Two Underrated Curtis Gems
J. P. Thulin | Stockholm, Sweden | 07/29/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is my experience that when discussing the genious of Curtis Mayfield, most people tend to refer only to his work during the highly praised early to mid-70's era. I was very much the same way myself until a compilation album opened up my eyes for his later material, especially that which can be found on this two disc compilation.
Released in 1979 and 1980, Heartbeat and Something to Believe In shows a Curtis fully able to master the slick and groovy sounds of the pre-disco era without comprimising his trademark soulful voice and wonderful melodies.
Tracks such as "Never Stop Loving Me", "You're So Good To Me" or "Trippin' Out" (later covered by Camp Lo on their hit Black Nostaljack) are all masterpieces of sexy, groovy late 70:s soul.
I have listened to quite a lot of late seventies soul and it is my opinion that Curtis' contributions from theese two albums are no less than state of the art classics.
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