The young Frederick "Toots" Hibberts honed his vocal skills in the church. No surprise then that the music he recorded with The Maytals is largely gospel-tinged and very effectively backed up by the fervent, energetic rhythms of ska, the sound of the era in which much of it was recorded. Concentrating on their most productive period (between 1966 when Toots was released from jail on a cannabis charge and 1974), this collection features most of the group's biggest hits, many of which were successful in the UK as well as back home. It's a pure joy to listen to classics such as "54-46 That's My Number" (famously sampled by the Rebel MC in later years), "Pressure Drop" (covered by The Clash), "Bam Bam" (which won them the Jamaican Festival Song Competition), "Monkey Man" (a much covered hit that went down a storm in the UK) and "Do The Reggay", allegedly the record that coined the name, albeit with a different spelling. There is more than a dash of reggae and roots vibes sprinkled throughout these tracks and Toots's voice shines through the often heavy riddims with a beautiful, soulful clarity that cannot be denied. --Paul Sullivan

Simply brilliant, not a bad song on it!, 30 Aug 2008
I'm not one for writing reviews but seeing as no-one has bothered to write a review for this Toots & The Maytals CD, I thought I may as well be the first.

If your knowledge of reggae goes as far as Bob Marley, and that's it, then you seriously need to broaden your tastes, and as a starter I highly recommend Toots. This CD covers The Maytals career from 1966 to 1974 and all the hits are here - Monkey Man (later covered by The Specials), their brilliant debut single Bam Bam, 54-46 That's My Number and probably their most famous song Pressure Drop (later covered by The Clash).

There's 20 songs on this album and I can honestly say there simply isn't a bad song on here, this album played through from start to finish sounds fantastic.

Do yourself a favour and buy this album, if you like your reggae/ska then I promise you this album will not disappoint you.

By 1975, rock audiences were finally getting heavily into reggae, thanks to the success of Bob Marley's first two albums and Jimmy Cliff's soundtrack for The Harder They Come. Funky Kingston, a collection of early 1970s Maytals singles, was released to capitalise on the newfound demand for Jamaican sounds, and it did not disappoint--nor will it disappoint anyone who comes across it today. With Toots Hibbert's gritty vocals at the fore, this is the closest reggae ever got to American soul music. If sublimely funky tracks such as "Time Tough", "Got To Be There" and "Pressure Drop" don't make you smile, then their ganja-laced cover of John Denver's "Country Roads" (complete with a shout-out to "West Jamaica") should definitely do the trick. --Dan Epstein

Simply brilliant, not a bad song on it!, 30 Aug 2008
I'm not one for writing reviews but seeing as no-one has bothered to write a review for this Toots & The Maytals CD, I thought I may as well be the first.

If your knowledge of reggae goes as far as Bob Marley, and that's it, then you seriously need to broaden your tastes, and as a starter I highly recommend Toots. This CD covers The Maytals career from 1966 to 1974 and all the hits are here - Monkey Man (later covered by The Specials), their brilliant debut single Bam Bam, 54-46 That's My Number and probably their most famous song Pressure Drop (later covered by The Clash).

There's 20 songs on this album and I can honestly say there simply isn't a bad song on here, this album played through from start to finish sounds fantastic.

Do yourself a favour and buy this album, if you like your reggae/ska then I promise you this album will not disappoint you.

Powerful and rough!, 10 Sep 2002
This album explores the rougher edge of the band in classic tracks like the gripping Pomp and Pride and the hypnotic Louie Louie. There’s a joyous party atmosphere in the rousing choruses and the swaying beats. Daddy is a jazzy, bluesy song and doesn’t sound like reggae at all, while the title track is a tour de force of funky reggae. Toots vocalises a lot throughout, whith “la la’s” and “da da’s” to take the groove beyond words. Rough and rootsy, this album ranks among this legendary band’s finest moments.

Simply brilliant, not a bad song on it!, 30 Aug 2008
I'm not one for writing reviews but seeing as no-one has bothered to write a review for this Toots & The Maytals CD, I thought I may as well be the first.

