Beres Hammond - Can't Stop A Man: Best Of (CD)

All Music Guide

Can't Stop a Man collects some of Beres Hammond's biggest Jamaican hits, beginning with his first, "One Step Ahead" from 1976, a song produced by Willie Lindo. Moving chronologically through to 2003's sweet and infectious "Dancehall Vibes," which features Big Youth and is one of the highlights here, this twodisc set is a wonderful introduction to this woefully underappreciated singer and writer. With a voice that combines Marvin Gaye's subtle phrasing, Sam Cooke's easy charm, and the soulful power of a David Ruffin, Hammond has a talent for graceful, easyflowing lovers rock, but he has also effortlessly managed to work light dancehall and hiphop elements into his work, giving him an uncommon longevity in the evershifting sea of styles that is the trademark of Jamaican music. Key tracks here include "Last War," "Who Say" (with Buju Banton),"Sugar You Want," and "Rockaway," a fond reminiscence of the island's roots era. Lovingly packaged, Can't Stop a Man includes trackbytrack annotation... and discussion. - Steve Leggett, All Music Guide Read more Less