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20 Classic Hits (Sonic, 1993) While I'd fell safe in saying that Jimmy Riley never had 20 "hits" -- much less "classic" ones -- he did put out some popular material in the '60s as a member of both the Sensations (who sang the classic "Every Day Is Just a Holiday") and the Uniques. This album, though, focuses on his solo work from the '70s and '80s, including perhaps his best-known "hits," "Love & Devotion" and his cover of Curtis Mayfield's "My Woman's Love," both produced by Sly & Robbie. I prefer many of the other, lesser-known "hits" on this album, however, such as "Come Back Baby," "It's Too Hot," and "World for Everyone." These three songs represent the three styles between which Riley deftly maneuvers: "Come Back Baby" is bouncing-bass '80s dancehall, "It's Too Hot" is fun, Chalice-like '80s synth reggae (along with the equally solid "Magic" and "Ride On," which bears a resemblance to Isaac Hayes' funk classic "Do Your Thing"), and "World for Everyone" is more serious-toned, socially conscious roots, as is "Trigger Happy" and "Poor Immigrant." There's even some lovers rock in "My Woman's Love" and his cover of Hall & Oates' "Everytime You Go Away." Whatever the style, Riley manages to write catchy melodies, even on a poignant tune like "Trigger Happy." Some listeners might find some of his tunes a bit too catchy, too mainstream -- particularly on his remakes, like Sting's "Set Them Free" -- but, like Chalice, you can't help but enjoy such guilty pleasures, especially when counterbalanced with his more strict roots and dancehall. |
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