Reviews (page 7 of 13)
So apparently the themes from this album are profound, but since I tend to focus mostly on the music, I kind of miss this... and on the music side, this is... smoooooth. Way too smooth for me. It is compared to Gaye's work sometimes; it might be from the musical standpoint, but the voice... ugh, the constant falsetto (or whatever you want to call this) is really playing with my nerve.
I thought this was alright. I really like it when it's a little more energetic, especially the horns sections, but when it slows down it loses me a bit. Favorite songs are So in Love and Love to the People.
Very forgettable to the point where I forgot I had already listened to it.
Ja goed!
Entzungarria baina...
I understand the appeal but it’s not for me.
Juju
I enjoyed this. Mayfield's voice is pleasant to listen to, the tracks were funky, and it didn't overstay its welcome.
Not my jam
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
Curtis Mayfield equals "Funky and Smooth!"
Not a bad listen, a little underwhelming, his vocals are great as usual
Have to be in the right mood for this but it hits
I didn’t know Hard Times by the Roots was a cover! This album far exceeded expectations.
Good tunes and lyrics but not my style unfortunately:) thx!.
Enjoyable soul. 4/5
2.5 stars if we could do half stars
Love me some horns and funky guitars
Very nice
Great album. I love these influential albums that I’m not familiar with but have inspired so many other great artists.
I didn't grow up with Curtis but I know Superfly and a few of his other big songs. It was a real treat to get acquainted with this record. It's definitely up there with What's Going On by Marvin Gaye as a seminal work of 70s Soul music.
Too slow jammy for me
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.
a fairly resigned, at times tired sounding, record, perfect for the 70s malaise and bitter loss. even the song about Jesus feels like it's trying to reassure itself rather than evangelize, like looking to Christ during the worst time of your life. even "Hard Times", a dramatic and hard hitting soul number, turns into languid and exhausted funk, sapped of its energy and left to sit and stew. this isn't a bad thing (although i do think a lot of this record feels a bit TOO inactive), it's just a far cry from the Curtis i came to know on "Move On Up" and "Freddie's Dead". what happened, man? are you alright? do you need to sit down?
Drippin'
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.
Funky fresh
This is the first actual soul album that I've come across on this list. So, so heart-wrenchingly beautiful. The songs pulse and sway like a human heartbeat. This is always my favourite thing about good soul - the music is so undeniably a direct capture of the human condition. Sweet in its sadness, uplifting when the world brings you down. This album finds me with a tightness at the back of my throat and a tear in my eye for all 35 minutes. I am not Christian, but when I hear Jesus, I feel a spirit move within me. This album is a wonderful example of how music connects us all, regardless of tribe. An absolute must-listen before you die. Will be frequently replayed in my house.
Another funky, groovy album from Superfly Curtis Mayfield. This one is super mellow. I don't hear any"hits", per se, but as usual, Mayfield brings the mindful lyrics, soulful grooves, and smooth vocals. The final track was my favorite. Not his best album, so I'll give this a 3.
Right off the bat I love the album's title and artwork--I appreciate the concept and it promises me for what is to come: some funky-azz groves and cool vocals delivering a soulful message. I kind of wish he had mixed someone in with all the falsetto vocals. But in any case, the album was really short, so it did it's thing and left before it got too repetitive.
A decent album and Curtis Mayfield has a good voice. I think its an album you have to be in the mood for though.
Instrumente und Produktion sind spannend, Vocals bisschen nervig
Not Superfly. Respect Curtis. RIP
love the vibe, but songs sound quite the same
I really liked Billy Jack, but the rest of the songs kinda build up to not explode, sexy voice
Some flickers of interesting stuff, and solid musically. Glad I've heard it, but probably not one I'll go back to
Chill soul/funk album from the 70s. No songs stood out but it was a good listen, though I preferred his other album more which was included on this list so far (it was the Super Fly soundtrack album).
Just doesn't do much for me. The album name is genius though. 4/10
That's what I'm here for - discovering an absolute banger!
