Reviews (page 8 of 12)
Não é tão bom quanto os três primeiros discos dele, que gosto bastante, mas achei um bom disco pra relaxar no final de um dia
I could see some people not liking this, but I thought this was a fun selection. Curtis Mayfield has a cool voice and this album is best when the funk is present. Billy Jack was a great opener, loved the groove throughout this track. I was less of a fan of When Seasons Change, just a sleepy song that didn’t do much for me. You could make the same argument about So In Love - that it was a bit sleepy - but I liked this one so much better. It was just a much fuller song, sung with more emotion. An excellent track. Next up was Jesus, decent song with interesting lyrics, but again there wasn’t much to this song. So I liked others better. Blue Monday People was another ok track, but not great. Hard Times was much better, again because of the funk within. Love To The People was a good closer, elevated by the guitar and horn work in the song. Definitely not a complete album, but it had a series of highlights and was a good listen.
3 for cultural relevance but overall quite bland.
it's fine. not his best. i can only handle so much jesus talk
Groovy, but subtle. Really enjoyed listening to this through a couple of times. Not really any stand-out songs, but the album works really well as a whole. 7/10
Souly, funky, partly gospel music. Smooth.
Groooovy.
*** 1/2 Not bad, a small discovery to me
When I first started this project, I thought soul would be one of the rougher genres for me to get through. However, that assumption has been pretty wrong for the most part. Many of the soul albums I got have been silky smooth and are usually a treat to listen to. This album, however, was kind of more what I was expecting from soul music before I started. It not bad by any means, and I appreciate the balance between sex and social themes. But all the songs last a minute longer than they should and they all sound the same. This album may be 35 minutes, but it felt longer. Also, I’m not really a fan of Curtis’ falsetto. It’s just a bit too high for me, personally. Favorite track: Billy Jack Other hits: Jesus, Hard Times
Should've been "Curtis!" (1970). Favorite track: Love to the people
This wasn’t a bad album, but some of the songs felt like they dragged on for too long. Stylistically, there are a couple of music styles I found pretty creative. I’d probably listen to some of those few songs in the background.
Favorite: So In Love
Great easy listening motown music, up there with the likes of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Really enjoyed "So in Love"
A good R&B album Was not expecting his voice to be so high pitched
Decent album, not my typical thing but I liked it.
Bedroom typa music that makes you think and reflect on society
This was an interesting r/b album never really really listened to Curtis Mayfield before but it was a pretty good nothing really floored me but it was decent!
I might let this one look to see if it grows on me more. I dig it, I just don’t know it. Curtis Mayfield has some really iconic songs so I know for sure I like what he’s about, and I have faith that if I listen more I’ll like it even more. Could almost be a 4 but a solid 3 for now.
I started listening to this on a Thursday and didn’t finish until the following Monday. It’s not because I thought it was bad, it just wasn’t the vibe I was going for this past weekend. Still pretty good, though.
3,75
Interesting album, not really my vibe, but not bad.
This was a great listen. A lot of the themes still feel relevant today. Mayfield's voice is incredible, too!
Not my groove, but I enjoyed it.
3.45 - This was an okay listen. The songs just blurred together. I was hoping for some sort of climax in this album but it fell short.
Great instrumental performance, but the song structures are kind of meandering and his vocals are annoying. 2.5/5.0: Mixed
this album was a slog to get through which is saying something considering the relatively short runtime
1970s big time
3.5 Stars
It was good, there wasn’t a lot of variation though
Cornald Meiveld ken ik van dat album dat bij die superfoute film hoort en daar gooide hij toen geen hoge ogen mee wat mij betreft. Maar het vizier staat weer gewoon helemaal open. In één ding had hij alvast gelijk: There's No Place Like America Today. Verdikkeme zeg, wat een shitshow. Het tempo ligt bijzonder laag, zeker vergeleken bij dat Superfly album, als ik het me goed herinner. Te laag als je het mij vraagt; er is zo'n punt waarbij een laag tempo van relaxed naar een klein beetje vervelend gaat en dit album neigt naar dat laatste voor mij. Al gaat het tempo in de tweede helft nog wel richting een aanvaardbare 80 bpm. Dan gaat het hoofdje ook net iets meer mee knikken en wordt het toch nog wel aardig. Sinds ik Siamese Dream heb gehad is het aanpoten voor me. Ik zit ook bij dit album een beetje tussen de 2 en 3 in. Ik begon op een duidelijke 2, maar het album groeit wel een klein beetje naar me toe gedurende het afspelen. De tweede helft is superieur, met het toch wel lekkere 'Hard Times'. En uiteindelijk duurt het allemaal ook maar 35 minuten. Vooruit dan, 3 sterren! Ik geef wel de garantie dat ik dit album halverwege deze middag alweer vergeten ben. Zulke nummers blijven niet plakken.
