Reviews
Album Review: Tropidelic takes big step as a reggae rock heavy hitter in “All The Colors”
One of our favorites things at Daily Reggae is following the growth of a band as they evolve their sound, songwriting and production. Tropidelic’s evolution has been so fun to watch and the Cleveland-based band’s new album, “All The Colors” takes them from the big leagues to a true reggae rock heavy hitter.
Album Review: The Dualers brighten our days with “Voices from the Sun”
The Dualers’ new album “Voices from the Sun” is a brilliant piece of art. The band will brighten your days with this gem of a record blending reggae, ska and rock in such a cool way. The 14 track record brings nearly an hour of new music. The album has the old school reggae feel we love with thoughtful but simple lyrics, outstanding musicianship and an all around good time.
Album Review: Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff shines in new album, “Refugees”
Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff shines in his new album, “Refugees”. Cliff has one of the deepest reggae music catalogs and best voices across all music genres. “Refugees” is a gorgeous album that has the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer touch on so many important topics. The quality of the album is a perfect example of why I’m so proud to be a reggae music fan. Cliff is a generational talent and this is an album I’ll be listening to often!
Album Review: Concrete Beach makes time stand still in “Give it Time”
Concrete Beach immediately pull you into their new album, “Give it Time” with the catchy guitar riff and all around rocking song “Life is a Vibe”. Before hearing the album I had not previously had the chance to listen to the Fall River, Massachusetts-based but was immediately struck by Concrete Beach’s positive energy, impressive musicianship and quality songwriting.
Album Review: “Downtown Swing” is Gonzo’s brilliant new album shining a light on his one of a kind voice
Gonzo (Ryan Gonzo) is a great example of the phenomenal talent in today’s reggae community. His contribution to the genre is huge - from his time in Fortunate Youth, years as one of Tribal Seeds’ core members, and his dedication to consistently releasing amazing solo work. Gonzo’s new album, “Downtown Swing” shines a light on his one of a kind voice and ability to write simple yet beautiful reggae love songs.
Album Review: Mihali displays incredible artistry, mastery of songwriting and soulfulness in “Effection”
It’s hard to know where to begin when it comes to writing about Mihali, because his talent is so great. In his latest album “Effection”, released by Ineffable Records, Mihali’s artistry, mastery of songwriting and soulfulness are on full display.
Album Review: The Movement’s unique style of reggae rock shines in “Always With Me”
The Movement is such an incredible band! Hailing from Columbia, South Carolina, they’ve been steadily creating positive music since 2003, and it’s been inspiring seeing the band’s growth over the years. The band’s new album, “Always With Me” is their best work yet and showcases The Movement’s unique style of reggae rock. “Always With Me” spotlights The Movement’s creativity and drives home so many inspirational messages.
Album Review: Justice the Artiste highlights creativity, voice and genre blending sound in “The Color Wheel”
Justice the Artiste is a rising star blending reggae, dancehall, R&B, and hip hop. The Jamaican artist’s 2022 album, “The Color Wheel” is one of the most unique albums that we’ve listened to. For example, turn on “W.O.W.” and Artiste will amaze you by his creativity, song writing skills, and one of the best new voices we’ve heard in the global reggae scene.
Album Review: The Irie flawlessly connect reggae, rock and pop taking us on a trip to “Planet Paradise”
We’ve been waiting for a good opportunity to say this. We are officially calling out all the radio stations around the world to give reggae another listen! There is so much amazing reggae coming out and we feel like the genre isn’t getting the attention it deserves. When you turn on The Irie’s fantastic new album, “Planet Paradise” you will be astonished by the amount of talent the Phoenix-based band brings to the table. The Irie take you on a fun trip into their world flawlessly connecting reggae, rock, and pop with a hint of hip hop influence.
Album Review: Playing for Change Band unites the world through reggae music in the stunning debut album, “The Real Revolution”
Reggae is one of the most powerful musical genres around the world. As Clinton Fearon told us, “Reggae is about not giving up. Times are tough, things are rough. There is hate and crimes and war all over, but you know what, we are not giving up, because as people we can do better.” Playing for Change Band has released a stunning new album titled, “The Real Revolution” and we are absolutely loving the album’s sound, positive message, and fantastic music.
EP Review: Multi-Instrumentalist Justin Vidal impresses with his rocking new EP, “Love What You Have”
One of the things we love about the global reggae music scene and covering it at Daily Reggae is that we are constantly on the hunt to discover new music, and the amount of talent on the reggae scene is incredible! Last year, we connected with Southern California’s Justin Vidal, a talented multi-instrumentalist, who has released a rocking new EP titled, “Love What You Have”. We are absolutely loving this four track EP that has Vidal showing us a glimpse into his heart and a strong view into his talent as a musician.
