There's No Place Like America Today

Day220 - almost fifty years ago and still just as relevant and it’s very cool

Doesn't really raise the pulse

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.

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.

No no no

Incredibly smooth blend of soul and funk. Music for when you want something a bit more lowkey and digestible than Stevie Wonder.

mah

Pretty groovy

Well, I tried. Several times. It's just not connecting. He is just not connecting. Lyrics appear and then slide off. I like the bass riffs and the arrangements but it's not feeling like my music. The vocals, sliding and tremulous, high and delicate with strength and substance, but still, not for me. Thanks. 2 stars.

As melodias são boas tecnicamente mas não teve nenhuma música que se destacou. Tudo é muito sem-sal. Fora isso, o álbum inteiro ser cantado com esse "falsete" deixa a experiência bem desgastante. Acho que não vou voltar a ouvir, mas dou um mérito por ele não ser um country meio redneck, que foi a impressão que o titulo me passou.

Mayfield's so funky and cool! Liked songs added: - Billy Jack - Hard Times

Not my thing, sounded fine though. 2/5

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

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

I find myself wondering what Curtis Mayfield sounds like when he's not using a falsetto. The album cover is amazing.

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

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

Beautiful.

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

rly liked this!! 7/10

I recognized the artist name from the Touch the Sky sample. Some good moments but not my thing.

either I dont like this or im the wrong mood

4/10 - I did not like his voice. I will not listen to this again probably

So in love is a great song. The album’s kinda boring but everything sounded pretty good

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

Liked it, thought it sounded pretty good.

Great stuff.

Favorite track: Billy Jack other picks: When seasons change, So in love

A solid 4.

Good. Whole lotta soul

Got into the car in a bad mood, got out in a good one.

3.4 Good groove throughout. No real standouts but not stinkers either. I think additional listens would yield a higher score. Album cover is pretty cool

Not my cup of tea I'm afraid

First few songs got me hooked. Took a break after Jesus. Billy Jack is a tremendous opening track. Love the vocals and overall funkyness.

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

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

3☆/5 07.15.2024

Funky

I get why it's called soul now....

wish it was funkier

Exemplary horns. A bit too preachy for me.

Ehh. No. Curtis Mayfield yes, but the music on here is like the teacher from The Peanuts, both in Wah-Wah and Blah-Blah: a problem I have with quite a bit of Soul, it looks like, is how it's just this bed of music for a singer to meanderingly phrase over. And... that doesn't do much for me. Again: eh. Thankfully, by the time "Blue Monday People" was over, Mayfield and band seem to have been equally bored and picked up the groove, somewhat.

First song is amazing, that's a good album 1.3/5

So I have to be honest, ‘70s soul and funk have never really been my style of music, and when I was younger, I couldn’t stand it. I’m definitely more appreciative of it these days, but finding tracks that I truly enjoy enough to go back to is still rare. Moving forward to this album, overall, I would give most of the tracks a 3. However, I definitely want to point out the first track, “Billy Jack.” I loved it, and that was the standout track for me.

Lekker funky, veel goede nummers

-Maybe a bit slow for my liking but I do like the lyrics and instrumentation! Generally very reminiscent of Marvin Gaye but I suppose that’s just the style -Favorites are Billy Jack and Love To The People

1. billy jack - 1 2. change - 1 3. love - 1.5 4. jezuz - 1 5. blue monday - 1.5 6. hard timez - 1 7. people - 1

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

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

Meget fin soft musik. Lidt for lidt gang i den til min smag.

Mega kedeligt!

Starter godt ud med smukke toner fra diverse instrumenter komponeret til UG. Dog er albummet lidt trivielt når man kommer igennem numrene. Der er ikke rigtig nogle numre der stikker ud. Et generelt dejligt album, der er rart at lytte til - gode vokaler og toner, men jeg vil ikke rigtig kunne genkalde mig det senere.