If your knowledge of reggae goes as far as Bob Marley, and that's it, then you seriously need to broaden your tastes, and as a starter I highly recommend Toots. This CD covers The Maytals career from 1966 to 1974 and all the hits are here - Monkey Man (later covered by The Specials), their brilliant debut single Bam Bam, 54-46 That's My Number and probably their most famous song Pressure Drop (later covered by The Clash).

There's 20 songs on this album and I can honestly say there simply isn't a bad song on here, this album played through from start to finish sounds fantastic.

Do yourself a favour and buy this album, if you like your reggae/ska then I promise you this album will not disappoint you.

Powerful and rough!, 10 Sep 2002
This album explores the rougher edge of the band in classic tracks like the gripping Pomp and Pride and the hypnotic Louie Louie. There’s a joyous party atmosphere in the rousing choruses and the swaying beats. Daddy is a jazzy, bluesy song and doesn’t sound like reggae at all, while the title track is a tour de force of funky reggae. Toots vocalises a lot throughout, whith “la la’s” and “da da’s” to take the groove beyond words. Rough and rootsy, this album ranks among this legendary band’s finest moments.

Reggae Got Soul 1xcd 2000 reissue, 19 Oct 2007
The eccentric Toots and his band The Maytals get a well deserved reissue of the Reggae Got Soul cd album. A highly prolific group, there are certainly other Toots releases featuring better known tunes, but this is worth buying for the excellent title tune alone.

Just Amazing, 18 Jun 2004
I first heard Reggae Got Soul in my teens (a long time ago!) and have been hooked on Toots and the Maytals ever since. This is simply one of the best reggae albums I have ever heard.
Buy it.

Alternative stress release remedy, 23 Oct 2000
Reggae Got soul is honestly one of the best CDs I have ever bought, or atleast the CD that has given me the most pleasure. It has this long enduring effect on you that sends you skipping into the streets singing songs such as "pressure drop" and "sweet and dandy". Forget Yoga, meditation, acupucture and all that jazz, this CD is the perfect stress release remedy, it is guaranteed smile on your face that will make somewhat fluffy and very very happy!!

Simply brilliant, not a bad song on it!, 30 Aug 2008
I'm not one for writing reviews but seeing as no-one has bothered to write a review for this Toots & The Maytals CD, I thought I may as well be the first.

If your knowledge of reggae goes as far as Bob Marley, and that's it, then you seriously need to broaden your tastes, and as a starter I highly recommend Toots. This CD covers The Maytals career from 1966 to 1974 and all the hits are here - Monkey Man (later covered by The Specials), their brilliant debut single Bam Bam, 54-46 That's My Number and probably their most famous song Pressure Drop (later covered by The Clash).

There's 20 songs on this album and I can honestly say there simply isn't a bad song on here, this album played through from start to finish sounds fantastic.

Do yourself a favour and buy this album, if you like your reggae/ska then I promise you this album will not disappoint you.

Powerful and rough!, 10 Sep 2002
This album explores the rougher edge of the band in classic tracks like the gripping Pomp and Pride and the hypnotic Louie Louie. There’s a joyous party atmosphere in the rousing choruses and the swaying beats. Daddy is a jazzy, bluesy song and doesn’t sound like reggae at all, while the title track is a tour de force of funky reggae. Toots vocalises a lot throughout, whith “la la’s” and “da da’s” to take the groove beyond words. Rough and rootsy, this album ranks among this legendary band’s finest moments.

Reggae Got Soul 1xcd 2000 reissue, 19 Oct 2007
The eccentric Toots and his band The Maytals get a well deserved reissue of the Reggae Got Soul cd album. A highly prolific group, there are certainly other Toots releases featuring better known tunes, but this is worth buying for the excellent title tune alone.

Just Amazing, 18 Jun 2004
I first heard Reggae Got Soul in my teens (a long time ago!) and have been hooked on Toots and the Maytals ever since. This is simply one of the best reggae albums I have ever heard.
Buy it.

Alternative stress release remedy, 23 Oct 2000
Reggae Got soul is honestly one of the best CDs I have ever bought, or atleast the CD that has given me the most pleasure. It has this long enduring effect on you that sends you skipping into the streets singing songs such as "pressure drop" and "sweet and dandy". Forget Yoga, meditation, acupucture and all that jazz, this CD is the perfect stress release remedy, it is guaranteed smile on your face that will make somewhat fluffy and very very happy!!

