Rating:
Genre:
Reggae
Release Date: 10/25/2005
Although
Junior Delgado didn't shy away from
dancehall and digital styles as his career progressed, he always remained at heart a true
roots performer, with a strong allegiance to sufferers everywhere, and his impassioned singing style, while technically not perfect, always conveyed a strong personal connection to his material. This
Trojan collection is a bit more hit or miss than the label usually releases, and it certainly shouldn't be confused with anything resembling a comprehensive anthology of
Delgado's major achievements, but that said, there are some undeniable gems compiled here, including an expanded 12" version of the magnificent
Lee "Scratch" Perry-produced title tune,
"Sons of Slaves," which features background vocals from
the Heptones and
Dennis Brown. Also worth noting are the
Rupie Edwards-produced
"Mi Nuh Matta," which is a dubbed-out and versioned take on
Slim Smith and
the Uniques'
"My Conversation," and a trio of
Delgado self-productions, the elegantly ragged
"Shelter" and the bubbling, stomping
"Gimme Your Love" and
"Song of Love." Delgado arguably did his best work with
Augustus Pablo, and none of that material is here, so
Sons of Slaves can't really be called essential or definitive, but what is compiled here is solid and strong, and well worth hearing.
~Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
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