Great Impressions
G-Funk 4ever | Listenin' to the Delfonics | 09/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Impressions' This is My Country (1968) is basically my introduction to Curtis Mayfield along with his famed group. I am new to Mayfield's music because I did not grow up in that era (born in the 80's) but am growing in my interest for good soul music. Previously, I only had one solo work by Mayfield, the classic 1972 Superfly soundtrack. This album is a bit different than the Superfly OST; since downloading this album I have bought more Curtis solo albums and more Impressions albums. I really dig this groovy joint. There are the traditional Impressions' harmony rich love songs and ballads mostly in the slower-mid-tempo style. "Gone Away" is one of my favorites here. The call and response harmony is impeccable, a relic from their doo-wop early days, as is the prevalent whiny strings in the verses and ruffled strings in the hooks (a staple of late 60's and early 70's soul). The lyrics are heartfelt, and Mayfield's falsetto/tenor is vulnerable (as it is with the painful songs). "Love's Happening" is an upbeat, somewhat hippie vibin' cool jam. "I'm Loving Nothing" is more of a later-age doo-wop song with background humming and a slower tempo, a heartbreaker for sure. The Impressions do indeed dab into social commentary and race relations in songs like the string laden "They Don't Know," and the title track. The title track is a cool jam with great harmony and is lyrically self-explanatory, and there are references to the earlier days with slavery and the struggles in American society. All the songs are cool on this album, and I feel that there is no filler here. I am sure most older generations already have this album, but if you are younger like me, it is good to check out our musical heritage because this music really resonates."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1