What makes Take It to the Streets by Curtis Mayfield notable?

This album is notable for its poignant exploration of themes such as homelessness and social justice, particularly evident in the opening track, 'Homeless,' which addresses societal neglect. The album received positive critical reception, solidifying Mayfield's role as a vital voice in funk and soul music while influencing future generations of artists concerned with social issues. By the time 'Take It to the Streets' was released in 1990, Curtis Mayfield was a seasoned artist, having achieved significant acclaim since his early days with The Impressions. This album followed his acclaimed solo work in the 1970s and marked a return to studio recordings after a period of personal challenges, including health issues that had affected his touring and recording activities.

Who is Take It to the Streets for?

Take It to the Streets works well if you're into steady groove for dancing, infectious rhythms for gatherings and socially conscious lyrical themes.

How many songs are on Take It to the Streets?

Take It to the Streets has 8 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Take It to the Streets

Curtis Mayfield · 1990

39 min · 8 tracks · funk

Funky grooves intertwine with soulful melodies, showcasing a vibrant blend of social commentary and rhythmic sophistication.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Homeless — The lead track poignantly captures the struggles of marginalized individuals through its haunting lyrics and stirring arrangement, setting the tone for the entire album.
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Got to Be Real — This upbeat track blends infectious rhythms with a call for authenticity, making it a standout celebration of self-identity and connection.
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Don't Push — This song combines sharp social commentary with a catchy groove, illustrating Mayfield's ability to weave together danceable music with meaningful messages.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album combines strong lyrical themes with sophisticated arrangements, creating a solid yet uneven listening experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow, soulful track that sets a reflective tone, followed by more upbeat grooves in the subsequent songs.
Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, blending horns and rhythm sections to create a rich soundscape.
Lyrically, the album addresses social issues directly, with each song presenting a distinct narrative or theme.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

steady groove for dancing
infectious rhythms for gatherings
socially conscious lyrical themes
uplifting vibes for celebrations

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced listening
seek minimalistic soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Take It to the Streets' was released in 1990, Curtis Mayfield was a seasoned artist, having achieved significant acclaim since his early days with The Impressions. This album followed his acclaimed solo work in the 1970s and marked a return to studio recordings after a period of personal challenges, including health issues that had affected his touring and recording activities.
Stylistic neighbors: Marvin Gaye· Sly and the Family Stone· Stevie Wonder