Superfly

“Super Fly” by Curtis Mayfield (1972) Now this is how urban ‘social justice’ music is done. A concept album with a coherent, humanistic concept. Soulful poetry painting vivid scenes of the heartbreaking reality of the pain and hopelessness of black ghetto life. No pontificating on ‘root cause’; no rage directed at dubious agents of evil; no thinly disguised Marxist political posing; no plea to do wrong in order to set things right. Mayfield touches the individual heart with moral guidance that is edifying and redemptive. “Freddie’s Dead” is so much more than funeral dirge or eulogy. From the abyss of urban lament, It announces salvation. And check out the rap in the intro to “No Thing on Me”. Beats anything I’ve heard from the 90s. And the music soars. Mayfield’s vocals push and pull real tears. Very well controlled falsetto transcends gendered chains. Instrumentals are arranged with symphonic expansiveness, and (even if somewhat dated) are richly varied—and exquisitely performed. The well executed mix draws the listener with relentless mystery. I wish “Junkie Chase” (at only 1:41) would go on for another ten minutes. But alas, real junkie chases probably don’t last that long. For those into folk rock, the acoustic guitar work (Mayfield?) on the intro to “Think” is very well done, setting up a pleasantly surprising stylistic transition. There is so much good music on this album. And this is not the voice of nostalgia speaking. This may shock you, but . . . 5/5

Thursday morning. Nearly the end of the week. Lounging on my velour recliner for a moment of contemplation, it's a sunny day and the light is streaming through the window highlighting the dust in the air. Rising out the seat, I glance in the mirror and my oversize collar is on point with the brown and yellow earth tones in the tie I picked out earlier. Aviators on and quickly check the moustache - nice. I leave for work, climb into the car and Curtis plays in the background on the 8-track. Sunlight glints on my glasses and I'm feeling the beats, one arm out the window as I drive. It's going to be a good day.

This was a great album. Smooth as butter, with surprising depth.

I'm glad this was our weekend album. There's just... so much. So many layers. Organ, hand drums, regular drums, distorted bass (and surely that's a whammy bar on the bass), spitting fuzz guitar, clean guitar with a wah (of course), any number of horns and strings, and... is that a fucking harp? Yes, yes it's a harp. And that's just the first minute of the first song. And it feels like they're all played by individual humans. All playing little bits and pieces, but also coming together in unison often enough that the songs feel like songs, not just jams. Somehow, even with all that instrumentation, it has a real live feel. There are mistakes here and there, and the vocals aren't the strongest, but I don't find they distract from the experience. They give it an energy. It feels alive. You're not listening to a product that has been painstakingly constructed and polished over months in a studio, you're in a room full of great musicians having a good time. The off the cuff feeling of the album comes with downsides. No Thing On Me feels cheesy, both lyrically and melodically. The wah in Give Me Your Love sounds like someone is strangling a duck. Both songs could have used more time in the oven, but I think more overall production time would have dulled some of the rawness that gives the rest of the album it's energy. So I'll take two (relative) duds if it gives me 7 songs that are brilliant, rich without being busy, dirty without being muddy, somehow simultaneously groovy and contemplative. I'll be listening to this for years to come.

Beautiful soul and funk sounds, and as a Chance fan it was cool to hear the origin of Pusha Man.

Where do you start to peel back the layers of this album?! The percussion, the guitar, the horns, the strings, the lyrical content, this is 36 minutes of absolute pure glory!

70's porno music mixed with a low budget heist film 3 ⭐️

Alright, this is the second of two Curtis Mayfield albums I've gotten on my journey after There's No Place Like America Today. This one is the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Super Fly, of which I've heard the title track before but have not seen the movie yet. I'm approaching this release like I did with Issac Hayes's soundtrack for Shaft, in that I am determining if the music can hold on its own without the need for any visual media attached to it. In that regard, does Super Fly's soundtrack stand well? The answer to that question is a resounding yes. Not only is this album instrumentally firing on all cylinders with Curtis's knack for writing progressive funk jams, but lyrically he takes the time to paint the scene for what life was like for black people in 1970s America that sadly still rings true today. Living out in the slums, financially struggling, with little consideration or help from those in political power. It sounds like the kind of environment that preys on innocent souls, and what more potent bait than the allure of drugs - heroin, weed, cocaine. The Pusherman becomes a big player, and Curtis does not romanticize this living. From the death of the lackey dealer on "Freddie's Dead", the twisting nature of greed on "Eddie You Should Know Better", and the desperation for escapism that's found through lust and drugs on "Give Me Your Love (Love Song)" and "No Thing On Me (Cocaine Song)", all culminating in the title track where the titular Super Fly here is someone who looks to be better than the environment he was raised in. Even if I don't know who Eddie and Freddie are or the Super Fly, Curtis portrayed them as archetypes that people can identify and relate to. In that sense, you probably don't need the movie to get the messaging across. All's to say that Super Fly the soundtrack goes incredibly hard, and does not require watching a movie to truly appreciate it.

