The Word (VP, 1992)
Based on the performances I've heard from him, Hopeton Lindo deserves to be better known than he is. The Word is a decent effort from one of the more overlooked of the Lindo clan that contains solid yet simple early '90s-styled dancehall and lovers tunes. Lindo is at his best here when crooning fun party jams like "A1 Dancer" or slower, lovers grooves like "Available" or "Taking Over." The real boom shot on this album, though, is the irresistibly pop-tinged "lovers dancehall" of "Strangers in Paradise," which just sounds like a hit. Lindo falters, however, when he tries to sound either too hard ("Slaughter") or too cultural ("Territory," "Oppressor No," "Street Wise"). His mellow vocals are more suited to a lovers fare than to these styles; besides, the quality of those "keeping it real" songs aren't up to par anyway.
| Track Listing 1. The Word 2. A1 Dancer 3. Available 4. Territory 5. Taking Over 6. Slaughter 7. Street Wise 8. Strangers in Paradise 9. Oppressor No 10. Gun Ting |
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For Whatever the Reason (Irie Pen, 1994) While not a great album, For Whatever the Reason is still a pleasant surprise. Filled with plush lovers and light, simple dancehall rhythms -- many adapted from other songs (such as "Have Faith"'s "Satta Massagana" music)-- and Lindo's smooth, airy vocals, it has a nice overall sound, despite being a few songs short of a truly great work. Some may remember Lindo's biggest hit here, "Silent Consent," which was featured on Strictly the Best Volume 12. Probably the best track on this album, its strong melody and joyous, horn-filled chorus are delightful. Lindo's emotional voice is well-suited to such love songs, as he displays on "Gi Mi More," "Don't Worry," and the title cut. Still, he reveals a talent for more serious, conscious lyrics on two tracks that vie for best song on For Whatever the Reason: the wailing "Black History" and "Pampered Not Battered," a poignant protest against spousal abuse. When Lindo isn't crooning over a lovers rhythm, his dancehall sound -- on songs like "Tribute" and "Original Territory" -- is awfully similar to Sugar Minott, which is not a bad sound to adopt. "For whatever reason" you choose, you should enjoy this album more than you'd think. |
| Track Listing 1. Gi Mi More 2. Lets Dance 3. For Whatever the Reason 4. Silent Consent 5. Your Song 6. Don't Worry 7. Pampered Not Battered 8. Black History 9. Clean Up We Act 10. Undertaker 11. Have Faith featuring Endel 12. Tribute 13. Original Territory 14. Highway of Life 15. A True You Good Good featuring Angie Angel |
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