Gumption (1990)

Neither as fiercely political nor as blatantly dance-oriented as some of the previous solo efforts from this former collaborator of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, Gumption features both originals and covers of tunes by other reggae veterans. None of the new songs are particularly exciting — Wailer has never had Marley's gift for exquisite melodies — but a crack group of backing musicians, including Robbie Shakespeare of Sly & Robbie on bass, helps make the set relaxed and rhythmic. B-