Good, funky, a little samey but doesn't overstay its welcome
beautiful album, i think he has a wonderful voice and such a joyful way with music that can really calm someone
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.
The Good: We’re traveling to Oz! The Bad: Oh, wait, this isn’t Kansas… The Ugly: The state of America today? Did you see what I did there? I made this political, when this shouldn’t be political… I know of Curtis Mayfield, and I’ve heard his staple hits as I’ve been listening to popular music since for ever, yet I was totally unaware of this album. It listens easy, made the 34 minutes go by without a hitch, but not once was there something which made me sit up straight and really pay attention… maybe that’s just me, or maybe I am becoming insensitive to music due to this 1001 list? Shooting this one straight down the middle… 3*
Cool album. I never quote acclimate to Mayfield's voice and that sort of a nice thing. When in in the mood for it there is no substitute. Guy has character in every note.
I loved this, but I wouldn't buy it on CD but Curtis' voice is so awesome. He's one of the greatest.
What a smooth as hell record.
I remember liking this, but today I can't remember anything else about it. I really like the cover art.
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
It is really good but perhaps a bit too consistently downbeat for me to truly love it.
I always knew Curtis Mayfield, and I liked the few songs I heard, but I'm embarrassed to say I didn't really know his music. So thank you to the 1001 Album Generator for dialing this up. I'm going to listen to this all day tomorrow. Billy Jack- fantastic vocals, never heard a guitar like this- the drum is almost Ringo-esque- snare and high hat doing all the work When Seasons Change- what is there, three instruments on here? A bass, guitar and a keyboard? And it sounds so deep and layered So In Love Jesus Blue Monday People Hard Times Love to the People
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.
Bueno
I said the same for his other album - sounds like a 70's porno soundtrack 3 ⭐️
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 liked this album for like 2 songs and then I was annoyed. I can't really verbalize why but I was just over it.
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
Didn't notice they were black people in the car until I heard the voices Ballad-style
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.
It was fine.
Nothing wrong with this. Classic soul/funk.
Better than expected
Such a poignant, thoughtful album. Curtis Mayfield is one of the greats - not only in soul music, but in songwriting and composition. 9.5/10
3.5
3.5
3.5
I like soul/funk, but I thought this was just ok. *Superfly* I get being on this list. This one, unless they taking the social message of the album, truly isn't really all that groundbreaking or exemplary. "Billy Jack", "Hard Times" and "Love to the People" were the standout tracks, but all together, they don't match the the immediacy of *Superfly*. The rest is quite frankly kind of faceless. (6.8) ★★★
Wonderful vocals. Not my favourite genre, but a solid album. 4 stars
3.5
Didnae have big expectations going into this despite Move On Up and Superfly being cool cromulent soul classics… this was indeed cromulently cool although not quite a clear-cut classic. Funky, soulful, serene, splendiferous with a gritty socially conscious political edge and an inkling of reggae as well. Curtis’s falsetto is one of the pinchiest out there, so pinchy that it would make Prince wince. No one stellar favourite song but a very strong album listen. Highest of 3.5s.
Listened to a few of the first songs. Groovy i like but it wasnt like crackacocaine where i immediately fell in love
Känns som det hade räckt med en Eric Gadd i mitt liv
Good instrumentals, bad vocals.
Very groovy and unique, especially the voice of Mayfield. Worth giving a listen to.
Some tracks had me grooving but generally didn't feel anything for this album.
That voice is so identifiable. The overall tone I got from this is muted distress, slow and ambling. Placing Mayfield's 'Hard Times' track besides RUN DMC's 'Hard Times" track nine years later was like night and day. Mayfield sings about what's happening in the present tense 'life sucks', while DMC raps about future expectations and a healthy positive vibe ... "hard times are coming, to your town, don't let them get you down..." Though it's slow and melancholic, I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would.
Mayfield’s near constant falsetto ruins what would otherwise be some chill funk and soul.
Feels like Curtis got stuck in quicksand. I need more energy to be interested.
It was good, but didn't have the kind of catchy hooks that he had on Pusherman
Smooth soulful with a dash of sexy. Delightful vocals all the way through, and very good morning vibes.