Funky guitar and bass right from the first notes - here we go! 'Jesus' gets a little too gospely for me without really hitting what makes gospel cool sometimes. A pretty chill and enjoyable listen. Standouts Billy Jack Love to the People 3/5

Chill funky

Two songs in and it felt like forever. Old Motown sound. Fine but not what I like

Funky shit

No denying the voice. Funky at times.

Lots of the same stuff over and over, not my jam

Not bad but not really my style

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

Maybe too young for some tracks, but still beautiful and incredible

Knew most of the album. Frankly, a very pleasant listen.

Just couldn't get into it! I'm sure its great music, just not to me!

Too funky for me

Oh, this is not my jam at all. It's not a huge surprise, I rarely listen to soul/funk to begin with, but I was looking forward to trying this one out! I did enjoy the opening track, "Billy Jack", but everything after that was much more soul and much less funk than I expected. Lyrically the songs are very good, and there were bits and pieces here and there that stood out musically to me. It's not one that I think I'll be listening to all the time now, but I would like to revisit it at some point now that I have a better idea what to expect.

Sweetest voice you ever heard talking about bitter topics

Not my type of music at all so not qualified to rate. The music does sound competent and as I’ve heard of Curtis Mayfield before, made by good musicians.A lot of the tracks remind me of those Shaft like films back in the 70’s featuring New York gangs. This may have been the object but don’t think it has stood test of time. What has stood test of time is the album cover art work. Album cover says a lot about America back in the 70’s and first track I gather is about gun control. Both things have not progressed particularly well so the ironic album title may still be relevant today. Today been the day after the 1st Presidential debate of 2024 featuring a senile old man and the other a convicted criminal. Sat here in the UK I shake my head and ponder that it’s just as well there is no other place like America. 2/5 28/6/24

I'm a big fan of CM but, this is not an essential album. Some good grooves for sure.

I’m grooving & it’s so nice

I like some of his other songs This is ok but doesn't make me jiggy like superfly or move on up does.

Nice one. A classic.

This is easily the best album artwork I've had in 400+ albums so far. The album itself is fine - it holds its' own, isn't too long and doesn't falter. No single song jumps out at me, but as an easy-listening experience it's dead good.

So much of this album is really slow and laboured, and there's nowhere near enough oomph. I don't like his vocals or singing style at all. It's so high pitched and floaty. There's a few tracks with a bit more about them, including the likes of 'So in Love'. The last few tracks also pick up a bit. Mostly though, no thank you.

Easy to listen to but nothing really stood out.

The sound is similar to Superfly but none of the songs hooked me.

Not bad, just largely not memorable.

I wish this one hit as hard as Super Fly but it just doesn't.

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

Nothing in this album stood out. Didn't go back to any song to give it another go.

Meget behageligt men lidt forglemmelige sange:) ville nok give det 3,5/5 hvis man kunne

Det kan jeg godt lide. Hyggeligt og chill. Solid 3/5 😇

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

no track rating for this 2.5/5

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

An okay album, but nothing really grabbed me.

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

Enjoyable mellow vibes.

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.

I grew up on this!!

Solid album

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.

3.5 - some of these songs are perfect, others are boring. Said perfect (5/5) tracks are: - Billy Jack - Hard Times - Love to the People

Pleasant chill album. Reminds me of Schvitz album by Vulfpeck a bit

So I have to be honest, ‘70s soul and funk have never really been my style of music, and when I was younger, I couldn’t stand it. I’m definitely more appreciative of it these days, but finding tracks that I truly enjoy enough to go back to is still rare. Moving forward to this album, overall, I would give most of the tracks a 3. However, I definitely want to point out the first track, “Billy Jack.” I loved it, and that was the standout track for me.

solid album, great voice, really groovy and nice to listen to

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

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

Not bad, but nothing really sticks out.

Funky and chill. But most importantly, SHORT!

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

Good

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.

Not my bag at all, especially the preachy early tracks. Improved enough towards the end to avoid a one star rating.

Baby making music

Seems interesting

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.

I don’t know that I’d listen to it again—too much falsetto for me—but it did have a pretty good groove.

