Toots and the Maytals - Got to Be Tough

Pitchfork 65

The Reggae legend returns in full force on his latest album, displaying the indomitable spirit he has cultivated throughout his career.

The Guardian 0

(Trojan Jamaica/BMG)
The reggae veteran, who has died aged 77, returned to themes of injustice with brio on a soulful but serious record

Frederick “Toots” Hibbert spent much of his lengthy career singing about resilience during hard times – Pressure Drop, Time Tough, 54-46 That’s My Number are prominent among old hits. What will now stand as the Jamaican veteran’s last album, following his death on Friday, hits the same gritty spot: it was the product of a determined return to the fray after a misplaced bottle thrown at a concert in 2013 put him out of action. At 77, said Toots, he had to get the job done, and accordingly produced, arranged, played several instruments (his basslines are unerring) and wrote all but one song.

Related: Toots Hibbert, pioneering reggae star, dies aged 77