Aging Gracefully: A review of "Gratitude" by Gentleman

Indomitable. I think that as you age, you begin to make certain concessions in regards to the passage of time and, even if you don't, Mother Nature makes them for you. You wake up one day and you're forty-five years old and most of us aren't what we used to be, physically, and maybe you have to watch what you eat a bit closer than you ever did (....if you ever did) if you're at all concerned with sticking around on the planet. Similarly, you'll also have to start making room for the younger generation. If you have kids, they'll grow up and, perhaps, start showing less and less interest in you and what you've taught them (which isn't necessarily a total bad thing, they're allowed to make their own way) and start seeking other sources of guidance - just like you did when you were their age. They'll be interested in more interested in other things (if you've done what youre supposed to do as a parent). They'll also begin to make their own sound and you'll probably [SURELY] not like it as much as they do and maybe not even understand it very well at all - also fine. I say that because, I look at things now and I find myself likely mentioning people who either weren't around when I started writing these things or, if they were, were very, very young and I'm probably the same age (if not older) than the whoever raised them. I'm definitely enjoying some of the younger talents but, unsurprisingly, I still spend more of my time writing about the work of people with whom I am far more familiar. These're people who I either grew up listening to or began hearing as a young adult. The last review I actually completed as I write this now was for an album called "World Of Love" by Anthony B: He definitely qualifies as such an artist and so do the Capletons, Bujus and Beenies of the world, all of whom have released albums this year and we've covered them all (and I'm sure I'm forgetting someone else in there). So when I saw the album we're dealing with on the schedule today, one of the first things that went through my mind was just HOW DAMN LONG, I've been listening to this 'German guy'. I can remember hearing so much about him in the early days, to the point where I went and tracked down an album of his... and it would become a Modern Classic and then another album he did a couple of years later.... also a Modern Classic ["Intoxication of a certain kind!"]. More than twenty years later now and we're all still here and it's time for another party!

If you do not know who I'm talking about (you have selective vision because his name is literally at the top of this post), of course I'm referring to German big man, Gentleman. For as long as I can recall (perhaps at least partially due to the sizable Carribean population in the UK), Europe has been a hotbed for Reggae music. And you can go back to THE 70's and acts such as Steel Pulse and Aswad and even UB40 (if you don't like UB40 you are unworthy of love) (SERIOUSLY) or, further up the line, to the likes of the brilliant Maxi Priest (who is still going and on his way to SEVENTY years old). I don't know that such a background exists in Germany, however, and though I'm sure there must've been someone ahead of him, Gentleman's is the very first name that I can think of and, definitely, to the degree of the impact that he's made in his career. You have to think that Gentleman has not only inspired many Germans to listen to and to actually start making Reggae music but I'd go as far as to think that he's inspired a large number of Europeans, in general, to do the same with the strides that he's made over the course of the last... damn near three decades or so. 

