Critics Roundup 1977

Graham Parker, Stick To Me (Phonogram)

Here, Parker has completely found the voice he'd been exploring and developing through 'Howlin Wind' and 'Heat Treatment'. The result is an album that powers its way simultaneously to head, heart and feet - that makes it with intelligence, emotion, imagination and sex (what else?). It's an album that I found devastating the first time I heard it and which has grown on me since: see, there's scarcely the suggestion of a weak moment throughout.

For me, it's the most complete album of the year. A writer of real intelligence and poetic capability becomes a singer of genuine R&B passion all the while backed by an expanded humour - who prove themselves the rock'n'roll band of the year with a near-terrifying display of instrumental prowess and internal cohesiveness - also integrating brass and strings masterfully, under the guiding production hand of Nick Lowe, incidentally.

Yeah, with the inspired assistance of the Rumour (who beat the Band?), Parker has laid claim to a spot in the rock'n'roll pantheon of greats. If you haven't got it - get it.

Bob Marley, Exodus, (Island)

Where some reggae enthusiasts demurred, there lurked an open invitation to the uninitiated. With Marley turning on his love light, taking personal relationships rather than the state of rastafari culture as his subject matter, there was an added warmth and compassion in the end-result. Love needs no apology. And 'Waiting In Vain' was one of the year's highlights.