Curtis/Live!
Curtis Mayfield · 1971
67 min · 16 tracks · funk
A vibrant live performance that melds soulful melodies with powerful social commentary, showcasing Curtis Mayfield's profound artistry.
Top tracks — play these first
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People Get Ready — This track serves as an anthem for social justice and unity, capturing the spirit of the civil rights movement while showcasing Mayfield's poignant songwriting and vocal delivery.
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(Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below We're All Going to Go — This powerful closer combines existential themes with an infectious groove, pushing musical boundaries while addressing societal issues directly.
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We've Only Just Begun — In stark contrast to the politically charged material, this tender ballad highlights Mayfield's versatility and emotional depth, resonating with listeners on a personal level.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
A vibrant live album that blends soulful melodies with powerful social commentary, showcasing Mayfield's artistry.
What we noticed
- The album features a series of extended tracks, with several songs transitioning into spoken word segments that address social issues.
- Curtis Mayfield's guitar work is prominent throughout, often blending rhythm and lead lines seamlessly in the arrangements.
- The live setting captures audience interaction, with call-and-response moments that enhance the communal feel of the performance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic live performance energy
- long, immersive listening sessions
- soulful grooves for reflection
- wave-like pacing and flow
- socially conscious lyrical themes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on May 1, 1971, Curtis/Live! was Curtis Mayfield's first live album and followed his critically acclaimed debut album, 'Curtis'. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from being the lead singer of The Impressions to a successful solo artist, establishing himself as a voice for social change through music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Marvin Gaye· Sly and the Family Stone· Stevie Wonder
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mighty, Mighty (Spade and Whitey) 6:47
- 2 Rap 0:36
- 3 I Plan to Stay a Believer 3:16
- 4 We're a Winner 4:47
- 5 Rap 0:42
- 6 We've Only Just Begun 3:50
- 7 People Get Ready 3:39
- 8 Rap 0:40
- 9 Stare and Stare 6:09
- 10 Check Out Your Mind 3:51
- 11 Gypsy Woman 3:48
- 12 The Makings of You 3:26
- 13 Rap 2:01
- 14 We the People Who Are Darker Than Blue 6:46
- 15 (Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below We're All Going to Go 9:25
- 16 Stone Junkie 7:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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