Reviews (page 5 of 13)
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.
Funky. Psychedelic. Bass. Good vibes. SOUL. Tenor. Almost falsetto.
Очень качовый альбом, некоторые битки с оттяжкой - топ опять же, жалко, что не понимаю тексты, но за этот ранний r&b - большой лайк
muy lindo blues
Curtis Mayfield good and politically relevant
Another great from Curtis. So in Love is a banger
Really enjoyed this one, great musicians, great tunes and great vocals!
Good classic soul. There were a couple songs I didn't love but still very enjoyable overall. Favorite: Billy Jack Least Favorite: Jesus
This album hits you with a mellow groove. It’s simple but powerful, the kind of sound that gets under your skin. The songs are soulful, like Marvin Gaye’s *What’s Going On*, but there’s a rough edge here. The lyrics say a lot without needing to shout. Feels real and unpolished, giving space to feel what’s behind the words.
I wish I was as cool as Curtis Mayfield….
amazing album. loved it. 9/10
I didn't mind this, smooth yet still funky.
I've come to realize any Curtis Mayfield day is a good day.
Pretty groovy, but I can't ever strand his voice for more than a couple of tracks at a time....
Chill.
Beautiful soul tunes.
“Billy Jack” lays down a steady, funky beat, and the whole album is slow and lush—a good way to deliver social commentary without losing the groove.
Ton of talent
I needed this. I needed this album generator to tell me, “You know you like Curtis Mayfield, yet you’ve never listened to a second album by him. Why is that?” Thank you, Daddy Album Generator.
Hooooo that first song came in with the horns, immediate banger. It’s a 4.5 for me pretty easy, I was feeling this album. Great!
Beautiful voice and really nice sounding album
Super good funk and vibe
Great album. 1. Billy Jack 2. Hard Times 3. So in Love
soul music always hits; favs are billy jack and love to the people
My favorite of his albums to be sure....
I really enjoyed this album. Funky, fresh, low down jazz. Helped improve my mood today. Not as bombastic as the Superfly record, but this was still a treat. Standouts: Billy Jack, So in Love, Jesus, and Love to the People.
I really liked the opening track Billy Jack, and in general I love the music in each track. I find the singing/rambling style a bit more difficult to get into. I found that all the songs blurred into each other. Overall enjoyed it but wish there was a clearer stand-out moment. 3.5/4
7/10, its a good album but it didn't really grab me
Leon bridges could have put out a shitty version of this today. V topical
The not-so-subtle subtlety makes this one worth while. I don’t know if Mayfield is capable of sounding not sexy when composing his music. I didn’t want to be turned on, but god dammit I was. For real though, the instrumentation throughout this record is what REALLY does the teasing; giving you just enough to want more without ever reaching the peak you so desperately want it to.
The sounds of Superfly all sobered up, trading street funk fantasies for stark American truths.
A good soul record, with tons of great funk. The guitar, horns, bass, rhodes and collection of voices all ooze. Powerful lyricism on the brutal individual effects of racism. Perhaps doesn’t have the vast strength of Curtis, or others by Stevie & Marvin, but a solid complete album. Favs: So in Love, Blue Monday People, Love to the People 7/10
gewoon chillen
My absolute fav is Billy Jack. Jesus and Love to the People are also worht for listening. Soul-funk is not my fav genre but this is a vibrant album.
Not quite as iconic as Mayfield’s debut or Supefly, still one of his classics.
The album is great. I'd imagine it's the middle of the pack of the 1001 greatest albums- it belongs here, but it's not good enough to crack the top 100.
Soulful, introspective, and really powerful. I feel like the album would have benefitted from one additional song to round it out, but overall a really interesting listen. The bass lines in particular carried a lot of the songs and kept me engaged. Top tracks: Billy Jack, Hard Times, Love to the People
Very smooth, but the voice is a bit much after awhile.