I was thinking to myself “I’ll bet there won’t be a soundtrack album on this list” but I had forgotten about this album. So bleeding good.

Feel like a Little Child Runnin’ Wild listening to this. Felt, Superfly!

No começo pensei em dar 4 estrelas mas depois percebi sua grandeza , ótimo disco

Incredible. The production and instrumentals along with Curtis Mayfield's voice and lyrics just takes you to this really blissful place that's vulnerable and embraces it. It's by no means a downer either, because it can set the mood for a really great party.

I'm a big fan of this album. Think Mayfield is a genius, great concept album soundtrack and love the use of strings.

Funky, groovy fun. Loved it.

Went into this expecting a 4/5 since I've really enjoyed what I've heard from Curtis Mayfield before, but also expecting it to show some age. It absolutely didn't. Soulful, funky, amazing. Title track and Freddie's Dead being my standouts. I'll have to listen again to see if I want to playlist anything, but this is an amazing record. Edit: After sitting on this for a while, knocking it down to a 4. Still a fantastic record, but haven't really felt like going back to it since I got it.

"Pusherman" should be sooo cringey but it slaps so hard. All of the instrumentation on this album is fun and groovy and interesting. It feels like listening to a layer cake of different sounds that go together great but are also good for picking apart and listening for little bits at a time. Sonically beautiful! In the list with Tarzan for "soundtracks where a guy really didn't have to go that hard at all but he did and it's excellent"

Interesting to learn that this album earned more than the corresponding movie. The sounds good, but I only got hooked by a couple of tracks, and eventually the falsetto got kind of old.

Didn't get much time with this today thanks to a kids party superbug, but I really enjoyed what I could pay attention to while drifting in and out of consciousness. Simple grooves worked to funky perfection with Mayfield's characteristically-great vocals and lyrics.

A plush pillow for the weary head of the ghetto's victims.

Just not my cup of tea. I understand it is a reflection of lifelong decisions to make good decisions in the worst of situations, but it is a subject that just don’t find myself attuned to. It’s weird that this album soundtrack is supposed to imbue soul, but I find it utterly soulless with how repetitive it is.

Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this but I was really bored.

THAT'S one hell of a FUNKY album!

Et movie soundtrack som gjorde det bedre end selveste filmen. Det er en af de første soul agtig albums. Blender pshycedilic soul funk og cinematic orchestration. Det er progressive soul. Det er blevet sampled af store kunstnere som chance the rapper biggie, Jay z og beyonce. Det er virkelig godt. Tror det er en 4,5

EGGMAAAAAAN

Peak pimping soul music. The grooves and vocals just mesh so well together. If this wasn’t the soundtrack for an action movie, I would have said it should be. If you like funk and soul, you’ll like this. If you don’t like that type of sound, you may still like this. Choice cut: Pusher Man

Some really good funk and soul, and he has a really great voice. I love the way all of the instruments sound on this album Fun Fact: the intro to Superfly was sampled for the Beastie Boy's song Egg Man. High 4

With this soundtrack in tow, anyone can be superfly!

I love Curtis Mayfield but I think he is constricted on this one by it being a film score. The main theme is awesome but the rest doesn't feel up to what I usually imagine from him based on his other work.

I like cocaine

Funky and fun. This album was consistent with its delivery of a catchy beat and some sweet falsetto. Many of the songs sounded very similar, so I am only feeling three stars.

Not my favorite genre

Hell fucking yeah that was really cool

For a couple of years, I have been listening to "Pusherman" and absolutely love it; Mayfield's voice and that smooth bass make for one of the funkiest tracks to ever exist. This will be the first time listening to the album in full. Straight away with "Little Child Runnin' Wild" I fell in love. The synth keyboard and drums, the introduction of that funky bass, the strings whistling in and the smooth entrance of Mayfield's amazing vocals... just simply incredible. "Freddie's Dead" reverbed bass, clicks and brass bring the same funk with a different flavour; the album is consistent in it's quality the whole way through. There wasn't a single track I disliked. If that's not deserving of the full stars, I don't know what is.

