MCA's double-disc
The Anthology 1961-1977 is the definitive overview of
Curtis Mayfield's career, as the only compilation to draw from both his solo work and the best of his output with
the Impressions. In fact, even discounting the four
Curtom tracks that spill over onto disc two, the first disc's 26 selections constitute far and away the most extensive
Impressions best-of on the market. Toss in ten of the most essential
Mayfield solo tracks, and the result is breathtaking in its progression from romantic soul, often informed by doo wop and gospel, to expansive, ambitiously arranged funk jams. It's also fascinating to hear
Mayfield's social conscience emerging as the '60s progress, since he was among the very first R&B artists to explore political issues in his music, paving the way for countless others to do so during the '70s. If you're only interested in
Mayfield's funkier solo work,
Rhino's
The Very Best of Curtis Mayfield features all but one of the solo tracks included here, plus several more. But in order to fully grasp
Mayfield's impact on R&B and his talent as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer,
The Anthology 1961-1977 is absolutely essential. ~ Steve Huey
