The Sensations were indeed a sensational vocal group, whose history was closely intertwined with the Techniques and the Uniques. Formed by Jimmy Riley in the late ska era, the quartet shifted lineup with his and Cornel Campbell's departures. By the dawn of the reggae era, original members Buster Riley (no relation to Jimmy, but brother of the Techniques' Winston) and Bobby Davis were joined by Jackie Parris and Johnny Osbourne. Although Winston Riley had launched his Techniques label as a home for his vocal group, inevitably the Sensations benefited as well. And none of the group more so than Osbourne, whom the singing producer launched as a solo artist (although the Sensations initially continued providing backings). Before the '60s were out, Osbourne cut a clutch of crucial singles for Riley, all bundled onto his and the Sensations' 1970 Come Back Darling album, named after the singer's biggest hit. "Warrior" was his first, and proved the most enduring, condemning Jamaica's nascent political polarization that would reach cataclysmic proportions a few years later. That number was later versioned by both Bunny Wailer and Marcia Griffiths. Again, there isn't a weak song on this set, with "He Who Keepeth His Mouth," "See and Blind," and the lush "Power & the Glory" all just as strong, cultural classics one and all. Riley's dense arrangements favored the melodies, as he lovingly lavished them with layers of rich organ, piano, guitar, and even harmonica, with four of the songs appended with their entrancing instrumentals, all attributed to Johnny Organ. A stunning set, and the beginning of Osbourne's rise to legend. The CD reissue adds a whopping 50 songs to the original vinyl album's eight numbers and three instrumental versions. There are a few more Sensations numbers mixed in, the rest are by other artists entirely, and have no connection to Osbourne: they are, however, all Riley productions.
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