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Title Artist Label Format Date |
Album review
Desmond Dekker Halfway To Paradise Trojan Records CD 12 - 02 - 2000 |
Tracking list |
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Rating :
from 5 (excellent) to 1 (poor) |
| Vocals : 3/4 | Backing : 3/4 | Production : 3/4 | Sound quality : 4/5 | Sleeve : 4 |
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Desmond Dekker is a living legend. In the 60's he became the world's first Jamaican superstar and through his records, introduced millions to the sounds of rocksteady and reggae. In 1967 his rude boy anthem "007 Shanty Town" became the first jamaican produced single to break into the UK Top 20. Two years later "Israelites" became a number one smash hit around the globe. The following years a string of hits followed, including tunes such as "It Mek", "Pickney Gal", "You Can Get It If You Really Want" and "Sing A Little Song". This album is his latest production. Here he reworks a number of songs he first cut in the 60's and seventies. Parents, Dracula and Labour For Learning were previously recorded in the 60's. In the early 70's he recorded When I'm Cold, Where Did It Go, You Got Soul, Little Darling and Go Tell My People. These tunes can be heard on the album in updated versions. Furthermore the album includes covers of pop standards like Halfway To Paradise, Wimoweh and Hang On Sloopy, alongside a trio of sides made popular by American calypso singer Harry Belafonte : Island In The Sun, Day Light Come and Jamaica Farewell. Finally Desmond has added two fine new compositions : Why Fight, which is the most outstanding tune on the album, and Happy Birthday Jamaica. A very enjoyable set !
Teacher & Mr. T. |
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