Released October 1971 Roots
(1971) Superfly
(1972) Release date October 1971 Label Curtom Records | Length 39:15 Artist Curtis Mayfield Producer Curtis Mayfield | |
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Recorded RCA Studios, Chicago, Illinois Genres Soul music, Funk, Psychedelic soul Similar Curtis Mayfield albums, Soul music albums | ||
Roots is Curtis Mayfield’s second studio album, released in October 1971 (see 1971 in music). Having received critical praise from a variety of publications, the album is regarded as not just one of Mayfield's best works but also as a classic release of the '70s soul era, with Allmusic critic Bruce Eder stating that "the album soars on some of the sweetest and most eloquent... soul sounds heard up to that time". The album became a commercial success as well, hitting the #6 slot on Billboard's Top R&B Albums chart.
Contents
Original release
All songs written and composed by Curtis Mayfield, except as noted.
- "Get Down" – 5:45
- "Keep On Keeping On" – 5:08
- "Underground" – 5:15
- "We Got to Have Peace" – 4:44
- "Beautiful Brother of Mine" – 7:23
- "Now You're Gone" (Mayfield, Joseph Scott) – 6:50
- "Love to Keep You in My Mind" – 3:48
Bonus tracks
In 1999, Rhino Records re-released the album with four bonus tracks including a demo version of "Underground" and single edits for "Get Down', "We Got to Have Peace" and "Beautiful Brother of Mine".
- "Underground" [demo version] – 3:17
- "Get Down" [Single edit] – 3:55
- "We Got to Have Peace" [Single edit] – 3:39
- "Beautiful Brother of Mine" [Single edit] – 3:09
Personnel
Songs
1Get Down5:45
2Keep On Keeping On5:08
3Underground5:17