This seminal debut album from Jamaican vocalist Ruddy Thomas was originally released in 1981 by the influential producer Joe Gibbs (JGML-6010) and has been re-pressed in 2023.

Thomas had been closely associated with Gibbs’ studio operations, and his recordings for Gibbs in the late 1970s proved pivotal in lovers-rock and roots-reggae cross-pollination.

Ruddy Thomas delivers a smooth yet emotive vocal approach that bridges lovers rock sensibilities and grounding in roots reggae. Under Joe Gibbs’ production, the album taps into the late-70s and early-80s transition of Jamaican reggae — where dance-hall influences dawned but roots consciousness remained central. The sound features warm analog instrumentation, prominent basslines, soulful brass and effective vocal harmonies.

The 2023 repress gives collectors a fresh opportunity at a classic pressing, ideal for both listening and display.