The Anthology 1961–1977 cover

The Anthology 1961–1977

Curtis Mayfield

134 min · 40 tracks · funk · soul

A soulful journey through love, struggle, and empowerment marked by lush arrangements and stirring vocals.

Why this album works

'The Anthology 1961–1977' is significant for its comprehensive collection of Mayfield’s best works, including classics like 'People Get Ready' and 'Move On Up.' It not only highlights his impact on the soul genre but also serves as an important cultural artifact reflecting the socio-political climate of the 1960s and 70s, earning critical acclaim for its profound lyrical content and social commentary.
Best for
dynamic journey with emotional peaks soulful reflections on love uplifting anthems for empowerment
Context
Released in 1992, 'The Anthology 1961–1977' encapsulates Curtis Mayfield's evolution as a pioneering soul artist following his influential tenure with The Impressions. This compilation came after a decade of solo work that established him not just as a performer but also as a songwriter and producer, showcasing his ability to blend social consciousness with musical artistry.
Stylistic neighbors
The Gap Band· Ready for the World· Tim Maia

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Gypsy Woman 2:20
  • 2 Grow Closer Together 2:13
  • 3 Never Let Me Go 2:29
  • 4 Little Young Lover 2:14
  • 5 Minstrel and Queen 2:17
  • 6 I’m the One Who Loves You 2:26
  • 7 Sad Sad Girl and Boy 2:41
  • 8 It’s All Right 2:48
  • 9 Talking About My Baby 2:31
  • 10 I’m So Proud 2:49
  • 11 Keep on Pushing 2:33
  • 12 You Must Believe Me 2:32
  • 13 See the Real Me 2:23
  • 14 Amen 3:29
  • 15 I’ve Been Trying 2:46
  • 16 People Get Ready Standout 2:38
  • 17 It’s Hard to Believe 2:24
  • 18 Woman’s Got Soul 2:17
  • 19 Meeting Over Yonder 2:20
  • 20 I Need You 2:47
  • 21 You’ve Been Cheatin’ 2:35
  • 22 Man Oh Man 3:06
  • 23 Can’t Satisfy 2:38
  • 24 We’re a Winner 2:24
  • 25 I Loved and I Lost 3:15
  • 26 We’re Rolling On (Part One) 2:17

Disc 2

  • 1 Fool for You 2:54
  • 2 This Is My Country 2:48
  • 3 Choice of Colors 3:18
  • 4 Check Out Your Mind 3:28
  • 5 Move on Up Standout 8:54
  • 6 (Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below We’re All Going to Go Standout 7:52
  • 7 The Makings of You 3:45
  • 8 Beautiful Brother of Mine 7:27
  • 9 Freddie’s Dead 5:26
  • 10 Superfly 3:53
  • 11 Pusherman 5:03
  • 12 So in Love 5:13
  • 13 Only You Babe (single edit) 3:32
  • 14 Do Do Wap Is Strong in Here (single edit) 3:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata