Reviews
Add Imeru Tafari to your list of talented reggae artists to watch for years to come
Tafari with his debut album, The Essential, confidently delivers one of the most solid premieres I’ve heard in a minute. With a powerful, yet melodious delivery the Kingston native delivers a 12 piece of heat worthy of sharing shelf space with some of your favorites in the game.
The innovative intersection of reggae, rock and electronic music
Super duo Unified Highway, made of Rebelution frontman Eric Rachmany and top tier producer Amp Live, continue their incredible run and collaboration bringing us the innovative intersection of reggae, rock and electronic music in the album, “Invisible Route”.
Make your soul feel good with Bobby Alu’s “Keep It Tropical”
Gold Coast, Australia native Bobby Alu is here to offer an assist in extending summer with his 5th studio long player, Keep It Tropical. Setting things off in fine style, B.A. knew the assignment and nailed from the onset with the uptempo opener,
Soulful Expressions and Deep Reflections: Mortimer shares From Within showing Vulnerability and Strength
"From Within" is a personal and introspective album, where Mortimer blends vulnerability and strength. Memorable collaborations with Damian Marley, Kabaka Pyramid, and Lila Iké adding depth, combined with Winta James' production, enhances its reggae roots with modern flair. Mortimer explores themes of injustice, love, faith, and growth, the album is both emotionally resonant and musically dynamic and a must listen.
Joe Samba aims to make you feel something with latest release, Lifeline
The soulful reggae rocker from the east coast has recently added a new set of tunes (ten, to be exact) to his already successful musical repertoire. Lifeline is Joe Samba’s third full-length studio album via LAW Records, and it’s quickly becoming a staple in my daily routine (this album has a song for every occasion…).
Rhythms of Change, The Wailers bestow a Powerful Evolutionary Message in Their New Album: Evolution
‘Evolution’ is a rich rhythmic tapestry of riddims and lyrics that encourage the essence of livity. The integration of the flawlessly impressive features, Mykal Rose, Marcia Griffiths, Emily Estefan and Gramps Morgan, who all add their own flair contributing to a diverse and enhanced audio experience. And of course the gifted Aston Barrett Jr. with his resonant vocals, who continues to carry the torch leading the iconic band.
The exceptionally talented Yemi Alade stars in “Rebel Queen”
With a voice befitting of the most beautiful songbird, Nigerian Afro-Pop torch bearer, Yemi Alade has blessed the masses with her latest offering Rebel Queen. A prolific, singer/songwriter, she has in a span of 9 albums and 2 EP’s garnered a fanatic and loyal fanbase. Even a casual listen to any of the multitude of her hits will show you exactly why.
Triumphant Trio Top the League with “Rockin’ Like a Champion”
“Rockin’ Like a Champion” captures the essence of dub and reggae with its deep, resonant bass, celestial vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics. The innovative album takes you on a memorable dub session. Mykal Rose, Subatomic Sound System, and Hollie Cook have flawlessly combined to create a must-listen album. “Rockin’ Like a Champion” leaves me hopeful for more collaborations from this extraordinary trio in the future.
Govana’s “Legacy” proves he is as talented as they come in today’s dancehall scene
The Vybz Kartels, Alkalines, and Shenseeas have replaced the Beenies, Bountys and Lady Saws in the dances and have no design on giving way to the legends they supplanted. Govana, one of the leaders of the new school has blessed the masses with his sophomore effort Legacy.
Unlocking the Dub Dimension, Groundation's “Dub Rock”, Revives the DubVersion Tradition
Groundation’s new album is a reimagined true dubby counterpart to their 2022 album. With Groundations trademark mixture of reggae, dub and jazzy beats, “Dub Rock” showcases their flair.
Add Etana’s “Nectar of the Gods” to your list of top 2024 reggae albums
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.
Lot 49 display catchy reggae meets pop sound in “Liquor & Coffee”
Lot 49 display their catchy reggae meets pop sound in the new 12 track album, “Liquor & Coffee”. The San Francisco-based band highlight their smooth and inviting style of music across the LP, and I love the album’s creative songwriting, production, and heart.
Reggae Revolution on the Road: Naâman's "Temple Road (Extended Edition)" Remixes for Summer
The album continuously has great beat after great beat. True reggae riddims, but with a tropical inflection at times, the album as a whole gives me a wondrous atmospheric feel. “Temple Road (Extended Edition)” is definitely a soundtrack for your summer memories, the cool vibrations that are crafted in each track leave me feeling enlivened.
aurorawave take reggae rock to new heights in debut album
aurorawave have taken reggae rock to new heights in the band’s self-titled debut album. The California reggae rockers led by former Iya Terra frontman, Nathan Aurora are pioneering a new reggae rock meets heavy metal sound, and the end result is magical! Aurora is one of reggae rock’s hardest working artists and the sweat and tears of bringing this album to life were well worth the fight as it absolutely shreds!
Jah’Mila flexes soothing vocals and smooth roots reggae sound in “Woman of the Sun”
It’s always a pleasure to be introduced to new artists. It’s even better when the talent is overwhelmingly dope as is the case with Kingston born and bred Jah’Mila. The daughter of legendary reggae session guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith has released her second album entitled Woman of the Sun.
Mike Love uses his spectacular voice to inspire a call to action around societal issues that matter in “Leaders”
Mike Love’s highly anticipated new album, “Leaders” is another perfect addition to his stunning music catalog and is a must-listen for music fans around the world.
Guam’s For Peace Band showcases its unique island reggae sound in “Massive & Crew”
I’ve been a huge fan of For Peace Band since listening to the band’s excellent 2018 album, “Always Love” and I was so excited to hear that the band hailing from Guam has released its follow up LP, “Massive & Crew”, which is a big time album showcasing the group’s unique island reggae sound.
Bumpin Uglies prove once again they are punk rock meets reggae heavy hitters in “Lyrics Over Everything”
Bumpin Uglies prove once again they are punk rock meets reggae heavy hitters in “Lyrics Over Everything”. Bumpin Uglies are amongst the best bands in reggae rock today and I applaud them for this innovative album. Appreciate this album, turn it up loud and know that the band is just getting started with so many powerful songs ahead. Lyrics over everything!
Feel sunshine even on an overcast day with Drifting Roots and Ze-Ion’s “Find A Way”
Feel sunshine even on an overcast day with Drifting Roots and Ze-Ion’s “Find A Way”. The EP is started with the band’s empowering title track featuring Ze-Ion that sends a beautiful message to push through adversity and to follow your heart.
Fall in love with Fia’s latest three song EP
Fall in love with Fia’s latest EP. Hawaiian artist Fia is such an unbelievable talent and every time I listen to his music I am blown away by his vocals. The singer-songwriter’s new three track EP, Fall In Love, is no different.