Funky Kingston / In the Dark

On this two-in-one reggae album, Toots Hibbert -backed by Ralphus "Raleigh" Gordon and Nathaniel "Jerry" Matthias-does more than sing; he yowls, pleads, roars, bares his soul, and testifies. These sessions, which capture early reggae's deep ties to soul music, contain the best songs he ever recorded. In addition to the energetic bop of "Pressure Drop" and "54-46 Was My Number" (a crucial indictment of his own imprisonment that's more Otis Redding than Bob Marley), songs such as "Time Tough," "In the Dark," and "Pomp and Pride" have all become classics of Jamaican music. Truly, there's not a bad song on the collection. Even the covers have so heart; the album contains what is arguably the best version of "Louie, Louie" ever recorded. Within a driving reggae rhythm, Hibbert testifies his way across the water, leaving just enough room in the boat for a sun-blistered sax solo. "Take Me Home Country Roads" becomes a cry of longing John Denver never even imagined. And "I Can't Believe" bounces head and shoulders over Ike and Tina Turner. Toots Hibbert has enjoyed the longest running career in reggae. This is why.