by Ron Wynn
Gregory Isaacs has recorded so often and for so many labels, it's both difficult and almost impossible to label anything other than individual compositions as his finest work. But this early-'70s session for Sly And Robbie's Taxi label certainly ranks among his finest full LPs. There were no flimsy soul or pop covers, and Isaacs sang with clarity, depth, verve, and confidence, whether covering &Slave Driver,& ripping through &Soon Forward& and &Going Downtown,& or embellishing &Motherless Children.& There were no unnecesssary or exaggerated mannerisms, and his voice and range were at their peak. The CD includes both vocals and versions, and also has a bonus track in the 1987 single &I'm Coming Home.&