Roots - CURTIS MAYFIELD***

Get Down/Keep On Keeping On/Underground/We Got To Have Peace/Beautiful Brother Of Mine/Now You're Gone/Love To Keep You In Mind

Roots was the second solo studio album from The Impressions lead singer Curtis Mayfield. He was recognised for the emphasis on social consciousness messages in many of his songs. (US:40)

“Some of the ideas here may have been put to better use on his solo album and Superfly, but so what? This album sounds fantastic all on its own. I love how Mayfield elongates his tracks, as compared to his peers, where everything on here sounds epic.”

“I was really impressed, particularly with how instant the songs and melodies are, even the second time I heard the album I remembered all the songs from the first time. It's just that kind of album that I think anyone should get something from. It's such an earthy and natural form of funk and soul music, truly I've never heard anyone quite like Curtis. His natural ability to blend politics with amazing songwriting and then the vocals, it's so impressive.”

“Although this album is really good, to me it feels like a step backwards from the brilliance of Curtis, and the great live album Curtis/Live. It almost feels like outtakes from Curtis: similar in sound and feel, but of slightly lesser quality. It's still a sight better than most other artists could do, but after hearing what Curtis was capable of it feels a bit of a letdown.”

"Get Down, with its seedy-yet-triumphant arrangement, sets the stage for an album that's uplifting and dark in equal measure. Particular highlights include We Got to Have Peace, which features some of Mayfield's most passionate singing. Love To Keep You In My Mind is a very charming closer with excellent production, and Underground, is a colossus of a track, one that grabs your attention and doesn't let go.”

“If there's one thing Curtis Mayfield knows how to do so well, it's build up a funky groove and stick with it. These songs are long, and they should be - the more you listen, the more enveloped you become. The instrumentation is terrific, especially the bongos and that bass that sounds like a synth.”