New World Order ~ Release by Curtis Mayfield (see all versions of this release, 2 available). The songs are hit-and-miss, but the main strength of the record is that it illustrates that Mayfield can make music that is still vital. Narada Michael Walden, Daryl Simmons, and Organized Noize all contributed productions that are sensitive but strong, which gives the album added weight. The joy of hearing him sing makes the inconsistency of the album forgivable, especially since he is in good voice. As the first new music Mayfield recorded since he was paralyzed in 1990, the album engenders a lot of goodwill - it's undeniably affecting to hear him sing again, especially with the knowledge that his performances had to be recorded line by line, due to his paralysis. Released September 1996, the album was hailed triumphantly, and received three Grammy nominations.New World Order is a touching, moving comeback from Curtis Mayfield. In this album, the King of Conscious Soul commandeered equal attentions to his skills as a lyricist and a high tenor in this album.
His releases in the '60's with the Impressions and solo work in the '70s all tackled issues of race, class and justice while simultaneously delivering landmark funk jams and moving, lush ballads. Throughout his career, Mayfield focused on the bigger picture - and fixed his gaze on inspiring progressive social change. "How many 54-year-old quadriplegics are putting albums out? You just have to deal with what you got, try to sustain yourself as best as you can, and look to the things that you can do," he described. The album's lyrical urgency and poetic prowess underscored the album's true musical power - the undeniable persevering power of Mayfield himself. With a team of contemporary R&B producers beside him to do the physical work he was no longer capable of, Mayfield miraculously delivered the album with stunning vocal delivery.
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