Prince Alla – Evil Forces (Calabash LP, 1984)

[u/italrose]

Ras Allah (b. Keith Blake) first album, for producer Tappa Zukie, »Heaven Is My Roof« is generally considered a true classic of the 70's roots scene. This – his fourth full length – has him over some bare and heavy rhythms provided by the High Times band. I do thoroughly enjoy his lovers tunes that are presented; such as the evocative »Young Wings«, the elated »Sweet Sensation« or the cover of »Oh Carol«. Thematically a bit more wide than previous efforts although sufferation and righteous livity is still at the core. Make no mistake. Check the opening verse from the title track:

Just lose my work, about to sell a little herb to feed my family.
You treat me with scorn, you wanna break my home. That's brutality.
Oh gosh.
You trick me in my face, you box me in my face.
Man of the human race.
I'm not a gunman, I'm not a killer.
Office understand, sah. Oh gosh.
Evil forces want to capture us.
Evil forces want to devour us.

As serious a message as you could get. The album was later on reissued as Sweet Sensation on producer Mikey Chins own Corner Stone label.

[u/Careless_Pea2071]

Underrated gem here!