Solid album. Standout songs: Jesus Love to the People
Funky
It would be wrong to call this Curtis Mayfield’s “What’s Going On” album as this stands out clearly from the rest with its (not often heard of) “downbeat soul”. Not all music can be sunshine and rainbows.
im sure this isnt the only curtis mayfield on this list so its cool that the first one i rolled was one that was actually new to me! id need to revisit his other stuff (its been years) but based on my memories id say this one feels less lavish and more precise...no big wall of sound arrangements, but every instrument placed in its own deliberately prominent place in the mix. ig that should give it a harder edge and maybe it does but its angelic as ever anyway,,while he gets a surprising amount of tonal variety out of his songs, the default aesthetic of curtis' voice is a kind of idealistic humanity-wide kindness pushing through the vile evils of an unjust world, of which his only rival is probably stevie. so lovely
It was good, well produced and a cool cover of Hard Times by Baby Huey but nothing that blew me away
Super fun, love this sound. Always enjoy an American-critique album.
Good this
For a certain mood. Favorite track: Love to the People
A reference for most of soul and black music singers.
Nice smooth listen. Short and sweet, would like to revisit.
Ljúfir tónar frá tónlistarmanni sem ég þekki nafnið á en hef ekkert hlustað á fyrr en núna og ég fílaði það sem ég heyrði. Þetta var alveg mjög gott stöff. Þessi plata fer aftur í spilun.
One of the best parts of working through this list is stumbling across albums I never would've picked on my own. Curtis Mayfield was a name I knew, but I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I’ve never been big into funk, but this album hits different. The grooves are smooth, the production is tight, and the lyrics actually say something. Curtis doesn't sugarcoat a thing—he gets straight to the heart of social issues, and a lot of what he’s singing about still hits hard today. He balances heavy themes with laid-back vibes in a way that makes it stick. Definitely one of the better surprises so far.
I really loved the smooth R&B and it spoke to the soul
I'm immediately interested in this. I only know Curtis Mayfield from Superfly, plus the first track is called BILLY JACK. Great movie hero. More chill than that, musically. "Depression ain't quite just what you promised." - I don't fully understand it, but I think I feel it. I put this album on immediate replay after a first listen. No ragrets.
Funk is such an entertaining genre, prove me wrong.
A surprising choice of a Curtis Mayfield album, but a welcome one. The silky smooth vocals combined with strong political themes is a great combination reminiscent of Marvin Gaye.
Sublime cover art. I could just sit and watch it the entire time listening to the record. Love it. Curtis Mayfield's smooth vocals and striking political message provides an excellent listen. Despite its short length it still comes across a bit one-sided - but it's definitely worth a listen.
Mayfield's so funky and cool! Liked songs added: - Billy Jack - Hard Times
While I enjoyed this less than Superfly, I still had a good time listening to this album. I would have liked it more if it had more variety, as hearing the same sounds and instruments was getting a bit old by the time I got to the last track. 3.5 - 4 stars, rounding it up because it's worth a re-listen
Good
So in love is a great song. The album’s kinda boring but everything sounded pretty good
Liked it, thought it sounded pretty good.
A solid 4.
Good. Whole lotta soul
First few songs got me hooked. Took a break after Jesus. Billy Jack is a tremendous opening track. Love the vocals and overall funkyness.
Solid soul album it was really fun, I don’t have a lot of experience with soul but in my ignorant opinion I feel like this was really good!! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ lol
Funky
I get why it's called soul now....
I need a Curtis Mayfield documentary now. Influential, one of our great artists, but largely forgotten. Love him. He needs a terrible biopic starring Donald Glover. Bring the man to the people!
I actually liked this more than I expected
Funky shit
It's like the soundtrack to a very long Ladies Man sketch. Curtis' voice is like butter. Hooray for the trumpets and the lyrics about Jesus drinking wine.
Caught me off guard. Expected same music and ot was sharp, well recorded and no errors. Songs were long but didnt felt like it and had only 7. Now I feel like Ive missed out all this time on Curtis and didnt explore enough only being fed Barry, Sam and Marvin on my country’s airwaves. I feel robbed of this music in the soundtracknof my life
Sweetest voice you ever heard talking about bitter topics
I’m grooving & it’s so nice
Nice one. A classic.
Great soul and funk record. His falsetto was fitting to the music and lyrics, as all of the composition. Nice production. Too gospel-ish at some points for my own taste, but again, fitting. One can clearly see the influence Mayfield had on Prince.
Verry funky, bluesy R'n'B album
Very nice! I knew nothing about this album, and was pleasantly surprised sort of. I mean it was what I expected, but that’s a good thing. Love Curtis Mayfield’s voice, it reminds me of Prince. Would listen again for sure.
