Add Etana’s “Nectar of the Gods” to your list of top 2024 reggae albums
Kingstown massive representer, Etana is no doubt among the top talents in reggae today as she’s been doing this since 2008, with 8 prior long players and major singles heat to her name.
I myself was introduced to her through her incendiary contribution on the Rub-A Dub riddim, I Am Not Afraid.
Since then she has been entrenched on my short list of current artists that can do no wrong in my eyes.
Blessed with a caramel-sweet, yet potent delivery, Etana has consistently delivered what the game needs while becoming a headliner in her own right, capable of carrying a show or fest, with her sizeable catalog of fan favorites.
Her new effort Nectar of the Gods looks to further entrench her as a top songstress and sets things in motion seamlessly with the opener, Jah Never Fails.
A smooth roots skanking chune, Etana, speaks of devotion to Jah, and complete trust in his order of her steps. As an artist, she has remained consistent throughout her musical output, with themes of love, gratitude, and women’s empowerment, and Nectar falls easily into her wheelhouse.
Grateful and Don’t Give Up the next two tracks are anthemic and beautifully produced. Cuts like Mr. Jones and Vibration, both stripped-down numbers that show amazing versatility, add a little sex appeal to the party. Add in the one-drop banger More, then throw in her surprisingly dope dancehall piece, Set Up Yuhself, and Etana literally has put together a gumbo of lava heat which should easily garner her consideration among the best of 2024.
What a way to close an album as well, with the beautiful Changed ending things on a high note. My girl has done it again and has placed the ball in the scene’s court to one-up her.
By Yankee Nupe.