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

Really smooth, groovy, and funky soul music. Solid all around, but no highlight. 3.5/5

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

Smooth, funky and sexy, is the best way to describe Mayfield's album. Nothing spectacular or something I have to hear, but the more I heard, the more I want to listen. Good solid record!

Cool Chicago Soul and Funk record - though admittedly it doesn't stand out for me as much as some of Curtis Mayfield's earlier works like 'Curtis' or certain songs of 'Superfly'. All the instrumentals here are spacey and vibrant - be that the horns, the saxophone on 'Love to the People', or that defiant bass on the opener 'Billy Jack'. There's also a decent cover of Baby Huey's 'Hard Times', one of my favorite Chicago soul songs (though it is missing some of the oomph of the original). Obviously, I have nothing bad to say about Curtis' singing - his falsetto-styled singing works beautifully over these instrumentals. Lyrically, again, it didn't stick out as much as some of the songs earlier in his career. With all that said, this is still a solid, tight little soul album that goes by relatively fast. Delightful stuff.

Love Curtis’ sound. Not much variation in terms of the songs, but still a solid release

Overall an easy listen but nothing stuck out that much to me. Great in the background, but probably not something I'm going to think to put on again.

It took me a while to think about this album. It was not bad or anything even close really. It is quite good actually. Of course it is "supposed to be" although in this case that does not hurt my thinking about it. I think maybe what it is is that while a couple of songs were indeed outstanding, I kind of felt like "yeah, this is Ok." I was never bored but I didn't feel the need for any volume raising or double takes. (with a shout out to the opening song).

Absolutely incredible! Short, sweet, and powerful.

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.

Take me back to this era please I love funk and soul

Bom demais

Cool grooves and powerful messages, particularly on side one

Silkyyy smooth

"There's No Place Like America Today" is a solo album by Curtis Mayfield, an original member of the Impressions. This slow and funky old R&B album is pretty cool and unique.

Somehow pulls off being smooth and funky at the same time. Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: So in Love Date listened: 28/05/24

This is music heritage.

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.

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

Excellent. Understated, impactful funky soul with a message. Deserves all the acclaim. Possibly overdid the falsetto now and again (sorry!)

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

Was a joy to listen to this. Perfect

Pretty good

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

i enjoyed the slower pace in this one. started strong but by the end i sorta lost interest. still solid

3 - The album cover is a clever one. I really wanted to give this a 3.5 or something, but after the first song, I just wasn't very hooked on anything. I mean, I remember vaguely liking quite a few of the tracks, but I can't really justify a higher rating to myself.

It’s crazy that these themes are still so prevalent in America today. Loved how funky this album was!

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

Not a bad listening experience at all, just not really appealing.

Mega gost

Good vibes, vocals a little hard to understand but groovy af

I guess it's ok, not a big fan of this style though. Will I listen to again: 0%

falsetto laulana uuu uuu da baby ... jos luulit että 70 luvulla niin mieti jos tietäisi että 202 luvulla... mieti pikku hetki tätä.......... terroristit, pelinne on ohi sillä nyt sinun on vastattava AMERIKKA (Vittu joo!) joten nuole peppuani ja ime palloani AMERIKKA (Vittu joo! mitä aiot tehdä, kun tulemme hakemaan sinua nyt? suomea voisi kutsua pikku-ameriikaksi nykyään, niin paljon isoja kihoja näkee kadulla elvistelemässä. ennen aikaan ei päivänvalossa pysynyt henki pielessä heillä.. oltais tapettu siitä vaan NOIN... mutta ajat on erilaiset nykyään, Yhdysvaltain vaikutus pop-kulttuuriin on levinnyt jokaiseen kulmaan arkielämästä. Siksi iskelmä paras genre, ei koskaan kopioitu amerikkalaisia..... billy jack

Funky but too much falsetto for me

Grew weary of the constant falsetto. Great tunes backing him, just wish he drop an octave more often than he does.

