Customer Reviews

Right Time

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album is without doubt top quality reggae, and it pushed the Mighty Diamonds to the top of my harmony favorites. However, the album "Go Seek Your Rights" - issued by the Front Line label, features this entire plus an additional 6 tracks [One Brother Short, Bodyguard, Let the Answer Be Yes, Sweet Lady, Master Plan, Got To Get Away], and is usually found at a surprisingly cheap price! Try to find that one first...

One other CRUCIAL thing to mention: One of the very best Toast albums I have ever heard, produced by the Godfather himself, URoy, is called "Right Time Rockers: The Lost Album". It is very difficult to find, but well worth the effort, as it contains some of the most vintage toast ever recorded. It was recorded in Channel One the same year as "The Right Time" was released (1976), but not released until 1998 by SoundSystem, and features absolutely sensational toasting, perfect engineering (Hookim), as well as The Mighty Diamonds, Tommy McCook, and the Revolutionaries (with Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespear). If you're into Toast, or want to check out something truly unique to Reggae, this is one to own.

This album is considered by many as a key work in reggae music, and as one of the best works of the Mighty Diamonds. Rightfully so, I think. It also is said to have made the 'rockers' reggae style popular, which differs from e.g. the 'one drop' reggae style. Elaborating on this would go too far, and information regarding this maybe can be (or ought to be) found elsewhere on the Web.
With respect to this album, I consider a major strong point the soulfulness of the songs, which seem also Soul-influenced, but are definitely reggae: roots reggae, with Garvey-ite lyrics. Lead singing is great, and the (original) harmonies give many songs that extra quality. The songs 'Them never love poor Marcus' and 'I need a roof' I find amazingly beautiful, but all songs on 'Right Time' are solid and well-composed, to my opinion. Many songs stay in your head, and which you keep on singing once heard.

I love reggae music and it seems that every time i buy a reggae cd my expectations are so high that no matter how good it is I'm a little let down. Until now that is. This album is simply fantastic. It definitely belongs in the same category as classic reggae albums like Marcus Garvey, Satta Massagana, and Heart of the Congoes, and in my opinion it actually eclipses all of them.

Right Time is easily one of the greatest reggae albums of all time. The best part of this album is the undeniable emotion that the songs are sung with. I haven't come across a group or individual that communicates such intense emotion in their voice as The Mighty Diamonds. The horn arrangments are very well done, and the drums have great reverb on them. Every facet of this album is great. Buy it right now.

This album is essential for any roots reggae fan. The Mighty Diamonds are a feast for the ears and classic roots. The cover may throw you off a bit as it did me, but, once you get past the ultra-lame cover, the album is total magic. Very spiritual head-candy.

Of the more than 2,000 CD's in my collection (which cover many genres/musical styles: Punk, Metal, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Soul, and, of course, Reggae music), ranking within my TOP 5 is "The Right Time" by The Mighty Diamonds. Adding to its excellence is the bonus that all 3 members autographed the CD cover booklet during a 2007 visit to the Rock Hall in Cleveland.

...Okay, now that my gloating is over, let's talk about the album.

The album (circa, 1976) is a collection of early Diamonds' singles, so it's a 'hits collection' in a way. The vocal trio (Tabby, Bunny, & Judge) have been described as "velvet razor" reggae, which is to say that the smooth reggae vocal harmonies represent the "velvet" side, while the socio-political, edgy lyrical content proves "razor" sharp.

The Mighty Diamonds are reggae's version of a Soul-music trio: check out "Shame & Pride," "Them Never Love Poor Marcus," and, of course, "Have Mercy."

"I Need A Roof" is another fine example of the "velvet razor" label: "I Need A Roof Over My Head/And Bread On My Table/This Love In My Heart/It's For Everyone" is a line from the tune that is heavy, catchy & soulful all at once. The pure harmony draws the listener in, while, at the same time, provides a strong message. It's this duality that makes "The Right Time" such a complete album.

All ten tracks on this album are memorable reggae classics!! REQUIRED LISTENING (even for the casual reggae fan)!!

*As always, I have to keep hoping that the Mighty Diamonds (or whoever rightfully owns some of their early classic albums) will see the light & release the great Diamonds albums: PLANET EARTH, TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG & LEADERS OF BLACK COUNTRIES. Diehard fans are eagerly awaiting these classics on CD!!!!!

I'm a serious Reggae fan and especially love the close harmony groups: the Abysinnians, the Gladiators, the Heptones, etc. However, this CD, hands down, is my favorite, second only to the Congos' "Heart of the Congos." However, where "Congos" is awash in Lee "Scratch" Perry's signature echo and sound effects, "Right Time" is produced very simply, uncluttered, letting the beautiful harmonies take center stage. Of course, the gorgeous singing wouldn't impress half as much if the Mighty Diamonds didn't have good material to perform. Luckily, not only do they have Grade A songs here, every track is a killer. Standouts for me are "Shame & Pride," "Right Time," and "Why Me Black Brother Why?," but, honestly, they're all fantastic. The vocals are angelic, pure bliss, and the riddims are the perfect complements. You cannot go wrong with this one. This is the Diamonds' shining moment; though they would release other good stuff, they never acheived the perfection they achieved on "Right Time." If you like this, also check out stuff from the aforementioned artists, as well as CDs from the Wailing Souls and Culture.

A great album from a great group! Songs like "Them never love poor Marcus" and "Go seek your rigths" are great. I love this album!

This is the ultimate reggae album. No reggae album that I've come across has such harmonics and sweet vocals as this album. If you only buy one reggae album in your life this is it!!! The lyrics, the rhythm and the harmony of this album surpasses anything you will ever hear. This is sweet reggae music at it's finest!!!!

This album is a classic for the reggae fan. Not too over-exposed, and probably under-appreciated, the Mighty Diamonds have an early reggae feel - heavy bass, message-based vocals. This is a window into reggae as it was breaking out.