Reviews
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: Shwayze brings style and good vibes in “Shway SZN”
Shwayze is a true triple threat. What do I mean by that? He’s a talented singer, rapper, and songwriter. The combination of those three things is rare, and the singer-songwriter shines in his new album, “Shway SZN”. I love Shwayze’s ability to mix reggae, hip hop and pop into super fun songs that always bring good vibes.
Album Review: “Wisdom” showcases the brilliance of Stick Figure
There are certain bands that when you hear their song come on, you know you are going to have an epic day. Usually they are trend setters and veterans of honing and perfecting their craft. Enter Stick Figure. The reggae rock band consistently releases brilliant reggae rock and their latest album, “Wisdom” is another reminder that Stick Figure is out of this world talented.
Album Review: The Movement’s unique style of reggae rock shines in “Always With Me”
The Movement is such an incredible band! Hailing from Columbia, South Carolina, they’ve been steadily creating positive music since 2003, and it’s been inspiring seeing the band’s growth over the years. The band’s new album, “Always With Me” is their best work yet and showcases The Movement’s unique style of reggae rock. “Always With Me” spotlights The Movement’s creativity and drives home so many inspirational messages.
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: 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: 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: 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".