Blood Brothers (RAS, 1994)

Always beware of albums that don't list the tracks on the outside cover.  Not that that would've given any indications to how bland this album is.  Most of the blandness comes courtesy of Gregory Isaacs, whose deteriorated vocal chords can't hold a note for longer than a half-second, so that his singing is reminiscent of talking (He actually does talk throughout the un-listenable "The Love Letter.").   His shortcomings are all the more apparent alongside Brown's strong, impassioned vocals, making Isaacs' sound listless and mumbly.  In general, the music -- largely digital dancehall -- doesn't provide much support, forcing the stars to rely even more heavily on their singing and songwriting skills -- to Isaacs' detriment.  The 12 tracks here are divided evenly between the two artists -- 5 for each and two duets -- with the only 3 good tunes coming from Brown.  He re-records his classic "Here I Come" to nice effect, while the more modern, up-tempo dancehall-styled numbers "Give Thanks to the Father" and "Lover With Meaning" are exquisite surprises.  If you can find these latter two tunes elsewhere, get them; if not, maybe you can get a used copy of this album...cheap.