristine and a pleasure to hear. My only gripe is that it’s a bit too Jesusy at times. Otherwise, this album is pretty great.

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.'

Nice album, i like the voice and style, smooth

3.5 but it's Curtis

Lord this is is such a perfect sip your coffee on a weekend morning album. 4.5

It was funny to see this album pop up because I’ve been listening to a lot of Curtis Mayfield on my own recently, although not this album specifically. This was a very groovy socially conscious album! I had a lot of fun with it.

Enjoyable listen especially So In Love. Somewhat of a departure from his grander arranged albums like Curtis and Superfly but still worth the listen.

Very interesting. Feels like it should be talked about more amongst classic albums

Something about this album goes over my head. I find myself playing it over and over (cos it's really good), but not much sticks. I think this is my fault.

Skönt sväng, goa gitarrer. Fyra

You don't really know this album until you're depressed and listening to it in a dark closet smoking a cigarette

yk what, this is a 4. i liked this a lot. great vibes.

The was class, funky, jazzy, great stories

Definitely saving this album, one you can just put on and enjoy front to back, beautiful, soulful and a clean sound

Fun

Smooth.

the trumpets on 'so in love' were phenomenal

Sweet, soul goodness 😊

Shockingly good!

This one was really enjoyable. Definitely a genre I don't listen to much.

Had no idea what to expect and I loved this, will definitely come back. Sounds great.

Super fly. I don’t know what I liked more, this album or the classic R and B that the Spotify algorithm played afterwards.

I really loved this. Except for the religious aspect. But I’ll keep those thoughts to myself.

Groovin

Good lyrics. Good melody. There were a few songs that were catchy and/or spoke to me: Billy Jack, So In Love, Jesus, When Seasons Change. Overall, good vibes.

This isn’t just premium 70s funk—it’s also still alarmingly relevant. What’s going on, indeed.

Ayyy Curtis! Dini Stimm, dini funky Gitarre strings und die lüpfige blasinstrument tönet nach dere Ami-Rock-Phase ja umsobesser! Da hesch mi mit em Cover und em Album-Titel wider schön hinders liecht gfüehrt und han scho angst gha das wird wider en ami-country-overload, aber woni denn gmerkt han das ich din name ja kenne - curtis - hani super freud gha! Und da bini ja froh dis Album kenneglernt zha! Nach em erste mal durelose bini so gflashed gsi und han angst gha dasi bangers verpasst han, dasis grad nomal hinenah gschmisse han. Es isch jetzt ned jede track es 10 vo 10, aber durchs Band hets doch paar Bangers wo i mim Lebe vo jetzt ah werdet integriert sii. "Love to the people" isch sicher so eine. Da chund mini Funkophilität wider uf allllll ihri chöste! und wo sind jetzt wider die halbe pünkt wenn mer sie brucht? Es isch für mich ganz es klars 4.5, aber muns hald abrunde uf es 4i will es 5i hald scho over the top isch. Let's funk it up Curtis you little funker. Da gits vier sprützer chilli-öl uf das grandiose soul-sandwich!

Billi Jack isch en starche start ih das album gsi und hett mich grad uf alarmstufe "meh als 3 sterne" katapultiert sehr energetisch binich durs düstere sirnach gsteppt mitem bahnhof als ziel leider hend die negste songs nöd mini energie gmatchet und denn bini chli trurig worde und han mit mir im innere grunge uf de zugfahrt nach winit was sölli ezt mache, dem album es 3 geh macht doch kei sinn, döte hetts eigentlich so viel albe drinne wo es 2 verdient hend - tuenich echt zu nett bewerte mengisch drum mini liebe fründ*inne hani mich entschide das das album klar es 4ri bechunt und ab ezt zu langwilige albene fies gsi wird! 4 grossi schritt zum bhf im tg

juhuuu curtis mayfield <3 bin mit höchstpunktzahl-erwartige is album gstartet, im mittelteil hed er mi jedoch liecht verlore, bin aber ehrlich gseit au immer chli abgschweift... au bi dem interpret lahni demnach no chli luft nach obe und spar mer de 5. stern für's nächste mayfield album uf happy blue monday people

Incredible as usual - perhaps not his most remarkable album but still a fantastic one

This is why I love the project. I probably wouldn't have picked this one up over one of his albums with the hits, but I thought this was a very smooth and easy listen, and what a voice. It's disheartening that the themes are still so relevant today, even down to the album cover.

Album art is powerful. Songs are brilliant.

A vibe laced in funk With a voice tender yet strained Ready to face life

Un gran disco lleno de soul, con muchísima onda y vibras sabrosas y unos bajos que vuelven loco. Me gustó mucho.

