Marcia Griffiths Albums (7)
What The Critics Say
For legendary reggae singer Marcia Griffiths, this 2005 album constituted a look back on a career that had spanned over 40 years -- a career during which she had served as a backup singer for reggae music's most legendary figures as well as achieving significant success as a solo artist and (with Bob Andy) as half of a popular vocal duo. But Shining Time isn't a compilation of vintage Marcia Griffiths recordings -- instead, it's a collection of new songs, some of which look back in time explicitly either in theme ("Back in the Days," "Shining Time") or by implication (her cover version of Bob Marley's "Crazy Baldhead," for example). The rhythms are provided by a variety of producers and mostly hark back to the glory days of roots reggae (note, for example, how "Back in the Days" makes brilliant use of the "Tune In" rhythm), but the album's sound has a crisp and modern sheen throughout. Several A-list guest vocalists join her for duets -- they include the bouncy "Harmony" (featuring Shaggy) and the lovely "Live Life to the Fullest" (featuring Hopeton Lindo, who also produces several tracks). There are a couple of clunkers, most notably the unfortunately album-opening "My Heartbeat," which sounds wan and regretful rather than warm and romantic, but overall this album is a triumph. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Marcia Griffith's debut for VP Records, Certified, features 16 romantic tunes like "Then Came You," "I Got to Cry," and "Just Try Me," as well as the title track. Famed reggae producer Willie Lindo of Heavybeat Records gives the album his smooth, stylish sound, which spotlights Griffith's legendary pipes. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This is one of two exceptional albums Marcia Griffiths recorded in the late 1970s for producer Sonia Pottinger's High Note label. Her singing voice (known to many now from the years she spent as part of Bob Marley's backing trio, the I-Threes) is a thing of wonder, almost classical in its nuanced sweetness and perfect control. Opening with "Dreamland," a Bunny Wailer composition and one of the undisputed classics of mystical roots reggae, Griffiths takes the listener on a guided nostalgia tour of her time at Studio One in the early days of reggae. Old hits like "Melody Life" and the Bob Andy compositions "Truly" and "Tell Me Now" are given new performances in what was then the more current "rockers" style, courtesy of the Revolutionaries. With Steppin', this album is an essential piece of reggae history. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Steppin' is the companion album to Naturally, which was also recorded for the High Note label under celebrated producer Sonia Pottinger just a year earlier. Marcia Griffiths delivers a program consisting primarily of love songs, including "Why There Is No Love" (based, strangely enough, on the chord progression to "People Get Ready") and Bob Marley's "I'm Hurting Inside." But the album's focal point is the title track, a stirring repatriation theme that stands out as both the only political number and the strongest singalong tune. "Give and You Get" is curiously Beatlesque; "It's Impossible" updates a rocksteady classic. The Revolutionaries provide solid professional backing but know better than to try to upstage Griffiths, who is at her finest on this album. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
It's always worth hearing her sing, but the album is not essential. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This session wasn't a strict reggae effort; Griffiths did a straight soul version of "Don't Let Me Down" and a quasi-jazz/pop turn on "Blue Skies." But when Griffith turned to reggae, she was as captivating as ever. Her duet with Bunny Clark, "It's Not Funny," was beautifully performed on both sides, while "Trenchtown Rock" and "I'm Leaving" were the type of unadorned, from-the-heart singing that's sorely lacking in contemporary reggae and a lot of urban music. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
