While there are much more important releases in
Barrington Levy' s massive discography,
Robin Hood is an entertaining and satisfying effort best remembered for its killer title track. Recorded right after his breakthrough effort,
Englishman, and with the same amazing cast -- backing band
the Roots Radics, producer
Henry "Junjo" Lawes, and engineer
Scientist -- the album wins for its delivery and feel rather than its strong material.
Levy's semi-androgynous croon is young and in top form,
Lawes is pushing roots reggae towards dancehall, the
Radics respond in a rousing manner, while
Scientist creates a more upfront sonic landscape. With everyone on the same page,
Robin Hood would be
Englishman's equal if it weren't for some uninspired ideas like repeating that previous album's Sister Carol character with the everyday "Love Sister Carol." Still, that title cut and the moving "When Friday Comes," with its dramatic intro, are prime
Levy and
Lawes. ~ David Jeffries