Curtis Mayfield – Roots

QRoots, released in October 1971, is Curtis Mayfield’s second studio album and a landmark in progressive soul. The album threads together socially conscious lyricism and deeply felt grooves, combining lush strings, wah-wah guitars, and layered horns with Mayfield’s delicate falsetto and sometimes urgent delivery. Themes of perseverance, peace, and social justice run throughout—on tracks like “Keep On Keeping On” and “We Got to Have Peace”—while more declarative moments such as “Get Down” bring a more assertive, funk-tinged edge. As part of his early solo trilogy, Roots balances idealism and grit, showcasing Mayfield’s command of both message and mood. In the arc of his oeuvre, Roots functions as an essential bridge between the exuberance of Curtis (1970) and the sharper social critiques that would follow on Super Fly. Its instrumentation and rhythms feel expansive yet grounded, giving Mayfield space to explore weighty subjects without losing melodic richness. Retrospectives often emphasize the sense of urgency embedded in the record’s arrangements and vocals—an urgency that lifts moments like “Underground,” where a spoken-word intro gives way to bass, guitar, and horn interplay. Over time, the album has grown in stature as a thoughtful, audacious work of ‘70s soul that refuses complacency.

Reviews

“Roots reveals Mayfield at his creative peak, blending socially charged lyrics with intricate, beautifully orchestrated soul arrangements.” – AllMusic

“Curtis Mayfield’s Roots is another masterful fusion of funk and social commentary, full of grace and conviction.” – Record Collector