Curtis Mayfield - Do it All Night Review

Date: 1978 - Genre: R&B Pop/Rock, Styles: Funk, Quiet Storm, Soul

review: Curtis Mayfield meets Disco. It seems a definite contradiction in terms, for Curtis was always way, way deep compared to the Disco standard. But in 1978, dance music was what was selling to the masses, so Curtis jumped off the message band- wagon and onto that of Disco, for a few albums. Of those albums, this one was the one I most fondly remember. I give this album only 3 stars because on half of its songs, I thought Curtis came far from hitting the mark. But on those 3 other songs... Let's just say Curtis did the near- impossible. He managed to make two very danceable records and one smooth, mellow groove, while still retaining him inimitable writing style and vocal flavors.
And at the same time, he was funky as he wanted to be. The mellow jam, "Keeps Me Loving You," had a memorable bass line right out front. It's was a great song to cool out to. I can remember some lovely nights at the beach, with this song coming out of my 8-track player (and in the company of a young lady). You talk about setting a mood! "No Goodbyes" was just over the Disco edge for Curtis, without being too far gone. You could both hustle and salsa to it, and its lyrics kept you interested while you did it. But it was the title cut that was really amazing. Amid swirling strings and an unchanging beat, Curtis gets downright fonky! No Disco record was ever funkier than "Do It All Night," with that bass popping all over the place, and Curtis' wispy, almost-breathless vocal. His timing is flawless, as he engages in call-and-response with his background singers toward the end of the track. I don't think Disco was Curtis Mayfield's best arena, but for at least half of this album, he actually aquitted himself quite well. To make dance music that is truly MEMORABLE is no small trick, but listen to the title track of this album and I think you'll agree: Curtis does it!