Short Eyes [Original Soundtrack]

The Short Eyes soundtrack is one of Mayfield’s lesser-known albums, perhaps because of its unpalatable subject matter (the fate of a sex offender in prison). But while the dark lyrics of the title track can’t help but detract from its stone-cold groove, its instrumental second half is a consummate lesson in soundtrack funk. Short Eyes is perhaps Mayfield’s boldest album in terms of the guitar work and he supplies plenty of raging hot solos à la the Isley Brothers here, with the dark funk perfectly balanced by classic-Curtis sweet soul like ‘Need Someone To Love’ and ‘Another Fool To Love.’