| Produced
in the late 1980's, this album came in a
time wherein Roots Reggae was going through
a difficult time. The same thing could be
said for Israel Vibration, for the vocal
harmony group had not been together for
quite a while.
But that was about to change when Dr.
Dread from RAS Records encouraged them to
come together and start recording again. The
first result of this reunion (that lasted
for several years) was "Strength Of My
Life".
It's one of the few recordings from the
late 1980's that really stands out. Every
track is strong, deep and spiritual Roots
Reggae recorded in a first class studio with
the latest digital possibilities.
And so, obviously it doesn't sound like a
1970's Jamaican recording. But too many
people think that Roots is something which
can only be created in these times and
places. "Strength Of My Life"
proofs them wrong.
It's a crystal clear recording, all with
riddims obviously made especially for this
album. A wide variety of vibes is being kept
into one concept as the three singers take
us from one track to the next.
The title track is especially
interesting, since it incorporates the
Nyabinghy rhythm is a special way. The
Nyabinghy rhythm is often used by Rasta's,
but it is not necessarily a part of the
Reggae rhythm. It's usually played with hand
drums, but not on this album.
Unfortunately, there are only nine tracks
on the entire disc. That's just about the
only disappointing thing. But then,
remember, these were the last days of the
"LP" and these vinyl albums
couldn't contain the well over 79 minutes we
can now have on a single CD.
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