Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 100 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time, representing a varied cross-section of films and musical genres. Click “Next Soundtrack” below to explore each soundtrack in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & soundtrack index here.
Black Caesar
Label (1973)
Selected by Jesse Ducker
As Blaxploitation films go, Black Caesar is middle of the pack, centered on a dynamic performance by Fred Williamson and little else. However, the soundtrack, helmed by James Brown during his early ’70s funk period, is a different animal altogether, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the best of the era.
Brown and his extended family are in a zone here. He delivers more bona fide funk classics to his catalogue (“Down And Out In New York City,” “The Boss,” and “Make It Good to Yourself”), while the JBs excel at keeping things moving (“Blind Man Can See It” and “White Lightning”) and laying down sultry soul (“Sportin’ Life”). Lyn Collins gets her shine and delivers, with the commanding vocalist belting out the raucous “Mama Feelgood.”
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