Released 55 years ago this October
Roots
Curtis Mayfield · 1971
53 min · 11 tracks · funk
A rich tapestry of funk and soul intertwines with socially conscious lyrics, creating an immersive soundscape of empowerment.
Top tracks — play these first
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Get Down — This track opens the album with infectious grooves and an energetic call to action that encapsulates the spirit of the era. Its blend of funk rhythms with uplifting messages makes it an anthem for empowerment.
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We Got to Have Peace — In this track, Mayfield delivers poignant commentary on societal unrest while maintaining a smooth, soulful sound. Its message resonates with listeners seeking hope amidst turmoil.
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Beautiful Brother of Mine — This song showcases Mayfield's ability to merge personal reflection with broader social themes, offering a heartfelt tribute that emphasizes connection and solidarity among African American men.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Roots showcases strong songwriting and unique arrangements but loses cohesion with appended versions at the end.
What we noticed
- The first four tracks establish a steady groove, with layered instrumentation that builds complexity as the album progresses.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
- The album closes with a demo version and single versions of earlier tracks, which disrupts the flow established by the main content.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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5/10
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 emotional journeys
- long, immersive listening sessions
- contemplative reflective moods
- layered, dense sonic textures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in October 1971, Roots was Curtis Mayfield's first album after leaving The Impressions, marking a pivotal moment in his solo career. By this time, he had already established himself as a significant figure in soul music with hits like 'Move On Up', but Roots solidified his role as a voice for social change through music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Marvin Gaye· Sly and the Family Stone· Stevie Wonder
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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We Got to Have Peace
The chorus repeats a compelling declaration for peace amidst conflict, using rhythmic emphasis to drive home urgency.
The refrain serves as a rallying cry, contrasting the verses' more somber reflections on violence and injustice, thereby creating a dynamic balance between despair and hope.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Get Down 5:48
- 2 Keep On Keeping On 5:10
- 3 Underground 5:17
- 4 We Got to Have Peace 4:47
- 5 Beautiful Brother of Mine 7:27
- 6 Now You’re Gone 6:52
- 7 Love to Keep You in My Mind 3:56
- 8 Underground (demo version) 3:17
- 9 Get Down (single version) 3:55
- 10 We Got to Have Peace (single version) 3:39
- 11 Beautiful Brother of Mine (single version) 3:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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