Reviews
Ballyhoo! is ready to fight for what’s theirs on Shellshock
Ballyhoo! is ready to fight for what’s theirs on Shellshock. What do The Elovaters, Kyle Smith, Iya Terra, HIRIE, Tropidelic and Bumpin Uglies have in common? If you guessed that they’ve all got a spot on Ballyhoo!’s fiery new album, Shellshock, you’re entirely correct.
Album Review: Bobby Hustle is far beyond a “Proof of Concept”
Bobby Hustle is far beyond a proof of concept. Although I appreciate the talented MC’s humility, I’d describe Hustle as a force to be reckoned with in the best way possible. He is releasing some of the best reggae meets hip hop music on the planet and deserves an even bigger audience, and the artist’s new album, “Proof Of Concept” is a beautiful collection of new music spotlighting his songwriting, energy and passion.
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: Get back in the saddle with “Maoli Music Overload”
Three years after their last album, Maoli is back with a family-sized helping of new music to binge on, bringing a fresh spin to their already impressive sound. “Maoli Music Overload” is a massive, nineteen-song album that effortlessly touches many of your favorite genres, all fused up and reimagined with an island vibe.
Album Review: “Look How Long” by Kava Jah and The Remedy is among the best roots reggae albums of 2023
“Look How Long” by Kava Jah and The Remedy is among the best roots reggae albums of 2023. Kava Jah is an extremely Jamaican talented singer-songwriter and musician and he puts his all into this absolutely beautiful album.
Put both hands up for Surfer Girl’s latest album, “Noon”
Back in the airwaves with a bagful of new songs to show the world it’s no one-hit-wonder, Surfer Girl solidifies its presence with a brand new sophomore album titled, “Noon”.
Album Review: Micah Shemaiah’s uplifting spirit is in full display in “Jamaica Jamaica”
Micah Shemaiah’s uplifting spirit is in full display in “Jamaica Jamaica”. The album opens with the powerful title track, which calls out the need for Jamaica to come together to better address societal issues. You can hear the urgency in Shemaiah’s voice over the riddim and it definitely catches the listener’s ear.
Album Review: “Setting Out for the Sun” showcases Claire Wright’s creativity, chill vibes, and big time voice
“Setting Out for the Sun” showcases Claire Wright’s creativity, chill vibes, and big time voice. The 10-track album, released by Ineffable Records, highlights Wright’s talent as a singer-songwriter and beautifully blends pop, rock and reggae in an all around relaxing experience.
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: Johnny Osbourne’s “Right Right Time” is an instant classic
Reggae legend Johnny Osbourne’s latest album, “Right Right Time” is an instant classic. The talented singer songwriter teamed up with the French Connexion Band and the collaboration created a fresh sound that is amongst the best new reggae that I’ve heard in recent years.
Album Review: Jack Johnson surfs a new soundwave with In Between Dub
“In Between Dub” is a collection of some of Johnson’s most endeared tracks plucked from his extensive discography, masterfully mixed and blended by a select few of dub’s best artist’s – Subatomic Sound System, Scientist, Dennis Bovell, Nightmares On Wax, Mad Professor, Yaadcore, and the late, great Lee “Scratch” Perry are all responsible for whipping up this fresh new wave of flavor for your ears to surf on this summer.
Album Review: Gentleman’s Dub Club beautifully blend reggae, dub and hip hop in “On A Mission”
Gentleman’s Dub Club beautifully blend reggae, dub and hip hop in “On A Mission”. I love the UK-based band’s ability to cross between these genres. The album’s storytelling is on point and covers life’s ups and downs while emphasizing the importance only settling for positive vibes.
Album Review: Julian Marley and Antaeus’ “Colors Of Royal” inspire a fresh outlook in eight dance friendly tracks
Julian Marley and Antaeus’ album, “Colors Of Royal” inspire a fresh outlook on life in eight dance friendly tracks. I am absolutely loving this collaboration and the beautiful songs that Marley and Antaeus have brought to life that cross the reggae, electronic, dancehall and pop music genres.
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.
Album Review: Good Vibes Ambassador, Josh Heinrichs continues cementing legacy in “Acoustic Sesh (Acoustic Version)”
Some people have a way about them that automatically bring a smile to your face and when it comes to musicians the good vibes ambassador, Josh Heinrichs always brings his full self to his song writing and performances.
Album Review: Dive into the magic of Rebelution through “Reflections”
Rebelution has released the gorgeous new acoustic album, “Reflections” and it immediately brings you into the magic and healing power of the band’s music.
Bootleg goes legit with Sublime’s $5 At The Door (Live at Tressel Tavern, 1994) from Surfdog Records
For those not lucky enough to catch a copy of one of the most bootlegged Sublime shows (known up until now as Memories), the good folks behind Surfdog Records decided to officially release the recording as $5 At The Door (Live at Tressel Tavern, 1994) on April 21, 2023.
Album Review: Easy Star All-Stars deliver fresh reggae take on David Bowie classic in “Ziggy Stardub”
David Bowie is one of the greatest musicians of our lifetime and his 1972 album, “The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars” is an all time classic. The incredible Easy Star All-Stars are now introducing a new generation to Bowie’s music while putting their unique reggae sound on the musical experience in “Ziggy Stardub”.