Ricky Barnett - It's Because

Sunday 1st October 2000
Ricky Barnett - It's Because
Ricky Barnett - It's Because

STYLE: Reggae
RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 2425-20051
LABEL: Independent RB3043
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £4.99

Reviewed by Peter Dilley

Even with a solo recording project, it helps to have a good team of musicians around you. Jamaican-born singer/songwriter Ricky Barnett joined forces with producer and keyboard player/programmer David Goode, Jason Collins (keyboards) and the excellent Robie Sisters (backing vocals), and their combined talents lift the production standards of Ricky's self-financed debut well into the professional category. Opening with a medley of the traditional "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and "Fly Away", followed by the title cut, relaxed reggae grooves soon emerge as the dominant flavour, but it's certainly not the whole story. "Joy In The Lord" is wah-wah driven funk, ragamuffin-style rapping from Gamma Man punctuates gospel/soul ballad "People Need To Know", and Ricky veers off in Barry White direction (smooooth!) on his interpretation of "Blessed Assurance", "The New Jerusalem" and "Lord I Lift You Up", a track which also features bizarre use of a keyboard pitch bend control. A few tracks seem to run a bit on the long side ("I Thank You" clocks more than seven minutes) so don't always totally hold your attention, but in most respects, Ricky and his associates have made a decent go of it.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Be the first to comment on this article

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.