Keep On Keeping On: Curtis Mayfield Studio Albums 1970-1974

 

Keep On Keeping On: Curtis Mayfield Studio Albums 1970-1974 is a remastered 4CD box set released by Rhino Records in 2019.

Curtis Mayfield, the "Gentle Genius", recorded a series of hits with The Impressions before leaving the influential soul-gospel group to embark on a solo career that began 56 years ago.  This solo career produced some of his greatest work.  Curtis has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice – first as a member of The Impressions and later as a solo artist.

This collection focuses purely on his standalone studio LPs from this period, so it excludes Curtis' 1972 'Super Fly' soundtrack album.  Frankly, if you don’t already own 'Super Fly' your music library is lacking. (I will link a sweet 24-bit 'Super Fly' on request)

Curtis, a soul and pop innovator, revolutionized music by seamlessly blending socially conscious lyrics with soul, pop, gospel, jazz, and psychedelia.  This groundbreaking fusion laid the foundation for later influential works like Marvin Gaye’s 'What’s Going On' and Stevie Wonder’s "Innervisions".

These four CDs are masterclass in progressive soul.

Curtis (1970)
Mayfield’s solo debut is a masterpiece of progressive soul music. It effortlessly blends heavy, socially conscious groove epics like "(Don’t Worry) If There’s A Hell Below, We’re All Going To Go" with transcendent, uplifting anthems like "Move On Up" (one of my all-time favorite pop/rock/soul songs).  The album’s lush, cinematic strings and delicate ballads like "The Making Of You" create a definitive, lush, and deeply human sound.

Roots (1971)
Serving as an equally sophisticated follow-up, 'Roots' leans slightly more into breezy, danceable soul while retaining its political edge, as only Curtis can.  The arrangements here are impeccably layered with flutes, harps, and heavy brass.  Highlights like "Get Down," "Beautiful Brother Of Mine," and the title track showcase some of his finest electric guitar grooves.

Back to the World (1973)
Following the monumental success of the Super Fly soundtrack, Curtis intentionally expanded his musical horizons.  Instead of trying to replicate the frenetic intensity of his blaxploitation masterpiece, this album presents a bluesy, laid-back, and cinematic funk vibe.  Songs like "Right On For The Darkness" and "Future Shock" are expansive, jazzy epics with undeniable positivity.

Sweet Exorcist (1974)
Leaning heavily on deep grooves, 'Sweet Exorcist' shifts from the fiery political outrage of his earlier work to a more sorrowful, reflective, and lushly produced R&B tone. Tracks like "Kung Fu" and the title track feature a deep, psychedelic funk undercurrent that continues to be a fan favorite.

Curtis continued to create some truly amazing and incredible songs in the latter part of the ’70s, but the core of his influence and lasting impact is captured here.  Listening to it now offers a fresh perspective, allowing you to truly appreciate how his music (to paraphrase) keeps on keepin’ on.

Audio-wise, this set offers the best audio presentation of these albums since their original print runs.  Mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, the audio is warm, vibrant, and remarkably clear, replacing the older, muddy digital transfers.  These are the versions you should have. 

For the freeload, let's talk about socially conscious artists, and albums.