Barrington Levy Albums (16)
'This Is Crucial Reggae: Barrington Levy'
Release Date 7/13/2004
Tracks 12
Label Ras/Sanctuary
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What The Critics Say
Moonlight Lover essentially reissues dancehall vocalist Barrington Levy's debut album entitled Bounty Hunter. Under any name, this is classic material from the dawn of the dancehall era. Much like Ken Boothe, whose smooth voice helped ease Jamaican music from rocksteady to the slow churning rhythms of reggae, Levy's sweet and steady voice anchored the music as it shifted to the even harder and more minimal sound of dancehall. And while others were also there to captain the journey, most notably the gruff and biblical Prince Far I, none of them were crooners of Barrington Levy's stature. Levy is backed by the tough Roots Radics band and the music is mixed by Scientist, whose productions in many ways defined the early-'80s Jamaican sound. Added to this release are three single B-sides, "Moonlight Dub," "Skylarking Version," and "Shine Eye Gal Version." ~ Wade Kergan, All Music Guide
'Jah the Creator'
Release Date 7/23/2002
Tracks 14
Label Dressed to Kill
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'Living Dangerously'
Release Date 10/6/1998
Tracks 13
Label Breakaway
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What The Critics Say
Duets the title may be, but more accurate would have been "The DJs Pay Tribute to Barrington Levy." Within, producer Jah Screw takes 11 of the dancehall singer's old numbers, re-creates the rhythms for a contemporary audience, and unleashes the toasters on them. The album was sparked by the success of "Two Sounds" and "Under Mi Sensi," which revived two of Levy's decade-old hits, and are both included within. If Beenie Man's "Sounds" and "Sensi" set the stage, it was Bounty Killer's "Living Dangerously" that brought the house down and rocketed Levy and the DJ into the dance charts around the world. Nothing else here exhibits the kind of crossover appeal those trio of hits boasted; the productions are just too militant, too experimental, and the DJs by and large too gruff and threatening. But for fans of Jamaican dancehall, Duets is a superb set, reinvigorating Levy's rootsy sound in a tough new style. Mega Banton pays tribute to the singer himself, as does the sole female DJ, Lady Saw, before she launches into a lesson on how boys can please the girls, a class that the boasting Spragga Benz and slack Daddy Screw obviously missed. Fragga Ranks forgot to take his Ritalin, and is too busy bouncing to pay any mind, while Cutty Ranks turns the tables and lectures the ladies on "Looking Mi Love." Reggie Stepper offers up a tough sufferer's toast, while Fragga Ranks also wades into the cultural waters to chastise the gunmen. All in all an excellent set: The rhythms are hot, the productions sizzle and seethe, and the DJs add further spice and power to these old numbers born anew. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
While Barrington Levy continues to soak up the publicity riches from his recent MCA set, Ras reminds everyone of his greatness in more conventional reggae settings with several discs showcasing him away from trendy dancehall productions. This 10-track set has some nods to the present, notably an inspired remake of Del Shannon's "Runaway," although it's credited to someone called "S. Crook." The real gems are his brilliant covers of Ken Boothe's "Silver Words" and John Holt's "Darling I Need Your Loving." This is the kind of urgent, convincing material on which Levy made his reputation. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Bigger than Broadway? That's what MCA was banking on when they signed Barrington Levy in 1993. The singer had cracked the U.K. market in the mid-'80s, and returned with a vengeance with 1991's Divine album and the Top 20 hit single "Tribal Base." Now the label was convinced it was the U.S.'s turn, which explains the set's glossy sound and weighty guest stars. Still, MCA weren't total idiots, and with Sly & Robbie laying down the rhythms as well as co-producing alongside Lee Jaffe and Andre Betts, Barrington is not your typical leap to the big-time fiasco, but a superb set.Points of entry for those already familiar with the artist were the recuts of "Under Mi Sensi" and "Murderer." The former, which helped launch the ragga age, is given a new dancehall workout that will leave you gasping for breath. While its roots are still showing, the latter's are barely visible, transformed into a hip-hop spectacular boasting vociferous raps from guesting Rakim. It's "Jeep" remix is smoother, lusher, and more R&B-flavored, but still propelled by Dunbar's crisp beats."Survival" trades rapper for toaster, with Otiyah Morgan delivering a tough cultural toast that strongly reinforces Levy's impassioned look at the pitiful state of the world, while on the lush "Nothing's Changed," Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid unreels languorous leads over the sumptuous backing. "Vice Versa Love" is another standout, a showcase for Levy's most inspiring performances as he soulfully cries out for love and unity. Spanish guitars flavor "Be Strong," romance features on "90% There," and educators are celebrated on the breezy "Teacher," all rich numbers aimed at an international audience. "Strange," however, celebrates the latest Jamaican dance craze, "the Bogle," while welcoming its newest contender, "the Butterfly." And as contemporary as that theme is, the rhythm resurrects the past and Levy's 1983 hit, "Money Moves." "Work," too, is built for the dancehalls with its stripped-back arrangement and vicious beats. Backed by a trio of gospel-tinged female vocalists, Levy forcefully commands that "every posse must work," a message that hits even harder on the DJ version, where DJ Jigsy King joins the workforce. As strong as this album is, MCA was unable to parlay it into a breakout. "Work," however, did give the singer another hit...in the U.K. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Reggae fans knew about Levy's vocal brilliance early in his career, especially his dynamic roots material and equally fervent love ballads and romantic tunes. The 10 tracks on this Ras set are from that period, when he was among the great crooners and pleaders in reggae. If you want anger and venom, there's the slashing fury of "Robber Man" and the title cut; those who prefer sensuality and suggestiveness will devour "Good Loving" and "Mary Long Tongue," while the religious zealots can delight in "Please Jah Jah." ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
