Gumption (album) explained

Gumption
Type:studio
Artist:Bunny Wailer
Cover:Gumption (album).jpg
Released:1990
Genre:Reggae, dancehall
Label:Shanachie
Producer:Bunny Wailer
Prev Year:1990
Next Title:Just Be Nice
Next Year:1993

Gumption is an album by the Jamaican musician Bunny Wailer.[1] [2] It was released in 1990 via Shanachie Records.[3] The album peaked at No. 10 on Billboards World Albums chart.[4] Gumption was nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best Reggae Album".[5]

Production

Wailer wanted to incorporate a dance hall element into the album's sound.[6] "Warrior" is a cover of the Johnny Osbourne song. "Peiaka 'Bus Dem Shut'" was written by the Wailers in the 1960s.[7] "Dog War" and "Never Grow Old" were written by Toots Hibbert.[8] "Reggae Burden" refers to Bunny's position as the last Wailer, as well as his role as a promoter of reggae.[9]

Critical reception

The Gazette deemed the album "a tribute to the diversity of Jamaican reggae styles, from ska and rock steady, to lover's rock, roots and dancehall... It's a richly melodic, uplifting set from start to finish, spearheaded by the bold and caring vocals of a reggae veteran."[10] The Chicago Tribune concluded that, "while not as aggressively 'dancey' as some material now in the marketplace, parts of Gumption are indeed given a 'synthetic' shading by electronic drum beats—although that's generally balanced by a more 'human,' emotional feeling stemming from ebullient melodies and Wailer's warm vocals." The Los Angeles Daily News noted that "the majority of tracks here are lackluster and say nothing new rhythmically."

AllMusic wrote that "Wailer uses simplicity to great advantage... His consistency is a thing to admire."

Notes and References

  1. Oulette . Dan . Gumption by Bunny Wailer . DownBeat . Mar 1991 . 58 . 3 . 34.
  2. Book: Thompson . Dave . Reggae & Caribbean Music . 2002 . Backbeat Books . 297.
  3. News: Takiff . Jonathan . World Beat . Philadelphia Daily News . 19 Dec 1990 . Features . 40.
  4. Web site: Bunny Wailer . Billboard . 29 April 2023.
  5. Web site: Bunny Wailer . Recording Academy . 29 April 2023.
  6. News: Potter . Mitch . Bunny Wailer, Reggae Survivor . Toronto Star . 24 Aug 1990 . E3.
  7. Doumerc . Eric . Tribute: The Last Surviving Wailing Wailer . Perfect Sound Forever . 29 April 2023.
  8. News: Mitchell . Rick . Pop Recordings . Houston Chronicle . January 13, 1991 . Zest . 16.
  9. News: Pick . Steve . A New Reminder of Marley's Genius . St. Louis Post-Dispatch . February 15, 1991 . 4F.
  10. News: Feist . Daniel . Wailer's Gumption picks up where Liberation left off . The Gazette . 20 Dec 1990 . D13.