Great Reggae/Ska tunes, 02 May 2007
This is a superb collection of great reggae/ska tunes. A great place to start if you are new to Toots. Includes the untouchable 54-46 (That's my number), reggae got soul and Monkey Man, later covered by The specials. The ska cover of John Denver's Country Roads (the scene moved to Jamaica) is pure quality. Have given four stars as contains a couple of more soulful tunes, I personally prefer to keep skankin. If you are a mod/skin or just after some great summer tunes add this to your collection

Simply brilliant, not a bad song on it!, 30 Aug 2008
I'm not one for writing reviews but seeing as no-one has bothered to write a review for this Toots & The Maytals CD, I thought I may as well be the first.

If your knowledge of reggae goes as far as Bob Marley, and that's it, then you seriously need to broaden your tastes, and as a starter I highly recommend Toots. This CD covers The Maytals career from 1966 to 1974 and all the hits are here - Monkey Man (later covered by The Specials), their brilliant debut single Bam Bam, 54-46 That's My Number and probably their most famous song Pressure Drop (later covered by The Clash).

There's 20 songs on this album and I can honestly say there simply isn't a bad song on here, this album played through from start to finish sounds fantastic.

Do yourself a favour and buy this album, if you like your reggae/ska then I promise you this album will not disappoint you.

Powerful and rough!, 10 Sep 2002
This album explores the rougher edge of the band in classic tracks like the gripping Pomp and Pride and the hypnotic Louie Louie. There’s a joyous party atmosphere in the rousing choruses and the swaying beats. Daddy is a jazzy, bluesy song and doesn’t sound like reggae at all, while the title track is a tour de force of funky reggae. Toots vocalises a lot throughout, whith “la la’s” and “da da’s” to take the groove beyond words. Rough and rootsy, this album ranks among this legendary band’s finest moments.

Reggae Got Soul 1xcd 2000 reissue, 19 Oct 2007
The eccentric Toots and his band The Maytals get a well deserved reissue of the Reggae Got Soul cd album. A highly prolific group, there are certainly other Toots releases featuring better known tunes, but this is worth buying for the excellent title tune alone.

Just Amazing, 18 Jun 2004
I first heard Reggae Got Soul in my teens (a long time ago!) and have been hooked on Toots and the Maytals ever since. This is simply one of the best reggae albums I have ever heard.
Buy it.

Alternative stress release remedy, 23 Oct 2000
Reggae Got soul is honestly one of the best CDs I have ever bought, or atleast the CD that has given me the most pleasure. It has this long enduring effect on you that sends you skipping into the streets singing songs such as "pressure drop" and "sweet and dandy". Forget Yoga, meditation, acupucture and all that jazz, this CD is the perfect stress release remedy, it is guaranteed smile on your face that will make somewhat fluffy and very very happy!!

Great Reggae/Ska tunes, 02 May 2007
This is a superb collection of great reggae/ska tunes. A great place to start if you are new to Toots. Includes the untouchable 54-46 (That's my number), reggae got soul and Monkey Man, later covered by The specials. The ska cover of John Denver's Country Roads (the scene moved to Jamaica) is pure quality. Have given four stars as contains a couple of more soulful tunes, I personally prefer to keep skankin. If you are a mod/skin or just after some great summer tunes add this to your collection

Career spanning Toots collection, 21 Feb 2004
This twofer is part of the Island remasters of great tracks of crucial reggae performers (see also Burning Spear, Third World). Toots and his Maytals do not need any introduction and CD 1 is crammed full with their uptempo soulful ska and reggae hits ending with their Live recordings of 1980. The unissued track Desmond Dekker came first fits in well with the stormers and rare ballads (3, 21). With its pristine sound quality CD 1 stands as a near definite compilation of one the greatest reggae outfits in history.
CD 2 (1981-88) has good tracks but pales in comparison with CD 1. A version of his seminal Bam bam is enjoyable and Toots' soul leanings are explored further (tracks 11 to 18), The Maytals are dropped halfway and replaced by a female backup. Despite the professionalism and strong vocals CD 2 just shows that Toots aged gracefully but the fire and excitement of his 1961-73 heyday with The Maytals is understandably gone.

Simply brilliant, not a bad song on it!, 30 Aug 2008
I'm not one for writing reviews but seeing as no-one has bothered to write a review for this Toots & The Maytals CD, I thought I may as well be the first.

If your knowledge of reggae goes as far as Bob Marley, and that's it, then you seriously need to broaden your tastes, and as a starter I highly recommend Toots. This CD covers The Maytals career from 1966 to 1974 and all the hits are here - Monkey Man (later covered by The Specials), their brilliant debut single Bam Bam, 54-46 That's My Number and probably their most famous song Pressure Drop (later covered by The Clash).

There's 20 songs on this album and I can honestly say there simply isn't a bad song on here, this album played through from start to finish sounds fantastic.

Do yourself a favour and buy this album, if you like your reggae/ska then I promise you this album will not disappoint you.

Powerful and rough!, 10 Sep 2002
This album explores the rougher edge of the band in classic tracks like the gripping Pomp and Pride and the hypnotic Louie Louie. There’s a joyous party atmosphere in the rousing choruses and the swaying beats. Daddy is a jazzy, bluesy song and doesn’t sound like reggae at all, while the title track is a tour de force of funky reggae. Toots vocalises a lot throughout, whith “la la’s” and “da da’s” to take the groove beyond words. Rough and rootsy, this album ranks among this legendary band’s finest moments.

Reggae Got Soul 1xcd 2000 reissue, 19 Oct 2007
The eccentric Toots and his band The Maytals get a well deserved reissue of the Reggae Got Soul cd album. A highly prolific group, there are certainly other Toots releases featuring better known tunes, but this is worth buying for the excellent title tune alone.

Just Amazing, 18 Jun 2004
I first heard Reggae Got Soul in my teens (a long time ago!) and have been hooked on Toots and the Maytals ever since. This is simply one of the best reggae albums I have ever heard.
Buy it.

Alternative stress release remedy, 23 Oct 2000
Reggae Got soul is honestly one of the best CDs I have ever bought, or atleast the CD that has given me the most pleasure. It has this long enduring effect on you that sends you skipping into the streets singing songs such as "pressure drop" and "sweet and dandy". Forget Yoga, meditation, acupucture and all that jazz, this CD is the perfect stress release remedy, it is guaranteed smile on your face that will make somewhat fluffy and very very happy!!

Great Reggae/Ska tunes, 02 May 2007
This is a superb collection of great reggae/ska tunes. A great place to start if you are new to Toots. Includes the untouchable 54-46 (That's my number), reggae got soul and Monkey Man, later covered by The specials. The ska cover of John Denver's Country Roads (the scene moved to Jamaica) is pure quality. Have given four stars as contains a couple of more soulful tunes, I personally prefer to keep skankin. If you are a mod/skin or just after some great summer tunes add this to your collection

Career spanning Toots collection, 21 Feb 2004
This twofer is part of the Island remasters of great tracks of crucial reggae performers (see also Burning Spear, Third World). Toots and his Maytals do not need any introduction and CD 1 is crammed full with their uptempo soulful ska and reggae hits ending with their Live recordings of 1980. The unissued track Desmond Dekker came first fits in well with the stormers and rare ballads (3, 21). With its pristine sound quality CD 1 stands as a near definite compilation of one the greatest reggae outfits in history.
CD 2 (1981-88) has good tracks but pales in comparison with CD 1. A version of his seminal Bam bam is enjoyable and Toots' soul leanings are explored further (tracks 11 to 18), The Maytals are dropped halfway and replaced by a female backup. Despite the professionalism and strong vocals CD 2 just shows that Toots aged gracefully but the fire and excitement of his 1961-73 heyday with The Maytals is understandably gone.

"THE" voice is back., 19 May 2008
Toots Hibbert ,the greatest living Jamaican vocalist ,returns in fine form indeed. Not one for the purists as Toots dips into soul, jazz, R&Band gospel etc.,all woderfully delivered Life reaffirming,BUY IT!

