Roots cover
Released

Another great album in Mayfield’s impressive early 70s run, his first of two in 1971, features his trademark expansive orchestrated funk — there’s plenty of harps and woodwind among the rattling congas and wah wah guitar — and fuzz guitar/percussion jams. Uncompromising social commentary sits comfortably side by side with his more optimistic tracks and his love songs, all of which are characterised by Mayfield’s celestial-sounding falsetto and his unique guitar style. It’s hippie-soul, psychedelic-funk, cinematic-R’n’B: confident and bold.

Harold Heath

Recommended by

Suggestions
Exposed cover

Exposed

Valerie Simpson
Destiny cover

Destiny

The Jacksons
Concept cover

Concept

The Sylvers
Mother cover

Mother

Cleo Sol
Sands Of Time cover

Sands Of Time

The S.O.S. Band
Tropidélico cover

Tropidélico

The Quantic Soul Orchestra
Stand! cover

Stand!

Sly & the Family Stone
All I Need Is Time cover

All I Need Is Time

Gladys Knight & the Pips