Bunny Wailer
Blackheart Man (1976)

review by: Jamie Laporte
Date: 8/5/02

The often forgotten 3rd member of the original Wailers deserves mad respect. When the band broke up, Bob Marley went on to rule the world of international music. Peter Tosh went on to become the militant leader of planet ganga. While Bunny Wailer chilled. This brother didn't leave his hometown (Kingston) for over 10 years after the breakup. During that time, while smoking a small forest of cheeba, he managed to push out some essential roots reggae albums. Probably the most essential was Blackheart Man.

This was Bunny's solo debut featuring Marley and Tosh on backing vocals. Unfortunately it never garnered the commercial success of Tosh or Marley's debutes. What distinguishes Bunny's music from the other wailers is its subtle beauty. Every song comes out as a whisper, its as if the lyrics float off of his tongue. Yet the content of his songs pack a pretty powerful punch. "Fighting Against Conviction" is a perfect example of Bunny's style: A song that lyrically, is the equivalent to lightning but is delivered like a cool summer breeze.

These songs don't have the immediacy of Marley's or Tosh's work. But after a few listens, you'll uncover a depth that matches, if not exceeds, anything his band members ever sung.

I highly suggest this album for anyone who digs on TRUE roots reggae.