By 1975, rock audiences were finally getting heavily into reggae, thanks to the success of Bob Marley's first two albums and Jimmy Cliff's soundtrack for The Harder They Come. Funky Kingston, a collection of early 1970s Maytals singles, was released to capitalise on the newfound demand for Jamaican sounds, and it did not disappoint--nor will it disappoint anyone who comes across it today. With Toots Hibbert's gritty vocals at the fore, this is the closest reggae ever got to American soul music. If sublimely funky tracks such as "Time Tough", "Got To Be There" and "Pressure Drop" don't make you smile, then their ganja-laced cover of John Denver's "Country Roads" (complete with a shout-out to "West Jamaica") should definitely do the trick. --Dan Epstein

Simply brilliant, not a bad song on it!, 30 Aug 2008
I'm not one for writing reviews but seeing as no-one has bothered to write a review for this Toots & The Maytals CD, I thought I may as well be the first.

If your knowledge of reggae goes as far as Bob Marley, and that's it, then you seriously need to broaden your tastes, and as a starter I highly recommend Toots. This CD covers The Maytals career from 1966 to 1974 and all the hits are here - Monkey Man (later covered by The Specials), their brilliant debut single Bam Bam, 54-46 That's My Number and probably their most famous song Pressure Drop (later covered by The Clash).

There's 20 songs on this album and I can honestly say there simply isn't a bad song on here, this album played through from start to finish sounds fantastic.

Do yourself a favour and buy this album, if you like your reggae/ska then I promise you this album will not disappoint you.

Powerful and rough!, 10 Sep 2002
This album explores the rougher edge of the band in classic tracks like the gripping Pomp and Pride and the hypnotic Louie Louie. There’s a joyous party atmosphere in the rousing choruses and the swaying beats. Daddy is a jazzy, bluesy song and doesn’t sound like reggae at all, while the title track is a tour de force of funky reggae. Toots vocalises a lot throughout, whith “la la’s” and “da da’s” to take the groove beyond words. Rough and rootsy, this album ranks among this legendary band’s finest moments.

Reggae Got Soul 1xcd 2000 reissue, 19 Oct 2007
The eccentric Toots and his band The Maytals get a well deserved reissue of the Reggae Got Soul cd album. A highly prolific group, there are certainly other Toots releases featuring better known tunes, but this is worth buying for the excellent title tune alone.

Just Amazing, 18 Jun 2004
I first heard Reggae Got Soul in my teens (a long time ago!) and have been hooked on Toots and the Maytals ever since. This is simply one of the best reggae albums I have ever heard.
Buy it.

Alternative stress release remedy, 23 Oct 2000
Reggae Got soul is honestly one of the best CDs I have ever bought, or atleast the CD that has given me the most pleasure. It has this long enduring effect on you that sends you skipping into the streets singing songs such as "pressure drop" and "sweet and dandy". Forget Yoga, meditation, acupucture and all that jazz, this CD is the perfect stress release remedy, it is guaranteed smile on your face that will make somewhat fluffy and very very happy!!

Great Reggae/Ska tunes, 02 May 2007
This is a superb collection of great reggae/ska tunes. A great place to start if you are new to Toots. Includes the untouchable 54-46 (That's my number), reggae got soul and Monkey Man, later covered by The specials. The ska cover of John Denver's Country Roads (the scene moved to Jamaica) is pure quality. Have given four stars as contains a couple of more soulful tunes, I personally prefer to keep skankin. If you are a mod/skin or just after some great summer tunes add this to your collection

Career spanning Toots collection, 21 Feb 2004
This twofer is part of the Island remasters of great tracks of crucial reggae performers (see also Burning Spear, Third World). Toots and his Maytals do not need any introduction and CD 1 is crammed full with their uptempo soulful ska and reggae hits ending with their Live recordings of 1980. The unissued track Desmond Dekker came first fits in well with the stormers and rare ballads (3, 21). With its pristine sound quality CD 1 stands as a near definite compilation of one the greatest reggae outfits in history.
CD 2 (1981-88) has good tracks but pales in comparison with CD 1. A version of his seminal Bam bam is enjoyable and Toots' soul leanings are explored further (tracks 11 to 18), The Maytals are dropped halfway and replaced by a female backup. Despite the professionalism and strong vocals CD 2 just shows that Toots aged gracefully but the fire and excitement of his 1961-73 heyday with The Maytals is understandably gone.

