Reggae Revolution on the Road: Naâman's "Temple Road (Extended Edition)" Remixes for Summer

Photo courtesy of Ineffable Music.

Summer days are much longer and warmer, which brings feelings of hope, excitement, eagerness and curiosity. I sat down on the coach, as I embarked on a journey back home from a weekend by the refreshing sea.

The bus is filled with chatter and the continuous hum of AC and cool breezes, that soothe sun kissed skin. I have a couple of hours ahead of me on the road to reach my destination, thankfully I have Naâman’s newly released grand 23 track extended edition of his 2022 album “Temple Road” to accompany me on this trip.

It’s a fitting soundtrack considering the road ahead, “Temple Road (Extended Edition)” is a perfect companion, I hit play just as the coach starts to move.

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.

With collaborations with a range of talented artists that feature on the original 2022 album, including, Marcus Gad, Dub Inc, Losso Keita and Karishma. And the additional features, “Walk- Remix" brings in the legendary, Alborosie for a fresh take on the track, his unique voice gives this remix a revitalised sound.

"Soul Plan- Remix" features Marcus Gad and O.B.F., adding a new soundsystem vibe to the original. "Soldier" stands out with a collaboration between Naâman, Biga*Ranx and Fatbabs, delivering a powerful philosophical performance. Additionally, the "Raindrops- Cheer Up Remix" showcases Naâman's collaboration with Groundation. All the features enrich, enliven and innovate the album giving it a fresh feel.

As the coach grumbles to a start, I hit the play button and begin my audio journey with Naâman and friends, the conductors of this musical voyage, the sleepy sun making its slow descent to the horizon. In "Walk,"

Naâman delivers a poignant anthem of resistance and resilience combined with a reverberating riddim, encapsulating the spirit of defiance against the system we are a part of.

With soul-stirring lyrics, he declares, "Don't you let them enter in your head, don't you let them ever take over, cause I know their vision is dead, none of them a wise man, none a dem a leader," rallying listeners to reclaim their sovereignty from the people who fool them with empty promises.

Through powerful imagery, Naâman invokes the urgency of the moment, urging action against pressing issues as in reality we all want the same thing, "Got to welcome dem teachings, we all want the same thing, a happy life full of blessings." The song continues the call for change. Encouraging the resilience and determination to forge a path towards freedom and liberation from the oppressors.

The atmospheric experience “Temple Road (Extended Edition)” creates, combines with the setting sun I ponder at, with “Time Is to Rebel” playing, the sun sets in a marvellous display, as flecks of green wisps of clouds linger above, the sky transitioning into a hazey gold centre, with a deep red bleeding into the skyline of black silhouetted rolling hills.

Naâman’s cry against oppression, urging for unity and action coupled with the breath-taking sunset brings a feeling of hope, "Time is to rebel, unify the voice of the people." He vividly addresses global challenges that apply today, such as leaders justifying the murder of innocents without repercussion. Naâman urges revolution, "Start a revolution, 'cause we are lucky, victorious we shall be." The song encapsulates resilience and determination, echoing the sentiment that "time has come to rebel."

The vivid sunset coming to its grand finale, the sky is a wash with a soft purple hue, tinting the fluffy clouds with a vibrant pink, as “Soul Plan -Remix” feat. Marcus Gad, O.B.F. and Fatbabs, blesses my ears. The deep dubby sounds combined with the soulful echoes of Naâman and Marcus Gad create a memorable experience as I peer out of the window admiring this natural beauty unfold.

As the mystical misty mountains are slowly shrouded by darkness and smokey grey clouds, covered by the fresh emerald forests, descending into the twilight, “Soldier” feat. Biga*Ranx and Fatbabs, questions further the state that the people are in, enlightening the listener to see the forest for the trees, the fact of this feudal doctrine the globe continues to suffer, when one person can send many into war, to murder, it's no different than from the age of royalty, forcing peasants into their wars.

The entire song is lyrically brilliant, with the big bass line impacting each poetic verse, “Rich men wars and poor man ah fighting, innocent people under shooting and sniping, rich men wars, poor man ah fighting.” It makes me question why we continue to put up with this system of “kings” sending us to wars, to murder the people who we have more things in common with; than the ones who send us to war. The trio make a powerful statement, “I don't wanna die for your troubles and your borderlines, I don't wanna die for your money, my life is full of signs (yo), f*** your dollar sign.” Perhaps this should be the anthem we should recite when we’re called upon?

Finally the bus pulls into the station with bright fluorescent lights and dry sweltering air, I’m home. “Temple Road (Extended Edition)” my companion on this trip, providing me with an audio journey enriching my views and experience. “Temple Road (Extended Edition)” keeps you engaged with a varied list of tracks, helped by unique beats- “Lucky -Remix”, amazing vocals and profound messages- “Riot”.

There are many upbeat, but also relaxing songs that can add to chilled summer days, creating memories. It’s a definite must listen. As I step off the bus I hum to myself, “I don't wanna die for your troubles and your borderlines, I don't wanna die for your money.”

By Luka H.