Desmond Dekker

In 1969, straight out of Kingston, Jamaica, Desmond Dekker scored a Top 10 hit with the reggae single "Israelites," paving the way for stronger talents like Bob Marley. Although in the U.S. Dekker remained a one-hit wonder, his influence in Britain was more substantial. Championing the outlaw ethic ("Rude Boy Train"), Dekker's early work was low-tech and punchy; but even with slicker fare, like his cover of Jimmy Cliff's "You Can Get It if You Really Want," his sly vocal style cuts through. The Rhino set is the fabulous '60s stuff (check out "007 [Shanty Town]") and Desmond Dekker and the Aces is also vintage excellence, especially the brilliance of the Aces, D.D.'s backup vocalists. The later work is heartening, if not quite so strong. King of Kings pairs Desmond with the Specials, the next generation of ska heroes and perhaps Dekker's greatest fans. (PAUL EVANS)

From 2004's The New Rolling Stone Album Guide