2022

But apparently Gentleman, now well into his 50's, isn't ready for some lifetime achievement award. He's not ready for the rocking chair. He still has a few things on his mind and one of those things (or seventeen of them) is "Gratitude". I THINK the last time we heard from Gentleman in album form would have been just four years ago, with "Mad World" (seems longer than that for some reason). That album, like pretty much everything he's done, was very well received and, listening back through it right now for the first time in a few minutes, it has aged very well (when I find myself listening to albums like this, I'm always curious as to what I thought was its best song when I reviewed it. In the case of "Mad World", it was 'What Them A Go Do'. It's still fantastic but 'Defining Love' is running it close these days) You knew you'd hear from Gentleman again (more on that in a second) and probably in the not too distant future; four years later is just fine. He's also been relatively active over the course of the past few years or so. I have to say that Gentleman makes such an... OPEN and SPRAWLING form of Roots music (for the most part), that he's someone whose work, whether I mention him a great deal or not, I really find myself looking forward to hearing. His music is very catchy and immediately gratifying. In fact, in a year where we've seen CONSTANT big names arriving and re-arriving with albums and projects, "Gratitude" was in the small lot that I was most anticipating digging my claws into (biggup Capleton). When the actual background info surrounding "Gratitude" began to come out, I got even more intrigued as the new album features quite a bit of the handiwork of the great Don Corleon. I think a legitimate case could be made that Don is THE greatest producer in Reggae... like ever. He at least has earned a seat at the table so anything he puts his work into is at least worth hearing. Furthermore, the two have a history together as Corleon has been behind some of the biggest work of Gentleman's career including, arguably, THE biggest, the previously alluded to 'Intoxication', across the legendary Drop Leaf Riddim. Just a couple of years ago, the two reunited for 'Watch Over Me', Gentleman's lovely cut of Corleon's STERLING Finally Riddim; so the link has remained strong. Also, along with Corleon, Stephen "Di Genius" McGregor and Clayton "Claye" Morrison also provide production and, of course, it's a Gentleman album, so you know that the vocal guests will be damn interesting as well. If all of that hasn't sold you on "Gratitude", at least on paper, then.... just listen to it anyway. You will not be disappointed in what you hear. 

Gentleman has always struck as a bit of a music junkie. What I mean is that - if he never made a dime for his work, I think he'd be, by far, one of the most enthusiastic of music hobbyists in the world. Because of that, I almost look at the way he does things as how a fan might. If I were a musician, I think I'd hear someone and really want to work with them. Gentleman does that. He's done full albums with other artists (coincidentally, one of whom was Ky-Mani Marley who released an album on the exact same day as "Gratitude") and it's usually one of the most compelling aspects surrounding his releases: Seeing with whom he'll work this time around. We'll get more into that in shortly but 'Genkleman' begins his brand new album, "Gratitude" all by himself, with what is undeniably one of its biggest moments, 'Lion'. This tune may've been one of the (if not THE) first singles from what turned out to be "Gratitude" as it launched way back in the winter or so and even a cursory glance of a listen to it shows you exactly why it was chosen. 

Not only is 'Lion' excellent but, again, it's signature Gentleman. It's open, EXCITING and very catchy Roots music. I do have to mention that... GRUMBLE sound on the riddim. It kinda/sorta sounds like it's a little angry at us all (and that's fine) (we're flawed. It probably should be mad at us) and IT IS GORGEOUS! Gentleman shines, arguably, just as bright but Don gave him a damn DIAMOND of track to do his best on. Next in is, EASILY, one of the most interesting efforts on the whole of "Gratitude" and at least partially the reason why I structured this review in the way I did, the absolutely LOVELY 'I'll Be There'. Let's go back for a second: In 2007, Gentleman did an album by the name of "Another Intensity". That release carried a nice tune by the name of 'Lack Of Love', which just so happened to feature the great Sizzla Kalonji. Nearly twenty years on and Gentleman now does 'I'll Be There' alongside Meleku, who is Kalonji's son. You know you've put in some serious checks in the longevity column when you're knocking around with GENERATIONS of families (not named Marley or Morgan). And you aren't just hanging out and sticking around, you're also maintaining some level of stature as well (particularly given who else is here) (Gentleman & Sizzla would make at least one more song as well. It was called 'Don't Worry' and it also featured Mark Wonder). 'I'll Be There' is really good stuff as a love song and it finds Meleku employing that high pitched kind of wail that his father often does and it works from beginning to end and as the first of TEN combinations on "Gratitude", it really gets us off to a great start. Just as Anthony B did with his ridiculously addictive 'Jet Ski' from his most recent release, "World Of Love", Gentleman also tackles the Hill & Gully Riddim and he also dazzles, with 'Nah Worry'. 

"Coulda hill top weh a di grades, man grow

Dung inna di gully, a di same love show

Still ah carry love pon di journey, mi know

IT'S A HILL AND GULLY RIDE FULLA HIGHS AND LOWS

Jamaica just open di door and say 'come Gentleman, cah yuh heart to di core'

Cologne, where it start unfold, wid a real yard influence: Cultural gold!"

