Right Time by The Mighty Diamonds - DeepRiffs

ALBUM

Few reggae bands evoked their audience's suffering as viscerally as the Mighty Diamonds, not least because of lead vocalist Donald "Tabby" Shaw. Although overshadowed by stars like Bunny Wailer, Shaw's aching lilt remains a compelling signature of the roots-oriented '70s era. His graceful yet forceful presence on songs like "I Need a Roof" -- which laments lack of housing -- is exactly what the music needs. A strong moralistic undertone runs throughout the album. "Right Time" warns of an impending breakdown in social order, and "Why Me Black Brother Why" decries the rampant lawlessness afflicting the island nation. "Them Never Love Poor Marcus" scornfully denounces the people who betrayed the black nationalist leader (Marcus Garvey) for "rice and peas." "Gnashing of Teeth" takes up the Biblical imperative of Judgment Day, in which "only good works shall see you through." Some strategic departures help to leaven the band's approach, most notably the love song "Shame and Pride." Lloyd Ferguson steps out of his backup vocalist role on "Go Seek Your Rights," which reminds people to respect their differences while striving for social change, and "Africa" is a wistful tribute to the continent that Rastafarian believers consider their final home. The playing is first-rate, bolstered by unobtrusive contributions from session aces like bassist Robbie Shakespeare and drummer Sly Dunbar. No student of the genre should miss this landmark roots album. ~ Ralph Heibutzki

1. Right Time

by The Mighty Diamonds

Composer: Donald Shaw
Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Lyricist: Fitzroy Simpson; Composer
Music Publisher: Prs
Keep On Kicking Music Limited (prs); Other

2. Have Mercy

by The Mighty Diamonds

Composer: Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Lyricist: Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Music Publisher: Prs
Keep On Kicking Music Limited (prs); Other

3. Go Seek Your Rights

by The Mighty Diamonds

Composer: Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Lyricist: Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Music Publisher: Prs
Keep On Kicking Music Limited (prs); Other

4. Them Never Love Poor Marcus

by The Mighty Diamonds

Composer: Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Lyricist: Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Music Publisher: Prs
Keep On Kicking Music Limited (prs); Other

5. Africa

by The Mighty Diamonds

Composer: Donald Shaw
Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Lyricist: Fitzroy Simpson; Composer
Music Publisher: Prs
Keep On Kicking Music Limited (prs); Other

6. Why Me Black Brother Why

by The Mighty Diamonds

Composer: Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Lyricist: Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Music Publisher: Prs
Keep On Kicking Music Limited (prs); Other

7. Shame and Pride

by The Mighty Diamonds

Composer: Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Lyricist: Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Music Publisher: Prs
Keep On Kicking Music Limited (prs); Other

8. Gnashing of Teeth

by The Mighty Diamonds

Composer: Fitzroy Simpson
Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Lyricist: Donald Shaw; Composer
Music Publisher: Prs
Keep On Kicking Music Limited (prs); Other

9. Natural Natty

by The Mighty Diamonds

Composer: Fitzroy Simpson
Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Lyricist: Donald Shaw; Composer
Music Publisher: Prs
Keep On Kicking Music Limited (prs); Other

10. I Need a Roof

by The Mighty Diamonds

Composer: Fitzroy Simpson
Lloyd Ferguson; Composer
Lyricist: Donald Shaw; Composer
Music Publisher: Prs
Keep On Kicking Music Limited (prs); Other

Technical Specifications

Volume

1 volume only

Tracks

10 tracks available

Type

ALBUM

Format

Digital Media

Duration

31 minutes and 17 seconds

Explicit

None

Coverart

Available and up to 3000x3000 px

Booklet

Not available

Max Quality

CD Quality (Lossless)

16bit / 44.1 kHz

Stereo

Audio Extension

Lossless: FLAC, M4A, WAV, WV, AIFF

Lossy: AAC, MP3, M4A, MP4, OGA, OGG, OPUS, WMA

Archive Format

Available in these formats: ZIP, TAR, RAR

Lyrics

8/10 tracks have lyrics

Synchronized Lyrics

No synced lyrics found

Genres

Reggae, Roots Reggae

Label

Free World Music

Music Distribution Service

Danmark

Country

United Kingdom

Language

English (United States)

Popularity

Release Date

Dec 31, 1975

Track Preview

Available

Delivery Charge

Free

Delivery Method

Digital download link via Email or Personal Dashboard on this site

UPC

5056541319045