Labi Siffre - The Best Of Labi Siffre

One of the most distinctive and quietly influential voices to emerge from the early 70s, singer, songwriter, poet and activist Siffre is not necessarily a household name but his work carries a rare combination of intimacy and conviction. This new best of collection reminds just how wide-ranging and enduring his music truly is. From the tender warmth of 'It Must Be Love' (later immortalised by Madness) to the bittersweet introspection of 'Crying Laughing Loving Lying', Siffre's songs are timeless in their emotional directness. His soulful voice and uncluttered arrangements have a way of cutting straight to the heart, which explains why new generations continually rediscover him.

'I Got The...' will be instantly recognised for being sampled by Eminem and Dr. Dre on 'My Name Is', showing his reach well beyond his time. But Siffre's legacy goes deeper than melody alone. As an outspoken activist, he used his art to challenge injustice, most memorably with the stirring anthem '(Something Inside) So Strong'. If you are new to his name, you won't be for long after giving his music a chance.