Isaac Hayes - Shaft (7231571) CD

There are few films that are defined almost entirely by their soundtrack. Shaft, the 1971 Gordon Parks-directed detective drama, is one of them. Its name will always be inextricably linked to Isaac Hayes, who put together its jazzy, funky score. More than that, its reputation is down to one tune alone, the film’s opening theme.

Theme From Shaft is one of those indestructible songs that age cannot wither. It brought together the best of John Barry’s James Bond soundtracks with something a little greasy from the American south. It is gorgeous, orchestrated soul, slow to reveal its charms with the nagging groove of Willie Hall’s hi-hat and the much loved wah-wah guitar of Charles Pitts. It is still a surprise when Hayes’ vocal comes in after two-and-a-half minutes. The call-and-response between Hayes and the backing vocalists, led by Telma Hopkins, tells of the film’s hero, John Shaft. He is the “black private dick, who’s a sex machine to all the chicks”, which amplified machismo and reinforced stereotypes in the same breath. And just as you are really getting used to it, the song has gone, vanished after just four-and-a-half minutes.

1. Theme from 'Shaft'
2. Bumpy's Lament
3. Walk from Regio's
4. Ellie's Love Theme
5. Shaft's Cab Ride
6. Cafe Regio's
7. Early Sunday Morning
8. Be Yourself
9. A Friend's Place
10. Soulsville
11. No Name Bar
12. Bumpy's Blues
13. Shaft Strikes Again
14. Do Your Thing
15. The End Theme
16. Theme from 'Shaft' (2009 Mix.