Reviews
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.
Album Review: JonQuan & Associates - Music you can trust to deliver the good vibe results you need
Often there is a certain feel in the music made by a musician with years of experience writing, jamming, and most importantly playing on stage in front of audiences. The groove is precise without losing feel, the songs are familiar with just the right amount of innovation, and the vibes are right. Enter JonQuan, a touring musician, DJ, songwriter, and keyboardist who is releasing his first solo project on Easy Star Records. Working closely with two-time Grammy winner Victor Rice of Easy-Star All Stars, the album JonQuan has created is fantastic and is a wonderful sign of his career as a solo artist to come!
Album Review: Over the Bridge deliver their wide-ranging sound to the masses on their first full-length release
A new wave is coming from the Northeastern ocean town of Gloucester, Massachusetts in the form of reggae rock band Over the Bridge. Having been steadily making a name for themselves over the past few years, the band has raised their self-described brand of "Feel Good Music" to a new level with their debut full-length release. The tracks on "Over the Bridge" are well crafted from both a songwriting and production perspective, with reggae being the primary ingredient that is then complemented by flavors of rock, folk, hip-hop, and New England spice. Members Mike Forgette and Dave Campbell have been hard at work since their first show in 2014, and their new album is proof that it is all paying off.
Album Review: Mighty Mystic makes reggae heavy as a Giant in his hard-hitting new album
Jamaican-born, U.S.-based artist Mighty Mystic has spent his life dedicated to the creation of music. As a kid, he and his brother Stephen began performing at talent shows and quickly garnered a reputation as talented young "reggae rappers". The two had early success with a couple of national hits, which Mighty built upon on his 2010 full album release "Wake Up the World" which received international acclaim. The three albums to follow achieved similar success, with all four charting in the Top 10. As amazing as these LPs are, Daily Reggae got a sneak peek of Mighty Mystic's new album "Giant" to be released on March 18th, and we have to say it just might be his best work yet!
Album Review: Artikal Sound System welcome us into their South Florida world with debut full-length album
There is something about the South Florida sun, water, and beaches that help cultivate great reggae music. The latest to bloom is the talented band Artikal Sound System, who released their highly anticipated debut full-length album "Welcome to Florida" today on label Controlled Substance Sound Labs.
Album Review: Having roots deep in Santa Cruz soil, Pacific Roots is "Still Standing" taller than ever with their brand new album!
On the coast of California south of San Francisco and north of Cali Roots location Monterey lies the beach town of Santa Cruz. The community has become well known for both its surf and stoner culture, both of which heavily influence the music coming out of the city. The legendary band The Expendables have been the global ambassadors for Santa Cruz's reggae/ska sound for the past couple of decades, finding a home in speakers of reggae fans around the world with their unique blend of reggae, ska, punk, and heavy Iron Maiden inspired guitar riffs. As we move into the year 2022 it is the talented and creative band Pacific Roots that is now making a name for themselves as the next Santa Cruz group to bring this brand of music to the reggae masses. The band has grown over the past few years from roots planted deep in the Northern California soil, and with their brand new album have made it known they are "Still Standing" taller than ever.
Album Review: Jah Sun & The Rising Tide bring positivity and healing in their 2021 album "Running Through Walls"
Humanity has experienced an intensified series of obstacles during 2020 and 2021, and in turn, it has made most of us at some point feel like we're "Running Through Walls". This is why Daily Reggae is grateful for incredible musicians like Jah Sun & The Rising Tide for taking these times in stride and putting out fantastic music to brighten our spirits! The group's new album is filled with uplifting rhythms and exceptional songwriting and has brightened our days more than once.
Album Review: Florida's Joey Calderaio is Moving Mountains with an awesome deluxe album dropping December 17th
In 2021 we've had the pleasure of covering incredible new releases from the all stars of the reggae scene including Rebelution, SOJA, and Paul Fuga, as well as fantastic up-and-coming talent in the likes of Marcus Gad, The Late Ones, and Kyle Smith. On December 17th one of our favorite rising artists, Joey Calderaio is dropping a wonderful album titled "Moving Mountains (Deluxe)" just in time for the holidays. An accomplished musician in the Florida reggae scene, Joey quickly started growing a fanbase with the release of his 2019 EP "Moving Mountains". In the following two years, he released well-received singles, with his hard work and positivity culminating in the new "Moving Mountains (Deluxe)" album release.
Album Review: The Elovaters reach higher heights with new record “Castles”
Boston band The Elovaters have been the rising star of the American Reggae scene for the past couple of years, a status well deserved with their professional-grade musicianship, quality songwriting, and consistent touring opening for major acts such as Pepper and Ziggy Marley that led to headlining tours of their own for their ever-growing fanbase. With all this said, it's in their new album Castles that we see the band truly coming into their own and delivering an album showcasing a broad and unique sound that will surely lock in their place as major players in modern American Reggae music.
Album Review: Paula Fuga brings you into her world and heart with "Rain On Sunday"
Every once in a while an album comes along that instantly transports you into the artist's world, and Paula Fuga's new record "Rain On Sunday" does exactly that. For those yet unaware of Paula and her music, Fuga is a Hawaiian native from the small town Waimānalo on the island of Oahu who has become the leading female voice of the Hawaii music scene. Her debut 2006 album "Lilikoi" earned her the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for ‘Most Promising Artist', and ever since she has been garnering a global fanbase with major tours and a wonderful EP titled "Misery's End". All of this has led up to her beautiful sophomore LP "Rain On Sunday", for which she teamed up with Jack Johnson's record label Brushfire Records.