I love soul and funk music, especially 60s/70s era. This was very good, but Mr. Mayfield’s falsetto didn’t hit my ear right at times, so it couldn’t get up to a five.
Some of the tunes drag on for a bit too long, but come on… This is Curtid Mayfield! Beautifully orchestrated with simple measures, and a vocal that Prince just ripped off (Prince is still awesome though).
Great 70’s era funk.
I’ve really loved the Curtis Mayfield albums on this list. While not as epic as Superfly, this is still fantastic and lyrically masterful. My favorite songs are probably “Blue Monday People” and “Love to the People.” A very powerful album that deserves its place on this list.
solid album, great voice, really groovy and nice to listen to
7.5/10 Really nice stuff. Classic soul/funk with a social conscience Great tunes, wonderful falsetto delivery Best: Blue Monday People
Sultry, silky, smooth. Everything we know and love about Mr. Mayfield. The brass, guitars, drum breaks, the voice. Such funk! It is so easy to feel good while listening to this record.
A more lowkey soulful take from Curtis Mayfield. Regardless on an album with 7 songs he holds up as one of the greatest R&B artists to do it. Love how smooth and careful the trumpets are throughout this record. Carefully structured smooth songs to get lost in. Billy Jack serves as a great intro to this album and So in love is a great recovery song as I didn't enjoy \"when seasons change\" as much as the other tracks. Very short and concise LP but delivers it's messages and sounds pretty well for the most part. Like I said it's a much more lowkey album, so if you're expecting anything over the top than you should lower your expectations.
This album got me on a binge of 70's funk and soul, which is a genre I came to quite late. I love the sound here -- and I didn't realize just what an excellent guitarist (and overall composer) Mayfield was. Such good stuff here for vibing purposes. Unexpected bangers: Blue Monday People, Billy Jack
Incredibly different than my usual listens, but I really enjoyed it. Sounds like a precursor to Prince and some soul and gospel influences. The social justice elements seemed heartfelt and poignant.
Curtis creates an essential soul album by pulling from early funk, gospel and roots music. this album is full of sharp political commentary but still remains so hopeful! it’s fascinating to listen to, a lot of these tracks deal like a lot of very difficult topics like systemic racism, income inequality, systemic crime in inner cities yet it still has room for so much love. everything on this album is performed at the highest level, once again proving that Curtis Mayfield is one of the GOATS for a reason. 4/5
4.5 Surprisingly slow for what I knew of Curtis Mayfield but every bit as enjoyable as his more upbeat stuff. When Seasons Change, So in Love (my favorite), and Love to the People are getting saved.
Great for relaxing to.
Cool grooves and powerful messages, particularly on side one
3.6 stars rounded up. Classic funk. No standout tracks, but a whole album great playing whose tracks don't necessarily form a thematic whole.
Excellent. Understated, impactful funky soul with a message. Deserves all the acclaim. Possibly overdid the falsetto now and again (sorry!)
Was a joy to listen to this. Perfect
i enjoyed the slower pace in this one. started strong but by the end i sorta lost interest. still solid
It’s crazy that these themes are still so prevalent in America today. Loved how funky this album was!
Mega gost
Good vibes, vocals a little hard to understand but groovy af
Really nice soulful funk. I considered a 5 for a little while, because the instrumentals are so lovely but I’m afraid I’ve never really liked Curtis’ voice. Very glad I listened though and realised there’s more to this guy than Superfly.
Esse foi o único que eu realmente não tinha escutado até agora, e acho que foi o que mais gostei dos três.
I get why this wasn’t a big hit, a little too experimental for audiences. Rules though, a solid balance between funky and psychedelic. B
Really liked this. Dripping with funk, short and sweet!
I feel like Curtis Mayfield is one of those names I know as being associated with one of the Motown groups, but I couldn't tell you which one or any of the songs they did (that says more about me than him). I definitely understand the comparisons to Smokey Robinson, both in terms of the falsetto and the foray into socially conscious music (if you've never heard Smokey's "Gang Bangin'" do yourself a favor and go watch the trainwreck on YouTube immediately). This was a pretty good album. From what I can gather, it's not considered among his best by most fans, but since I don't really have much experience with his music I can't really compare it to anything. What I heard was well done and entertaining. And at only 7 songs, it's pretty short. It's got a mix of Blacksploitation funk, socially conscious soul, and r&b slow jam love songs. I could've done without the Jesus song in the middle, but that was the only real miss for me. So in Love and Hard Times were probably my favorite songs. 4/5
If you love Eric Clapton, you will love this
I loved it
This album is so excellent man...literally the only thing keeping it from hitting a 5 is Curtis Mayfield's singing voice. This review could be copied and pasted for all of the Curtis Mayfield albums in this book. Favorite track: Love to the People
The sort of music you can listen to all day without fatigue.
