Curtis Mayfield - New World Order

Curtis Mayfield was as much social conscience for the '60s and '70s as Chuck D was for the '80s and '90s. Mayfield was paralyzed from the neck down when a lighting scaffold fell on him at a 1990 Brooklyn concert. Though he can no longer move his arms and hands, he has continued to write songs simply by singing lyrics and melodies to his family and staff. New World Order is both the first full album of all-new Mayfield material since 1990's Take It to the Streets and the best since 1977's Short Eyes soundtrack. Though his signature guitar sound is sorely missed, the Latin-tinged, bubbly tunes and sharp-eyed words are unmistakably his. "Whenever life pulls you down," Mayfield sings, "you just get back up and hold your ground.... Let's get back to living again." --Geoffrey Himes Amazon.com

 Missing His Spiritual Consciousness
No other artist was more aware of the world's political and spiritual pulse than Curtis. Recorded while lying paralyzed as a quadriplegic, if not made aware of his tragic 1990 stage accident, one wouldn't believe he was suffering from any handicap when listening to his still smooth voice. Curtis was the conscience of a people; all people for the 20th century, and "New World Order" picked-up after years of silence without missing a beat. Every track is a listening gem. Curtis just had a way with expressing himself, not only when it came to delivering great messages of wisdom(We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue), a song that with this rerecording still brings tears to my eyes, but also through some of the most heartfelt love songs as well(The Girl I Find Stays On My Mind). We've lost one of the recording world's greatest poets, and "New World Order" was Mr. Mayfield's grand finale. April 17, 2008

 as great a comeback as elvis
I purchased this album with certain misgivings. I did not want it 2sound too retro-nostalgic, yet,not wanting it 2 sound divorced from the creator's roots. All fears were largely unfounded. Despite one dud/naf arrangement [the girl i find stays on my mind] NWO is overall great listening. The fresh nu-songs really work. The Superfly's unmistakably silken voice is 'right on' from the crucially cool opening cut. Ms. Martha proving once again that here is a guy with a social concience. Deep downhome vibe of 'No one knows about a good thing' is delectable as honey. 'Here but I'm Gone' has 2be my fave cut. Its the deep song of '95 for me.'The Got Dang Song' is a swinging soul delight. Play it to anybody that needs UP-lifting.

If you believe that sweet soul is something that belonged only to the 60/70's then run this by your ears. If you're not coverted by the third listen, then stop buying albums! It's amazing to hear a guy delt such a cruel blow [being restricted to life in a wheelchair], sounding so warm, so effusive, so defiantly up. An OH SO BEAUTIFUL album. November 19, 2007

 One More 4 the Road
This entire CD would still be excellent even without the music and just Curtis singing. Because its his words that are so beautiful, and the way he sings them that makes our loss of him sting. I can't think of too many singers that you can say that about. Sometimes the music here gets in his way as if overcompensating, but focus and listen to his words and man - *its all freedom* as Jimi would say. A paralyzied man lifts you with the vibrance of his voice. Miracle? Yeah, its Curtis to the rescue again. Thanks Mr. Mayfield. September 21, 2007

 The Most Inspiring Album Ever !
"New World Order" released by a paralyzed Curtis Mayfield is laden with solacing, spiritual and conciliatory songs that resonate with love and soul. Divine intervention was at work when Curtis sung these songs with his gentle, yearning, wondrous and peerless voice. All the songs are dynamic and imperative. This recording exemplifies the triumph of a special human spirit, namely, Curtis Mayfield. It might be impossible to ever hear any recording more inspiring than "New World Order". I think of Curtis Mayfield every time the world's greatest living guitarist, Jeff Beck, plays his instrumental version of "People Get Ready". Curtis Mayfield will always be rememberred as a legend replete with talent, class and compassion. "New World Order" was his last CD and it was rife with vocal and instrumental virtuosity of the utmost quality ! December 31, 2006

 TOTAL BRILLIANCE
I am a white male that listens to primarily Hard music. This along with superfly has made me a dedicated fan. It is haunting and musically fantastic. He recorded this album while paralyzed in bed. June 19, 2006

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