Them Can't Hold We

AMG Review of Them Can't Hold We

Rick Anderson
All Music Guide

As Heptones albums go, this one isn't exactly top-notch. But then, that's a pretty high standard to set; some of this trio's early work in the 1970s ranks among the best eggae recordings ever made. In the larger context of eggae in general, this album is pretty good. It starts off strong: the fine "Falling in Love Again" is powered by a muscular rocker's groove, courtesy of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare (who provide all of the rhythm tracks on this album, with contributions from Lloyd Parks and the great Flabba Holt). The next track is marred by out-of-tune singing, but the group recovers quickly and delivers a fine program of oots reggae ("In My House Jah Live," "One a Dem Come") and loverman crooning ("Two-Timer," "You're All I Ever Had"). The two most impressive tracks are "Fight With All My Might" and the sweetly pleading "Love Me With All of Your Heart," which is presented here in a normal vocal mix and an interesting dub version that retains all of the vocal parts. Recommended.