This is an intriguing record. Although his greatest music is nearly 40 years in the past, Jamaica's Jimmy Cliff still has tons of charisma, and he still has that clear, high, and slightly world-weary voice, not to mention complete control of it, even at the top of his range. Ostensibly a record of duets with the likes of Sting, Annie Lennox, Joe Strummer, Wyclef Jean, and others, Black Magic remains very much Cliff's album, and while producer Dave Stewart factors in a whole range of contemporary R&B and hip-hop touches, its ...
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This is an intriguing record. Although his greatest music is nearly 40 years in the past, Jamaica's Jimmy Cliff still has tons of charisma, and he still has that clear, high, and slightly world-weary voice, not to mention complete control of it, even at the top of his range. Ostensibly a record of duets with the likes of Sting, Annie Lennox, Joe Strummer, Wyclef Jean, and others, Black Magic remains very much Cliff's album, and while producer Dave Stewart factors in a whole range of contemporary R&B and hip-hop touches, its Caribbean lilt dominates, although it isn't particularly Jamaican in feel. Forget the guest stars. None of them, with the possible exception of Tessane Chin (on the delightful and radio-friendly "The World Is Yours") and Bounty Killer (whose hoarse, lion-throated rumble would dominate any stage in the world), particularly sticks out, which is good, because Cliff outsings them all. It's a pity, though, that there aren't more good songs on Black Magic. "The World Is Yours" is solid, even featuring what passes for a Jimmy Cliff rap, and "The City," which eulogizes cites like Kingston, New York, Hong Kong, and Paris, has a moody grandeur, but tracks like "People" sound like overblown TV commercials, and one song here, "Jamaica Time," actually is a commercial for Air Jamaica. The best track is the relatively straightforward "No Problems Only Solutions," a song that sounds like it could have been a Leslie Kong production circa 1970. Charming, direct, melodic, and positive, "No Problems" features no fancy guests, and proves that Cliff really doesn't need them when he's at his best. Joe Strummer, who died in 2002, makes one of his last appearances on "Over the Border," but the tune is a middling affair that unfortunately never truly catches fire. Stewart produced all but one of the tracks on Black Magic, and while the sound here is steady and cohesive, one can't help but wish that it had a little bit more Kingston in it. More Kingston might have made this a great record rather than simply an intriguing one. ~ Steve Leggett, Rovi
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Add this copy of Black Magic to cart. $2.95, fair condition, Sold by Books From California rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Simi Valley, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by Artemis Records.
Add this copy of Black Magic to cart. $3.24, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by Artemis Records.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Black Magic to cart. $3.92, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill of Colorado rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by Artemis Records.
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Fair. All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods and will show some wear and tear from normal use. Jewel cases will be included but may be damaged and/or cracked. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Add this copy of Black Magic to cart. $7.42, like new condition, Sold by Streetlight_Records rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Cruz, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by Artemis Records.
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