Another classic reissued by Greensleeves, 09 Mar 2003
I had never heard of Ras Michael & The Sons of Negus before so I didn't quite know what to expect from this album and to be honest it didn't grab me straight away. But I listened to it a few more times and gradually I began to realise just how good an album this is.Ras Michael isn't the best singer that reggae has ever heard but like Keith Hudson for example, he uses his vocals well to produce a distinctive and interesting sound. Ras Michael's vocals sound like they are half-sung and half-chanted and go with the music perfectly. The backing vocals are excellent too,a mix between singing and chanting. This style of chanting would seem to me to be an obvious African influence and this can be heard in some of the instruments and arrangements on the album.The musicians used is also very interesting. The guitars on the album are played by Pete Tosh and another Wailer Earl "Chinna" Smith. Bass duties are mainly by Robbie Shaespeare. Pete Tosh also plays the clarinet on some tracks.My favourite songs on this album are None A JAH JAH Children, Glory Dawn, Give Love, It Is No Secret and Truth and Right. If you like roots reggae then check this out, it is one of the most interesting albums I have ever heard.