Reviews
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.
Tribal Seeds latest LP Ancient Blood has fans fired up
San Diego-based reggae rockers, known to the masses as Tribal Seeds, have served up some brand new music recently, putting out their first full length studio album since 2014. Ancient Blood is a big one; seventeen tracks chocked full of features from some heavy-hitters in the scene!
EP Review: Pepper’s Makai is making big waves
The three-piece band of Kona Town reggae-rockers known as Pepper has recently delivered a healthy new EP, Makai, via LAW Records for our listening pleasure (and a pleasure it is). Makai contains twenty-five minutes of new music and a couple remixes distributed across seven songs with features from Iration and Edley Shine.
Album Review: Samory I hits hard with powerful second album “Strength”
Poetically insightful lyrics, true to roots reggae music and authentic riddims aided by a rich ensemble of talent who have crafted an impactful piece of musical art. Samory I’s “Strength” uplifts me in every track, the impeccable beats in each song complimenting the soulful poetic lyrics.
Album Review: Passafire’s “Remember A Time” exhibits the band’s range with a medley of melodies and rhythmic grooves
Passafire’s eighth studio album “Remember A Time” flaunts their versatility with a variety of reggae infused beats spanning the nine song album. Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, Passafire brings a mix of sounds to my ears, living up to their reputation for their genre-defying approach to music.
Album Review: Rising Tide's "Pixel Prison" sets us on a journey to unify
Bopping around the chilly winter streets with Rising Tide’s new album, “Pixel Prison”, is warming my ears and putting a spring in my step. The album itself is a trippy reggae-dub, soul-jazz fusion, best listened to in order, one song after the other like the days of old.
EP Review: “Stay True” highlights Khalia’s growth and amazing voice
“Stay True” highlights Khalia’s growth and amazing voice. The seven track EP released by Ineffable Records blends reggae, pop and R&B and is an all around amazing vibe. Big things are ahead for the Jamaican singer - no doubt!
Album Review: Drop everything and listen to Cas Haley’s “Boots Rock Reggae, Vol. 1”
Drop everything and listen to Cas Haley’s “Boots Rock Reggae, Vol. 1”! Haley is one of the most talented musicians in today’s music world and this review is way over due! Haley brilliantly connects reggae, country and rock in this must-listen gem of an album!
Album Review: Stephen Marley embraces his legacy with Old Soul
Reggae music is good music, and it’s always a gift when a member of the Marley family puts more of it out into the world. Stephen “Raggamuffin” Marley has made another fantastic album that creates a very sincere listening experience; a unique view of his world in a musically unplugged setting. If you haven’t already, give it a listen today!
Album Review: Chardel Rhoden shines so bright in “Growth”
Chardel Rhoden shines so bright in the singer-songwriter’s amazing new album, “Growth”. The album showcases the artist’s heart, stellar vocals and wisdom.
Album Review: It’s time to go Daytrippin with Iration’s eighth studio album!
After months of being teased with top-notch singles, the highly anticipated new Iration album, Daytrippin, is officially here and it's just as good as you’d expect. I have to say, the vibe of Daytrippin is very reminiscent of a younger Iration, and I can’t get enough of it. Not to discount anything in their discography, but it sounds a lot more like the band I fell in love with almost 15 years ago. Read the review now!
Album Review: Collie Buddz insists you kick back and celebrate life with the new album, Take It Easy
Keepin’ those summer vibes alive, Collie Buddz is here to share his fourth studio album with the world. Take It Easy is a fusion of that island-vibe reggae he’s known for, swirled with a mix of dancehall and hip-hop flavor to spice up your playlist.