For legendary reggae singer
Marcia Griffiths, this 2005 album constituted a look back on a career that had spanned over 40 years -- a career during which she had served as a backup singer for reggae music's most legendary figures as well as achieving significant success as a solo artist and (with
Bob Andy) as half of a popular vocal duo. But
Shining Time isn't a compilation of vintage
Marcia Griffiths recordings -- instead, it's a collection of new songs, some of which look back in time explicitly either in theme ("Back in the Days," "Shining Time") or by implication (her cover version of
Bob Marley's "Crazy Baldhead," for example). The rhythms are provided by a variety of producers and mostly hark back to the glory days of roots reggae (note, for example, how "Back in the Days" makes brilliant use of the "Tune In" rhythm), but the album's sound has a crisp and modern sheen throughout. Several A-list guest vocalists join her for duets -- they include the bouncy "Harmony" (featuring
Shaggy) and the lovely "Live Life to the Fullest" (featuring
Hopeton Lindo, who also produces several tracks). There are a couple of clunkers, most notably the unfortunately album-opening "My Heartbeat," which sounds wan and regretful rather than warm and romantic, but overall this album is a triumph. ~ Rick Anderson