Curtis represented a musical apotheosis for Curtis Mayfield -- indeed, it was practically the "Sgt. Pepper's" album of '70s soul, helping with its content and its success to open the whole genre to much bigger, richer musical canvases than artists had previously worked with.
"Move On Up" and "...Hell Below" take the headlines, but the quality runs deep.
Cut for cut, Mayfield's solo debut is stronger than Superfly. Linked in this version with 1974's Got To Find a Way, which isn't, it's worth scrounging or waiting for. Rare items: the achingly empathetic "Other Side of Town" and "Miss Black America," featuring one of his many children.
Whew, I'm feeling good after this!
Curtis is the debut album from American soul singer Curtis Mayfield, released in September 1970. It was recorded at RCA Studios, Chicago during May-July 1970.
Striving away from the pop-soul sound of his former group The Impressions, Curtis went for a more funk & psychedelic infused sound. Lyrically, the album focuses on political / social concerns of the time of its release.
Curtis Mayfield was one of the earliest artists to speak openly about ... read more
Wonderful display of funk and soul at it's absolute best. Such beautifully constructed arrangements across the board.
The greatest Soul record ever released, setting a very high benchmark for every artist that succeeds him
Man, such a fun and positive record. Still so far ahead of it's time in terms of subject matter, and it still sounds absolutely phenomenal. There is so much passion flowing throughout this record, with each song being a complete vibe. 'Move on Up' is such great song as well, I can see why Kanye decided to sample it.
March Reviews #2
Curtis - Curtis Mayfield
Rating: 84
Genre: Soul
Favourite 2 Tracks: We People Who Are Darker Than Blue, Move on Up
Worst Track: Wild and Free
As a big fan of 1972’s Superfly, I was intrigued to check out Curtis Mayfield’s debut, which of course includes the very well-known Move on Up.
Curtis is a great record, one that will light up a sunny day and have you thinking about the plight of African Americans in the 70s in the same breath. The lyrics are fantastic, ... read more
1 | (Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go 7:46 | 95 |
2 | The Other Side of Town 4:00 | 89 |
3 | The Makings of You 3:40 | 89 |
4 | We the People Who Are Darker Than Blue 6:00 | 94 |
5 | Move on Up 8:50 | 98 |
6 | Miss Black America 2:55 | 88 |
7 | Wild and Free 3:12 | 87 |
8 | Give It Up 3:45 | 92 |