"Move On Up" (Curtis Mayfield)

A lot of successful R&B and soul performers came out of the late 1960s and early 1970s.  But few had the combined heart, mind, and soul of Curtis Mayfield.  While many artists were only concerned with the proposition of getting down, Mayfield was on a mission to uplift with his socially-conscious lyrics, while still crafting some of the deepest, funkiest grooves on record.

A perfect example is "Move On Up" from Curtis--Mayfield's solo debut, released in 1970 after he split from his original group, The Impressions, for whom he'd penned such classics as the black pride-themed "We're A Winner" and "Keep On Pushing."  (Look for those tracks on this list in the not too distant future.)

From the opening fanfare of horns to Mayfield's unmistakable falsetto dropping words of encouragement/empowerment, the song pumps pure positivity out of your speakers for a solid 9 minutes.  In this one jam, he basically creates the blueprint for the rest of the decade (especially his songcraft on Superfly): the trap kit interweaving intricate polyrhythms with congas and bass, tasteful (not sappy) strings, funky rhythm guitar, horns that punctuate at just the right times, and--last but not least--that smooth falsetto dropping knowledge above it all.

Seriously, if you are facing hardship or self doubt, put on this song.  Oh, and clear a spot on the floor of your living room/cubicle/subway car/etc., because you will need room to shake it--shake it till whatever is eating at you is gone.  And then say a word of thanks to the Almighty that he gave us brother Curtis to remind us all that no one ever has to be held down.  By anything.