"THE" voice is back., 19 May 2008
Toots Hibbert ,the greatest living Jamaican vocalist ,returns in fine form indeed. Not one for the purists as Toots dips into soul, jazz, R&Band gospel etc.,all woderfully delivered Life reaffirming,BUY IT!

Powerful and rough!, 10 Sep 2002
This album explores the rougher edge of the band in classic tracks like the gripping Pomp and Pride and the hypnotic Louie Louie. There’s a joyous party atmosphere in the rousing choruses and the swaying beats. Daddy is a jazzy, bluesy song and doesn’t sound like reggae at all, while the title track is a tour de force of funky reggae. Toots vocalises a lot throughout, whith “la la’s” and “da da’s” to take the groove beyond words. Rough and rootsy, this album ranks among this legendary band’s finest moments.

Maytal is widely revered as a reggae pioneer, but he's also a Caribbean cousin of Otis Redding and Al Green, which he proves on this collection of '60s and '70s soul covers. Sly and Robbie anchor the rhythm section of a crack band that also includes guitarist Teenie Hodges and Andrew Love of the Memphis Horns. Together with Maytal, they reinvent Redding's "I've Got Dreams to Remember", Green's "Love and Happiness," and eight other classics (among them "Hard to Handle,", "It's a Shame," and "Freedom Train"). The result isn't pure reggae or unadulterated soul but a hybrid as appealing as both at their best. --Keith Moerer

Simply brilliant, not a bad song on it!, 30 Aug 2008
I'm not one for writing reviews but seeing as no-one has bothered to write a review for this Toots & The Maytals CD, I thought I may as well be the first.

If your knowledge of reggae goes as far as Bob Marley, and that's it, then you seriously need to broaden your tastes, and as a starter I highly recommend Toots. This CD covers The Maytals career from 1966 to 1974 and all the hits are here - Monkey Man (later covered by The Specials), their brilliant debut single Bam Bam, 54-46 That's My Number and probably their most famous song Pressure Drop (later covered by The Clash).

There's 20 songs on this album and I can honestly say there simply isn't a bad song on here, this album played through from start to finish sounds fantastic.

Do yourself a favour and buy this album, if you like your reggae/ska then I promise you this album will not disappoint you.

Powerful and rough!, 10 Sep 2002
This album explores the rougher edge of the band in classic tracks like the gripping Pomp and Pride and the hypnotic Louie Louie. There’s a joyous party atmosphere in the rousing choruses and the swaying beats. Daddy is a jazzy, bluesy song and doesn’t sound like reggae at all, while the title track is a tour de force of funky reggae. Toots vocalises a lot throughout, whith “la la’s” and “da da’s” to take the groove beyond words. Rough and rootsy, this album ranks among this legendary band’s finest moments.

Reggae Got Soul 1xcd 2000 reissue, 19 Oct 2007
The eccentric Toots and his band The Maytals get a well deserved reissue of the Reggae Got Soul cd album. A highly prolific group, there are certainly other Toots releases featuring better known tunes, but this is worth buying for the excellent title tune alone.

Just Amazing, 18 Jun 2004
I first heard Reggae Got Soul in my teens (a long time ago!) and have been hooked on Toots and the Maytals ever since. This is simply one of the best reggae albums I have ever heard.
Buy it.

Alternative stress release remedy, 23 Oct 2000
Reggae Got soul is honestly one of the best CDs I have ever bought, or atleast the CD that has given me the most pleasure. It has this long enduring effect on you that sends you skipping into the streets singing songs such as "pressure drop" and "sweet and dandy". Forget Yoga, meditation, acupucture and all that jazz, this CD is the perfect stress release remedy, it is guaranteed smile on your face that will make somewhat fluffy and very very happy!!