Do I just not like ‘70s soul music? I wouldn’t say this is a bad album, but very little of it stands out to me. Mayfield is a great musician, extremely talented, and I can pleasantly nod along by almost every track here (minus the gospel-soul track “Jesus” for personal reasons), but nothing here has any real oomph. I was really expecting a gut-punch– if not lyrically, then at least sonically– but I can’t really find one anywhere on this record. There’s no stand-out single, no transcendent chorus or hook, no brilliant guitar playing or frequently sampled breakbeat. It’s all standard fair for highly talented soul music, but it feels like a Coke Zero, empty calories. Like Mayfield was phoning it in. The best thing about this album is its cover art. THAT conveys so much complex emotion and suggests an idea and concept that I really wanted to hear. And yet, for what little of that concept made it into the actual recording sessions documented here, it is extremely subtle, to the point where I don’t know if I could even say it’s a theme here. Honestly, this feels like a second-tier album in Mayfield’s discography. Like, if you adore his actual classics, then you should give There’s No Place Like America Today a try. I’ve always been more apathetic about Mayfield anyway, so my apathy here doesn’t surprise me. I just still feel a bit let down by this record and how little of it actually felt nourishing.
The album has a cool, and even modern groove, but it gets old pretty quickly. Fun for a track or two, then it just starts to drag, but to be fair, this genre has never really been my thing.
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.
Not a fan of chill soul like this, but this is one of the better implementations that I've heard. Good vocals and pleasant melodic instrumentation. Definitely a bit too quiet and smooth for my taste, but that's just the genre. There isn't really anything to write home about, but a nice listen nonetheless. 7/10
OK
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.
Mellowly groovy, deep and thoughtful, the only criticism one can think to make is that maybe the sweetness might dilute social' commentary's anger and impact. Much depends on how one feels about the falsetto – one's a fan, see the first-rate "So In Love" as its maximum effect. The playing is tight, unhurried, assured – see waltzy bass line and shuffling drums on "Jesus," or the understated soloing and (again) poignant-staccato drumming on "Hard Times." A few cuts, say "Seasons Change" and "Blue Monday People," sound like a cross between spoken-word gospel and lieder, with most uplifting effect (e.g., "only you know how to be free," "only you know how to solve your problems"). "Love to the People" is a wonderful closer, bracing and vaguely warm, if serious.
This was an interesting listen. Pretty funky with some nice beats and the vocals were great! Got a little preachy for me at times but I enjoyed the overall message of the record
R&B. Laid back funky feel. Started out really good but kinda lost me as it went on.
Funny, I had "Superfly" just three days ago. Gave that a generous five, loved the album. I also like this one but it's more monotonous - it flows well but doesn't have the punchy drive Superfly has. In fact I got a little bit bored of it. Could be a 4 but because I rounded Superfly up, I'll be a bit harsh here. A 3.49.
A great soul album … but hoping for better from Curtis elsewhere in this list.
It's pretty good, but I’ve heard better Mayfield albums. It is not bad, though. I mostly listen to music while working out. I wish I could give this three and a half stars, but the ratings don’t let me.
The songs on the album are ok, but nothing here remotely approaches the quality of Mayfield's best work.
I mentioned in some previous reviews that this entire project was worth it for me since it introduced me to soul and funk music, which I now enjoy a lot and explore on my own. I enjoyed Mayfield in Superfly so I’m really looking forward to this one. Right from the cover art we can see what we’re gonna get. Tales of hardship and oppression, and it’s wrapped in the most beautiful music you can think of. Funky rhythm, call and response between Curtis and the guitar. This is so great. I just love how this both sad and somber and funky and groovy all at the same time. That’s so hard to get right and Mayfield nails it. Oh the bass tone is also incredible and the trumpet (I think) solos also delightful. It’s like this great musical conversation with the vocals, lead guitar and trumpet trading the lead. When you see an album that’s tackling social injustice you kinda expect to be big and loud and in your face. This is more of a quiet personal desperation kind of album. Very unique. Five stars.
