From doo wop to funk and disco, American R&B has long had a major impact on reggae. But reggae and R&B differ radically when it comes to women. While women have always played a key role in R&B, reggae has been very male-dominated. One of reggae's more visible female vocalists has been
Rita Marley, wife of the late King of Reggae Bob Marley. As a member of
the Wailers' backing singers, the I-Threes, she was relegated to the background for many years, but successfully launched a solo career in 1983. Earthy and unpretentious,
We Must Carry On is very close in spirit to the American soul music of the '60s and early '70s. Both her own songs and Bob Marley compositions like "Who Colt the Game" and "So Much Things to Say" beautifully demonstrate just how effective simplicity can be. Though
Who Feels It Knows It remains her best album, this fine release is a more than welcome addition to
Rita Marley's catalog. ~ Alex Henderson