Search - Curtis Mayfield :: Back to the World

Maintaning the standard

Matt Calvert | Gt. missenden, Bucks United Kingdom | 02/23/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It is, with hindsight, unfair to expect an equal when following up a classic album such as Curtis Mayfield's 'Superfly', however the artist in question retained his dignity and produced a fine album that pales (like all his other recordings, to be fair) when only in comparison to his crowning acheivement. Following the themes of 'Roots' and 'Superfly', 'Back To The World' continues with trademark political anthems and 'message' songs, including the album's highlight 'Right On For The Darkness' and the relentless funk of 'Future Shock'. The output is typically great quality soul and funk, but at the same time marked the end of an era. Curtis' next albums ('Sweet Exorcist', 'Got To Find A Way') signalled an emphasis on the rhyhtm section (and, incidentally less attractive artwork) and less on the orchestral backdrops that had become synonymous with his music - This isn't to say that the quality of the music deteriorated.'Back To The World' will satisfy most Curtis fans, as it contains many great songs and performances - just don't expect a record from the peak of 'Superfly'."

Found Good Music

Robert L. Hargett | Norfolk. VA | 01/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was a great relief to have found a place where I could purchase this exquisite recording by the Great Curtis Mayfield.
I remember first hearing this album during the Vietnam War. The poignant tracks were very relevant to the times, raised consciences and helped to ease the pain endured during the turbulent sixties and early seventies. The passing of Curtis Mayfield appears to have been a minor event. But his contributions to black society are immeasurable. In the history of the civil rights struggle, Curtis contributed immensely to the lifting of black self-worth. The lyrical skills exhibited by Curtis on this recording rival some of the greatest European and American poets. The musical composition further helps to envelope the listener in a blanket of tranquility. When you consider the baseline and percussion contained in Curtis' solo albums the desire to dance immediately occurs. Curtis may longer be with us but a soul that could compose some beautiful music has to be in an eternal place that we all must aim to reach. If we had music of this caliber today the world would be a much peaceful place. I know you will enjoy this also."

He Spoke for Those Who Served

lhamo55 | USA | 03/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I often wonder what ever happened to the brothers who'd remained on active duty after serving in Nam and with whom I served in the mid and late seventies. Wherever I was stationed during that time period one of them was sure to be playing this album every evening. I worked with a number of them, women too - one troubled man gave me his bootleg album shortly before he died from alcohol poisoning.



We played "Back to the World" at the EM Club at the remote post in South Korea I was stationed in the mid 70's; at the height of cold war juxpositioning and feeling like sitting ducks it seemed the thing to do especially for the many men and women among us who'd recently returned from 'nam. Here was a popular successful singer and musician who cared about us, understood how we felt, how our returning brothers and sisters were being treated.



It's been almost thirty years since I first heard this album, that first copy was lost long ago in a move. It thrills me to find it again as I remember dusty evenings with friends in a quonset hut barracks room singing "back to the world" with tears in our eyes as stories were told and too many drinks were drunk."