Very good, the music flows so nicely and I like the lots of different instruments
Really liked it. Saved the first three songs, drifted into work a bit after that. Will listen again.
Finds insgesamt ein paar Oktaven zu hoch und es ist leider einfach nicht mein Geschmack.
A slower, more reflective piece of work. A fairly poignant listen in 2025, but wasn't something i think I'd be throwing for tons of repeat listens.
Tosi chilliä ja sielukasta funkkia. Hidastempoista ja viettelevää. Parhaat: Billy Jack, So In Love, Love To The People
Not many tracks but still enjoyable regardless
Solid.
Pretty good but didnt exactly click
First funk album. Liked the first song, then it all blended together
Good
This is the first album I’ve had the time to listen to since I’ve been getting the daily recommendations. It’s an album I was previously familiar with; Mayfield is one of my favorite artists. The title clearly lays out the subject matter, turning a common positive statement into a more negative one. The album harps on people needing to have personal responsibility, specifically those in the black community, while firmly addressing society’s attempts to make financial security an impossibility to achieve. Later songs lose the layer of personal responsibility and switch more to just complaints about the black community, and how individuals within it operate. Jesus might be my favorite track, outlining the hypocrisy in many followers of Christianity. They preach about Jesus but fail to follow his practices. So In Love is interesting, the love is never named so my interpretation is that the love is America. Though it has its problems, especially in its treatment of black people, Mayfield still preaches his love for the country, saying “don’t ask me why”, either unable to put into words the reasons or a reference to his own blind patriotism due to maybe media or our tendency as humans to participate in tribalism. Overall, this is an absolute banger musically and exists in the peak time of one of my favorite genres. Add in the commentary from Mayfield on the world around him and you’ve made a 10/10 album.
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.
Curtis Mayfield brings us those traditional soul vocals along with classic 70s funk instrumentals. I found myself grooving throughout the album, but it was hard to pick out any particular song as a stand-out.
Aretha Franklin's Lady Soul was my album yesterday, and if you paired Aretha's voice with the sharp instrumentals on this album, I would've rated it much higher. Even without being a fan of soul, I enjoyed this album. Mayfield's falsetto wore on me a bit by the end, and that's really my only complaint. If I enjoyed the genre more, this would be a 4.
I haven't heard this for years, but this is a great album. Probably among his best.
Good soul but you really need to be in the right mood. Probably not his best album
Feels like one of those albums that walked so others could run. Don't love it but was probably quite influential. 6/10
An interesting slice of 70s R&B, if not exactly up my alley.
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.
I don't understand music in which the melody evokes a certain emotion and lyrics evoke a completely different emotion. After a point I stopped listening to the lyrics and just enjoyed the melody! Very chill and palatable, though all songs sound the same 🥲 This is the kind of music I am very happy to listen to if it comes my way, but I will not go out of my way to listen to! Album rating: ⭐⭐⭐
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.
The falsetto threw me off a bit at first, but once I got used to that it turned out to be an ok album.
Good. I like this kind of motown soul, but this album is not an especially interesting example imo. Maybe I was too distracted while listening? Def not bad though.
I enjoyed it for the first half a lot but his voice gets a bit grating after that. Guitars are cool
OOF! Curtis starts off laying it on THICK and then just keeps giving on this album. Lyrically good, sonically great, this album is fantastic.
Great. Calm vibes, sounds ace, just the right duration.
Is it normal to have an erection lasting the entire duration of this album?
Mid
Barely noticed I was listening to this throughout
Opening track was great. All songs perfectly crafted but a bit samey
4.6 - This honestly has so much going on, loved it.
Pretty solid Curtis album. Listenable, no major stand outs for me. 3.7/5
Real American and peak of the black Motown movement.
Gotta love Curtis Mayfield. He has the ear for the groove.
Fantastic album. Very much needed yesterday
It’s no Superfly
Not bad. I had gotten "Superfly" a few weeks ago, so Curtis Mayfield is still somewhat fresh for me. I wouldn't quite put this on the level of "Superfly", as things are much slower and subtle here, thus not as memorable. It's good for an easy listen and some introspection, though.
