Reviews
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.
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.