Toots & the Maytals Albums (14)
What The Critics Say
There are, of course, no Maytals in Toots & the Maytals (the actual group broke up in 1981), and it's all just Toots Hibbert these days, which is fine, really, since his gospel and Memphis soul-inflected vocals have made Toots one of the most explosive and exciting performers ever to come out of Jamaica. Light Your Light was produced by Toots in conjunction with with Zadig, but unlike 2004's duets album True Love (produced by Richard Feldman, who mixed this one), which diffused Toots' powerful presence with a succession of rock star partners, this time out Toots is completely center stage (which is always a good thing). True, slide guitarist Derek Trucks is featured on the lead track, a reworking of Toots' 1970s-era "Johnny Coolman," but he wisely works the tune instead of trying to steal it. Bonnie Raitt turns up on the second track, again a re-record, this time of the poignant "Premature," Toots' cautionary tale about early pregnancy, and again Raitt lets the song lead things. Everything else is all Toots Hibbert, including a fine cover of Otis Redding's "Pain in My Heart," a bouncing "Celia" (featuring Toots' son Hopeton on bass and legendary island drummer Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace), a version of Ray Charles' "I Got a Woman" (as "I Gotta Woman"), and the track that will probably get the most attention here, a tribute to the immortal Skatalites and to Studio One producer Coxsone Dodd called "Tribute to Coxson/Guns of Navarone" that features sax from Dean Fraser. In all, Light Your Light is a much better affair than the ill-advised True Love, with a clean, clear, and bright sound -- and then, of course, the vocal work of the remarkable Toots Hibbert, who just might be the most powerful singer Jamaica has ever produced. Light Your Light doesn't take things back to the glory days, but it doesn't embarrass, either, and shows that this remarkable performer still has plenty of gas in his tank and hopefully many more miles (and albums) to go. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
That Toots Hibbert's voice, drenched in Memphis soul and rooted in Jamaican gospel, is still a powerful instrument after four decades of performing is the first thing you notice while listening to this collection of duets with pop, rock and reggae artists. "Funky Kingston," featuring Bootsy Collins and the Roots is one of the best tracks here, retaining the loose, loopy groove of the original Maytals version, probably because, from Bootsy's opening invocation of "are you ready for some Toots, Roots and Boots," nobody seems to take things too seriously. Keith Richards manages not to sound too ravished on "Careless Ethiopians," while Ben Harper and Hibbert effectively ride an atmospheric, slow-burning arrangement of "Love Gonna Walk Out On Me" to emotional fulfillment. Hopefully True Love will bring the woefully overlooked Toots some well-deserved attention. ~ Steve Leggett , All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
For their first album of all new material in two decades, Toots & the Maytals mix in a variety of Jamaican styles, including rocksteady, roots reggae, funky R&B, nyahbinghi, pocomania, gospel, and even a touch of disco-rave. Thanks to the soulful power of Toots Hibbert's voice, which has lost exactly none of its depth and nuance over the years, World Is Turning, even though it was recorded and mixed over an extremely long period (from 1973 to 2000), has a wonderfully coherent feel as if these songs were tracked all at the same session. While there aren't any obvious songs here that measure up to earlier Maytals classics like "Pressure Drop," "Sweet and Dandy," "Funky Kingston," or "54-46 That's My Number," that shouldn't stop fans of the fiery Toots from picking up this release. Among the highlights here is a recut version of "Feel Free," which features a vocal cameo from Luciano. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Although the original incarnation of Toots & the Maytals (Toots Hibbert, Nathaniel "Jerry" McCarthy, and Raleigh Gordon) parted ways in 1981, Toots resurfaced in the early '90s with a revamped version of the group, and has continued to put out albums on various small labels ever since, including this one on Alla Son Records in 1998, which recasts earlier Maytals rocksteady hits like "Broadway Jungle" and "Pressure Drop" as lightly speeded-up ska. Nothing here reaches the fiery gospel fervor of the Leslie Kong-produced originals, but Toots has the kind of voice that would make a sung grocery list sound substantial and funky, so although Ska Father is hardly essential, it isn't a disaster either. "Broadway Jungle '98" refines the ragged, loose funk of the original version, coming out as a bit more studied, but it is still fun, and "Pressure Drop" is only slight less ominous in the speeded-up version presented here. Toots also tackles the Kinks' "You Really Got Me" in ska style, which is definitely interesting. The album closes with dub versions of "You Really Got Me," "Broadway Jungle," and "The Right and the Wrong Way." ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
'Sensational Ska Explosion'
Release Date 7/18/1995
