Back to the World (Curtis Mayfield album)
Encyclopedia
Back to the World is the fourth studio album by Curtis Mayfield
.
"The World" was what US GIs in Vietnam
called America, and acclimating back into the world could be a harrowing experience. Curtis Mayfield
addresses this problem in the title track to his 1973 album, Back to the World. The album also included his minor hit “Future Shock” (which was remade by Herbie Hancock
in 1983 for the album of the same title) and his emotional appeal, “If I Were Only a Child Again.” It took the #1 position on the R&B Albums chart and broke into the Top 20 on the Pop Albums chart.
for a mailing list exclusive in 2009.
Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Lee Mayfield was an American soul, R&B, and funk singer, songwriter, and record producer.He is best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and for composing the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Super Fly, Mayfield is highly...
.
"The World" was what US GIs in Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
called America, and acclimating back into the world could be a harrowing experience. Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Lee Mayfield was an American soul, R&B, and funk singer, songwriter, and record producer.He is best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and for composing the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Super Fly, Mayfield is highly...
addresses this problem in the title track to his 1973 album, Back to the World. The album also included his minor hit “Future Shock” (which was remade by Herbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock
Herbert Jeffrey "Herbie" Hancock is an American pianist, bandleader and composer. As part of Miles Davis's "second great quintet," Hancock helped to redefine the role of a jazz rhythm section and was one of the primary architects of the "post-bop" sound...
in 1983 for the album of the same title) and his emotional appeal, “If I Were Only a Child Again.” It took the #1 position on the R&B Albums chart and broke into the Top 20 on the Pop Albums chart.
Track listing
All tracks written and composed by Curtis Mayfield.- “Back to the World” – 6:45
- “Future Shock” – 5:15
- “Right on for the Darkness” – 7:27
- “Future Song (Love a Good Woman, Love a Good Man)” – 4:58
- “If I Were Only a Child Again” – 2:49
- “Can't Say Nothin'” – 5:13
- “Keep on Trippin'” – 3:12
Chart positions
Billboard Music Charts (North America) - album| Year | Chart | Chart position |
| 1973 | Pop Albums | #16 |
| 1973 | Black Albums | #1 |
Covers
"Right On For The Darkness" was covered by Fun Lovin' CriminalsFun Lovin' Criminals
The Fun Lovin' Criminals is an American alternative hip hop / alternative rock group from New York City. Their musical style is primarily eclectic, covering styles such as hip hop, rock, funk, blues and jazz. Their songs often deal with life in New York City, as well as urban life in general...
for a mailing list exclusive in 2009.