Friends

FRIENDS is an exceptional new reggae offering by this soulful pair, who, as bassist and drummer, put the "riddim" into the rhythm section. As producers and composers, the tunes and tones they use aren't only of the Kingston kind, however. Lionel Richie and El DeBarge classics sit on the bench with a steamy rendition of Cole Porter's "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To," nodding across the way to the Stones' "Satisfaction." Yep, it's all true. And somehow, the stitches don't show. Sly and Robbie have combined crooning vocals (courtesy of some high-powered guests), punchy horns, and rootsy keyboard work with a healthy amount of wit. Sly & Robbie utilize their friends' talents well; Maxi Priest's earnest touch makes "Only a Smile" that much sweeter. Jah Wobble's remix of "Nightnurse" is undoubtedly the trippier of the two renditions on this album. FRIENDS is the meeting place where the old and new and the sultry and goofy all spend their after hours.