Album Review: Jack Johnson speaks from the heart in the creative new record, "Meet The Moonlight"
Every once in a while we are blessed with a music artist that is able to bring us into their world in a way in which we all feel understood and welcomed by the same sense of home. It would be hard, if not impossible, to find an artist from the 21st century who has done this better than Jack Johnson. Since his first album “Brushfire Fairytales”, Jack has managed to infuse the calm and communal perspective of his Hawaiian home within his music without excluding those far from the water from feeling the warm ocean breeze when throwing on any of his tunes. Coming from the perspective of a musician who plays songs from all genres in venues of all types, there is no collection of tracks that seems to be as universally enjoyed as Jack's catalogue. In his new full length album "Meet the Moonlight", Johnson once again speaks from the heart and delivers an album with songwriting and tones that sound as if you're listening to him play in a friend's living room.
Album Review: Sensamotion helps us see “Life in True Color” with uplifting vibes
Sensamotion’s reggae rock sound is uplifting. The Atlantic City, New Jersey rockers’ new album, “Life in True Color” shines a light on the ups and downs of life. It reminds us of a colorful walk down the AC boardwalk taking in the emotions and celebrating the beauty around us. In the album, Sensamotion brilliantly infuses reggae, rock and dub. The band shows off their guitar chops, song writing, and on-point grooves.
Album Review: The Black Seeds flex their creativity and talent in the new album "Love & Fire"
Since their formation in the late 90's, New Zealand's The Black Seeds have been key ambassadors for the reggae sounds of the South Pacific. Every one of their six albums have impacted audience's worldwide with a quality sound that is not afraid to blend a wide variety of genres with their reggae foundation. On their seventh full length release "Love & Fire", the band has truly outdone themselves. Sometimes musicians, especially those with long and successful careers, use more or less a formula to make new music. "Love & Fire" however lives, breathes, and bleeds creativity throughout every song on the album, making it a very pleasant, fun, and interesting run of music that we absolutely love.
Album Review: Joe Samba showcases signature reggae rock sound while celebrating the power of growth in “Far From Forever”
Joe Samba’s growth as an artist and unique reggae rock sound are showcased in his amazing new album, “Far From Forever”. We’ve been following Joe’s career and love his positive energy and commitment to making seriously inspiring music. The album released by LAW Records has 13 fantastic songs. Joe blends reggae, rock, and pop, and he challenges his listeners to think with a positive mind, to enjoy living in the present, and to look for opportunities to grow.
Album Review: Hawaii’s Kolohe Kai helps us celebrate the beauty in life in “Hazel Eyes”
In his latest album, “Hazel Eyes”, Hawaiian singer-songwriter, Kolohe Kai celebrates the beauty in life. Kolohe has such an incredible outlook on life and his positive energy is contagious. We love his passion, hearing his outstanding singing voice, and listening to his well crafted songs. Throughout “Hazel Eyes”’ 11 songs, a smile will be brought to your face. You better make sure your shoe laces are tied or flip flops are fully on, because the album will inspire you to get up and dance in the moment!
Album Review: Reggae pro Kirsty Rock amazes with debut album "Slow Burn"
Kirsty Rock began her musical journey in the 1990's Brooklyn Music Scene. This led to her performing as a vocalist on the 2003 Easy Star All-Stars' "Dark Side of the Moon", an album that was a worldwide breakout hit for the then rising Easy Star Records. She began touring with the band, ultimately performing in over 30 countries. While on tour with the All Stars or her other band Trumystic, Kirsty allowed songs she was writing to grow organically and without pressure. With a collection of great songs, Rock began creating the debut record with some tracking at her Vermont home, then working with Grammy Nominated Matt Stein who helped produce them. Kirsty brought in her friends in the scene to collaborate on "Slow Burn", including members of Easy Star All-Stars, The Movement, and Burning Brass. This level of musicianship rings true on every song on the record both in the writing and the performances.
Album Review: “Breaking News”, Clinton Fearon's new album is a must-listen for Reggae fans everywhere
There are music artists; those with a vision and message for the sound they want to communicate to the world, and there are musicians; those who are experts in the theory and technical knowledge of creating and performing music. Then there are those like Clinton Fearon, who is the talented embodiment of both. Fearon is a legend of reggae music who began his prolific career in the late 60s, first as a member of The Gladiators, and eventually transitioning to performing and releasing music as a solo artist. He also has been brought in on countless records as a session musician, becoming known as one of the best bass players in the genre. For his newest album "Breaking News", released on June 3rd, 2022, Clinton traveled to France to record and work with a group of talented musicians to create a record that he deems as one of, if not his best.
Album Review: Groundation plays from the heart with jazz-infused roots album "One Rock"
Since its inception in 1999, Groundation has brought to the reggae community an immense catalogue of quality recorded music that blends genuine and heartfelt roots reggae with jazz influenced compositions and instrumental performances. As is the case for many of the albums we have reviewed thus far, Groundation's wonderful new album "One Rock" was born from the fires of the pandemic.
Album Review: Cydeways serves up something fresh and delicious with a new self-titled album
A great dish is often composed of a variety of flavors that would otherwise conflict if it weren't for the skill and creativity of a talented chef. Music shares this characteristic, especially in the modern age, as the genres that have developed over the past century are now being mixed to create wonderful new songs and releases. On their new full-length album, the American band Cydeways has accomplished exactly that. Blending reggae, pop-punk, hip hop, and alternative rock, Cydeways has created an album that has high energy, moments of calm, and stylistic flow from start to finish.