The Heptones have been one of the greatest Jamaican harmony trios since the mid-'60s, and while none of their albums is without redeeming tracks, they seem to have run out of gas on this one.
Good Vibes is based around synthesized drums and instrumentation, and thankfully the group's trademark harmonies are still intact, but the rhythms and backing tracks seem lifeless and processed past the point of any real vitality. The remakes here of
Paul Anka's "Diana" and
Dobie Gray's "Drift Away" have some momentary life, but as a whole,
Good Vibes comes nowhere near the level of excellence that the Heptones have stood for over the years. Disappointing. Casual listeners should check out one of the classic early albums (like
Night Food or
Party Time) before going anywhere near this one.