Isaac Hayes / Johnny Taylor – Shaft / Who's Making Love

Isaac Hayes / Johnny Taylor – Shaft / Who's Making Love

A powerhouse slice of late-60s and early-70s soul, funk, and Memphis groove, Shaft / Who’s Making Love brings together four defining recordings from the legendary Stax Records catalogue. Combining cinematic funk, deep Southern soul, and sharp rhythm-and-blues songwriting, this release captures the unmistakable sound that helped shape an era.

Opening with Isaac Hayes’ iconic Shaft, the record immediately delivers one of the most recognisable funk themes ever recorded - a swaggering, orchestral groove that became synonymous with 1970s cool and the rise of Blaxploitation cinema. Its wah-wah guitars, lush strings, and driving rhythm section remain hugely influential decades later.

Johnny Taylor’s Who’s Making Love follows with classic Stax soul energy, pairing tight grooves with emotionally charged vocals and socially observant lyrics. Meanwhile, the duet Private Number from Judy Clay and William Bell adds a smoother, romantic counterpoint filled with warmth and chemistry.

Closing the record, Booker T. & The MG’s instrumental classic Time Is Tight showcases the effortless groove and musicianship that made the Stax house band one of the most important rhythm sections in soul history.

Compact but packed with legendary material, this release is an essential snapshot of Memphis soul at its peak - perfect for fans of vintage funk, deep grooves, and classic Stax recordings.

Tracklist:

Side A

1. Isaac Hayes – Shaft
2. Johnny Taylor – Who's Making Love

Side B

1. Judy Clay And William Bell – Private Number
2. Booker T. & The MG’s – Time Is Tight