Shaft  by Isaac Hayes

The psychedelia and progressive musical style that had dominated the late '60s would not leave soul music unaffected. Under these circumstances, Isaac Hayes recorded and released in 1971 the Shaft, a double album overflowing with psychedelic and progressive soul. One only needs to hear the 19-minute Do Your Thing.

In reality, Shaft served as the soundtrack for the movie "Shaft" by director Gordon Parks. The film showcases the dark side of the then-modern New York City. Isaac Hayes initially contacted Gordon Parks to claim the lead role, but it had already been given to actor Richard Roundtree. He ultimately ended up composing and producing one of his greatest musical works, if not the greatest, Shaft. This double album consists mainly of instrumental tracks, which effortlessly transport you 100% into the atmosphere and spirit of the movie.

Shaft won three Grammy Awards, reached No. 1 on the Billboard, sold 500,000 copies in the U.S., and sent the thirty-year-old — at the time — Isaac Hayes into the pantheon of great black music composers.