Hard Works from the Observer All Stars (1992)

After several years in the States, the Observer announced his return with the Turbo Charge album, a compilation of his productions since arriving home. It proved so popular that a second album was required, and thus listeners have Hard Works From the Observer All Stars. Its predecessor was fairly evenly divided between veteran singers and cultural toasters and the new wave of DJ stars. This one is heavily tilted toward fresh talent, and is aimed straight at the dancehall. As the Observer All Stars (actually the Roots Radics ... Read More

After several years in the States, the Observer announced his return with the Turbo Charge album, a compilation of his productions since arriving home. It proved so popular that a second album was required, and thus listeners have Hard Works From the Observer All Stars. Its predecessor was fairly evenly divided between veteran singers and cultural toasters and the new wave of DJ stars. This one is heavily tilted toward fresh talent, and is aimed straight at the dancehall. As the Observer All Stars (actually the Roots Radics, Steely & Clevie, guitarist Earl "Chinna" Smith, and a tight horn section) remain the same, and the militaristic beats are to the fore, this set is very much a child of its time. Rhythms that sounded fresh then can indeed be hard work today, as tiring as a ten-mile forced march. Even the veteran vocalists don't escape the military tattoo, although it works well for Gregory Isaacs' medley of two past hits. Johnny Osbourne also emerges unscathed, while the sublime Junior Byles goes AWOL from the army of beats, and his entertaining "Little Fleego" has enough hints of calypso to cow the strident rhythms. Andrew Tosh, son of Peter, delivers up a heartfelt, but ultimately unconvincing, "Poverty"; the children of Wailers would do best not to suggest they have firsthand experience with such things. Sugar Minott delivers up a sultry lovers rock track gone ragga, while Trinity, alongside Hugh Griffiths, offers up a laid-back medley, where for once the rhythm isn't to the fore. Griffiths returns for two more excellent tracks, while DJ Captain Kenterious is also showcased across two. Equally exciting is the fabulous Frankie Paul, accompanied here by Captain Barky, across a sizzling "Should I/Mother Miserable Combination." Although the rhythms sound dated today, it's still a great reminder of the excitement mashing up the dancehalls in the early '90s. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, Rovi Read Less