This might be up some people’s alley, but slow R&B does absolutely nothing for me. An incredibly boring album of songs that are WAY too long. The final song does liven things up a bit and is easily the best song on the album, but the rest of the album felt so much longer than its 35 minutes.
Let there be no doubt. This guy fucks.
1. Love to the people/hard times 2. Blue monday people 3. So in love
he's so cool
Great. Loved the guitar.
Favorite Track: Billy Jack
The word that comes to mind is ‘soothing’.
I liked it - I feel like I would enjoy this more on repeated listens.
It’s Curtis Mayfield so obviously it’s not bad. But I prefer his stuff that’s more on the funk side of the spectrum as opposed to the soul side of the spectrum.
Groove!!!
Horrible. I can't believe that two albums [so far] from this guy have made the list. Seriously, I am questioning the legitimacy of this 1001 best album list.
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.
I wanted to like this (and it isn't bad), but Curtis' voice gets really old really quick. This was a tough album to get through after a few songs based on the very high pitch singing. 4.5/10 (2.25/5)
Oh boy this is smooooooooth Best Song: So in Love Rating: 8/10 Stars: 4/5
Super chill album. Short and sweet.
Good listen
Slow and funkalicious.
Really vibey and smooth. I will be returning to this album
Tasty start. Groove undeniable. Unique voice, I can smell the cigar smoke and hear billiard balls clashing. Motown was singular and Curtis Mayfield has groove and soul in stride. Unsure I can add these to playlists, but I am happy overall :D GOES FULL JAZZ MODE ON "Love to the People", easily my favorite.
Loved the bass in this album. Mayfield's commentary about the times they're living through juxtaposed with some cool songs about living and loving despite it all is neat. My favorite song was Billy Jack, it's the type of song I'd hear in my high school art class from my favorite teacher where I'd promptly take it with me through life.
I feel like I'm gonna get sexed up by whoever's playing this smooth jazzy msuic in the bedroom.
although I do love me some Curtis Mayfield, I wonder why this album is on the list - bc it was so political at the time? His track So in Love is so in lovely also Hard Times so good - a Very sweet and sultry way to say we've had enought
This was so enjoyable. Great slow grooves and expressive soulful songs. Would rate higher, but every song being sung falsetto gets a little monotonous.
I like this album. Especially Jesus. It takes its time, and is uplifting even while fighting the same fight.
This is the era where Mayfield was really drifting. Grooves and established and proceed with no clear direction - or end point. Some great musicality on display here but the songwriting leaves a lot to be desired.
Curtis Mayfield...the name sounds familiar. Ooh this is some funky bluesy jazz stuff. it was aight. 3 stars
Funky. Jesus.
This sounds like a contractually obligated album, made up of outtakes and unreleased songs.
Nice. Smooth and soulful.
Smooth and easy, Curtis Mayfield strikes again.
Great!
Basic 70's american soul
8/10
Easy listening. A blend of funk/r&b, very smooth. Usual themes: inequality, race, crime. Track quality is remarkably consistent, so no favorite tracks. It's not exactly my type but, again, a very easy listen.
Enjoyed, but kind of not memorable? Alabama shakes vibes
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
I know CM but I've never listened to this entire album. Love the intro track "Billy Jack" (great cover by Lenny Kravitz on the Tribute cd), funky and fun story telling. At only 7 songs it's a short album even with some longer tracks it's only 35 mins. The falsetto gets to be a bit much at times but the overall package is a good one. Heavy on slow grooves. He had hits with "So In Love" & "Billy Jack" but I was diggin' "Hard Times" & "Love To the People". I can't say I'd add this to my Top 1001 but it has merit and was an enjoyable listen. Too much of the same I thought.
2.5
3.0
7/10 Fave track: Love to the people
Favourite: Love to the People
could listen to all day. fav = jesus
Average, funky, smooth
It was okau
Sweet album now in my rotation
unten maille hänen kanssaan… joten kolmosta… eikun katsotaan miten oul….. jaha… kolmosta..
