Reviews
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.
Album Review: Blvk H3ro’s road to superstar status is on full display in “On A Mission”
Blvk H3ro’s road to superstar status is on full display in “On A Mission”, and I love so many aspects of the album - from the storytelling, H3ro’s vocals, and the incredible production. H3ro has the energy, humble yet confident swag, and songwriting chops to continue his international growth in a major way.
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.