More Gregory (Gregory Isaacs)

Album review

One of Jamaica's most prolific and revered singers, Gregory Isaacs cemented his reputation by the early '80s with this fine record. Featuring his favored backing band of the time, the Roots Radics, More Gregory finds the singer working his smooth dancehall magic on ten solid tracks. Foregoing the help of one of the many talented producers on the island, Isaacs wrote, arranged, and produced this album by himself. And neglecting his usual balance of lovers and cultural material, Isaacs fills up the program with dim-the-lights classics like "Hush Darling," "Confirm Reservation," and the steppers-light classic "Substitute." The contrasting material that is included, though, is of the highest quality: both the ghetto freedom side "The Fugitive" and the bittersweet breakup song "Once Ago" qualify as two of Isaacs' most memorable songs. With the superbly compact contributions of the Radics topping things off -- special mention goes to drummer "Style" Scott and keyboard maestro "Steelie" Johnson -- More Gregory fits snug with many crucial titles the lonely lover released during his 1975-1985 prime.
© Stephen Cook /TiVo