Artist: Curtis Mayfield Album: Take It to the Streets

Year: 1990
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album Take It to the Streets by Curtis Mayfield

Curtis Mayfield is one of the greatest musicians and songwriters of all time. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Mayfield began his career in the late 1950s, and for over four decades, he entertained audiences with his soulful music. One of his greatest albums is Take It to the Streets, which was released in 1990, and it showcases Mayfield's talent and artistry. In this blog post, we'll take a critical look at this album, explore its best songs, and analyze its most innovative parts.

Take It to the Streets is a blend of funk, soul, and R&B. The album has a smooth, polished sound that is a hallmark of Mayfield's work. It features guest appearances from other artists, such as Mavis Staples and Ice-T, which adds to the appeal of the album. The production of the album is top-notch, and the instrumentation is well-balanced, giving it a cohesive sound.

One of the best songs on the album is He's a Flyguy. The song has a classic funk and soul sound, with its upbeat tempo and groovy bassline. Mayfield's vocals on the track are electric, and the chorus is catchy and memorable. Another standout track is Do Be Down, which has a slower tempo but is just as soulful and impactful. The song has an excellent melody and showcases Mayfield's vocal range.

What makes Take It to the Streets stand out is its messages of unity, love, and hope. Mayfield was a socially conscious artist, and his music was always a reflection of the times. The album's opener, Superfly 1990, addresses the issues of poverty, drugs, and crime in inner-city communities. He's a Flyguy celebrates the triumphs of Black cultural icons, while Junkie Chase critiques society's response to the crack epidemic.

The most innovative part of Take It to the Streets is its use of electronic instrumentation. Mayfield was one of the first musicians to incorporate synthesizers into soul and funk music, and this album showcases his experimentation with electronic sounds. The album's closer, Nobody But You, features a prominent synthesizer melody, giving the song a futuristic sound that is ahead of its time.

While Take It to the Streets is a great album, it does have some flaws. The album's pacing is slow, and there are no real standout tracks after the first half of the album. Additionally, some of the guest appearances on the album, such as Ice-T, feel out of place and detract from the overall sound.

Overall, Take It to the Streets is a fantastic album that showcases Curtis Mayfield's immense talent. The album's blend of funk, soul, and R&B creates a cohesive sound that is timeless. The album's messages of love, unity, and hope are poignant and relevant, even today. While the album has its flaws, it is still a must-listen for any fan of soul and R&B music.

Overall, Take It to the Streets is a fantastic album that showcases Curtis Mayfield's immense talent. The album's blend of funk, soul, and R&B creates a cohesive sound that is timeless. The album's messages of love, unity, and hope are poignant and relevant, even today. While the album has its flaws, it is still a must-listen for any fan of soul and R&B music.