Album Review: “Wisdom” showcases the brilliance of Stick Figure
Photo courtesy of Ineffable Music.
There are certain bands that when you hear their song come on, you know you are going to have an epic day. Usually they are trend setters and veterans of honing and perfecting their craft. Enter Stick Figure. The reggae rock band consistently releases brilliant reggae rock and their latest album, “Wisdom” is another reminder that Stick Figure is out of this world talented.
The album starts with an absolute jam titled, “Old Sunrise”. I love Stick Figure’s gorgeous riddims, Scott Woodruff’s thoughtful lyrics and his soulful singing voice. Stick Figure has some of the best lyrics in the genre and “Old Sunrise” features these incredible lyrics, “When the whole world’s sleeping it’s a beautiful place; It all make sense when I’m lying awake with you, with you; But now the day burns steady, just a moment in time; Take me back when your heart was never too hard to find, in love with you”.
Stick Figure is able to make complex sound simple. When you turn on “Paradise” listen to the instruments as they start to build on top of one another. Woodruff and his bandmates including Johnny Cosmic and KBong are able to marry reggae, rock, dub and pop and infuse them with such thoughtful songwriting. Turn this song up whether you’re looking for inspiration to start the day, or are sitting at the beach taking in the waves.
The band has produced some epic songs with Slightly Stoopid. “Choice Is Yours” from their 2015 album, “Set in Stone” is a fan favorite, and the new songs bringing the bands together “Way of Life” and “Higher” are grooving!
Make a run for the beach and feel the good vibes in “Edge of the Ocean”. Stick Figure’s music is so relaxing and I love the song’s bass line, guitar riffs, and perfectly laid down drum pattern. Scott Woodruff shines so bright in this song and inspires positivity and life exploration the whole album.
Speaking of exploring, I’m feeling the vibes in the track “Stepping Stones”. The song is a great reminder about how life is a journey and we should look for opportunity to push ourselves outside our comfort zones. Woodruff sings, “I found home, it gets easier; I found home, leave it all behind yeah”.
I love the horn section in the love song “Fall into the Sun”, which speaks to not giving up on love. This is a song that would be inspiring to hear Stick Figure play at one of their upcoming concerts!
Stick Figure has risen to the status of reggae legends and speaking of legends, the song “Soul of the World” featuring reggae icon, Barrington Levy, transports me to a peaceful place. Levy sings the beautiful lyrics, “It’s the soul of the world; I’ve been trying to find a good time; Four corners of the world; All I’ve found is love”.
Slow down the pace and listen to Stick Figure’s chill song “Satisfaction Feeling”. Woodruff reflects on the importance of love and spreading it even in rough times.
Stick Figure helps fans around the world push dark clouds aside, inspires us to live freely and with an open mind. “Falling Stars” is yet another near perfect Stick Figure reggae rock anthem that can’t help but make you smile and appreciate the positive things we have in life. I cannot wait to share this album with my friends and to see Stick Figure perform these songs during their upcoming shows!
By CB.