Some Funky guitar and cool vocals, fun times

хера они там гигантские за рулём своего фордика. И довольные. И фанки бейслайн. Вообще что значит "нет такого места как америка сегодня"? Ну типа... логично? Нет никакого другого места как любое место какое ни возьми в любое время. Никто не повторит саратов 1998 года, например. Что касается музыки -- ну это какой-то соул ДЖИИИИИЗУС с завываниями. Саунд приятный, но голос портит. ДЖИИИИЗУС

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.

Meh 3

Esse foi o único que eu realmente não tinha escutado até agora, e acho que foi o que mais gostei dos três.

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

This was good. I liked this about as much as the other Curtis Mayfield record we heard on the list. It's not something I would choose often I don't think, but definitely digging it while it's playing.

I wasn't feeling this one nearly as much as Superfly. It was ok, but also not all that memorable. 2.5/5

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!

is not made for me NNN

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

Too soupy waah waaah with the guitar

If you love Eric Clapton, you will love this

Thoughts before listening: I really enjoyed the Superfly soundtrack that I got on here a couple weeks ago, so I'm sure this will be good as well. I'm expecting 70s funk and r&b perhaps with more of a political undertone to the lyrics. Review: Yeah this is fine though definitely not as fun of a listen as Superfly. This album gets into a little more of a slow jam and introspective territory. Favorite songs are "Jesus" and "Billy Jack". 3-stars

6.5/10

Meh, not massively interesting.

I like the funky parts. His vocal style can get a bit tiring after a while though.

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

Okay

Good funky soul

I loved it

A couple of highlights but this one was flat for me. Mayfield is good but this one was slow without much action. The first track and Hard Times were the high points.

This didn't blow me away - i guess I needed to listen to the lyrics more closely.

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

Class

The sort of music you can listen to all day without fatigue.

Darker than "Move on Up" (the only track of his I could previously name) but still get the sense that I would have had great success in removing the beige slacks of my neighbour's attractive wife if this had been given a spin at my 1975 dinner party

Easy listening but I didn’t know any.

Great for its era. Parts still shine.

Good start but went downhill quickly after. Too many slow songs.

cool

Maybe I’m just off this week - this is an enjoyable, well-crafted album with a pleasant, warm sound, but I had a hard time feeling too enthused about it. Perfectly fine, though not likely to seek it out again.

Whoa, so good! Funky jazzy awesomeness, which still feels fresh almost 50 years later. Curtis Mayfield is a genius.

Solid American album.

The most 70s album of all time

I almost like Love to the People

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.

Lindo disco tipo soul-funky con muchos vientos, mucho ritmo. Agradable.

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.

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

It’s not bad but Superfly is better. For this slower tempo stuff I’d prefer Marvin, The Isleys or Al Green

Ahhh, that sweet, sweet falsetto. Carries a great deal of the enjoyment of this record. Maybe a tad underwhelming compared to Mayfield's most classic records and hits, but this is patient music that weaves and slowly unfurls. "Billy Jack" has a funk-lite angle to it, "So In Love" is sweet and soulful, the gospel overtones of "Jesus" and "Blue Monday People" surprisingly don't irritate me too much, and the spiritual and political undercurrent remains poignant years later, especially in regards to "Love to the People." Honestly though I wish this cut loose just a little bit more. These songs are nice and the vibe is silky smooth, but this needs some sort of edge to really connect and that's missing from this record.

A masterpiece of R&B! Amazing amazing

Funky and tight. I liked it a lot.

Huge fan of early 70s Curtis.

Ik houd niet van muziek puur draait religie 0/0

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

Buen disco. Música para intimar.

An archetype of the genre.

Lovely! 4.2

Loved the funk and soulful elements Mayfield brings to this album!

2.5. Just not really in my area of things that I like, but, not bad. Background music.

Not bad. Not great.

Classic soul music!

Funk AF!! great sound

A short album, and not unenjoyable… yet, I was glad when it was over. Musically, it just felt repetitive. And by the sixth reach, I was tired of the high falsetto. The lyrics are important - I understand why this album is on the list. But it tired me out listening to it.

