Reviews

Zion The Messenger makes his mark in “Truth Be Told”
Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake

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. 

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THROWBACK THURSDAY: Junior Murvin's Timeless Treasure, "Badman Possee" Echoes the Sound of Rebellion
Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake

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.

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One Culture and Mellodose deliver a fresh sound and inspiration in “Ocean of Truth”
Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake

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.

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Experience the longevity and genius of UB40 through “UB45”
Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake

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.

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Finding Tranquility in Turmoil, Clinton Fearon guides us to survival with positive vibrations
Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake

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.

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Dale and the ZDubs breathe new life into ska with “Off the Rip”
Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake

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.

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Kes starts summer early with “Man With No Door”
Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake

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.

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Dukes Of Roots' self-titled debut album bridges continents and generations
Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake

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.

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“Beauty In The Acoustic” showcases SOJA’s songwriting excellence
Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake

“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.

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EP Review: The Goodies hit all the right notes while connecting reggae and pop
Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake

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!

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The mystic Aaron Borowitz presents timeless vibes with feel-good new album Father Time
Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake Daily Reggae Album Review Chris Blake

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.

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