Good, not my usual taste.
The album title hits hard at the moment but I enjoyed this
Track 1 great! Solid 3.5 stars. No skips
Nothing jumped out at me, but the general sound made for good background music and the album was short
I love Curtis Mayfield but this isn't even his best album. The album cover absolutely slaps though. I enjoyed it, didn't love it.
My soul funk expansion continues , it wasn’t a genre I’d listen to much before despite respect Curtis does the usual great job of setting a funky jazzy tone , the lyrics didn’t grab me on first listens
Groovy but didnt really catch my attention too much. I liked it as working background music!
One often gets the impression that musical artists from the 70s did not give a shit about the final take. Mayfield’s music is cool, but his falsetto singing is too pitchy to be very pleasant. Contrast his style with the false perfection of an Usher or R. Kelly. Maybe my comparisons are unfair, but I’d put Prince in the top spot for the controlled chaos of his voice.
Easy listening, nice 70s tunes.
7/10. Album #366. :) I know that this is an excellent album, however, I wouldn't necessarily say that it is for me.
All time great album cover. Album sadly is just alright. Couple of stand outs, but mostly just funk that goes to the background
5/10
Good!
The way the horns play off the guitars and organ are my favourite part of the album, most prominent on So In love He has a good voice but it does feel kind of samey and one note at a point. He sings in a similar high pitch so much that it makes the songs blend together a little bit Nice, just would've liked a little more variation (and more horns) 3.5 Highlights: So In Love, Hard Times
Really funky sound, incredible voice, little religious for me, but appreciate the music
not bad. very mellow, chill album. first time hearing Curtis Mayfield
нормалек.
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.
I understand the appeal but it’s not for me.
Not a bad listen, a little underwhelming, his vocals are great as usual
Good tunes and lyrics but not my style unfortunately:) thx!.
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'
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.
Instrumente und Produktion sind spannend, Vocals bisschen nervig
Not Superfly. Respect Curtis. RIP
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).
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
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.
I remember liking this, but today I can't remember anything else about it. I really like the cover art.
It is really good but perhaps a bit too consistently downbeat for me to truly love it.
Bueno
I said the same for his other album - sounds like a 70's porno soundtrack 3 ⭐️
Didn't notice they were black people in the car until I heard the voices Ballad-style
It was fine.
Better than expected
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) ★★★
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.
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.
It was good, but didn't have the kind of catchy hooks that he had on Pusherman
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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
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: ⭐⭐⭐
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
Is it normal to have an erection lasting the entire duration of this album?
Mid
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.
Favorite Track: Billy Jack
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!!!
Good listen
Slow and funkalicious.
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.
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.
Curtis Mayfield...the name sounds familiar. Ooh this is some funky bluesy jazz stuff. it was aight. 3 stars
Nice. Smooth and soulful.
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
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
unten maille hänen kanssaan… joten kolmosta… eikun katsotaan miten oul….. jaha… kolmosta..
This is very hard
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.
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.
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
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.
3 estrelas. importante mas gisto mais de superfly
Yeah I dig this. Groovy.
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.
Pretty cool vibes but can be a little samey.
Bien
Decent Soul Album but I can’t stand this dudes voice Favorites- So In Love, Jesus Least Favorites- Billy Jack
Really enjoyed it, too much Jesus for me but still ok
Too slow and somber. I don't mind angry or agitated, this was just too despondent for me
Overall pretty solid, even if it’s not inherently my thing. 3.5/5
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 😕
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
I appreciate the message, but it's not for me.
Okay, couldn't really get into it
Aangenaam om een keer te luisteren, fijne stem. Maar beklijft niet en zal het nooit meer opzetten.
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!
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.
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
I enjoyed the music but and lyrics but I am not a fan of his singing octave.
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.
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
Not really what I expected but pretty good.
Better than some of his other offerings. This is more Marvin Gaye than Shaft. A bit samey though.
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
Short but sweet. I really like Curtis and I liked this too but not as much as his more upbeat music. This is definitely not like Move On Up or Superfly, it's more mellow and introspective and somber. Wish I liked it more but didn't leave a big impression on me.
