By Marlon Burrell—
If you are familiar with Joe Fraser Records’ Hits After Hits series, the eighth volume will not disappoint you. A standard has been established and hits you do get. There is a great blend of artists and first rate song selection. There is star power for sure and even a couple of legends. Names like Marcia Griffiths and Boris Gardiner gets ones attention immediately. This is undoubtedly one of the better volumes.
What better way to get started than with the queen of reggae herself as Marcia Griffiths delivers with “Say Something.” Mikey Spice will get your attention with his distinct vocal prowess on his rendition of the much versioned “Can I Change My Mind.” There is no drop-off in vocal skill by the third track as Richie Stephens sings “Now And Forever.” You would think that after listening to the first three tracks that the standard can’t be maintained throughout, amazingly it is held up. The familiar “Feeling Soul” riddim is present with two outstanding hits. First there is Glen Washington’s “No Bad Mind.” Then there is my favorite piece from this project, Daville’s hit single “Let’s Do It.” He shows that his vocal ability doesn’t end with singing, he can DJ like nobody’s business. The next track is a standout as Ian Sweetness lends his distinctive voice to the classic “Blue Moon.” This too is a certified hit and a great listen.
George Nooks has always had a knack for extending his unique vocal style to a well-known song. When covering a Dennis Brown song however, he makes me wonder even for a split second if I’m listening to the crown prince. “Someone Special” as heard here is no exception. A female perspective is given to ““Now And Forever” by Sandra Cross to contrast the expressions of Richie Stephens and she doesn’t disappoint. Ambelique tells an interesting tale of suspicion as he’s “Singing The Blues” on a distinguished cut of the classic “Heartaches” riddim. Wait until you hear the The Daffodils well defined interpretation of “Love Can Make You Happy.” The smooth vocalizing of Boris Gardiner will take you to relaxed state of mind with “Bobby Sox To Stockings” and is followed by an equally smooth saxophone version of the same song by Verlando Small.
This is a well-balanced compilation with good music from top to bottom. Weather listening to Fiona’s “Sweets For My Sweets,” Duane Stephenson’s take on Neil Diamond’s “Hello Again,” Terry Linen’s interpretation of Toots Hibbert’s “Bam Bam,” or Joseph Cotton’s “Latest Twist,” the production standard is high. Congratulations are in order to Lloyd Campbell and the Joe Fraser team for another first rate product as we anticipate the next volume of “Hits After Hits.”
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