The new Marcia Griffiths is finally here: it is called "Shining Time" and is released on VP. An album celebrating the 40th anniversary of her career, and one we hoped would be up to the occasion...
After starting out at Studio One with Coxsone and being part of Bob Marley's famous I Threes, Marcia Griffiths established herself as one of the most celebrated female reggae singers. Here, then, is the long-awaited "Shining Time", produced by Syl Gordon (who has notably produced Sizzla, Luciano and Cocoa Tea) and the singer-songwriter Hopeton Lindo, author of a few songs for Dennis Brown and Gregory Issacs. 18 tracks make up this new effort, with a large majority of new-roots riddims, although Marcia does not hesitate to settle onto a few more dancehall rhythms.
The album opens with My Heart Beat, a track on which the singer is rather convincing. Her melodic singing sits well on the riddim, which comes with a good sax solo. Next comes Live Life to the Fullest, a duet with Hopeton Lindo. The singing of the two artists charms, despite a relatively classic riddim. We are also delighted to hear tracks like Focus Time Duet, another duet, this time with Beres Hammond, where one feels a real vocal complicity between the two artists, My Love with its rather gripping lover's chorus, and Lies, a dancehall number on which the former I Three acquits herself rather well. Also worth noting is a fairly well-crafted cover of Crazy Baldheads on the last track.
Not so shining after all
All the same, this album has many weaknesses, such as the duet with Shaggy, Harmony. Set on a slightly odd riddim, the mix does not take and you quickly want to move on. As with the boring Shining Time, with its gospel-leaning vocals, My Life with its heavy riddim that grates on the ears a little, and the wearisome Don't Stop. "Shining Time" leaves a mixed impression. While some songs are very pleasant to listen to, others struggle to hold the attention. This record is certainly not really bad, but we expected more from Marcia Griffiths, whose last album dated back to 1999. Diehard fans will surely enjoy it.