This is very hard
That was fn dope. Goddamn. This is why I love this site.
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.
der Gesang über die Kopfstimme ist auf Dauer etwas anstrengend; kann man sich anhören, aber nicht lange/dauerhaft
Oh yeah!
Really good stuff Curtis
Sublime, beautiful.
Never heard this album, but it’s a great one.
This is the 59th album I’m rating. I don’t really know who this guy is but the album name is incredible. Adding to my Playlist - Billy Jack, When Seasons Change, So in Love, Jesus, Blue Monday People, Hard Times, and Love to the People. Not Adding to my Playlist - Nothing. All in all I liked 7/7 songs. This was just a nice chill album and there is something about his voice that I really like.
This man can do no wrong. I listened to it twice. Sweet butter.
Excellent Curtis
Funky, fun and totally delicious. I will explore more CM
Slow, subtle, conscious soul and light funk. There’s some good messages, and some good music too, but most of it is a bore and easy to lose focus on.
Funkalicious. I dig it but Curtis has other lps I’d rather listen to
Very smooth album. I enjoyed the vibe while listening though only giving it a 3 as there were no real stand out tracks in my opinion.
fantastic groovy gospel music. Highlights: Billy Jack So In Love Love to The People 4/5
Groovy
Ain't that the truth, Curtis. Strange timing to listen to this on the grimmest day for my country's relationship with the U.S. in decades.
++: 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
Love it.
This album cover is extremely relevant even at present day, which is sad. The album itself is amazing. Curtis’ voice just held my attention the entire time, and somehow even managed to get me to not skip a track about Jesus, as I tend to do. Hell I started singing along at parts. Must listen!
It’s wild listening to an album that is simultaneously ahead of its time, whilst also sounding so entirely timeless. Right off the bat you can tell exactly what you’re going to get with this record, which is funk, soul, and a whole lot of feeling. The message about urban gun violence in “Billy Jack” feels more relevant now than ever, which is impressive for something released in 1975. The instrumentation throughout this record is absolutely stellar, and every musician played their part perfectly. I can’t find a lot of fault in this one. 4.5*.
This is a pretty album, but it felt a little unremarkable to me. Like a musical version of decent chicken pasta served at a wedding.
Good soul album, but didn't really connect with me. 5/10
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
Otro jueves y otro álbum desconocido de un artista que me suena de nombre. Se siente entre sexy y colgado. Tal vez indaguemos más en él, tal vez, no. Hasta mañana.
I enjoyed this, I'd pick this up if I saw it.
4/10
3 estrelas. importante mas gisto mais de superfly
Funky. Great album
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.
Yeah I dig this. Groovy.
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.
Das Album war perfekt, um bei der Fahrt zur Arbeit im Hintergrund zu laufen, aber nicht unbedingt für den bewussten Genuss. There’s No Place Like America Today klingt angenehm, smooth und durchgehend kompetent gespielt, doch genau das wird zu einem Problen: Die Songs verschwimmen zu sehr ineinander. Curtis Mayfields hoher Singsang trägt zur Atmosphäre bei, kann aber auf Dauer auch anstrengend werden. Das Album strahlt eine beständige Wohlfühlstimmung aus, die zwar schön ist, aber irgendwann eher ermüdend als fesselnd wirkt. Highlights: Billy Jack ist ein cooler Opener, und So in Love ist ein wunderschöner Liebessong – doch insgesamt bleibt das Album für mich eher eine stilvolle, aber etwas monotone Klangtapete.
Beautiful blues guitar and music throughout, but just never felt like it got going. Too slow for me.
Wasn't feeling generous today I'm afraid. Just didn't do it for me. Not totally unlistenable, just a bit boring.
Pretty cool vibes but can be a little samey.
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
War okay, aber Lieder zu lang und nichts für Zwischendurch
This is #day191 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... I'm kinda fine with the funky nature of this album (even though I find the whole "love-jesus-people-are-good" soul vibe to be rather annoying), but when those falsetto vocals hit... fuck, man. This is a 2 out of 5. I was really close to a 1, though. Looking forward to #day192.