Great for its era. Parts still shine.
cool
Solid American album.
love Curtis Mayfield's style. Have only heard a couple of songs on here before but great album.
A lot of soul and a lot of groove.
What a voice! Another very short album, which meant I was able to listen to it a bunch of times - which was good, as I liked it more after a few runs through.
Funky, subtle and Definitely thought provoking. Another solid album from Curtis Mayfield. I found the beats to be funky, if not a bit similar sounding but nothing wrong with a sound that works. The subtle instruments work great with Curtis' softer voice. The message of the album is where this album shines as Mayfield sings about being black in America. My biggest issue is that I don't see myself coming back to this album very much, but I liked the music and would listen again.
Funky and tight. I liked it a lot.
Huge fan of early 70s Curtis.
Wat ben ik fan van deze man zeg, echt heel goed
heel leuk, kende het nog niet
Curtis Mayfield heeft meer muziek dan Move on up???? Nee ofc, heerlijk album Geweldige zanger
An archetype of the genre.
Lovely! 4.2
Loved the funk and soulful elements Mayfield brings to this album!
Classic soul music!
Funk AF!! great sound
6 / 10 Soul relajante de los 70. Perfecto para f*ll*r! 😂
Cool
Great easy listening album. Gonna put it in the 'make out with my gf that likes RAndB folder
Not my favourite Curtis Mayfield record but he’s still one of the best
This one was pretty slow, contrary to what I expected. But I quite liked it.
I mean, it's Curtis Mayfield. Is it my favorite Curtis Mayfield? No. Does it have to be? No.
Lovely stuff - itchy, hard edged funk-soul offset by Mayfield's gentle, almost hushed righteousness. Not quite in the same league as Super Fly - but what is? Curtis Mayfield was a rare talent.
Curtis Mayfield's solo work is among the best examples of 70's funk. Bass-driven orchestration with a deep, talented band backing up Mayfield's soulful falsetto. He was well known for his socially conscious lyrics - much of Mayfield work is commentary on the African-American condition is our world. Mayfield's critical and limited commercial success are responding to the beautiful songs and his expressive voice.
Yes. Love it. 4
Although this music isn't for me, it's pretty impossible to give it a low rating. It's pretty phenomenal. Vocals and the vibes are just perfect.
The heaviness of social injustice presented in a funk, soul, gospel masterpiece.
Super
Very fun
Really enjoyed this (except for the song Jesus, didn't really care for that one).
Struggled between 4 and 5 on this one. Incredible album and so glad I found it through this.
First song should have been in the middle: it set the rest of the album up for failure cause it was such a banger. The other songs were great, but the energy and attitude of the first track was never matched, leaving the rest of the album disappointing.
Another great Mayfield album.
Perhaps the most melancholic funk album I've heard. Still relevant today which is somewhat depressing. Music is rock solid.
Smooth and soulful. Quietly understated.
Wieder ein 70er Album was mir gefällt ...
Seventies-funk met een Blaxpoitation-vibe, gewoon goed veel wah-wah-gitaar, keyboardjes en bongo's. Ik heb wel een zwak voor dit soort muziek. Dus... vanwaar de maatschappijkritische hoes? Heb ik dan toch niet opgelet? Het blijft een raadsel Wel grappig om de originele foto uit 1937 op te zoeken, zoek de verschillen.
Hele relaxte soulvolle plaat. Rustige muziek. Ik vind de hoge geknepen stem van Curtis Mayfield wel lekkerder bij die Super Fly plaat passen. En het funky geluid komt daar ook meer door wat mij betreft. Dit is een soort slaapkamermuziek, maar dan met veel te serieuze teksten voor de slaapkamer. Wat dat betreft zou Curtis eigenlijk over vrouwen moeten zingen, dat zou veel geloofwaardiger over komen. De muziek houdt dit album voor mij fier overeind. Goede drums en bas, geknepen galmend gitaartje. Funky muziek hoor je sowieso veel te weinig. Een hele rielekste 4.
