While
Barrington Levy continues to soak up the publicity riches from his recent MCA set, Ras reminds everyone of his greatness in more conventional reggae settings with several discs showcasing him away from trendy dancehall productions. This 10-track set has some nods to the present, notably an inspired remake of
Del Shannon's "Runaway," although it's credited to someone called "S. Crook." The real gems are his brilliant covers of
Ken Boothe's "Silver Words" and
John Holt's "Darling I Need Your Loving." This is the kind of urgent, convincing material on which
Levy made his reputation. ~ Ron Wynn