 |  | (4.5 stars) Another fantastic example of Curtis at his prime. |  |
Far more varied than Curtis: there's a great funk song, "Get Down", and he does another one of those mid-song paradigm shifts on "Keep On Keepin' On" (from a string-laced ballad to a funk song), and there's also a jazzy poetry recitation on "Underground" that falls flat: after that ends, it thankfully sinks into a Santana-esque polyrhythmic groove; "Now You've Gone" is an orchestrated blues that does slightly overstay its welcome. Some of it recalls the debut, but in a good way: "Beautiful Brother of Mine", the album's huge Isaac Hayes like-epic, has a memorable rapid-fire string introduction. Musically, it's not too different from "Hell Below", but its arrangement is captivating, the rhythms are powerful, and the distorted, watery guitar solo is exquisite. I do think that "We Gotta Have Peace" is rather over-the-top, true as the title may be, and "Love to Keep You on My Mind" is simply mawkish. On a song-by-song level, I think Curtis is a better album, but the stylistic variety to be found here is always entertaining, so I'll say they're about on the same level.
November 18, 2007I'm not sure which of Curtis' first two albums was his best but they were both incredible. 1971's ROOTS picks up right where CURTIS left off the year before. I dare say that only the Rolling Stones made music anywhere near as good as Curtis during this late sixties early seventies period. Don't believe me? Name four better consecutive albums than CURTIS, ROOTS, CURTIS/LIVE, and SUPERFLY which were all released between 70' and 73'. We are talking about MAYBE two or three average songs among all these albums combined, with the rest being absolutely top notch if not downright historic. Every song seems to bring a different emotion, and though there are only 8 they are all extremely potent. It is almost impossible to fast forward a track on this CD- I for one can't do it. Ever. It's good.
January 25, 2005I love the way these classic albums are coming out remastered with deeper clarity now. I just got this and I'm not going to talk much about what a sweet, fantastic, funky, awesome, inspiring album this is from a rare genius in the prime of his career. I just wanted to say that this remaster brings the energy up even more, the high hats and snare has a beautiful crispness that was just not there at all in the previous muddy cd issue of this album. I am really happy with this reissue and recommend buying it even if you have the previous older version without the few extra tracks on the end. Curtis Mayfield was a one of a kind and this reissue gives even more arguement that this is perhaps his greatest album.
July 11, 2004Having stepped into the solo spotlight in 1970 with his awesome album `Curtis', it was obvious that with a talent as substantial as Curtis Mayfield there would be no risk of the sophomore jinx the following year, with 1971s `Roots'.
Curtis brings the darker tones of hard funk on tracks like `Get Down' and the downright eerie sounding `Underground'. Dramatics are in effect too with the swirling orchestral melody of `Now You're Gone' and the almost ominous sounds of `Beautiful Brother Of Mine'. `Keep On Keepin On' is uplifting and the whole thing is capped off by a sweet and well crafted love song in `Love To Keep You In My Mind'.
This was a great period for Curtis in an already strong era but the best was still yet to come. Roots however, is an overpowering second album. My recommendation is you seek out the original album and not one of these re-releases where greedy record label execs clutter the album with songs Curtis left on the cutting room floor. January 18, 2004
While he may have produced consistently great, intellectual and popular music throughout his entire career, Curtis Mayfield was on a creative roll in the early to mid 70's, and "Roots" is one of his strongest efforts. While not quite as stunning in it's epic sweep as the flawless "Curtis", or as hard-hitting as the best moments on "Superfly", "Roots" is nonetheless a great LP.
From the opener, "Get Down" and the ultra-funky "Underground" to my favorite track, the ghostly sounding "Beautiful Brother of Mine", this second solo outing is a feast for the ears.
Mayfield would completely explode the possibilities of his medium and alter black pop forever the following year with "SUPERFLY", but for the time being he was content to soften his preachiness a tad with this release, and we, the lucky listener, reap all the benefits. A Classic.
December 28, 2001More reviews at Amazon.com ...