Great Reggae/Ska tunes, 02 May 2007
This is a superb collection of great reggae/ska tunes. A great place to start if you are new to Toots. Includes the untouchable 54-46 (That's my number), reggae got soul and Monkey Man, later covered by The specials. The ska cover of John Denver's Country Roads (the scene moved to Jamaica) is pure quality. Have given four stars as contains a couple of more soulful tunes, I personally prefer to keep skankin. If you are a mod/skin or just after some great summer tunes add this to your collection

Career spanning Toots collection, 21 Feb 2004
This twofer is part of the Island remasters of great tracks of crucial reggae performers (see also Burning Spear, Third World). Toots and his Maytals do not need any introduction and CD 1 is crammed full with their uptempo soulful ska and reggae hits ending with their Live recordings of 1980. The unissued track Desmond Dekker came first fits in well with the stormers and rare ballads (3, 21). With its pristine sound quality CD 1 stands as a near definite compilation of one the greatest reggae outfits in history.
CD 2 (1981-88) has good tracks but pales in comparison with CD 1. A version of his seminal Bam bam is enjoyable and Toots' soul leanings are explored further (tracks 11 to 18), The Maytals are dropped halfway and replaced by a female backup. Despite the professionalism and strong vocals CD 2 just shows that Toots aged gracefully but the fire and excitement of his 1961-73 heyday with The Maytals is understandably gone.

"THE" voice is back., 19 May 2008
Toots Hibbert ,the greatest living Jamaican vocalist ,returns in fine form indeed. Not one for the purists as Toots dips into soul, jazz, R&Band gospel etc.,all woderfully delivered Life reaffirming,BUY IT!

Powerful and rough!, 10 Sep 2002
This album explores the rougher edge of the band in classic tracks like the gripping Pomp and Pride and the hypnotic Louie Louie. There’s a joyous party atmosphere in the rousing choruses and the swaying beats. Daddy is a jazzy, bluesy song and doesn’t sound like reggae at all, while the title track is a tour de force of funky reggae. Toots vocalises a lot throughout, whith “la la’s” and “da da’s” to take the groove beyond words. Rough and rootsy, this album ranks among this legendary band’s finest moments.

A rare treat, 01 Aug 2007
So check this out, Toots Hibbert, pioneer of Jamaican music and a man with a voice on a par with Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye, puts his own unique spin on some of the finest ballads ever to emerge from McElmore Avenue.

Toots brings not just his deep roots in gospel, reggae and ska, but also tinges of funk to the proceedings, accompanied by a blue chip roster of backing musicians including Andrew Love of the Memphis Horns. The material, recorded at "Ardent Studio C, Memphis Tenessee" (the original Stax studios are alas no more), covers a gamut of hits from artists such as Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd, Al Green, Ann Peebles and even one of Toots's own: See It My Way.

The CD, which was nominated for a Grammy, comes beautifully packaged in a luxuriously thick miniature LP slipcase with 'Limited Edition' embossed in gold on the back.

A must for Toots fans and even open-minded lovers of the soul originals.

Simply brilliant, not a bad song on it!, 30 Aug 2008
I'm not one for writing reviews but seeing as no-one has bothered to write a review for this Toots & The Maytals CD, I thought I may as well be the first.

If your knowledge of reggae goes as far as Bob Marley, and that's it, then you seriously need to broaden your tastes, and as a starter I highly recommend Toots. This CD covers The Maytals career from 1966 to 1974 and all the hits are here - Monkey Man (later covered by The Specials), their brilliant debut single Bam Bam, 54-46 That's My Number and probably their most famous song Pressure Drop (later covered by The Clash).

There's 20 songs on this album and I can honestly say there simply isn't a bad song on here, this album played through from start to finish sounds fantastic.

Do yourself a favour and buy this album, if you like your reggae/ska then I promise you this album will not disappoint you.

Powerful and rough!, 10 Sep 2002
This album explores the rougher edge of the band in classic tracks like the gripping Pomp and Pride and the hypnotic Louie Louie. There’s a joyous party atmosphere in the rousing choruses and the swaying beats. Daddy is a jazzy, bluesy song and doesn’t sound like reggae at all, while the title track is a tour de force of funky reggae. Toots vocalises a lot throughout, whith “la la’s” and “da da’s” to take the groove beyond words. Rough and rootsy, this album ranks among this legendary band’s finest moments.

Reggae Got Soul 1xcd 2000 reissue, 19 Oct 2007
The eccentric Toots and his band The Maytals get a well deserved reissue of the Reggae Got Soul cd album. A highly prolific group, there are certainly other Toots releases featuring better known tunes, but this is worth buying for the excellent title tune alone.

