Bunny Wailer to muzyk i współzałożyciel legendarnej grupy Boba Marleya, The Wailers. Karierę solową rozpoczął w 1975 r. "Retrospective" jest kolekcją nagrań z lat '80.

Although Bunny Wailer became a solo artist in 1975, this collection draws mainly from recordings he made during the '80s. It opens with the egregiously catchy "Roots, Radics, Rockers, Reggae" and ends with a stirring take on Bob Marley's hymn-like "Redemption Song." Accompanied by just a piano and electric bass, Wailer echoes Marley's original phrasing but adds a few well-placed gospel melismas. In between are some of Wailer's best-known songs, including "Cool Running" and "Rockers," as well as lesser-known gems like "Time Will Tell," an effective showcase for the beauty of two simple chords. Wailer straddles genres easily, from carefree dance-reggae songs like "Ballroom Floor," and "Dance Hall Music" to a fierce take on Toots Hibbert's "Dog War, " which manages to be both a dance song and a call to arms.

Bunny Wailer has never achieved the icon status of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, his fellow members in the seminal Wailers. But his vocal style--impassioned, gritty, and utterly joyous--is a wonder to behold, and it perfectly suits the music and message of these fine songs.

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