LABEL: RHINO RECORDS
VINYL RELEASE DATE: 2/04/2022
ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: 3/10/1996
VARIANT: BLACK VINYL 2LP

"Rhino's The Very Best of Curtis Mayfield is devoted to material the legendary soul man recorded after leaving the Impressions, focusing particularly on his classic songs from the early '70s. There are more comprehensive compilations on the market, namely the sublime double-disc Anthology and the flawed but worthwhile box set People Get Ready, but this is the best bet for anyone wanting a concise sampler of Mayfield's groundbreaking funk-soul, since it contains all of the bare-bone essentials: '(Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go,' 'Move on Up,' 'We Got to Have Peace,' 'Freddie's Dead,' 'Superfly,' 'Pusherman,' 'Future Shock,' and 'Kung Fu.' Yes, Mayfield also made cohesive, frequently stunning albums during this era and his work with the Impressions was just as influential, but this disc benefits from its narrow focus, since the end result is a collection ideal for the curious and the novice, while also providing a great listen for anyone who already knows the records." - Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AllMusic

TRACKLIST

SIDE A
(Don't Worry) If There Is A Hell Below, We're All Going To Go
The Makings Of You
Move On Up (Extended Version)

SIDE B
Get Down
We Got To Have Peace
Freddie's Dead (Theme From 'Superfly')
Superfly (Recorded Live by WTTW-TV Chicago)
Pusherman

SIDE C
Future Shock
Can't Say Nothin'
Kung Fu
So In Love

SIDE D
Only You Babe
Do Do Wap Is Strong In Here
Between You Baby And Me (with Linda Clifford)
Do Be Down (with Linda Clifford)