This 1970 debut release from Curtis Mayfield is an acknowledged classic among soul albums (and albums in general) and has stood the test of time, both lyrically and musically. Powerful, keenly observed social commentary – often with a wry, dark humour – abound across the set. The stunning ‘The Other Side Of Town’ brings to the fore the universal and enduring problems with social equality and the stark differences in opportunity that it brings, the epic ‘We People Who Are Darker Than Blue’ and ‘If There’s A Hell Down Below…’ are lengthy, punchy slabs of funky soul, the classic ‘Move On Up’ is an evergreen favourite that has positivity running through its DNA and clocks in at nearly 9 minutes of the album while ‘Miss Black America’ perhaps comes closer to his late Impressions work. The bright ‘Wild And Free’ again , musically has that thumping crossover sound while the gentle, waltz feel of ‘Give It Up’ finds Curtis in the middle of a big, bold, brassy arrangement that still retains the bittersweet feel of the album’s theme. Absolute classic that all soul fans must own.
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Listen to tracks
(Don’t Worry) If There’s A Hell Below We’re All Going To Go
The Other Side Of Town
The Makings Of You
We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue
Move On Up
Miss Black America
Wild And Free
Give It Up
