Genre: soul
Rating: **** (4 stars)
Title: Back To the World
Company: Curtom
Catalog: CRS 8015
Year: 1973
Country/State: Chicago, Illinois
Grade (cover/record): VG / VG
Comments: gatefold sleeve
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 5833
Price: $30.00
On the heels of the worldwide success he enjoyed with "Superfly" Mayfield had free license to do whatever he wanted. The response was 1973's "Back To the World". It's never been clearly to me if this one was intended as a concept piece. Regardless, the album showcased a series of socially consciousness segments covering everything from ecological concerns ('Future Shock') to social and economic inequity ('Keep On Trippin''). Yeah, the set may have aged a little around the edges, but you couldn't help but admire Mayfield's willingness to tackle these issues with grace and insight. Funny how most of these concerns still confront us some four decades later. Taken from the liner notes, here's Mayfield's own dedication:
"This album I dedicate to my children-and all children-for it's through their eyes, and the eyes of all those precious few, that maybe we, the grownups, can still make the world a better place for everyone to live. If I were only a child again, I'd speak for little people on their date of birth, and ask the grownups-when will there be peace on earth."
- Apparently the story of a Vietnam veteran trying to readjust to life in the city, 'Back To The World' sported Mayfield's patented sounded - sophisticated and catchy at the same time, though clocking in at just under seven minutes the song would have benefited from some judicious editing. rating: *** stars
- Taking its title and theme from Alvin Toffler's bestseller 'Future Shock' was interesting in a number of respects. While it offered up another slice of Mayfield's patented social commentary, this time out the results were wrapped in a surprisingly funky melody. Great horn arrangements and Mayfield's excellent wah wah guitar was showcased. My pick for the LP's standout performance. Easy to see why it was tapped as a single. rating: **** stars
- Folks tend to forget that Mayfield was a talented guitarist and arranger and 'Right On For The Darkness' served to showcase both talents. Starting out with a spare acoustic setting the track quickly blossomed into a highly orchestrated, full band arrangement. There's always been something quite disconcerting and ominous about this one. Like the title track this one would have been stronger with some editing. The Rich Tufo orchestrated instrumental ending really wasn't necessary. rating: **** stars
- Side two opened up with the album's more commercial and radio friendly selection. With a breezy melody and some punchy horns, it was one of Mayfield's most optimistic tracks, it was one of those rare songs that effortless brought a smile to your face. Great pick for the album's second single. Shame it wasn't longer. rating: ***** stars
- The first real disappointment, 'Can't Say Nothin'' sounded like incidental movie music, or a jam that was never sharpened. It got a little better as it progressed, but overall struck me as great background music. Nowhere near as good as the rest of the album .... rating: ** stars
- Unlike the urban vibe found on most of the set, 'Keep On Trippin'' exhibited an breezy and easy going vibe. A nice showcase for Mayfield's instantly recognizable falsetto. rating: *** stars
- In spite of the cumbersome title, 'Future Song (Love A Good Woman, Love A Good Man)' showcased Mayfield's Gospel roots. Another wonderful and uplifting number.
The album was tapped for a series of singles:
- 1973's 'Future Shock' b/w 'The Other Side of Town' (Curtom catalog number CR 1987) # 39 pop
- 1973's 'If I Were Only A Child Again' b/w 'If I Were Only A Child Again (instrumental)' (Curtom catalog number CR 1991) # 71 pop
- 1974's 'Can't Say Nothin'' b/w 'Future Song (Love A Good Woman, Love A Good Man)' (Curtom catalog number CR 1993) # 88 pop
Even though it lacked a killer single, the album continued Mayfield's string of commercial successes, peaking at # 16 on the pop charts. Summary - Mayfield recorded so much stuff that the market basically became saturated and over the years this one's simply been forgotten. Shame since it's one of his best and can still be found at a reasonable price.
"Back To the World" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Back To The World (Curtis Mayfield) - 6:48
2.) Future Shock (Curtis Mayfield) - 5:24
3.) Right On For The Darkness (Curtis Mayfield) - 7:30
(side 2)
1.) If I Were Only A Child Again (Curtis Mayfield) - 2:53
2.) Can't Say Nothin' (Curtis Mayfield) - 5:20
3.) Keep On Trippin' (Curtis Mayfield) - 3:16
4.) Future Song (Love A Good Woman, Love A Good Man) (Curtis Mayfield) - 5:00