Classic Curtis Mayfield sound.

6 / 10 Soul relajante de los 70. Perfecto para f*ll*r! 😂

Cool

A poet, a mastered falsetto.

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

I liked the songs with funk elements, but I do not like the vocals or lyrics and I fucking hated the multiple songs about Jesus. A generous 1.5 stars for the Sax player.

Yeah you would have to be a Curtis Mayfield fan to appreciate all the songs on this album to most the only real hit he had that I really remember was Superfly so maybe a two for me

It was ok, but boring. “Love to the People” is good though.

Super groovy!!

Great funk and soul vibes that are smooth and enjoyable but I honestly found some tracks to be a little boring and not as noteworthy. Nothing on this album that really "hits."

Represents an entire era.

Love this music.

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.

There are some very classic songs on this album, of course, but I am not a fan of Mayfield's voice. I also personally think the live nature of the album hurts it, as I obviously can hear the energy, but I don't particularly like the sound, the intros and outros, and all the banter and crowd noise.

Delicioso

This album has a lot of SOUL with the solid dose of funk, which I appreciate. I found most of the sound to be creative and pleasant to listen to, but overall this is not my favorite Curtis Mayfield album.

Not my cup of tea, pretty boring

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

I have never heard about Curtis Mayfield. Not even about this album. The rhythm is a little sad, saxes solo are good, but in general this album did not lift me up. I’ll never listen to it again

A nice little morning listen

I like that there is a song about Billy Jack, even tho it's dissing rather than praising him. Cool song about Jesus too, but I'm just not as mellow of a dude as Curtis is, these songs don't move me. Oh well, 2 stars.

Album Nr. 78 Ich hätte dem Album gern eine bessere Wertung gegeben. Aber dafür wären mehr Titel a la "Billy Jack" nötig gewesen.

A solid 3.5 stars for this list, Mayfield's smooth falsetto provides an exquisite contrast over the rolling, funky bass lines.

How did Curtis Mayfield sing only in falsetto? That shit ain’t easy. And, why do so many great soul artists meet such unfortunate fates?

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.

This album immediately hits home with the initial track - a really interesting take on a soul/funk artist doing socially aware lyrics. I can see the influence on the soul revivalists with the stripped back instrumentation and falsetto vocals. By the end of the album it was getting a little monotonous and repetitive. It's a shame that the lyrics also fell away, losing their punchiness by the end as well.

Sadly this one didn't grab me like I wanted it to. Favourite track: Love to the People.

Very soulful and easy listening. Decent enough album.

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.

Not really enjoyable. Maybe I don't like "Soul/Funk"?

2/5. This could be really soulful and powerful but it feels like a knock off What's Going On. Like, not fully realized songs and the emotion is there but it does not feel as powerful as it could be. I honestly was bored through most of the songs, wish I wasn't but that was the experience I had. Like there is a disconnect between the vocals and instrumentation. Jesus was good but not much else. It's not terrible but it's not re-listenable.

So this is the second Curtis Mayfield album that we've been able to listen to. Found this one better than the first, sounded soulful and real. Felt like the first one was a starsky and hutch soundtrack. I can see that people in the '70s probably put this on to make love between Barry White and Marvin Gaye. 3.4

The heaviness of social injustice presented in a funk, soul, gospel masterpiece.

Super

так а вот это интересно приятная смесь соула и джаза, идеальная музыка для прогулки вечерком по индустриальному городу и погружения в свои мысли Ни каких музыкальных изысков исключительно классика, каких то прям сильных впечатлений альбом не вызвал но и отторжения то же . Настроение на пластинке плавает от меланхоличного заряда, как бы воспроизводящего мироощущение американца середины 70-х, к более традиционной для соула чувственности. Вообщем то опыт прослушивания интересный, хоть и впрямь сильных впечатлений не осталось.

