DON CARLOS
"Deeply Concerned"
Deeply Concerned (
RAS, 1987)
This 1987 album is live- band roots reggae, but with clear early dancehall influences. Themes discussed in the lyrics (the title track dealing with South Africa under Apartheid) are often serious, or are on sadness, disunity, or injustice. Yet, the vibe throughout is relaxed and mellow.
Don Carlos's beautiful, heartfelt vocals give most songs an extra, melancholic quality. Furthermore, he shows how he is equally effective in singing as in "toasting" or toasting/singing (on a few songs), which gives this set of songs a varied character. The style is somewhat understated, yet atmospheric and engaging, with only some songs, like "Cool Johnny Cool" (on a migrant to the US gone bad), having a more spectacular sound. Overall this album has a nice, not unimportant "feel good" effect. Not all songs are unique classics, but none of the songs are bad or boring either. The early dancehall "Ruff We Ruff" has a somewhat generic version but remains entertaining enough. The (on this release) added 5 bonus tracks, from/also on other albums, are good choices, and fit the overall sound. Besides the classic "Just a Passing Glance", the emotional "Harvest Time" stands out, while of the earlier songs "Satan Control Them", the title track, and "Cool Johnny Cool" stand somewhat out.
- Michel Conci
Track Listing
1. Deeply Concerned
2. Cool Johnny Cool
3. Ruff We Ruff w/Version
4. Jah People Unite
5. Black Station White Station
6. Satan Control Them
7. Money Lover
8. Night Rider (In Danger)
9. Crazy Girl
10. Just a Passing Glance
11. Jah Jah Hear My Plea w/Version
12. Harvest Time
13. Prophecy w/Version
14. Front Line
Passing Glance
Harvest Time
Jah People Unite
Lazer Beam
Cool Johny Cool
Jah Jah Please Here My Plea