Album: Compass Point

Introduction
"Compass Point" is a 1981 album by Desmond Dekker, a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and artist. Born as Desmond Adolphus Dacres in 1941, Dekker is best known for his international hit song "Israelites", which made him the first Jamaican artist to achieve UK chart success. Throughout his career, Dekker continued to make an effect in the reggae and ska scene. "Compass Point" was his tenth studio album, and it saw him partnering with the famous reggae manufacturer Robert "Mutt" Lange, who also dealt with artists such as The Rolling Stones, Shania Twain, and Def Leppard.

Background and Recording
Desmond Dekker's profession in the late 1970s was marked by a considerable recession as ska and reggae started to lose their prominence in the international music scene. He attempted to reinvent himself in the early 1980s, and "Compass Point" was an essential part of this improvement.

The recording of "Compass Point" occurred at the popular Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, which was owned by Chris Blackwell of Island Records. The studio was understood for hosting many high-profile artists, consisting of AC/DC, Tom Club, and Talking Heads. For this album, Dekker was signed up with by a group of gifted studio artists, referred to as the Compass Point All-Stars, which included Sly Dunbar on drums, Robbie Shakespeare on bass, and Barry Reynolds on guitar.

Album Composition and Style
"Compass Point" is a 10-track album that showcases Desmond Dekker's unique vocal design while delivering a mix of reggae, ska, and rocksteady rhythms. The opening track, "007 (Shanty Town)", sets the tone with its appealing, upbeat groove and lyrics that pay tribute to Dekker's roots in Kingston's volatile shantytowns. Other standout tracks consist of "We Got to Get Ourselves Together", "Jamaica Ska", and "Jimmy Cliff Medley".

The album features a mix of cover songs and initial structures. Dekker's heartfelt performance of Bob Marley's "Is This Love" includes a distinct ska twist to the reggae classic, while "Fu Manchu", an initial track, showcases Dekker's capability to craft a catchy, danceable tune.

The production of "Compass Point" is defined by an ambitiously polished, expansive sound which was not common in the reggae and ska scene at the time. Manufacturer Robert "Mutt" Lange aimed to recapture the energy and enjoyment of Dekker's early hits while updating his noise for the 1980s.

Reception and Legacy
"Compass Point" was well-received by critics, who applauded Desmond Dekker's rejuvenated sound and Robert "Mutt" Lange's top-notch production. While the album did not attain the very same business success as its predecessors, it stays an underappreciated gem among music enthusiasts.

Today, "Compass Point" holds a special location in the hearts of ska and reggae fans and is considered a pivotal moment in Desmond Dekker's career. The album serves as a testament to Dekker's durability, talent, and adaptability. Although he died in 2006, Desmond Dekker's music resides on, and "Compass Point" stays an essential part of his long lasting tradition.