What makes Give, Get, Take and Have by Curtis Mayfield notable?

The album is notable for its thoughtful exploration of personal and social themes amidst the backdrop of the 1970s funk movement. While it did not achieve the same commercial success as Mayfield's previous albums, it received positive reviews from critics who praised his lyrical depth and musical innovation, solidifying his influence on later generations of artists. By the time Curtis Mayfield released 'Give, Get, Take and Have' in 1976, he was already a celebrated figure in soul music, following his groundbreaking work with The Impressions. This album came after his successful solo efforts such as 'Super Fly,' marking an evolution in Mayfield's sound as he continued to explore themes of love and social justice.

Who is Give, Get, Take and Have for?

Give, Get, Take and Have works well if you're into smooth grooves for socializing, heartfelt melodies for romantic moments and steady pacing for casual listening.

How many songs are on Give, Get, Take and Have?

Give, Get, Take and Have has 8 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Give, Get, Take and Have

Curtis Mayfield · 1976

33 min · 8 tracks · funk

A smooth blend of funk and soul, rich with heartfelt melodies and socially conscious lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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In Your Arms Again (Shake It) — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious groove and passionate delivery, showcasing Mayfield's signature blend of romance and rhythm.
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Mr. Welfare Man — Addressing socio-economic issues directly, this track stands out for its poignant critique of welfare systems, highlighting Mayfield's commitment to social commentary through music.
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Soul Music — This track serves as a celebration of the power of music itself, embodying Mayfield's belief in soul as a transformative force while featuring rich harmonies and compelling instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends thoughtful lyrics with rich arrangements, showcasing Mayfield's distinctive style within funk and soul.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that features layered horns and smooth vocal harmonies, establishing a rich sonic texture.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel between the lead singer and background singers.
The final track features a gradual fade-out, allowing the themes of social commentary to linger in the listener's mind.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

smooth grooves for socializing
heartfelt melodies for romantic moments
steady pacing for casual listening
uplifting vibes for celebration

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time Curtis Mayfield released 'Give, Get, Take and Have' in 1976, he was already a celebrated figure in soul music, following his groundbreaking work with The Impressions. This album came after his successful solo efforts such as 'Super Fly,' marking an evolution in Mayfield's sound as he continued to explore themes of love and social justice.
Stylistic neighbors: Marvin Gaye· Sly and the Family Stone· Stevie Wonder