Reviews
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.
Zion The Messenger makes his mark in “Truth Be Told”
Opening the proceedings with One Way, Zion, sets it off with a pretty nice head nodder in which he makes it clear he is a pious young man with a devout dedication to Christ and his teachings. Not entirely foreign themes throughout reggae music, he speaks of them with a decent singing voice and delivery that is easygoing and placid. That’s a good thing as it drives his subsequent cuts, Long Way, In My Shoes and my personal favorite, So Natural.
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!
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Junior Murvin's Timeless Treasure, "Badman Possee" Echoes the Sound of Rebellion
Junior Murvin’s “Badman Possee” is a masterpiece of an album. With the reggae riddims followed by a dubby equivalent it is such an entrancing album. The hard hitting heavy dub bass taps into the tempo of my heart throughout the album, energising me. The beats in this album enliven and inspire my spirit forcing my body to move uncontrollably, primally, it intoxicates me. Combined with Murvin’s harmonic voice reverberating through my existence, I happily lose myself in the waves of vibrations.
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.
Experience the longevity and genius of UB40 through “UB45”
Celebrate and experience the longevity and genius of UB40 through “UB45”. The 14 track album takes you on a journey with the iconic UK reggae band that have spread the power and joy of reggae music to audiences worldwide. The album brings you beautiful versions of the band’s hits along with recent releases all showcasing their smooth and soulful sound.
Finding Tranquility in Turmoil, Clinton Fearon guides us to survival with positive vibrations
The smooth sounds of Clinton Fearon’s newest album “Survival Vibration” coolly reverberates and resonates through my mentality. Throughout the 11 track album, “Survival Vibration”, Clinton Fearon’s message of Rastafari could not be clearer. Each track delves into his harmonic teachings and meditations. Each impactful lyric is carefully crafted to impart wisdom upon the listener. As I listen to “Survival Vibration” I feel tranquillity wash over me.
Piper Street Sound lands a fresh flurry of combos with "Black Eyed Dub"
Released on April 5th, 2024, "Black Eyed Dub" by Piper Street Sound, also known as Matt Mansfield, in collaboration with Andy Bassford, stands as a creative resurgence in the dub genre. This remix EP delves deep into Mansfield's Southern roots and seamlessly integrates them with reggae's rhythmic essence.
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.
Kes starts summer early with “Man With No Door”
What generally makes a reggae album great is the ability to touch multiple styles without overdoing it. Dancehall, (Honey Comb feat Busy Signal & Mood alongside Shaggy) Afrobeats (It’s Enough & Jolene) and of course Carnival appropriate Soca (Miracle) are all done marvelously by this crew. So much so that I can’t remember when I have been so hooked by a group upon a first listen. Man With a Door in short is literally a perfect album.
Dukes Of Roots' self-titled debut album bridges continents and generations
Dukes Of Roots' debut album titled “Duke Of Roots”, bridges continents and generations. Dukes Of Roots has produced a reggae revival album, not just in sound but in spirit. With a global lineup, featuring the Congolese vocal maestro Mermans Mosengo and Jamaica's own legends George “Fully” Fullwood, Courtney Diedrick, and Sean Diedrick, this ensemble breathes new life into roots reggae.
“Beauty In The Acoustic” showcases SOJA’s songwriting excellence
The D.C. reggae rockers recorded “Beauty In The Acoustic” while performing a full length Sugarshack Sessions set, and the resulting album showcases SOJA’s songwriting excellence. Sugarshack shines a light on the talented reggae music community and hearing SOJA break down these thoughtful tracks acoustically is so amazing to hear.
EP Review: The Goodies hit all the right notes while connecting reggae and pop
The Goodies hit all the right notes while connecting reggae and pop in their debut self-titled EP, and wow does the new music sound good! Now you may have watched one of the San Diego duo’s jamming videos on social media, or be a long time fan of Jus Goodie (Justin Goodman), either way I love what The Goodies are doing and expect many big things ahead!
The mystic Aaron Borowitz presents timeless vibes with feel-good new album Father Time
Aaron Borowitz's first solo album, "Father Time", clocks in as a 37-minute and 37-second where harmonic positivity seamlessly entwines with the spirit of reggae. Aaron Borowitz’s 11-track album incorporates a dose of majestic mushroom mysticism, accompanied by a talented batch of features. "Father Time" beckons listeners to embrace the current moment, radiate kindness, and cultivate inity. I’m a fan of the album cover, a fusion of fungi and time, that stands out as a visual prelude to the enchanting realms within.
New Zealand’s L.A.B. continues hot streak with L.A.B. VI!
Already dripping in platinum and gold releases, L.A.B. rolls out another collection of tracks that has already touched millions of music lovers around the world. With a rather simple album naming system and this being their sixth studio album, L.A.B. VI is live and ready for your listening pleasure!
Livity longevity legendary, Burning Spear's album "No Destroyer" marks the reggae icon's triumphant return
Burning Spear’s enduring legacy shines brightly, with his new studio album “No Destroyer”. He has bestowed to us an album filled with groovy flowing beats, that puts me in a tranquil trance of uplifting positivity. Burning Spear’s energy pulsates through every song highlighting why he is legendary reggae royalty and an everlasting force within the genre.
“The Gentle Man” ascends Romain Virgo to the top of the game
If you’re a fan of the man whose album we’re about to get into, your prayers were answered when one-drop megastar, Romain Virgo gave the masses what is arguably one of the most anticipated new releases of 2024, in his new long player, The Gentle Man.