Tracks 20
Label Jamaican Gold
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
This brief album of ska stompers was recorded in 1965 for producer Byron Lee shortly before Maytals' lead singer Toots Hibbert was arrested and tossed in prison for ganja possession. Originally released under the title The Sensational Maytals, this reissue retains the same set sequence, but adds on eight alternate takes. The ska-era Maytals were even more rough-hewed than the later reggae roots version, if that's possible, and there is a delightful feel of gospel-fueled chaos to these tracks, most of which are punctuated by blasts of saxophone and trumpet. Cuts like "Never You Change," "Daddy," and "Fever" hint at the more controlled (but no less explosive) magic this group would produce a couple years down the road at the dawn of Jamaica's roots period. ~ Steve Leggett , All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
One band that never forgot reggae's ska roots was Toots & the Maytals, whose music has maintained the robustness associated with ska recordings of the 1950s and early '60s. The sweetness found in some Detroit, Chicago and Philadelphia R&B never had much of an impact on Toots Hibbert, who was more influenced by the urgency and rawness of southern soul and forms of rock. Recorded live at the 1982 Reggae Sunsplash Festival in Montego Bay, Jamaica, this album is essential listening for Toots devotees. Hard-hitting performances of "Funky Kingston," "Get Up, Stand Up" (not to be confused with the Bob Marley classic), "Monkey Man" and other major hits (in Jamaica and England) leave no doubt that Toots & the Maytals had one of the most exciting live shows in the history of reggae. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
In the Dark is a ska/reggae classic that captures the Maytals in their prime, brimming with energy. In the group's music, the positive vibrations of reggae and the deep soul of singer Frederick "Toots" Hibbert are united and elevated by a pervasive spirituality. Exuding warmth and goodwill, Toots & the Maytals seek to excise their sorrows through joyful celebration and praise. "Got to Be There" sets the mood perfectly with its jubilant roll call into heaven. Hibbert's religious concerns are equally strong on "In the Dark," a song directed at those lacking belief. But he continually succeeds in reaching across lines of strict faith. The emotions in the Maytals' music always defy such boundaries. Similarly, this soulful reggae blend has the power to communicate to diverse musical tastes, reggae converts and unbelievers alike. "I'm from Jamaica/I want to do my Jamaican stuff," sings Toots, inviting everyone to watch and listen. Backing him is a formidable rhythmic force, capable of luring anyone out onto the dancefloor. At times, the grooves are so dense with reggae's characteristic syncopation that rhythms seem to spring forth from multiple directions. "Time Tough" layers organ stabs, chopping reggae rhythms, and tight, coiled guitar lines along with call and response vocals. In the Dark's classic status may be assured from three songs alone: signature numbers "54-46 Was My Number," "Time Tough," and the Maytals' rendition of John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" (which sounds like it was written for Hibbert to sing). But the Maytals hit the mark with every song on this collection. Like the best of the blues, gospel, and soul, they turn struggle into strength. When Hibbert sings "I'm so lonely/I'm so blue" on "In the Dark," he makes the emotions seem truly addictive; if the blues felt as good as they sound here, people would be lining up to get their dose. ~ Nathan Bush, All Music Guide
'Hour Live 'Straight from the Yard' (Dedicated to Robert Nesta)'
Release Date 1/1/1982
Tracks 8
Label Genes
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
While it may not pack the wallop of earlier efforts like Funky Kingston or even Reggae Got Soul, this 1981 release is a thoroughly enjoyable slice of crossover reggae. As always, lead singer Toots Hibbert's vocals are warm and satisfying, and the arrangements and production are clean and crisp without ever sounding slick. Most importantly, though, the songs are uniformly strong. Knock Out! is a great example of the type of excellent pop reggae that was being recorded in the early '80s, before being largely abandoned for a more homogenized, polished sound. The album kicks off with the roots-inflected "Careless Ethiopians," a plea to Rastas who have gone astray. The Rasta-conscious themes continue on the slow groove of "Never Get Weary" and the rollicking "Revival Time." Most of the album, though, is given over to more romantic subject matter. In fact, the remaining six tracks are all love songs in one form or another. The highlight of these is the country-inflected "Beautiful Woman," featuring pedal steel guitar. Elsewhere, Hibbert reaffirms his love of Otis Redding-style Southern soul with the gorgeous "Missing You." Following the recording of the album, Hibbert and original Maytals Raleigh Gordon and Jerry Mathias parted company. Knock Out! stands as a fitting swan song for one of the all-time great reggae groups. Not to be missed. ~Jeffrey Konkel , All Music Guide
