Once you have all of the essential blaxploitation soundtracks (see our other recommendations for details), then you might want to check these out. Some killer funk and soul on a series of less well-known soundtrack albums, all currently available on CD. Click on the links to read more about or buy the item.
This list was last updated on 18 Dec 2005.
Brother On The Run
Johnny Pate, Perception, 1973
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Taken from an obscure movie, this classic Johnny Pate album includes all of his hallmark features, and some killer funk instrumentals to boot. The original LP is very expensive so this is a bargain! read review...
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Cornbread, Earl And Me
The Blackbyrds, Fantasy, 1975
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The Blackbyrds on top form, from a good socially-aware movie. If you're after a little jazz with your funk, you need this! read review...
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Cotton Comes To Harlem
Galt McDermot, United Artists, 1970
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Galt 'Hair' McDermot wrote this early blaxploitation soundtrack in 1970. It includes all of his trademark sounds - sparse drums, irresistible grooves and a cracking funky main theme too. read review...
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Dynamite Brothers, The
Charles Earland, Prestige, 1973
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If you like your beats a little twisted, check out this superb psychy Hammond funk album by the late Charles Earland. Includes the superb swirling funk track 'Kungfusion'. read review...
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Enter The Dragon
Lalo Schifrin, Warner Brothers, 1973
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Lalo Schifrin's best-known funky soundtrack, and with good reason. A mad mix of Western funk and Oriental influences. Fantastic! Practise those kung-fu moves to this one. read review...
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Heist ($), The
Quincy Jones, Reprise, 1972
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Quincy Jones got busy with the funk again for this album. Includes the essential dancefloor wah-wah funk of 'Money Runner', and even a killer vocal version by Little Richard! read review...
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Shaft's Big Score
Gordon Parks, MGM, 1972
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The least well-known of the Shaft series of soundtracks, Big Score nevertheless includes several excellent moments, and a fantastic main theme performance by OC Smith. Also features Freddie Hubbard. read review...
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Short Eyes
Curtis Mayfield, Curtom, 1977
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The album that killed Curtom Records. Includes the massive 'Doo Wop Is Strong In Here', one of Mayfield's best tracks of the mid 70s. Slept-on! read review...
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Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
Melvin Van Peebles, Stax, 1971
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Melvin Van Peebles and an early Earth, Wind And Fire. Hypnotic progressive jazz-funk from the top drawer - a mix of chunky funky soul and tripped-out funk instrumentals. Classic stuff. read review...
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Together Brothers
Barry White, Pye International, 1974
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Barry White gets seriously funky with the Mizell brothers on production duties. Superb. Many beats and breaks, with a spare, open funk feel. Tight, tight, tight and funky as hell. read review...
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Tough Guys (from 'Three Tough Guys')
Isaac Hayes, Enterprise, 1974
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Isaac Hayes' last blaxploitation album. Just as funky as the previous two! Many breaks and beats, don't sleep on it - this CD includes Truck Turner too so is a bargain! read review...
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Truck Turner
Isaac Hayes, Enterprise, 1974
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Isaac Hayes on top form. Massive funk breaks and beats all over this one - includes the huge mover 'Pursuit Of The Pimpmobile'. read review...
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Uptight
Booker T. & The MGs, Stax, 1968
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Booker T & The MGs take a more soulful, 60s-feel funk tip on this early soundtrack. Excellent - includes the fantastic long version of 'Time Is Tight'. read review...
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