Album Review: Stephen Marley embraces his legacy with Old Soul
Photo courtesy of Tuff Gong International.
As the Marley legacy thrives and lives on through multiple avenues and generations, music lovers of the world continue to reap the benefits of seeds planted by the late, great, Bob Marley.
Bob’s second born son and eight-time GRAMMY winner, Stephen “Raggamuffin” Marley, hasn’t stopped creating music since the age of seven and just recently released a brand new album, Old Soul.
Let’s dive in!
First off, what a fantastic collection of new songs; the whole vibe of this album is a dream! Every song has the ability to lift negativity away and transport you to a different mindset. This is music that can only be created from the heart and soul, from a place of sincerity and deliberateness – something the Marley family is known extremely well for. Stephen Marley has a soothing, yet powerful voice carried by acoustic-inspired compositions across the album, and the production is equally as smooth.
There is absolutely no shortage of talent contained here. Marley is joined on multiple tracks by a group of outstanding names; Bob Weir, Eric Clapton, Jack Johnson, Buju Banton, Slightly Stoopid, and brothers Ziggy and Damian Marley all gave a little magic to the LP. You couldn’t put a price on attending a jam session with that cast!
Stephen Marley performs at Cali Vibes 2023. Photo credit: Jeremy Morgan / Highly Decent Photography.
A few of my favorites? Marley’s rendition of Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell’s “Georgia On My Mind” is wonderfully performed with a subtle reggae influence, and that jazz trumpet just soothes my soul! Eric Clapton lays down a tasty guitar-driven red carpet for Marley on “I Shot The Sheriff”. I can’t think of a more fitting duo to remake this 1973 Bob Marley classic (covered by Clapton in 1974!). “These Foolish Things (Reminds Me Of You)” is an upbeat, loving tune. An undeniable, instant mood changer and a lyrical love-letter (that sweet, sweet jazz trumpet is back, too!).
The one track that takes the top spot, though, has to be the title track, “Old Soul”. A very easy-listening track storylining the past, Marley guides you through pivotal moments in his life with nothing more than acoustic guitar strumming and beautiful harmonies. Its entrancingly mellow atmosphere will draw you in as you Marley skips down memory lane and invites you to experience the journey alongside him. Wonderful tune.
Stephen Marley singing at Cali Vibes 2023. Photo credit: Jeremy Morgan / Highly Decent Photography.
Reggae music is good music, and it’s always a gift when a member of the Marley family puts more of it out into the world. Stephen “Raggamuffin” Marley has made another fantastic album that creates a very sincere listening experience; a unique view of his world in a musically unplugged setting. If you haven’t already, give it a listen today!