Album Review: Turning obstacles into opportunity, Rebelution release stellar seventh studio album "In the Moment"
As the pandemic hit, the benefit and versatility of the digital music era became apparent to everyone in the music industry, as well as fans of reggae music with the release of Rebelution's stellar seventh studio album "In the Moment". Written and created in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, this album would not exist if it weren't for the ability for the members of Rebelution, all residing in different locations, to record at home and send audio files back and forth to bring these songs to fruition.
Album Review: Vana Liya impresses on her first full length album "Little Kahuna"
New York native Vana Liya has released her debut album "Little Kahuna" on LAW Records! Vana began making a splash in the reggae scene by posting covers of songs by Pepper, Rebelution, and Stick Figure that subsequently went viral and were shared on the bands' social media accounts. Since then she's been putting out wonderful singles, opening up for major reggae acts and performing at the one and only Sugarshack Sessions.
Album Review: SOJA embodies the communal collaboration of reggae music with their new album "Beauty In The Silence"
What sets reggae apart from other musical genres is its deep sense of community embodied by both fans and artists alike. Instead of being fueled by competition, the extended reggae family wants to see one another succeed and become their best selves. Attend a reggae concert and you will find smiling faces and open arms from fellow fans. As a reggae artist one is more likely to find success by helping and collaborating with other artists than trying to outdo them. This methodology of positivity and collaboration is what brought renowned American reggae band SOJA together, and is entirely evident in their new album "Beauty In The Silence".
Album Review: Fortunate Youth reminds us of the good to be found in every day with the amazing new LP, Good Times (Roll On)
As we approach the end of 2021, we look back on a deeply tumultuous two years. Anger, fear, and anxiety are on the rise in all individuals across the board; and along with these feelings, a cloud of negative thoughts and emotions has slowly been forming over our collective well-being. This is precisely why the world needs a band like Southern California's Fortunate Youth (FY). In this time of strife and uncertainty, FY has created an album reminding us to look on the bright side, enjoy the company of those we care about, and put our worries aside when the medicine for our injured soul is partying it up with friends and having a kick-ass night. Having a bad day? Throw on Fortunate Youth's new LP "Good Times (Roll On)" and see how you feel.
Album Review: The Late Ones blend their love of reggae, hip hop, and spirituality in the band’s amazing debut album, The Fourth Quarter
Creating something great often requires hard work, diligence, and a lot of patience. Brothers Tui Avei and Tau Avei, along with cousin Josh Brunson, understand this, taking five years to complete their fantastic debut full-length album "The Fourth Quarter" released on October 8, 2021. The trio performs and records under the name "The Late Ones", which to them represents their respect for legendary artists and revolutionaries such as "Bob Marley, 2Pac, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Biko, and John Lennon", whom the trio honor through their music. Listen to any track by The Late Ones and it's easy to believe that they are related. The trio's three voices work wonderfully together to create beautiful vocal harmonies with a sound similar to pioneering roots groups such as The Mighty Diamonds. Combine this with 90's hip hop beats and flow reminiscent of A Tribe Called Quest and The Late Ones are a force to be reckoned with.
Album Review: Punk, Reggae, and DIY attitude, Kyle Smith’s debut album is far from a “Lost Cause”
Reggae and punk rock music have long been intertwined. Both cultures embody a DIY attitude and a rejection of social norms that divide and oppress, and though the exact expression of this rebel mentality and promotion of a more equal and inclusive community differ between the two, the common ethos they share has led to amazing music combining the genres for decades. For many reggae fans their initial introduction to the genre came through punk; whether it be from classic punkers like The Clash, third wave ska bands like Reel Big Fish and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, or current artists blending reggae and punk such as Slightly Stoopid. Such a musical journey is shared by this reviewer as well, with my personal introduction to reggae starting with the punk band NOFX, which led me to bands like Sublime and The Expendables, further leading to Rebelution, and from there the whole genre opened up before me. I am far from alone in this experience, one which I especially share with my fellow West Coast Americans.
The combination of punk and reggae is far from over, and there are amazing new artists continuing this legacy that you should be aware of.The combination of punk and reggae is far from over, and there are amazing new artists continuing this legacy that you should be aware of. Enter the great Kyle Smith and his debut full-length album "Lost Cause".
Album Review: Passafire takes us on a musical journey with their new album "Strata"
In their seventh full-length release, the reggae-rock heavy hitters of Passafire show off their musical and songwriting expertise with songs that pull influence from a multitude of genres while still having the rhythms and vibes that fans of reggae music crave. The band has long been known for its eclectic blend of reggae and progressive rock, and it's wonderful to see a group that continually strives to grow as musicians and put out their best in both their recordings and live shows. They share the work ethic of other successful artists in the reggae community, producing and mixing most of their own music in addition to the music of other musicians in the scene (for more on this check out Passafarm Recording Studio). The band's creativity is highlighted in Strata, and they are not afraid to take a step off the beaten path with songs stretching from reggae to metal, and with song lengths varying between 3:09 and 7:41 minutes.
Album Review: Hawaii's The Green reflect and speak from the heart on their stellar new album "Brand New Eyes"
The creation of songs can originate from many places. Sometimes it's from an interaction an artist observes between strangers, and other times it's about a world the songwriter wishes would exist. Music is made with the intention of making people dance and enjoy a party, and albums have been written solely about breakups or falling in love. Perhaps the best songs are created when an artist reflects on the current state of their life and pours their heart out in the form of lyrics and music. On their sixth studio album "Brand New Eyes", Hawaii's The Green have done exactly that. A level of maturity and sober reflection rings throughout this album. The complexity of what the world can throw at our human hearts and how we handle them is not an easy thing to unpack, but throughout the songs on "Brand New Eyes" the band is able to accomplish this task as well as any honest person could. The multiple songwriters and four singers of The Green share their genuine perspective over fantastic instrumentals throughout "Brand New Eyes" and have created a record truly special.