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

The king of the wah-wah pedal and the master of the ultimate falsetto, Curtis Mayfield delivers a set of slow-burning funk soul. The bass makes this work - spare and efficient, hitting a few clustered notes to keep the deep groove going and creating a vast opening for the other instruments to gather in and build up the harmonies and rhythms. It's the classic CM combo of a a very laid back and gentle album musically with deep themes. The lyrics alternate between romance and sociology, delving into violence, inequality, and the endurance of hard times in post-Civil Rights America - drawing the two strands together in the end, uplifting loving brotherhood as the way of making it through. So in Love is the only really stand out track though. The entire album is WAY slowed down and relaxed without much variety, like turning on a tap for 35 minutes of pure Mayfield,

Solid album. I should listen to Curtis more often.

This was a good album. There were some songs I liked on there, but I hadn't heard (That I can remember) any of them. I like the mix of soul and funk that Curtis does on this album.

3- Stars (7/15)

Very fun

Quality of music is pretty decent, but just couldn't take to it at all on a personal level. The only song I half liked was Hard Times. Regrettably, it's a 2

this is really nice i have no problems with it but like. whatever

Very nice

A bit too mellow for me.

love the album cover but the music is just meh

I like Curtis Mayfield a lot but had never listened to this album and I’m really glad I did. His sound is so incredible and fits his voice so well. I really enjoyed this album.

Really enjoyed this (except for the song Jesus, didn't really care for that one).

Son 7ème album. Le festival de la guitare qui fait ''pwoinnnnpwoinnnn''. Très soul. Toujours une belle critique sociale. Ça me rejoint peu, mais agréable au son.

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.

Smooth, funky sound to this album with wonderful vocals from an artist I have not really listened to much.

Oh my God that was so boring. Literally every song sounds exactly the same and never does anything remotely interesting. Just using the same cliche funk sounds over and over again and never trying to do anything different. And I can't be the only one that really doesn't like his voice, he sounds almost whiny but in a way I can't quite describe.

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.

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

Wieder ein 70er Album was mir gefällt ...

Hadn’t heard it; really great

Very 70’s message soul. I think it is okay…but don’t love it.

Pretty good. Fun and interesting music

Chef from South Park was the best comment. Boring

good background

This was an enjoyable listen. I think it's a little out of my wheelhouse so it was a fun trip. Curtis is great on vocals and the instruments are on *point*. I didn't listen to the lyrics much, so I'm evaluating this off the sound alone. I think I'd like to revisit this album when I can commit more time and attention to it.

Was this the first instance of money being referred to as long?

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

Better than expected

I have always respected Curtis and his cultural influence but have had a problem personal with his music. My introduction to his music came from Beastie Boy samples and later Blacksplotation movies (Shaft; Fox Brown; etc), which makes it hard for me to separate in my mind. Additionally, his music was a reflection of his world-1970s post-Soul urban New York. Being a 21st Century whiteboy from Colorado leaves me with little context for connection. Plus, I’m not a huge fan of falsetto. His beats and rhythms are good. Key songs for me on this were So In Love and Love to the People, both which have a distinct groovy feel. Overall, he has my respect but, honestly, I wouldn’t look for this album on a Saturday afternoon.

I like this one alright. Listened to it a few times but didn’t grab my attention.

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.

R&B pop met een ziel. Curtis zingt met een verhoogde stem en zet alles wat hees in. Het zou prima op de hedendaagse radio passen. Tijdloos. De begeleidende muziek heeft kwaliteit, maar hij weet het op de achtergrond te houden. Het is iemand die weet wat hij doet en levert een sterke plaat. Wel in een genre waar ik zelf minder mee heb. Soul mag van mij iets rauwer. Maar dat is smaak. Ik overwoog 3,5/4 sterren. Maar dat is te hoog voor een plaat die ik zelf geen tweede keer opzet. Het wordt een 3 met een flinke plus.

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.

solid album

Nice songs. Very laidback. Good bass and drums.

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

So groovy and funky, a good listen Top tracks: So in Love

falsetto

1975 funk/ soul. Awesome Album