Customer Reviews

Black Woman

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you're a fan of Bob Marley, you'll like Mowatt, who was one of the I-Three singers backing him up. She was a big part of his sound. Her voice is sweet and soulful, establishing an easy, swaying groove on every song. The album has held up well over the years; when I put it on today, people ask me interestedly "Hey, this is nice -- who is it?" Her sound is pure and devotional, and like Tosh's and Marley's music, it moves you.

The correct track listing is: Strength to go through/Concrete jungle/Slave queen/Put it on/Zion chant/Black woman/Down in the valley/Joseph/Many are called/Sisters' chant. This is not my favorite Judy Mowatt album, because the production leaves a lot to be desired and her voice sounds thin and reedy at times. There are some great songs, however, like Strength To Go Through, Down In The Valley and Many Are Called. She also does interesting interpretations of Bob Marley songs like Concrete Jungle and Put It On. There is not enough variation in the sound. I think the use of different producers would have been a good idea. Still, the album is redeemed by some some strong material and should satisfy the fans. It's just not a reggae album with crossover pop appeal.

Former Bob Marley backing singer Judy Mowatt is one of Soul music's finest voices...and this album is her finest moment. Imagine a Memphis Soul album underpinned with a reggae rhythm soundtrack and you'll get the idea. This is essential listening whichever direction you're coming to it from, either as a reggae fan or as a soul fan! The title track is superb, as are Zion Chant, Strenght to Go Through and more...

Listen and fall in love.

Judy Mowatt has a great, versatile voice; a bit too versatile, in fact, because this CD includes a more American-style soul than I would have liked from a Jamaican album.

I totally understand. It was hard enough for women singers in Jamaica and with this album, Judy wanted to target a broader audience. Nevertheless, when it comes to the few female "reggae" singers, I prefer the purer roots sound of the Love Joys on the Wackies label.

This is one of my favorite reggae albums. Period. Judy Mowatt has enough soul in her pinky alone to float an entire 'soul fleet' (???).

No, really, this album is strong in every respect.

I can listen to it over and over. I don't care if it's "not the real Jamaican Reggae" [as others opin]...
They are just great songs. What the hell else do you want?

To listen to this music, you know that she is the real deal.
You know that her heart is pure and that she is all about human empowerment and love for all.
Beautiful music!

On the other hand, it is the only record of hers I can listen to at all. The rest suck big time. I think she allowed too many cooks in her kitchen, so to speak, and sold out on her own special thing she originally had going. It was magical. magic. What a shame. I feel she started to get interested in going a little - dare I say - 'big time' It just didn't work for me. Her other music that I have heard is nothing compared to this album. Buy this and you will thank yourself (you could thank me too...) Peace cats. Just buy it, I promise you, you will not regret it.

Although classified as a reggae singer, Judy Mowatt has been strongly influenced by both R&B and Gospel music--something which is all too evident on "Concrete Jungle", "Slave Queen", "Sisters' Chant" and several other tracks included here. Judy is blessed with the voice of an angel and she is correctly viewed by many as the greast female reggae singer ever. Wether you are a Gospel, R&B or Reggae fan you are sure to enjoy this beautiful CD time and time again.

going home to mount zion.. ahh now that's a nice
song. So pleasant, as I meditate with some morrocian gold
cream straight from the tangier mountains..

Sisters' chant is one of the pillars of the reggae firmament. It is worth the price of the album alone. Peter Colosi