Pre-listening thoughts: I have like vaguely heard of Curtis Mayfield but I still have no clue what to expect here Post/during listening thoughts: this is good. I don’t have a lot to say about it. It all kind of mushed together and maybe that’s cause im tired but who knows. 5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: So in Love Least fav tracks: Jesus
Without a doubt, a beautiful voice and some powerful messages. Hard times, having heard the Roots cover was good to hear the original! I didn't actually know it was Curtis Mayfield. Strong album but no super stand out tracks. About a 2.5, but will give a 3
A few bangers, vocals got annoying by the end of it
Stabilt rakt igenom utan att ha några spår som riktigt sticker ut. Inte lika bra som Superfly, men en stabil trea.
Some beautiful stuff on here. Superfly was pretty amazing in its context, but I like this Curtis more. He's sweet. Although I might prefer him in a playlist. A half hour of that falsetto starts to get to me somehow, like makes me kinda tense up.
Probably not something I’ll listen to again but definitely didn’t leave me disappointed. Nice and relaxing and a pretty good listen for the morning. Nothing that I hated about it but also nothing really stood out about it.
Good album. Like the funk influence mixed with Mayfield’s voice. 3/5 Might listen again
The music is clean, funky, and grooooovin'. The lyrics were relevant then and much more today. I feel like Mayfield's voice can become too much after a while. A shame, since everything else is there.
Solid funky soul album. Tight drums, groovy bass lines, funky falsettos. A certain vibe for sure
A delightful brisk album from a legend.
fire!
Its fine. It's Curtis Mayfield. Good but not the album I would put on if I'm craving Curtis Mayfield (Curtis would be it).
I have to imagine this was quite a departure for Curtis. I was not very entertained myself. But, I don't like it when established artists try to do something new. So for that I'll give it a 3 star rating.
Smooth and soulful 3.5
feel like i’ve listened to so much music inspired by mayfield that actually listeneing to him sounds a little dull unfortunately….one of the stranger problems of music. still smooth though
I liked the overall vibe of the album, but the falsetto got old after a song or two. Otherwise this would have been a 4.
The problem was the falsetto. The style wasn’t my favorite but it was executed well and was decent
I just don’t like his voice. It’s too high for me. The songs themselves are solid no problems there it’s really just his voice. Really not a fan of that.
Pretty good. I haven't listened to Curtis except for superfly. This was a similar vibe.
Feels like a mournful ode to a country gripped by the turbulent and violent change brought on by the civil rights movement. The lyrics remain relevant as ever in this world of MAGA lunacy; definitely merits multiple listens. It’s far from perfect though, as the whole album instrumentally kind of just melded together. I personally would have appreciated another big hook or two to really grab me.
Very smooth, but nothing outstanding.
There are kinds of people…. It’s the point of the record.
Not sure what to make of this one. My overriding feeling is that this isn’t really my bag, too slow and smooth, and that Prince (or the chap formerly know as) must have really really really liked this album. However, I don’t know how to explain it, but it was just really classy sounding, and as albums go it flowed really well. I have respect even though I didn’t like it as such. Must be a 3 then….
Favorite Track: So in Love
Interesting record. Not my favorite, but good.
Don't know if I just wasn't in the right headspace for this album. I KNOW it's cool as hell, I KNOW it's funky and soulful, I KNOW it has a good and relevant message, but none of the tracks really clicked for me or gave me anything special. The vocals and instrumentals are tight, it sounds good, it just wasn't very memorable.
Er zijn andere albums van Curtis Mayfield die hier op zouden moeten staan (misschien komen die nog). Degelijk album wel, maar om dit nu hier op te zetten... 3.0
Old school, but not so interesting to me. The beginning two seconds of Billy Jack were alright
Enjoyed the first half of this a lot, sort of lost it’s way a little around Jesus, but picked up at the end. His vocals are insane, and most of the topics are powerful too. It’s less ‘in your face’ than Superfly, but still a great pop/funk record made better by his delivery. A strong 3.5
Quite liked it, very 70s soul, sounded like a film soundtrack to me but I think that's because other similar albums were. Curtis has a very good voice for this sort of music, cohesive sound, didn't outstay it's welcome. Saying all that, it's not a genre I'd seek out really. 3.5. but more a 3.
Preferred this to the previous soundtrack album we had. The opening track was the best, super funky. I completely understand why people might think this is a great album, but just not my thing. 3
Pretty good. Superfly better tho
Not bad
A nice album to relax to.
It’s good, but not blow your mind good.
That falsetto.
Such a groovy album. Curtis Mayfield has an amazing voice. The first 30 seconds of the album hit so hard but I never quite got that again the rest of the album. I don't have much to say about this album other than it was pretty decent but it didn't blow my socks off.
Only seven songs on this album, overall sounds good. I might be tempted to give it 3.5 stars if that were allowed.
Curtis Mayfield has a distinctive voice. His lyrics and singing of them seemed sincere and from his life experiences. Appreciated hearing this album.