1975 funk/ soul. Awesome Album
This is a strong Soul/R&B/Funk album. I can hear the jazz influences here. It’s for albums like this that I undertook this listening project. I’m glad I listened to this.
Great album, great samples from this album, too.
Great r&b, very short Best songs Blue Monday people Hard Times
A ton of musicality - tasty guitar playing in general. Notable tracks include when seasons change, so in love, love to the people.
Mjög gott grúv. Flæðir sjúklega vel. Coverið á plötunni er legendary.
Proper laid back vibe, not necessarily many standout tracks but they flow very well. Quite short but no filler. Still on the coach by the way.
I had never heard of Curtis Mayfield before, but I really like this album! It sounded like Prince if Prince didn't sound awful.
Nice songs. Like his voice
Plus 5 more Stay!
funky and cool
Oldie but goodie.
Smooth, brilliant voice. Big fan!
Damn Curtis Mayfield had a SOUND. There are no major hits on this album. Never heard anything from it before. But, damn this is good. Standouts: Billy Jack, When Seasons Change, Jesus, So In Love, Rating: 3.75 / 5
Funky Soul!
I really enjoyed this album! Amazing sounds and vibes with this one! I recognized the name Curtis Mayfield but was otherwise clueless. Adding this album to my regular rotation and looking forward to more!
I'm not normally a fan of soul but this was top notch
Não é um álbum que eu ouviria todos os dias ou várias vezes, apesar de ter algumas músicas que tenha achado a vibe muito boa. Apesar disso, é ótimo.
This is great soul through and through. It gets a little boring from lack of variation but it doesn't drag it down all that much in the big picture. Everythign feels well crafted, particular, and intentional. Favorites were Billy Jack and Hard Times
Consistently good throughout with solid grooves. Favorite songs are Billy Jack, Jesus, and Love to the People.
💖 when seasons change 🗣️ 8️⃣
I did love it but there felt something missing that kept me from really getting into it
Funky groovy soulful - loved the production on this thing
Love Curtis Mayfield & his social awareness put to some amazing music.
Perhaps the hottest funk I've ever heard for a while.
Great soul,great voice and greatguitar fills. Im sad it lasts so shortly. Great musicianship.
Funky and soulful, not quite the classic that is Superfly but superb Curtis Mayfield Album nonetheless.
Two awesome songs. So In Love and Blue Monday People. I love all the horns!!
Hadn’t heard this. Really loved it and seemed to vividly capture the world of when it was written. will return to it again.
Quite soulful.
Beautiful little album, funky and fun in some places, and deep in others. The album cover is very striking. Going to give more of Mr. Mayfield's work a listen.
I'd like to learn more about who this was and read the lyrics. Funky jams
A soulful rollercoaster of emotions, from the tragic "Billy Jack" to the triumphantly hopeful "Love To The People" Strongest song: So In Love Weakest song: none
I chills out so quickly when listening to this album, absolutely love that feeling. Great discovery.
Makes me want to expand my listening of his work. This is good but I bet he has other albums that should be on this list.
I love me some Curtis Mayfield and this album proves why. Love the feel and vibe, and the social commentary is a welcome inclusion.
I was surprised at how much I liked this album. 1. Billy Jack - nice funky beat. I enjoyed it. 2. When Seasons Change - Intro church bells - kinda cool. 3. So In Love - One minute instrumental intro. Slow, but engaging. 4. Jesus - cool song, even if I'm not "the target audience" 5. Blue Monday People - really liked this one 6. Hard times - 7. Love to the People - nice closing to the album
גרוב של נשמה
Very surprising soul rnb vibe. Tight af
Really loved this one. I wouldn't say any of the songs are particularly hooky, but the instrumentals are all great and the vocal takes are AWESOME. So smooth. And getting in and out in under 35 minutes doesn't hurt either. Listened to this one 4 times today!
Super chill music, unless you listen closely to the lyrics. Unfortunately still applicable today.
Incroyablement smooth, sexy et groovy. “So in love”. Cette voix, c’est un peu Al Green ou Marvin Gaye mais en poussant le potar sexiness à 11. Mais comment peut-on chanter une chanson à la gloire de Jesus de cette façon? C’est moi ou il commence à faire chaud dans cette église.