Roots (Curtis Mayfield album) explained

Roots is Curtis Mayfield’s second studio album, released in October 1971. 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.

Track listing

Original release

All songs written and composed by Curtis Mayfield, except as noted.

1. "Get Down" – 5:45
2. "Keep On Keeping On" – 5:08
3. "Underground" – 5:15
4. "We Got to Have Peace" – 4:44
5. "Beautiful Brother of Mine" – 7:23
6. "Now You're Gone" (Mayfield, Joseph Scott) – 6:50
7. "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".

1. "Underground" [demo version] – 3:17
2. "Get Down" [Single edit] – 3:55
3. "We Got to Have Peace" [Single edit] – 3:39
4. "Beautiful Brother of Mine" [Single edit] – 3:09

Personnel

• Curtis Mayfield - vocals, guitar
• Craig McMullen - guitar
• Joseph "Lucky" Scott - bass
• Tyrone McCullen - drums
• Henry Gibson - percussion
• Leroy Hutson, Michael Hawkins - background vocals
• Johnny Pate, Riley Hampton - arrangements

Chart positions

Chart (1971)	Peak position
Billboard Top LPs	40
Billboard Top Soul LPs	6

Notes and References

1. Donovan. Charles. March 6, 2019. Chapter One of Curtis Mayfield's Solo Career Gets a Much-Needed Makeover. PopMatters. January 31, 2021.