MARCIA GRIFFITHS
Certified (VP)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Marcia Griffiths' debut VP disc, Certified, is a must listen for fans of Bob Marley and the Wailers. Haven't heard of Marcia? A little history lesson is in order: Marcia Griffiths, one of Bob Marley's back-up singers, The I-Threes, is back with 16 cuts on her first VP release. Certified highlights her powerful voice and traditional reggae groove. "Ready For the Good Life" is a bouncy uptempo cut co-written by producer Willie Lindo of Heavybeat Records. The rock steady of "Then Came You" and dancehall duet featuring Bounty Killer of "Tell Me Now" show that Marcia Griffiths can reach back to her I-Threes roots and share the stage with one dancehall's stars of the 90's. Sly and Robbie power many of the cuts on Certified, including "Why Me?," and "Tell Me Now." "Amour Love" and "Today's Song" are great love songs buoyed by Griffiths' vocals and they'll be equally at home at the dancehall or on the radio. Fans of traditional reggae in the Marley mold will warm to Certified, particularly when Griffiths sings "Certified" and "Problems," two of the most memorable rock steady songs to land on a CD in a long time, thanks to producer Willie Lindo and VP Records.

Track List:

Then Came You * Feel So Real * Tell Me Now * Everlasting * I Got To Cry * Certified * I Want to Be With You * Born to Be * Just Try Me * This World * Partner for Life * Why Me? * Ready For The Good Life * Amour Love * Today's Song * Problems

(C) 1998 - Eric Steiner