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.

Claudine
Buddah (1974)
Selected by Terry Nelson

Shamefully, Claudine did not receive the fanfare enjoyed by some of Curtis Mayfield’s other soundtracks (Super Fly, Sparkle), but it is one to revisit for many reasons. At the top of this list is the vocal performance of Gladys Knight & the Pips. Being freed the previous year from the shackles of the then formulaic Motown machine, the group manages to flourish in singing Mayfield’s strong material. It makes one wonder why they never really got the push and attention afforded other Motown acts.

As with Super Fly, Mayfield deftly captures the spirit of the movie with his honest songwriting and beautiful arrangements. He tells the tale of a single mother and her children without resorting to using cheap and easy stereotypes.

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