Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Lee Mayfield was born on June 3, 1942, at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in the Cabrini Green Housing Projects, he was exposed to the city’s rich blues and gospel music scene from an early age. His family dynamics changed when his father abandoned the family, significantly impacting his upbringing and inspiring much of his future work.
By the age of 14, Mayfield joined the vocal group The Impressions, where he began as a backup singer. His talents soon propelled him into the spotlight as the group’s lead singer. He contributed significantly to the group's success, writing many of their hits and establishing himself as a talented songwriter and performer.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Mayfield emerged as a key figure in the Chicago-based soul music movement. He was not only a singer and guitarist but also a producer and entrepreneur. His work often reflected themes of social change, civil rights, and black empowerment, making him a motivating force in black music and culture. His album "Superfly," released in 1972, is particularly notable for its social commentary and became a significant part of the blaxploitation film genre.
Mayfield's music served as a vehicle for political and social messages, making him an influential voice during the civil rights movement. He was known for his activism and commitment to promoting positive change within the African American community. His contributions to music and society have earned him a lasting legacy as one of the most important figures in American music history.
After a successful career marked by numerous accolades, including being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Mayfield's life faced challenges. In 1990, he suffered a tragic accident during a concert that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite his condition, he continued to write and produce music until his death on December 26, 1999. His impact on music and culture continues to be felt, and his work remains a testament to his artistry and vision for social justice.<div hidden>Curtis Mayfield/</div>
Back To The World
A2 Future Shock 5:24
A3 Right On For The Darkness 7:30
B1 If I Were Only A Child Again 2:53
B2 Can't Say Nothin' 5:20
B3 Keep On Trippin' 3:16
B4 Future Song (Love A Good Woman, Love A Good Man) 5:00
Written by Curtis Mayfield.
Label: Curtom – CRS 8015
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Released in 1973, Back to the World is the fourth solo studio album by American soul and funk artist Curtis Mayfield. It serves as a semi-concept album addressing the struggles of African American soldiers returning from the Vietnam War to a country plagued by poverty and social neglect.
The title refers to "The World," GI slang for America. The album explores the disillusionment of veterans returning to find "no job, no woman, no money".
Like his earlier work, the album features "message songs" that tackle industrialization, environmental concerns, and the human condition.
It was Mayfield's first studio effort following his massive success with the Super Fly soundtrack, continuing its cinematic, orchestral-funk style.
The album is characterized by Mayfield’s signature fragile falsetto, wah-wah guitar lines, lush string arrangements by Richard Tufo, and heavy percussion.
Featured musicians include guitarist Phil Upchurch, bassist Lucky Scott, keyboardist Rich Tufo, and percussionist Henry Gibson.
Tracklist Highlights:
"Back to the World": A soulful title track that contrasts upbeat arrangements with lyrics about the difficulties of veteran life.
"Future Shock": A high-energy funk track later covered by Herbie Hancock; it uses science-fiction metaphors to describe social upheaval.
"Right On for the Darkness": An intense, cinematic epic known for its moody, building arrangement and heavy bass.
"If I Were Only a Child Again": A more optimistic, jubilant funk number expressing a desire for innocence.
"Can't Say Nothin'": A largely instrumental, "sleek and stylish" funk workout.
"Keep on Trippin'": A mellow, psychedelic soul-ballad co-written with Phil Upchurch.
"Future Song (Love a Good Woman, Love a Good Man)": A gospel-influenced track emphasizing spiritual and personal connection.
The album was a significant success, peaking at number 1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and reaching number 16 on the Billboard 200. It remains a definitive example of socially conscious 1970s soul.
Curtis
A2 The Other Side Of Town 4:00
A3 The Makings Of You 3:40
A4 We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue 6:10
B1 Move On Up 8:50
B2 Miss Black America 2:55
B3 Wild And Free 3:12
B4 Give It Up 3:45
Produced and written by Curtis Mayfield
Label: Curtom – CRS 8005
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Curtis Mayfield's 1970 solo debut, Curtis, is a landmark album praised for its fusion of funky grooves, psychedelic soul, and powerful social commentary on Black pride, unity, and systemic issues, featuring iconic tracks like "Move on Up," "We the People Who Are Darker Than Blue," and "(Don't Worry) If There's Hell Below, We're All Going to Go," establishing him as a vital voice in 70s soul with rich arrangements and hopeful, yet realistic, messages. While early reviews were mixed, it's now seen as essential listening, a cornerstone of progressive soul, and a testament to Mayfield's distinctive guitar and vocals, paving the way for Super Fly.
The album tackles serious themes like racism, religion, and civic responsibility with a hopeful outlook, urging togetherness and dignity. It blends soul, funk, gospel, and psychedelic elements, with intricate guitar work, soaring falsetto, and rich instrumentation.
Key Tracks: "Move on Up," "We the People Who Are Darker Than Blue," "The Other Side of Town," "Miss Black America," and the hit "(Don't Worry) If There's Hell Below" are highlights.
Mayfield produced the record himself on his own label, Curtom Records, allowing for creative freedom that resulted in tracks often described as the "Sgt. Pepper of '70s soul". The production is polished yet gritty, showcasing a tight band and Mayfield's layered arrangements, creating an immersive experience.
Critical Acclaim: Initially debated, it's now considered a masterpiece and one of the greatest soul albums, with some critics calling it stronger than Super Fly. It hit #1 on the Billboard Black Albums chart and was a significant commercial success for an independent label.
Though it received some contemporary backlash from Rolling Stone for being "uninspired," it is now a fixture on "Greatest Albums of All Time" lists, ranked #275 by Rolling Stone in 2020.
An influential work that perfectly married progressive soul sounds with potent, relevant messages. Its themes and musicality remain powerful and relevant decades later, influencing countless artists.
In Summary, Curtis is celebrated as an exhilarating and deeply meaningful debut, showcasing Mayfield's complete artistry as a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist, making it a must-hear for soul music fans.
Honesty
A2 Still Within Your Heart 4:27
A3 Dirty Laundry 4:08
A4 Nobody But You 4:45
B1 If You Need Me 5:07
B2 What You Gawn Do? 5:33
B3 Summer Hot 5:15
Label: The Boardwalk Entertainment Co – NB 33256-1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul
Honesty is an R&B/soul album that represents Curtis Mayfield's transition into the early 1980s sound. It followed his 1981 release Love Is The Place and features his trademark socially conscious lyrics balanced with a musically "happy" and relaxed atmosphere.
The album is a blend of soul, funk, and R&B, incorporating 1980s production elements such as synthesizers and vintage keyboard sounds alongside Mayfield’s traditional rich horn and string arrangements.
While many tracks lean into "sunshot" and "langorous" soulful vibes, Mayfield maintains his sharp social awareness on tracks like "Dirty Laundry".
Key Tracks: "Hey Baby (Give It All To Me)": A high-energy opening track; "Summer Hot": A flute-backed closer often described as having a "sizzling" funk feel similar to The Gap Band; "Dirty Laundry": A politically charged yet musically laid-back song featuring a harmonica.
Curtis Mayfield produced the album and wrote all its tracks. It features Mayfield on guitar and vocals, with support from a full orchestra including cello, viola, and violin, as well as flute, saxophone, and brass sections. Richard Tufo contributed heavily to the rhythm, horn, and string arrangements.
Critics often describe Honesty as one of Mayfield's most "musically happiest" sets of songs, though some note it may not reach the historic heights of his earlier 1970s masterpieces like Super Fly. It is frequently paired with Love Is The Place in modern reissues and digital collections, such as The Boardwalk Sessions.