Curtis

by Curtis Mayfield

Curtis cover art

On his debut solo album, 'Curtis', Curtis Mayfield departed from the pop-soul of The Impressions to forge a more ambitious and hard-edged sound, fusing funk grooves and psychedelic textures with lush, cinematic orchestrations. The album's songwriting directly confronts social and political issues, delivering messages of Black pride and community struggle with a new level of candor. Featuring extended instrumental jams and Mayfield's distinct falsetto, the record established him as a pioneering force in progressive soul, creating a template for politically conscious music that would resonate throughout the decade.

Genres

  • Chicago Soul

Tracklist

  1. (Don't Worry) If There Is a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go
  2. The Other Side of Town
  3. The Makings of You
  4. We the People Who Are Darker Than Blue - Live at The Bitter End, NYC
  5. Move on Up - Extended Version
  6. Miss Black America
  7. Wild and Free
  8. Give It Up
  9. Power to the People - Demo Version
  10. Underground - Demo Version
  11. Ghetto Child - Demo Version
  12. Readings in Astrology - Demo Version
  13. Suffer - Demo Version
  14. Miss Black America - Demo Version
  15. The Makings of You - Backing Track, Take 32
  16. (Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below We're All Going to Go - Backing Track, Take 1 & 2
  17. (Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below We're All Going to Go - Single Version