Back to the World [Import]

Curtis Mayfield | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 29, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Snapper UK
• ASIN: B000B9WDIW
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,941 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Back To The World is a powerful concept album dealing with America's social issues, the aftermath of the Vietnam War, the environment (years before it became fashionable), as well as Curtis' optimism for the future. 7 total tracks. Charly. 2005.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funky - - and political too ! ! !, May 16, 2006

By 

Eddie Landsberg "My 10th year as a reviewer !... (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Back to the World (Audio CD)

This has always been one of my favorite Curtis Mayfield albums, even though I don't think its his most popular (and it often goes out of print.) The reason is because its just so darn tight and funky - - yet political (in that distinct Curtis Mayfield) way too. The tracks are so tight, its incredible... and not only is it heavy funk - - but its a distinct type of funk that only Curtis was playing (and that's hard to describe for the uninitiated.) - - I don't know how to describe it... 100% Curtis = 94% JB, 6% Bob Marley ??? Really, you have to listen...

Overall, this is a great album because on one hand the instrumental tracks are kicking -- even if you're not dancing, you can't help but move, however, if you listen to it just for the lyrics, you can follow Mayfield's lyrics from begining to end... in part because he had a unique style of lyric writing too that made him more of a political poet or even a pre-hip hop rapper more than a simple soul wailer or crooner (as was common in that era.) Throughout the album Mayfield's status as a visionary and artist becomes clearer and clearer as he paints pictures and makes you think and wonder. Consider the opening track BACK IN THE WORLD, with its pumping bass and drums, lush violins, wa wa guitars, and funky horns about a Vietname Vet who dreams of coming back to the U.S. but finds life quite a bit different than what he was expecting... Mayfield pleads his case passionately and emotionally by putting you in his mind, yet the tune is also so damn funky you don't know how to respond. The music makes you want to dance... but the message makes you both sad and angry at the same time. And at the same time he also has that unique style of rhythm guitar as well !

Overall this is an intense album. Some people were blown away by other artists who were delivering political messages at that time... like Marvin Gay and Gil Scott Heron - - but after hearing this album you'll realize that Curtis (the guy who laid down the ultimately controversial "Mighty Mighty Spade and Whitey" and "SUPERFLY" soundtrack which provided social commentary on the film at the same time you watched it) *WAS* the man ! ! !

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars His Best, September 25, 2007

By 

Cody Bryan III - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Back to the World (Audio CD)

I played this album on the air at Utapao Royal Thai Naval Air Force Base in 1973 and 1974 over the American Forces Radio and Television station. Most of us knew this album because it was about a Vietnam Vet coming back to the States. Curtis Mayfield was a great musician and a wonderful human being. He is missed.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great album from the late,great Curtis Mayfield, February 27, 2007

By 

John D. Sullivan "John D." (Cincinnati) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Back to the World (Audio CD)

This one's my favorite Curtis Mayfield release after Superfly.It was originally released in 1973 and was required listening during my days in the US Army. Oh what great memories! Highly recommended!!