3.5/5
Bien
Musica eseguita bene, ma non mi ha per niente coinvolto.
boring
Decent Soul Album but I can’t stand this dudes voice Favorites- So In Love, Jesus Least Favorites- Billy Jack
The record settles in and chills out, but the music is so solid and interesting.
REALLY good. Very relaxing. Gorgeous voice.
Really enjoyed it, too much Jesus for me but still ok
This was a cool chill album
Funky vibes.
Too slow and somber. I don't mind angry or agitated, this was just too despondent for me
Wonder 70’s soul.
Smooth and funky
A masterclass on restraint.
Overall pretty solid, even if it’s not inherently my thing. 3.5/5
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.
His voice is great, musically I enjoyed the bass, drum/percussion. Horn parts were killing it and coming in at perfect times. It just didn't have that same feel as Superfly. I think the opening track has a bit of the Superfly feel, but a lot of it is just a little slow for my liking. I think I'd enjoy this more if we didn't just listen to Superfly.
Good, but not great. I loved the funk, but the soul leaned a little bit too gospely/Jesusy for my tastes. Super Fly was better. Side complaint: how we gonna get 2 Curtis Mayfield albums before we get even one Metal album 😕
Super Fly it ain't. This was, dare I say, a bit boring. 'Jesus' and 'Blue Monday People' just don't do it for me. I need more funk in my life....we all need more funk in our lives.
Album title still holds true today. And the album title (plus a little mildly 70s oppressed black man early falsetto “hip hop”) is what got this album on the list. Just political enough (and early enough) to catch the attention of the 1001 List originators. I was there in the 70s and this album was absolutely never heard of. (Neither was Mr Mayfield, the album musta got bigger as time went by). Not bad , but missable (1.65*s)
This felt like the longest 35 minutes of my life, I do not like the slower, waltzier version of Mr. Mayfield. Incredibly boring, every song sounded the same, and nothing memorable here. His voice sounds like someone had his balls in a "Billy Jack" and I can't get past it. 1.0.
Not really down with the slow soul from Mayfield. Can't see why this made the list. Curtis got a descent falsetto and the back up band ain't bad but I'm bored. "Jesus" wasn't drinkin' the wine? Why he go changin' water into it so much then? Pretty sure if this album made it, we will see at least one more from the soul man and I'm hoping it's better. As for America Today...0.95
There's No Place Like Today didn't really have any bad songs, but it also didn't really have any good songs. It's not terrible but doesn't have any staying power either. Once it wrapped it was basically removed from my mind. This sounded like if Prince's younger, less talented brother tried to pursued a more jazz oriented funk career and didn't quite hit the mark. Not a complete waste of time, but really nothing I need to hear again. 1.51 stars
Has its elements but man did sucked sooo much.
I'd say average album, not bad but not really that good either. If you want to listen to some real 70s soul/funk in the background, say outside cooking with friends or sharing a beer, then this would be the perfect album. 2.5 but rounding up to 3
Sonically while very good, funk/r&b always sounds dated, but lyrically There’s No Place Like America Today is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago, sadly. Every song still hits home, from gun violences, to the system being build to fuck us all. The system needs us, but is trying to deceive us 7.1/10
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.'
I appreciate the message, but it's not for me.
Okay, couldn't really get into it
Essential. A gem.
Aangenaam om een keer te luisteren, fijne stem. Maar beklijft niet en zal het nooit meer opzetten.
Quite a nice sound, decent opener, nice flow. Bit slow and not really my thing but nice to listen to.
Highly listenable funky soul with great lyrics and vocals. Didn’t mind this at all. Not my usual cup of tea but I quite enjoyed it for the day and wouldn’t mind coming across it again in future.
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
Nice!
Siendo de Curtis Mayfield, la mejor palabra para definir este álbum es sexy. Muy ligero y entretenido, y me gusta el contexto social del álbum y sus letras. Muy bueno, solo le daría un pelín más de velocidad.
