The word legend is often bandied about inappropriately but it is hard to think of another word to introduce the reigning Diva of Jamaican music. "Shining Time" has been released as a celebration of Marcia Griffiths 40th year in the music business. While she will always be associated with the legendary Three I's that toured the globe with Bob Marley in the 1970's, Marcia Griffiths occupies a unique place in reggae history. She remains the only artist to achieve success in all forms of popular Jamaican music from ska through to digital dancehall.

Her class is immediately apparent in the opening track "My Heart Beat" where she holds back on her full vocal range but delivers a genuinely emotional love song.

Given the autobiographical aspect of the album there is no surprise with the nostalgic feel that "Bring back the Love" and "Back in the Days" induce. Her voice fills the gaps left by the gentle rhythm in the first of the two songs. Her most recent hit, "Back in the Days" features what must be one of the longest name checks of reggae stars ever recorded. She mentions U-Roy, Dennis Brown, Al Calpone, Delroy Wilson and Toots & the Maytals and more as she looks back fondly at her youth.

Next up is an excellent duet with singer & songwriter Annette Brisset's composition, "Jah Daughter." The two singers give thanks to Jah for their longevity in the music business on. Marcia's silky voice contrasts with Annette's deeper, raspy tone and the song benefits from this difference in sounds. As an added bonus Sly & Robbie provide the rhythm for the track which further adds to its strength.

The lush ballad of "Shining Time" is built entirely around her powerful vocals and seems certain to be a live favourite. In the liner notes, she says that she is saying thank you to her audiences over the last four decades with this song. She re-works her version of Paul McCartney's "My Love" and then follows this with a lovers rock duet with Beres Hammond called "Focusing Time.

After a series of four slower soulful tunes, the introduction of Shaggy on "Harmony" signals a change of pace. Her ability to evolve with changes in musical trends has contributed to her success and she has no difficulty in adapting to a more contemporary sound. She stands tall on "My Life" where she refuses to apologise for any of the relationships she has had. She says that the song is for all the women who get criticised because of the actions of their partner.

Along with producers Hopeton Lindo, Syl Gordon, and Patrick Lindsay, Marcia Griffiths has selected songs that best showcase her undoubted vocal talents. This is especially true on the soulful cover of the Stevie Wonder classic "Until You Come back to Me", which was originally performed by Aretha Franklin. This is followed up with the melodic "A House is not a Home". She brings things right up to date on the second version of "Bring Back the Days" where she is joined by Cutty Ranks who delivers a homage to Marcia in his toasting style.

It seems appropriate in the year that would have been Marley's 60th birthday that she closes with a tribute to Bob. Her vocal skills sit well amongst the roots rhythm as she delivers a faithful version of "Crazy Baldhead." In an age when Marley's output seems to becoming retrospectively sanitised by politicians, the song provides a reminder of his more strident views.

Shining Time suggests that there is still more to be heard from the reggae's leading lady. A shining voice indeed.


Reviewed by Richard Page