About this album
Where they were
By 1971, Isaac Hayes had already established himself as a prominent figure in soul music, known for his work as a songwriter and producer at Stax Records. 'Shaft' was his landmark soundtrack album, following his critically acclaimed 'Hot Buttered Soul' from 1969 and marking his first major foray into film scoring. This album solidified Hayes’s role as a cultural icon and helped define the sound of the blaxploitation genre.
Why it matters
The album features the Grammy-winning title track 'Theme From Shaft', which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the most recognizable songs of its era. Its influence extended beyond music; it shaped the soundtracks of future films and became synonymous with the blaxploitation movement, highlighting themes of empowerment and urban culture.
Essential tracks
- "Theme From Shaft (vocal)" — This track is not only the album's signature song but also a defining anthem of the blaxploitation genre, celebrated for its catchy hook and smooth delivery.
- "Bumpy’s Lament" — At just under two minutes, this instrumental piece captures the mood of the film perfectly, showcasing Hayes's skill in creating atmospheric music.
- "Do Your Thing (vocal)" — Spanning nearly twenty minutes, this track allows Hayes to showcase his vocal prowess and improvisational style, embodying the spirit of freedom and self-expression.
- "Shaft Strikes Again" — This track serves as an energetic follow-up to the theme, reinforcing the character of John Shaft through its dynamic rhythm and engaging instrumentation.
Release Date
August 1, 1971
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Theme From Shaft (vocal) 4:39
- 2 Bumpy’s Lament 1:51
- 3 Walk From Regio’s 2:24
- 4 Ellie’s Love Theme 3:18
- 5 Shaft’s Cab Ride 1:08
- 6 Cafe Regio’s 5:59
- 7 Early Sunday Morning 3:49
- 8 Be Yourself 4:30
- 9 A Friend’s Place 3:22
- 10 Soulsville (vocal) 3:48
- 11 No Name Bar 6:11
- 12 Bumpy’s Blues 4:04
- 13 Shaft Strikes Again 3:04
- 14 Do Your Thing (vocal) 19:30
- 15 The End Theme 1:56