Just Amazing, 18 Jun 2004
I first heard Reggae Got Soul in my teens (a long time ago!) and have been hooked on Toots and the Maytals ever since. This is simply one of the best reggae albums I have ever heard.
Buy it.

Alternative stress release remedy, 23 Oct 2000
Reggae Got soul is honestly one of the best CDs I have ever bought, or atleast the CD that has given me the most pleasure. It has this long enduring effect on you that sends you skipping into the streets singing songs such as "pressure drop" and "sweet and dandy". Forget Yoga, meditation, acupucture and all that jazz, this CD is the perfect stress release remedy, it is guaranteed smile on your face that will make somewhat fluffy and very very happy!!

Great Reggae/Ska tunes, 02 May 2007
This is a superb collection of great reggae/ska tunes. A great place to start if you are new to Toots. Includes the untouchable 54-46 (That's my number), reggae got soul and Monkey Man, later covered by The specials. The ska cover of John Denver's Country Roads (the scene moved to Jamaica) is pure quality. Have given four stars as contains a couple of more soulful tunes, I personally prefer to keep skankin. If you are a mod/skin or just after some great summer tunes add this to your collection

Career spanning Toots collection, 21 Feb 2004
This twofer is part of the Island remasters of great tracks of crucial reggae performers (see also Burning Spear, Third World). Toots and his Maytals do not need any introduction and CD 1 is crammed full with their uptempo soulful ska and reggae hits ending with their Live recordings of 1980. The unissued track Desmond Dekker came first fits in well with the stormers and rare ballads (3, 21). With its pristine sound quality CD 1 stands as a near definite compilation of one the greatest reggae outfits in history.
CD 2 (1981-88) has good tracks but pales in comparison with CD 1. A version of his seminal Bam bam is enjoyable and Toots' soul leanings are explored further (tracks 11 to 18), The Maytals are dropped halfway and replaced by a female backup. Despite the professionalism and strong vocals CD 2 just shows that Toots aged gracefully but the fire and excitement of his 1961-73 heyday with The Maytals is understandably gone.

"THE" voice is back., 19 May 2008
Toots Hibbert ,the greatest living Jamaican vocalist ,returns in fine form indeed. Not one for the purists as Toots dips into soul, jazz, R&Band gospel etc.,all woderfully delivered Life reaffirming,BUY IT!

Powerful and rough!, 10 Sep 2002
This album explores the rougher edge of the band in classic tracks like the gripping Pomp and Pride and the hypnotic Louie Louie. There’s a joyous party atmosphere in the rousing choruses and the swaying beats. Daddy is a jazzy, bluesy song and doesn’t sound like reggae at all, while the title track is a tour de force of funky reggae. Toots vocalises a lot throughout, whith “la la’s” and “da da’s” to take the groove beyond words. Rough and rootsy, this album ranks among this legendary band’s finest moments.

A rare treat, 01 Aug 2007
So check this out, Toots Hibbert, pioneer of Jamaican music and a man with a voice on a par with Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye, puts his own unique spin on some of the finest ballads ever to emerge from McElmore Avenue.

Toots brings not just his deep roots in gospel, reggae and ska, but also tinges of funk to the proceedings, accompanied by a blue chip roster of backing musicians including Andrew Love of the Memphis Horns. The material, recorded at "Ardent Studio C, Memphis Tenessee" (the original Stax studios are alas no more), covers a gamut of hits from artists such as Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd, Al Green, Ann Peebles and even one of Toots's own: See It My Way.

The CD, which was nominated for a Grammy, comes beautifully packaged in a luxuriously thick miniature LP slipcase with 'Limited Edition' embossed in gold on the back.

A must for Toots fans and even open-minded lovers of the soul originals.

Great Reggae/Ska tunes, 02 May 2007
This is a superb collection of great reggae/ska tunes. A great place to start if you are new to Toots. Includes the untouchable 54-46 (That's my number), reggae got soul and Monkey Man, later covered by The specials. The ska cover of John Denver's Country Roads (the scene moved to Jamaica) is pure quality. Have given four stars as contains a couple of more soulful tunes, I personally prefer to keep skankin. If you are a mod/skin or just after some great summer tunes add this to your collection