This album was great. One of the best so far. Lush, smooth soul, with deep, thought-provoking lyrics. The album hits on many heavy topics, such as drug dealing and death, but never sacrifices the quality of the music to tell its story. I’ll be returning to this, no doubt, and everyone should hear this album.

10!! I lika de songas!!!!

Album Review 064 Superfly by Curtis Mayfield (1972) Rating 5/5 Possibly the best soundtrack and also funk/soul album of all time.

>>>>>> the Beatles What are we even talking about here? One of the best songs of all time (Pusherman) One of the best theme songs of all time One of the best scores/soundtracks of all time Simply one of the greatest and most enjoyable albums of all time

This album was definitely music to my ears. A better combo of message and funk cannot be found. I put “Pusherman” on my Generator playlist but it really could have been any of the tracks.

Really loved this album. Great performances all around. Stand out tracks were Pusherman and Freddie's Dead. Will probably come back to this one.

Very fun jazzy listen with many great songs. Crazy that this is a movie soundtrack. Would listen to this album voluntarily :)

10/10 no notes

banger after banger after banger. kind of perfect. i love music that sounds a little sleazy and this album nails it. i should watch the movie now

Yup, always liked this type of music. Funky and groovy

Awesome!

Incredible album. Easy five stars

Another album that I never heard before, but have heard all the songs in the periphery via movies, commercials or hip hop remixes.

That was great and pretty funky.

8.7 Favourite: Pusherman Least favourite: No Thing On Me

Beautiful album. I´m not a soul music big fan but It's so inspiring.

A fantastic antidote to the utter shite I’ve been put through lately. Pure class

A brilliant soundtrack album. At the time, Curtis only made brilliant records though. It feels like he should be talked about more regularly in the same breath as Marvin and Stevie. This was his biggest success but his first two solo albums should be in the 1001.

okay amazing

A BANGER! Everything about this album is fantastic.

Certified un-skippable track list. One of the best soundtracks of all time that outshines the movie. It’s not even considered a soundtrack anymore…this is a Curtis Mayfield classic with conscious & soulful lyrics, and smooth, catchy, funky music. He also has to be one of the more underrated, not talked about guitarists of all time. The inspiration this album had on rap/rnb music in the decades to come shows how well it stands the test of time.

This album evokes a time, place and entire movie genre. The fact that it’s a film soundtrack but yet works as a studio album will have no doubt influenced Quentin Tarantino. Never has the underworld sounded so stylish and groovy……

Really good soul music, Mr Mayfield has a very smooth voice

Highlights: - Little Child Runnin’ Wild - … Pusherman - Freddie’s Dead - Eddie You Should Know Better - No Thing on Me (Cocaine Song) - Superfly

A soundtrack where the songs tell the story incredibly well. Great lyrics, fantastic musicians playing great soul/rnb, and excellent vocals.

Love old R&B blues stuff. Great album and good intro to a new artist

Mmmmmmm baby, Mr. Mayfield. God. Damn. Superfly is super fly. Soulful, funky, smart, and poignant. Pretty freaking hard to beat.

Super fly!

Really enjoyed this from start to finish!

<3

An absolutely incredible album. The jazzy elements combine perfectly with the soul feel of these songs, and Curtis’ drug focussed lyrics balance the upbeat sounds with a dark undertone. I’ve not seen the film, or fully dived into the meaning of the lyrics, but I’m more than happy to just listen to this one on repeat and enjoy it. Favourites are little child running wild, pusherman (I absolutely love those drums) and no thing on me

Some amazing, smooth 70s soul.

Eine der coolsten Platten aller Zeiten. Das ist mal ne richtige 10/10. Muss unbedingt irgendwann mal den Film sehen. Ist bestimmt herrlich trashig.

Imagine how good this would be if it wasn't tied to a being a movie soundtrack. Full of great songs here, even the instrumentals make for a pleasant listen. High points are Pusherman, , Freddie's Dead, Little Child Runnin' Wild and the title track for me. Curtis Mayfield is an excellent song craftsman and he elevated this random blacksploitation movie to something still listened to half a century later. Super warm and groovy.

How is someone allowed to cook this hard on a soundtrack? Was already familiar with ‘Pusherman’ and ‘Superfly’, however the rest is just as groovy. Truly excellent stuff. ‘Freddie’s Dead’ and ‘Pusherman’ the standouts for me.

Before Listening: Curtis Mayfield sounds familiar, looks pretty funky and soulful. Excited to give it a try. During Listening: feel like I’m listening to the blueprint. Very palatable and easy going, while also being thematic. I wish Mayfields vocals shined a little more through the sound. Had to give it a second listen because I wanted to hear it more. After Listening: I get all warm and fuzzy thinking about this listen, I thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s strattling the line of 4.5 to 5 stars. Will absolutely return to this album. Before listening: 0/11 songs saved After listening: 2/11 songs saved

The production on this album is really beautiful. So smooth! Vocals are like melted butter, I could listen to this all day. My highlights were: Pusherman, Think.

