Tough Guys

Hayes’ first post-Shaft soundtrack was inevitably going to be compared to the original and from the very first seconds, with the opening high-hat rhythm intro that bears a distinct resemblance to ‘Shaft’, Hayes employs many of the same musical devices here. In the process, he creates another high-calibre selection of quality soul-jazz with chord changes and string arrangements that lean toward easy listening, and several ensemble-funk tracks in various moods and tempos. Album highlights ‘Hung Up On My Baby’ and ‘Randolph & Dearborn’ are great examples of the big, lavish arrangements that Hayes excelled at.