Easy album, but most songs are very similar
I was hoping to enjoy this, but I didn't - there just didn't feel any joy there.
Curtis Mayfield is one of those names synonymous with soul music. I’m sure he and Stevie spent nights backstage planning to make the world a better place - and, in the end, they probably had a role to play in doing just that. I’m not sure I like his voice on these songs and the playing seems workmanlike. His vibe is not as joyous as on his other albums and I think that’s what gets me here. I appreciate him, but this is a one-and-done album listening experience for me.
I LOVE Curtis Mayfield, especially his first three albums. Sometimes much energy, social commentary, and joy fills his songs. I actually had never heard this album and was surprised at how it sounded more downtrodden and a little more cynical. Still full of beautiful songs but I found myself wanting to turn it off so I could put his first album on.
Quite vibey
It was ok
idk how to describe it but this reminds me of the time I was waiting for the G at 830am on a thursday, the platform was empty except a guy blasting "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" by Al Green on his radio and everyone else just silently nodding and enjoying it. Brooklyn man!
I enjoyed the music but and lyrics but I am not a fan of his singing octave.
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.
I recognize and appreciate the cultural relevance of this album. That said the album is a bit of a slog to get through as it’s not a very cohesive album. The first few tracks are memorable anthems. The rest of the album is sadly forgettable.
Enjoyable listen especially So In Love. Somewhat of a departure from his grander arranged albums like Curtis and Superfly but still worth the listen.
Lovely voice and these songs were (and probably still are) important but I wasn't really entertained
It was okay but that about sums up it, okay, some really nice tracks but VERY sleepy album just not something that’s very fantastic
Easy listen, nothing too mind blowing or diverse sounding but still very enjoyable
Everyone should listen to this
Very interesting. Feels like it should be talked about more amongst classic albums
Not really what I expected but pretty good.
Billy Jack - Well yes! When Seasons Change - love this... how did he make a song that sounds like the seasons are changing... i will be back for more, you'd best believe! I'm loving this so far, this is such a vibeeeee!!! Also literally like the timeliness of this album.... mmmmm no comment. There IS no place like america today! Jesus - take me to CHURCH Love to the People!!! YASS Loved this front to back. Super super out of my wheelhouse so I'm glad I made time for this baddie. Now.. from the top!
ALL I DO IT WINNNN!!!!! i love curtis mayfield so fuckign much!! the brass arrangement on So in Love 😭 i love this man so goddam much. to be loved by him must have been so special. the keyboard too!!! this man was a genius. Three songs in and just devastated we lost him when we did. maybe one of the most serious funk albums ever made lol - what a visionary!!!!!!!!! it's light and the music never feels heavy but what he's saying is so somber. i love the contrast Power to the people baby. We will either sink or swim together.
"There can't be no fun, to be shot with a hnd gun". Curtis was out there with the truth. Great album.
The best songs, the best artist, the best cover, the best album.
Better than some of his other offerings. This is more Marvin Gaye than Shaft. A bit samey though.
Smoooooth
Vibey, Curtis has a beautiful voice. Album art is fantastic too. It's not necessarily my type of music but I appreciate it. Admittedly my only other experience with Mayfield is him being sampled by Kanye, but this was pleasant 3.5 stars
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.
This album has an incredible vibe, blending soul, funk, and social commentary seamlessly. There’s No Place Like America Today is a great listen from start to finish, with Curtis Mayfield’s smooth delivery and powerful message making it a standout work.
Skönt sväng, goa gitarrer. Fyra
There wasn't much variety among the melodies and singing style for the first several songs on the album, so they all kind of blended together but more in a way where I was like "Man this song has been going on forever." I wasn't really into it until "Hard Times" came on. I immediately thought "this is the best song on here" and then when he sang "won't admit" I realized... I know this song. It's my favorite song from the John Legend and The Roots collaborative album. They do it very differently than Mayfield and I really enjoyed both. Overall, the album is very chill but there's not enough variety of sound or vocal dynamics for it to cross into impressive for me.