A funky album about crime and urban decay in America. You need not look further for the album's themes than its sleeve. I can appreciate its messages, and I can appreciate the music to an extent, but it's not really for me. Fav tracks: Hard Times, Love to the People
It's just not my thing at all, but the lyrics are great and I respect the artist's ideals. Fav tracks: Jesus, Blue Monday People
Very soulful, but not my favorite Curtis Mayfield album.
Majestic first song, but the rest of the album feels more dull.
Smooth funk, meaningful music, not a lot of variety but solid
Can’t go wrong with Curtis.
A mix of really nice grooves and skippable tracks. I like the Superfly soundtrack more.
"So In Love" might be the quintessential soul song for me. Something about the horns, the feelings evoked... I can't put into words just how much I love this song. That being said, for some reason, some tracks just didn't hit, in my experience. So, a 3 it is.
Not my thing.
Not for me but appreciate the artist
pleasant though consistent, i imagine superfly pops a bit more
My man can sing....the album wasn't particularly moving.
Not quite my cup of tea, but I did enjoy it. Can definitely hear his influence on artists like Prince and Lenny Kravitz. I’d rather listen to Prince and Lenny Kravitz.
Pretty fun. Nice and funky for a friday
Good, not my preferred style
17/11/24 I didn't vibe with this one as much as the others, couldn't fully get into it.
First time with this one. It is funky and soulful, overall a very good listen. I will listen to this again and check out Curtis' other releases. My favorite track is "So in Love".
Loved the first and last tracks - good to listen to more of his stuff.
Wish more of it was like Billy Jack but still very smooth ! Talks about black community struggles.
Not bad; sound was good and smooth.
Definitely a classic soul-type sound.
It had potential, but was much too slow for me
Groovy and good, lots of religion.
Just ok. Smooth voice and music, but not my style.
Fun and funky. Not sure it's his best however.
Enjoyed it, cool sound, but it didn’t click for me.
This wasn't a bad album per se, but it didn't do much for me. I know Curtis Mayfield is supposed to be a soul master, but this album felt flat. If this is his best, then my opinion of his music is diminished a bit. While there wasn't a bad song, there also weren't any stand out tracks. To me, that makes this a fine album to give a listen, maybe even for some to love, but it doesn't make it one of the 1001 albums I should hear before I die.
No expectations of this. Rather enjoyed it. 3/5
It was okay. I liked the funkier parts. But overall it quickly turned into background music for me.
feels pretty apt to be reviewing this the day before the u.s. election….There’s No Place Like America Tomorrow
Nice nice.
Ok
First half is incredible, but “Jesus” and onward is pretty bland, even if the production remains very solid throughout.
I like Curtis Mayfield. I think he has some great songs (Pusherman, Superfly). This album was fine, but it didn't really grab me. Nothing stood out especially, but it sounded pleasant as background.
Álbum didn’t really stand out to me until the 3rd song So In Love, followed by another standout for me Hard Times.
Curtis is majorly important. This is good. But I’d have gone earlier.
I did not use a private spotify session. Curtis brought the funk and falsetto, didn't really get into as much as I thought I would.
This guy reminds me a bit of Prince without the great guitar riffs.
The closing track was probably my favourite, overall I really enjoyed this album.
Great voice.
Funky soul, his voice is a bit too high pitch for my liking. Stand-out: Love To The People
better without the jesus song
smooth
Maybe a slightly disappointing listen given what I had previously heard of Mayfield, but overall pretty average for this list. 3/5
Just don't care.
Not one I'm crazy about, but a decent record all the same. Favorite song: So In Love
Cool funky soul music. Good for back ground feel good music.
MID BUT UNIQUE
3.5/5
This passed by pleasantly without engaging me. Im sleep deprived so its probably me, not the album.
This was fine. Not bad! Enjoyable. I was going to rate it about a 4 but after the album finished Live Wire by the Meters came on and showed me music which really is a 4. So this gets a 3.
definition of decent album
think i need to listen to more soul
Smooth and silky, chilled out funky soul music. This is actually throughly enjoyable! Powerful lyrics fuelled by the racial injustice he and many other African Americans faced, and continue to face this day. Kind of sad that the lyrics still resonate today.
Blues enjoyed but noy sure I’d listen again Favourite: so in Love 3 stars
Ok, but a little too plain for my tastes.
Haven't ever heard this album. This is a good listen. The music is solid (the horn arrangements in particular are great) and the songwriting is above average. I'm not a huge fan of Mayfield's voice. It works on some songs but not on others. "We Blue Monday people Just trying in a strain"
Not as good as I expected.
