Curtis Mayfield, Move On Up | Throwback Vibez

In the 199^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 199^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Move On Up” performed by Curtis Mayfield.

the late, great Curtis Mayfield (1942 – 1999) sings. He continues singing in the first verse of one of his best songs, “Move On Up”, “Your folks might understand you / By and by.” “Move On Up” is the fifth track on the Chicago music icon’s  1970 debut solo album, Curtis.  In its extended version, the track runs shy of nine minutes long. In its single edit, it clocks in under three minutes.  While nine minutes is lengthy for some, there’s a lot to love about this gem that Mayfield wrote and produced himself.

The sound of “Move On Up” is one of its biggest selling points.  The arrangement, orchestration, and production are everything. The horn riffs are bright and electrifying, sounding like a slice of heaven.  Likewise, the strings are playful and energetic.  The drums and percussion groove are relentless, while an epic bassline provides a mean foundation.  All the while, Curtis Mayfield wows with his ultra-soulful pipes.  His high tenor is the bomb dot-com.  Few possessed a falsetto quite so ripe and influential.  Even as potent as his instrument is, he never sounds like he forces things.  He keeps it cool, calm, and collected, singing with ease. “Bite your lip / And take the trip,” he sings in the second verse, and adds, “Though there may be wet road ahead / And you cannot slip.” The centerpiece, unsurprisingly, is the chorus, where Mr. Mayfield encourages us to “Just move on up / For peace you’ll find / Into the steeple of beautiful people / Where there’s only one kind.” Woo! “Move On Up” is the type of soul classic that’ll make you swoon; it’s so good! There is plenty to analyze, but it is best experienced by simply listening and allowing the magnificent sounds to mesmerize.  

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Curtis Mayfield » Curtis » Warner Strategic Marketing » 1970

Curtis Mayfield, Move On Up: Throwback Vibez No. 199 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Warner Strategic Marketing; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]

 

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