Album Review: “Look How Long” by Kava Jah and The Remedy is among the best roots reggae albums of 2023
Photo courtesy of Lionfox Mastering.
“Look How Long” by Kava Jah and The Remedy is among the best roots reggae albums of 2023. Kava Jah is an extremely Jamaican talented singer-songwriter and musician and he puts his all into this absolutely beautiful album.
This was my first time listening to Kava and his band’s music and I am so impressed by their groove, storytelling, and top notch musicianship.
The album has one of the coolest intros that I’ve ever heard. “Kava Intro” tells Kava’s story about growing up in Jamaica and his inspiration to make the album as music runs through his roots.
In today’s reggae scene, the roots reggae groove is sometimes not felt in over produced tracks. When it kicks in during “Roots Natty” you are overtaken by the bass line and the way the band plays together. I love the guitar in this song and Kava’s powerful message about the importance of freedom and settling for nothing else.
The keys, horns, and percussion shine so bright in “Ship In The Rough Sea”, an uplifting song about maintaining our faith and navigating the rockiest obstacles we face. Kava’s lyrics, vocals and delivery are absolutely amazing!
You feel Kava and the band’s joy and celebration of everyday life in the jam, “Love The Life”. What a classic song that celebrates the gift of life. I especially love the reggae guitar in this song and the song’s overall vibe.
Kava celebrates his faith and trust in it as his guiding star and strength provider in “Bless My Soul”. He shares the excitement of love in “Pot Of Gold”. The horn section is so locked in with the bass guitar and the band’s back up vocalists pairing with Kava’s vocals are gorgeous. The latter song has such an irie guitar solo too!
Speaking of grooving roots reggae guitar, “Look How Long” is one of the songs off the album that I’d love to watch the band perform live! I hope they are planning a big tour soon! Once again, Kava sings for freedom and his message is delivered.
“Green Lights” is an all around amazing song and one of the album’s stand out tracks. I love Kava’s creativity in this song and his urging for people to not hold anything back and to feel comfortable being their full self. Kava is such a talented singer and it’s really showcased in this track.
Take a ride from Kingston into Jamaica’s country town in “Country Bus”. This is yet another roots filled track that takes us into Kava Jah’s dynamic world.
The most talented artists make music that is honest and bring you into a glimpse of their world and “Look How Long” is one of my favorite new albums, because it does just that.
By CB.
