Toots and The Maytals Album: “Reggae Got Soul”

This disc is pure, well, as the title indicates,soul. Never was a title more fiting than "Reggae Got Soul" that encapsulates the music. The title track "Reggae Got Soul" is a monster. The opeing track,"Rasta Man" has that slow churning, steadly chugging, rock steady beat that is the backdrop to the coolest smoky vocals and chorus you'll ever here. Throw in some horns to go with the syncopated beat and you have a reggae classic. This is one of my all time fave songs that I never get tired of. It is one of those songs that you can push the repeat button and just let it rip three or four times in a row. Toots Hibbert is such a great singer that I put him in the same category as, say, Otis Redding. I make the Otis Redding comparison because of their gritty , heart felt vocals that transcend a recording and comes out and grabs you and gets under your skin;it is pure soul music. "Everybody Needs Some Lovin'" might as well be Otis Redding reincarnated, born again in Jamaica to sing again. The lineup on this disc is top rate including Rico

on trombone. The music has a gospel feel to it at times, especially on songs like "Six and Seven Books" or "I Shall Sing" that is pure harmony with a bit of organ thrown that gives it that gospel church feel. Each and every song is tight and stands on it's own merits as a great song. If you've never heard of Toots and the Maytals check them out, you won't be let down. This is as good a place as any to hear the Maytals but if you are looking for something that features more of their hits check out

or

. Recommended for fans old and new of classic reggae.

This is really one of the best reggae albums, played with a lot of spirituality and love. Every song is a gem.

If an alien, or a child, or somebody similarly clueless asked me what Reggae music is, I would immediately grab this album and play the first seven songs. This is what Reggae music is supposed to sound and feel like. Aaahhhh, a classic without equal.