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.
Track listings:
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01 (Don’t Worry) If There’s A Hell Below We’re All Going To Go by Curtis Mayfield
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02 The Other Side Of Town by Curtis Mayfield
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03 The Makings Of You by Curtis Mayfield
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04 We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue by Curtis Mayfield
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05 Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield
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06 Miss Black America by Curtis Mayfield
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07 Wild And Free by Curtis Mayfield
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08 Give It Up by Curtis Mayfield
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