Jimmy Cliff Albums (28)
What The Critics Say
This is an intriguing record. Although his greatest music is nearly 40 years in the past, Jamaica's Jimmy Cliff still has tons of charisma, and he still has that clear, high, and slightly world-weary voice, not to mention complete control of it, even at the top of his range. Ostensibly a record of duets with the likes of Sting, Annie Lennox, Joe Strummer, Wyclef Jean, and others, Black Magic remains very much Cliff's album, and while producer Dave Stewart factors in a whole range of contemporary R&B and hip-hop touches, its Caribbean lilt dominates, although it isn't particularly Jamaican in feel. Forget the guest stars. None of them, with the possible exception of Tessane Chin (on the delightful and radio-friendly "The World Is Yours") and Bounty Killer (whose hoarse, lion-throated rumble would dominate any stage in the world), particularly sticks out, which is good, because Cliff outsings them all. It's a pity, though, that there aren't more good songs on Black Magic. "The World Is Yours" is solid, even featuring what passes for a Jimmy Cliff rap, and "The City," which eulogizes cites like Kingston, New York, Hong Kong, and Paris, has a moody grandeur, but tracks like "People" sound like overblown TV commercials, and one song here, "Jamaica Time," actually is a commercial for Air Jamaica. The best track is the relatively straightforward "No Problems Only Solutions," a song that sounds like it could have been a Leslie Kong production circa 1970. Charming, direct, melodic, and positive, "No Problems" features no fancy guests, and proves that Cliff really doesn't need them when he's at his best. Joe Strummer, who died in 2002, makes one of his last appearances on "Over the Border," but the tune is a middling affair that unfortunately never truly catches fire. Stewart produced all but one of the tracks on Black Magic, and while the sound here is steady and cohesive, one can't help but wish that it had a little bit more Kingston in it. More Kingston might have made this a great record rather than simply an intriguing one. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
With an uncanny and catchy blend of reggae and pop, Jimmy Cliff (vocals) was able to not only successfully cross musical genres, but also become (perhaps best) known as the star of the cinematic adaptation of The Harder They Come (1973). This nine-cut anthology gathers a host of 45s and otherwise hard-to-find material. Although initially compiled in the mid-'70s, Goodbye Yesterday (2004) has remained elusive prior to being issued by Universal Music's limited-edition online boutique, Hip-O Select. The majority of the inclusions are from Cliff's collaborations with Leslie Kong, after first being roundly dismissed by both Duke Reid and Coxsone Dodd. The mid-tempo "Waiting in Line" is one of two selections originally produced by Cat Stevens, the other being the optimistic and funky "Trapped," recalling Stevens' robust arrangements circa "Matthew and Son." Equally as soulful is the single version of "Waterfall," sporting an arguably dated R&B feel, complete with strings and brass accents. The congenial groove however would garner Cliff a spot representing Jamaica at the International Song Festival in Brazil. The set opens with the cheerful and practically bubblegum pop of "Goodbye Yesterday," a number that would not have sounded too far removed from the Ron Dante-led Archies. Another interesting dichotomy in styles exists between the politically informed songs "Synthetic World" and "I'm No Immigrant" when contrasting the sincerely pious "Bongo Man" or the humbling "Keep Your Eyes on the Sparrow." Although the unmistakable motif of freedom is prominent in each, the latter clocks in at over eight minutes and is presented as an extended musical sermon. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
'Sunshine in the Music'
Release Date 9/23/2003
Tracks 16
Label Sony International
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Recorded in Zaire in 1987 and released in the U.S. in 1999, Shout For Freedom consists of four seven-minute-plus tracks (actually only three songs, since one of them is presented in two versions) on which Jimmy Cliff is accompanied by the African groups the OK Jazz, the Grand Zaïko, and the Afrisa International. The result recalls Graceland as often as The Harder They Come. At less than 31 minutes, it's more of an EP than a full-length album, but makes a pleasant mixture of styles. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
