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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Album Review: Buju Banton proves once again he is “BORN FOR GREATNESS”
Jamaican superstar Buju Banton proves once again he is “BORN FOR GREATNESS” in the artist’s latest album. Banton sings with such a soulful voice, and he is an amazing lyricist / storyteller. This album’s production is top notch across the board.
Album Review: “Pink Skies” by Gus Walker shares a message of hope while painting a beautiful picture
Based in The Netherlands, singer-songwriter Gus Walker shares a message of hope while painting a beautiful picture in the fantastic new album, “Pink Skies”.
Album Review: Common Kings invite you to party down with CELEBRATION!
The ultra-smooth Orange County quartet known as Common Kings are back to put their signature island vibes into the pop-reggae scene with a brand new album fittingly titled CELEBRATION. Almost two years in the making and filtered down from an incredible 120 songs to just 12, CELEBRATION aims to get you in the mood to shake around and sing aloud!
Album Review: Revisit the emo years with Nathan Aurora’s Pop Punk Goes Reggae!
The well anticipated arrival of Pop Punk Goes Reggae will hit you right in the nostalgic feels. I’m sure not many reggae fans started off as reggae fans, especially if you can sing along with every song on this album.
Album Review: “Africa Unite” is another reminder of the genius of Bob Marley
“Africa Unite” is another reminder of the genius of Bob Marley. The album pairs Bob Marley & The Wailers classics with extremely talented African artists of today’s scene and the new takes on these classics are so fun to listen to and vibe with.
Album Review: Bumpin Uglies strips it all off with “Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions”
Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions is a carefully curated collection of BU past favorites plucked from albums across its discography, supplemented by a handful of new recordings to get lost in for the first time. The previous releases have been completely stripped of their former sounds and replaced by Hardesty’s full and unabated angst, joy and emotional outbursts; a soulful display of what seems to be overflowing from the locked box on top of his shoulders.