Old school r&b soul like
Smooth soft funky
Decent, but not as solid as What’s Going On or some of Mayfield’s other albums that aren’t as social issue focused
The Jesus song was a little much. I liked it overall. Better than some other 70s soul that would just be full of 70s cheese that reeks.
Pretty good but definitely not superfly
Not bad, not my thing
Meh... I barely remember after only one day
A pleasant but unremarkable soul album.
Good album, enjoyed it
Coming hot on the heels of Nick Drake's Pink Moon, I couldn't help but be affected by the contrast between the two albums. Pink Moon was utterly underwhelming instrumentally and vocally. It never roared. But because everything was sedated, it came across as intentional and understated rather than underpowered. Unfortunately, There's No Place Like America Today comes off the opposite - the music is powerful and funky and propulsive, but the vocal is weak like the skin of a balloon, and it just meant the singing never felt up to the challenge of the songs. Basically the same effect as making Chris Martin the lead singer of a rock band, or worse, an EDM band. Oh, hello Coldplay, I didn't see you there. Anyway, the songs were quite good, but the vocal really lets them down, so it's hard to give this more than 3 out of 5 stars.
could i write poetry to this? n
Good and funky, but not exceptionally good and funky.
Pretty decent album, flows nicely. Doesn't stand out as such, though.
Very funky
Нейтральная приятная музыка
Definitely didn’t hate this! I liked the smooth guitar sound and to a point, the vocals were also enjoyable if not a tad falsetto at times.
This is among my favorite sounds from the 20th century. Brilliantly recorded. Top-notch musicianship. But the lack of melody and uninspired lyrics consign it to being just great background music
Good
This album was decent
I’ve heard of Curtis Mayfield before as an influential soul artist, having heard the title track to the Superfly soundtrack before. Not only is this album emblematic of that style, but it’s a slow burner as he kept the tempo slow and the space breathable for the instruments. Curtis carried a nice sultry delivery to complement his lyrics involving racial prejudice and economic disparity. The only exception is “So in Love” which was a nice funky jam. What does hold me back from outright loving this album is the slower tempo does drag the momentum by the end, and there could have been a little more variance in the songwriting. It’s not bad but songs tend to blend together in places, even for a short runtime. For what’s it worth, There’s No Place is a solid in-and-out adventure for the kind of conscious soul music Curtis was pushing at the time.
if you could go anywhere where would you go
Billy Jack is a helluva strong start to an album but things immediately fell off and don't quite reach that high level again. Overall okay album
It was alright I suppose - I prefer his more uptempo stuff and some of the stuff he produced for other artists
Pretty good listen, but not as good as Superfly.
So many phasers, wahs, tremolo, vibrato. Surprised we didn’t modulate into a different dimension
While not necessarily bad, it does feel very repetitive, like one long song repetitive. I didn’t hate it, found it enjoyable actually, I just doubt that it’s something I’ll be returning to on purpose
Voice got a little old but the horns thrown in here and there made it interesting. Liked “When Seasons Change “ the best.
Incredibly smooth blend of soul and funk. Music for when you want something a bit more lowkey and digestible than Stevie Wonder.
Pretty groovy
its not my favorite genre but its a great example of it and I found myself bopping along also coming right after antony and the johnsons, it was nice to have someone who can FUCKING SING to listen to
I find myself wondering what Curtis Mayfield sounds like when he's not using a falsetto. The album cover is amazing.
It is another Curtis Mayfield record that is definitely worth listening to. For me, "Billy Jack" is THE song of America Today. Another true classic that Curtis produces here. All the ingredients are present again. It's wonderful how this man can put songs together. "Jack" is subtle, there is reggae in that beautiful drum/percussion work. And of course, marinated under a thick layer of soul and funk. And as usual, Curtis also knows how to write a text that is more than excellent. It is violent as hell but sung oh so relaxed. Unfortunately, it's a shame that Curtis is unable to maintain this level throughout the album. the rest can't match the first song. Not that it's getting boring, because with "Hard Times" and "Love to the People" the album picks itself up again near the end. Lyrically this is also a typical Mayfield album, so lots of social issues impressively explained on small scale. A good album, but not great, unfortunately
rly liked this!! 7/10
I recognized the artist name from the Touch the Sky sample. Some good moments but not my thing.
Not my scene. What I listened to was good, I get why people like it. But it's just a little too croon-y for me.
An album title that is as relevant now, as it was in 1976. MAGA have a hard on for a civil war and the union will dissolve in 2025. Mark my words. This was a decent album, I guess if this is here then Superfly must be too. 3.5/5
Favorite track: Billy Jack other picks: When seasons change, So in love