SuperflyCurtis Mayfield1rank/position

Superfly

A signature work by Curtis Mayfield that fuses funk and soul.

Created as the soundtrack to a blaxploitation film, it was released in 1972 and reached No.

8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Set to a sleek, urban groove, its lyrics sharply depict inner-city realities.

It gives voice to African American experiences and serves as a social wake-up call.

It has deeply influenced hip-hop artists and was sampled by acts such as the Beastie Boys and The Notorious B.

I.

G.

A highly recommended track for anyone who wants to think about social issues through music.

Move On UpCurtis Mayfield2rank/position

Move On Up – Curtis Mayfield | LIFT – Roubo Nas Alturas 2024 | Netflix | Ending Scene Song

Curtis Mayfield was a legendary soul musician from Chicago, Illinois, USA.

His song “Move On Up” was released in 1970.

It later reached number 12 on the UK singles chart and has long been cherished as a soul classic.

“Move On Up” carries an uplifting message and irrepressible energy, conveying Mayfield’s strong belief that we should keep striving toward our ideals even in difficult times.

It’s truly a landmark in music history, continually covered by many artists and bands, and in fact, it plays over the end credits of the 2024 Netflix film “Lift.” It’s worth watching while imagining how the song connects to the film.

Only You BabeCurtis Mayfield3rank/position

Only You Babe

Singer-songwriter Curtis Mayfield, who helped propel the New Soul movement alongside Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway with his wide-ranging musicality.

It’s said that without them, there would be no R&B, and they had a tremendous impact on modern music.

Among his works, the one that’s especially perfect for a day off is “Only You Babe.” It’s a classic distinguished by its relaxed falsetto vocals and languid, world-weary band feel.

Back to the WorldCurtis Mayfield4rank/position

Back to the World

The title track from American musician Curtis Mayfield’s 1973 album Back to the World.

Created as the Vietnam War was drawing to a close, it’s an anti-war song imbued with reflections on the social climate of the time.

Through lyrics that portray the earnest feelings of soldiers returning from war, it conveys the message that war should never happen.

Set to a sound enriched by vibrant brass band tones, his heartfelt vocals resonate throughout.

Let this song’s message remind you of the importance of peace.

Beautiful Brother of MineCurtis Mayfield5rank/position

Curtis Mayfield – Beautiful Brother of Mine

A track by American singer-songwriter and guitarist Curtis Mayfield.

It is included on the album “Roots,” released in 1971.

This album, which captures the sound of classic ’70s soul, reached No.

6 on the U.

S.

charts.

Freddie’s DeadCurtis Mayfield6rank/position

Freddie’s Dead (Theme From ‘Superfly’)

A powerful work born from the 1972 blaxploitation film “Super Fly,” which vividly depicted urban poverty and drug problems.

The warning song unleashed by America’s Curtis Mayfield became a major hit, reaching No.

4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.

2 on the R&B chart.

Rooted in gospel and blues, Mayfield masterfully wields wah-wah guitar and a falsetto voice, expressing the darkness of the city through a grand arrangement of strings and a horn section.

Used in instrumental form on the film’s soundtrack, this piece challenges us—through the fates of the movie’s main characters—to confront society’s distortions with courage.

It’s a track that resonates deeply when you want to take a hard look at the realities of urban life.

So In LoveCurtis Mayfield7rank/position

Curtis Mayfield – So In Love

Curtis Mayfield’s singing voice is always gentle, and that never changes even when the subject matter of his songs is hard.

From this track, I feel his broad spirit and great love.

The horn section is valiant, and the rhythm section locks in tight.