Luv dit! De instrumentals zijn zo goed. Mega aanstekelijk. Wat mij betreft de beste manier om een big band in te zetten. En dan met Curtis' zwoele stem erbij, veeg me op, neem me mee, doe een dansje. Ps. Ik wil meer handdrums in muziek!

Damn man, het is dat ik echt letterlijk niet langer kan staan dan 3 seconden maar hier wil je toch gewoon sex van gaan hebben. Het is tijdloos meesterwerk, funky groovy en lekker gewoon.

The best soundtrack ever

You have the right to remain sexy 😮‍💨 I love when musicians are just good at their instruments and I love when that comes through especially in a lil funky number like this one. HOLY SHIT I LOVE SOUL

Smooth and enjoyable listening experience. Love the bass lines and the sound of the bass.

Loved it!!

Instrumentos muy upbeat soul y jazzy, suave coz con ritmo y tonos agudos en partes, various tipos de tambores un saxofone que ese feeling como de tranquilidad y como flow en las canciones, sinfonia clara

amazing amazing amazing! Every time I get a recordación of a Curtis album I am always blown away and amazed🤩

Little Child Runnin Wild - 5/5 Pusherman - 5/5 Freddie's Dead - 5/5 Junkie Chase (Instrumental) - no rating Give Me Your Love (Love Song) - 4/5 Eddie You Should Know Better - 4/5 No Thing on Me (Cocaine Song) - 4/5 Think (Instrumental) - 3/5 Superfly - 5/5 Average score: 4.4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This music is full and vibrant.

Holy moly

So fucking soulful, heartbreaking and joyful, and above all gorgeous. Highlights: Pusherman, Freddie's Dead, Superfly, No Thing on Me (Cocaine Song)

Nice

Стильно і хітово. Заслужена класика

great start. amazing vibes. listened while doing homework so i didnt get to listen to the details but it got me in a really good mood. 10/10

Funky, soulful, smooth. I ran it back as soon as it ended and it stayed just as fresh 🔥

I am already a Mayfield fan. I love this album. It's fabulous.

I'm not a soundtrack guy, I don't get the appeal of listening to music that is completely out of context. Obviously, there are exceptions. The Harder They Come leaps to mind. Superfly occupies its own realm, not so much a soundtrack as it is a concept album inspired by a movie with a completely different ethos. The film is cool with what's happening but Curtis is here to tell you they're wrong, and why. He turned an exploitive piece of garbage film into a staggering work of genius. Superfly is not just the best ever soundtrack, it's one of the best albums ever made by anyone in any genre. 10/5

Easiest 5/5 I've ever given. This album is phenomenal.

A stone cold classic. Pure funky greatness from one of the master composers of the genre.

Отлична запись, шёл и почти танцевал.

Fun and funky

My system was peaked out rockin’ Pusherman on the way to work.

Badass soul

First listen

I've never seen the movie, but if the soundtrack is like this, the movie must be just as good.

It means something special when I smiled as soon as I saw this was my album of the day. The title track and Freddie's Dead are on my go to list whenever I'm sharing new tracks with people and I want to impress them with my taste and preference because they present everything you could ever want from a music taste, style and intelligence and unending amounts of smooth and cool. I've never seen the film but I ultimately believe soundtrack albums fall into one of two categories of creation; a soundtrack made with the film in mind or the soundtrack for a film. This is very much the former, it flows like an album should and is incredibly cohesive for what a lesser musician would've just made a checklist of themes. The idea of a concept album as a soundtrack is so obvious and yet still genius, and so underutilized while this is a very clear sign that it should be done more. The music itself is stellar, I think Curtis Mayfield is massively underrated in his work and anything he did that is popular should only be more so. The production is incredibly clean, the feel is smooth and unyieldingly tight so much so that 43 minutes will pass before you know it. Best songs: Superfly, Freddie's Dead and Pusherman Worst song: N/A (will only really be used when I think a song actively takes away from an album) Rank compared to everything else so far: 2/9

Classic funk sick soundtrack

This is one of the greatest soundtracks of all time, end of story. While it's a shame it has overshadowed the film—which is also great—you can't argue with what Curtis Mayfield created. "Pusherman" is one of the great songs of this era, which is saying something considering all the legendary stuff that came from this time. This rules, the end.