The Mighty Rootsmen
Bulletproof, 2025
9/10
You might be familiar with many of the songs here, but The Mighty Rootsmen turn the rock and pop classics into reggae fueled interpretations that were fleshed out in 2009-2010.
The rich and rhythmic “I Won’t Back Down” opens with Sly Dunbar’s well timed drums alongside soulful backing vocals, and “Love The One You’re With” follows with an upbeat mood, as Robbie Shakespeare’s playful bass suits the animated horns.
“Take It Easy” occupies the middle spot and makes great use of Mikey ‘Mao’ Chung’s warm guitar via the laid back mood, while “Drift Away” benefits from Uzziah ‘Sticky’ Thompson’s playful percussion and Dan Petty’s meticulous guitar for the album’s best.
Arriving close to the end, “Don’t Stop” comes with some funk influence amid the animated guitar and gritty vocals, and “Come And Get It” exits with an infectious energy that invites singing-along and will get your body moving, too.
Vocals are provided by Toots Hibbert, Gregory Isaacs, Mykal Rose and Luciano, and they help make for the reggae, dub and roots sensibilities that put a very fun spin on well known tunes. Many of the players on the album have since passed away, and this honors their legacies with rhythm, soul and the universal, uplifting nature of reggae.
Travels well with: The Kingston Lions- The Kingston Lions; Bob Marley- Uprising