This Feeling (JA, 1995)

A founding member of both The Techniques and The Uniques, Keith "Slim" Smith was one of Jamaica's truly great -- if troubled -- vocalists.  This Feeling is a concise yet fairly representative collection of some of his late '60s and early '70s works with the Uniques and by himself.  This is prototypical rock steady, full of soul and emotion.  "Time Has Come," in particular, is supremely catchy and upbeat.   "Rain From the Sky" features another classic old-fashioned melody, as does his cover of Curtis Mayfield's "My Woman's Love," later made into an '80s hit by former Uniques member Jimmy Riley (and Sly & Robbie).  Also solid are "Give Me Some More," "Build My World Around You," and Stand Up and Fight."  This short set certainly doesn't cover all of the great material that Smith recorded with The Techniques, The Uniques, and solo, but it's a nice introduction to his power.