I enjoyed what I was able to listen to, but I do want to go back and finish

This album rocks. So flowy, and vibey. Really cool guitar riffs and sick bass lines. I love the social conscious lyrics and themes as well. Curtis Mayfield was a genius.

Went in knowing very little about this album - but really enjoyed it - beautiful yet powerful vocals and a groovy bass. Solid 4 for me - will listen again.

I like it. Very Curtis. His music often reflecting the society he found himself in. Solid Four stars.

Started off strong, later songs weren’t as good but still an easy good listen

Curtis Mayfield is a pimp, there's no other way to say it. This is just really good, really smooth 70s soul music - what's not to love? Well, actually, there is one thing: It gets a bit preachy/churchy/Jesus-y at points. YMMV but that annoys me. Enough to knock it down a star? Probably not. I would maybe give it 3.5 stars if I could but in this format, I think it deserves 4 stars because you kind of know what you're going to get going in, and it does that thing extremely well.

Chill ash - definitely gonna be listening to some more of this guy!

Curtis Mayfield es una figura esencial del Soul y de la música en general. Más allá de sus logros con los Impressions o su tragedia vital, su música tiene un estilo tan reconocible como su voz y compromiso social. Sin Curtis no habría Prince ni el gran Stevie Wonder, tampoco Kiwanuka, Kravtiz o tantos otros. Este es un disco excelente, como casi todos los que publicó. Sus más reconocidos son el debut Curtis y la banda sonora SuperFly pero este There´s a place no tiene nada que envidiarles. Es una delicia de principio a fin. La portada es todo un Bansky antes del propio Bansky. Es obra de Margaret Bourke-White una de las mejores fotógrafas de la historia. En resumen: discazo para disfrutar. Otros discos del 75: Toys In The Attic de Aerosmith, Born To Run de Bruce Springsteen, Down by the Jetty de Dr. Feelgood, debut de AC/DC, Physical Graffiti de Led Zeppelin, Wish you were here de Pink Floyd, That's the Way of the World de Earth, Wind and Fire, Young Americans de D. Bowie, Dressed to Kill de kiss, Rubycon de Tangerine Dream, ABBA de ABBA, Diamonds & Rust de Joan Baez, Zuma y Tonight's the Night de Neil Young, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy de Elton John, Main Coruse de Bee Gees, KC and the Sunshine Band de KC and the Sunshine Band, Love to Love You Baby de Donna Summer, Another Green World de Brian Eno, Ommadawn de Mike Oldfield, Radio-Activity de Kraftwerk, Horses de Patti Smith, A Night at the Opera de Queen, Crisis? What Crisis? de Supertramp, el directo de Bob Marley...

It’s lovely. There is nothing “wrong” with it. But it lacks that “hook” ya know?

I dug all of the music. Didn't always love the lyrics but all and all it will be one I return to every now and again.

Curtis Mayfield is a national treasure. That is all.

I was surprised by Mayfield's voice, actually. For the longest time we had a Mayfield tribute album, but I don't think I ever listened to it. I didn't realize how high his voice was. There was a bit of a range here, which is always good: funk to jazz to soul. My favorite track was probably "So In Love."" I really liked the horns , they really added a lot to the sound. It did fizzle out a little for me, "Love To The People".... once it was over, I did not realize that was the end. There wasn't a finality to it for me. But all in all, I thought from jazz to funk to soul (and a little gospel, did not care for "Jesus" much) was really good, I liked the range. Solid album for me. Top tracks: "So In Love," "Billy Jack"

Absolutely loved this album other than Super Fly I know little of Curtis Mayfield but this album has beauty and balls and quite simply has no weak tracks. Favorite tracks; Billy Jack, Jesus, When Seasons Change and So In Love. 4.5 stars

bom demais. mais um que o baixo me pegou com força

DELÍCIA ESSE HEIN que pedrada. só baixão de qualidade. r&b na melhor forma, gostosinho e tranquilo.

In a sober kind of way, a welcome break from the obscene about of punk albums I've had recently. We all know Curtis, but I've never heard him like this. What's confusing is given the time this was written, I would have expected to have this referenced in the same breath as Marvin's What's Going On. Seemingly an overlooked album (maybe just by me). I read a little into this album and read it described as the 'most sombre funk album created' which seems fitting. A great example of music reflecting the current events, and sadly, some of the lyrics still seem fitting and relevant reflection of America today. Overall, great album, would certainly revisit.

Hard Times and Love To The People are great tracks. Rest of the album is good too 4/5

Classic. 4/5

Que porrada na cara em pleno 2024. Apesar de não ter uma música que se destaque de outra, o álbum tem uma qualidade sonora que raramente se encontrava nos anos 1970.

Rating: 8/10

Good Listen, classic sounds.

Surprisingly good album. Social justice references.