Reviews
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…).
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!
Top Shelf’s “New Kind Of World” is one of 2024’s best reggae rock albums
Top Shelf’s “New Kind Of World” is one of 2024’s best reggae rock albums. The Northern California band uses its music, lyrics and vision to help inspire a better world.
Album Review: Stylie takes its smooth reggae for a cruise in “Smooth Sailin”
Colorado reggae rock band Stylie has released its new album, “Smooth Sailin”. You will absolutely love the relaxing 11 tracks and the band’s positive energy!
Sublime With Rome’s final LP is perfect and highlights Rome Ramirez’s extraordinary talent
Sublime With Rome kicks off its final LP with the super smooth track, “Cool & Collected” featuring Slightly Stoopid. I love how the song starts with a verse showcasing Rome Ramirez’s patented vocals followed by an irie bass line drop that will have you jamming along.
The Irie continue reggae rise with their incredibly catchy self-titled album
The Irie continue their reggae rise with the new incredibly catchy self-titled album. Wow, this album is so amazing! I love the Phoenix band’s unique ability to blend reggae, rock and pop, and their latest album will help you promptly get any party started!
One Culture and Mellodose deliver a fresh sound and inspiration in “Ocean of Truth”
The beauty of today’s reggae genre is there are so many talented artists around the world and they are all innovating in unique ways. At the same time, reggae boasts a unique spirit of collaboration and “Ocean of Truth”, the new 13 track album by One Culture and Mellodose is the perfect example of this in action.
Album Review: “Make It Last” showcases the poetic songwriting and heart of Algorhythm
Algorhythm’s debut album, “Make It Last” starts with an irie bass line, jamming guitar and locked in drum line and sets the tone for a thoughtful and super enjoyable reggae, rock and pop music experience.
Dale and the ZDubs breathe new life into ska with “Off the Rip”
Dale and the ZDubs breathe new life into ska with “Off the Rip”. The Washington, D.C.-based reggae rockers first album since 2016’s “Tuna” completely delivers with rocking jams, vocals, and energy that will pump you up no matter the time of day! The 12 track LP is one of my favorite releases of the year, and elevates the band to new heights.
EP Review: Pepper’s Makai is making big waves
The three-piece band of Kona Town reggae-rockers known as Pepper has recently delivered a healthy new EP, Makai, via LAW Records for our listening pleasure (and a pleasure it is). Makai contains twenty-five minutes of new music and a couple remixes distributed across seven songs with features from Iration and Edley Shine.
Album Review: Passafire’s “Remember A Time” exhibits the band’s range with a medley of melodies and rhythmic grooves
Passafire’s eighth studio album “Remember A Time” flaunts their versatility with a variety of reggae infused beats spanning the nine song album. Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, Passafire brings a mix of sounds to my ears, living up to their reputation for their genre-defying approach to music.
Album Review: It’s time to go Daytrippin with Iration’s eighth studio album!
After months of being teased with top-notch singles, the highly anticipated new Iration album, Daytrippin, is officially here and it's just as good as you’d expect. I have to say, the vibe of Daytrippin is very reminiscent of a younger Iration, and I can’t get enough of it. Not to discount anything in their discography, but it sounds a lot more like the band I fell in love with almost 15 years ago. Read the review now!
Album Review: Common Kings invite you to party down with CELEBRATION!
The ultra-smooth Orange County quartet known as Common Kings are back to put their signature island vibes into the pop-reggae scene with a brand new album fittingly titled CELEBRATION. Almost two years in the making and filtered down from an incredible 120 songs to just 12, CELEBRATION aims to get you in the mood to shake around and sing aloud!
Album Review: Revisit the emo years with Nathan Aurora’s Pop Punk Goes Reggae!
The well anticipated arrival of Pop Punk Goes Reggae will hit you right in the nostalgic feels. I’m sure not many reggae fans started off as reggae fans, especially if you can sing along with every song on this album.
Album Review: Bumpin Uglies strips it all off with “Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions”
Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions is a carefully curated collection of BU past favorites plucked from albums across its discography, supplemented by a handful of new recordings to get lost in for the first time. The previous releases have been completely stripped of their former sounds and replaced by Hardesty’s full and unabated angst, joy and emotional outbursts; a soulful display of what seems to be overflowing from the locked box on top of his shoulders.
Album Review: The Elovaters showcase incredible talent and vision in “Endless Summer”
Every once in a while, there’s an album created that’s just full to the brim with tracks that could easily be top notch singles, every last one of them, as if it were a “greatest hits” compilation. The Elovaters have decided to drop an album that lives up to that exact description!
Album Review: Michael Sky aims for the stars with debut album!
You may or may not have heard the name yet, but chances are if you’re into the American reggae genre of music, you will! Since mid-2021, Michael Sky has been busy recording and releasing track after track, gaining huge traction with reggae-lovers everywhere.
Album Review: The Expendables’ newest album takes you to “Pleasure Point”!
No matter where you live, it's clear that summer is upon us and the music scene is in full swing. Santa Cruz’s, The Expendables, decided to participate in the sizzling “summer release” program with their newest addition, “Pleasure Point” via Ineffable Records.
Album Review: “Butter” is the smoothest Kash’d Out album to date and it’s an all around fun time
“Butter” is the smoothest album to date by Kash’d Out and it’s an all around fun time. The Florida rockers have that it factor and continue making some of the best reggae rock infused with pop music on the planet. The ten track album was released by LAW Records and builds on the band’s other amazing albums like “Undercover” and “The Hookup”.
Album Review: “Destiny” is the culmination of Alborosie’s dedication to his craft
Italian reggae superstar Alborosie has been dropping amazing tracks for decades and the singer-songwriter’s latest album, “Destiny” is the culmination of Alborosie’s dedication to his craft. In the 14 track album, Alborosie brilliantly shines light on important societal issues over a mix of top reggae, rock and dancehall riddims.