The song goes through Gentleman's journey to prominence a bit but what I REALLY get from 'Nuh Worry' is just HOW DAMN APPRECIATIVE he is. It comes off more, to me, as a THANK YOU. Gentleman is thanking a culture, his fans, an artform, a place and he's grateful for everything -- "the highs and lows" -- that he's experienced along the way. That is a HUGE thought for me and I love all of 'Nah Worry'.  The R&Bish 'Unity' is another winner here with its somewhat unusual sound. I call "R&Bish" and I'll stand by it but you'll get nothing of the typical R&B fare in terms of direction from it at all. 'Unity' is pretty much exactly what you'd think it would be if you follow Reggae music to any degree ["Mi waan di people spread di love so mi ah nudge dem. For our part wi use di music and wi touch dem"] and it is a substantial body of work, lyrically. I don't want to be a 'prisoner of the moment' but, seriously.... 'Unity' is one of the best written tunes that I've heard from Gentleman in quite some time and he's always pretty dependable in that area, so that is a considerable statement. Here is another considerable statement: QUEEN OMEGA IS ON THIS ALBUM. Her contribution comes on a tune called 'What If' that reminds me of a personal all time classic for me by the name of 'Stay Like Bees' from Agent Sasco; as the Queen and the Gentleman ask a most basic question: What if things were different? I don't think that the perfect picture (or perfect MODEL of a picture) here is some type of utopia where things are both better and simpler (he literally says "what if reality is just a mirage") but I took this one in more of a combined way. This is a tune where so many different little topics come together to make ask that question. Maybe they would be better in some cases or maybe not but these two go about posing that scenario in a most DEVASTATING fashion together. And... I MEAN, DAMN! IT'S GENTLEMAN & QUEEN OMEGA ON THE SAME SONG! BOOM! 

The floodgates open after Meleku and Queen Omega as EIGHT of the final twelve selections on "Gratitude" are combinations of some sort; featuring a very healthy variety of names joining Gentleman. The album actually completely introduces me to someone who I've never come across in any capacity, the wonderful voice of German songstress, Milaa, who joins in on the glowing 'Show Me A Sign'. My little research tells me that Milaa typically sings R&B and CLEARLY that gold bar of a track from Don Corleon made her feel completely at home because she does a BEAUTIFUL job with Gentleman here. The song is lovey-ish but it has a certain DEPTH to it and, much like the opener, the riddim comes equipped with this terrifyingly delicious GRUMBLE to it. It isn't as strong as it is on 'Lion' (and it shouldn't be) but it is so damn addictive when it pops in. Even stronger is the track behind 'Bypass The Sorrow' which features impressive German singer, Nico Santos. I am not crazy about 'Bypass The Sorrow', on the whole, as a song; lyrically, it isn't very strong (it isn't bad but it's kind of meh). But just LISTENING to it... DAMN! It is a heavy piece of art and, strictly in that capacity, it's probably one of the finest listens on the entire album. Just play that thing in the background to your day and you'll truly enjoy it. Curious voiced Irishman, Michael Patrick Kelly, makes an appearance on "Gratitude" through 'Wildfire'. My friend, Google, told me that, about a decade ago, Kelly and Gentleman worked together on 'iD', which I'm listening to right now and am probably going to have a difficult time shaking. 'Wildfire' may not be quite as immediately captivating but it is a better song in my opinion (probably due to all of that actual Reggae going on) ('iD' was a little Poppish) and it really does pick up. Much like the situation with Meleku & Sizzla, this is pretty nice as you make a song with someone who doesn't really fit into the landscape of the music that you typically make and, several years on, you're both still around and are able to run it back and do so at a level where it's still crucial to your fans. The THICK and unusual 'Fireflies' brings in both Jahmiel and Claye (who also produces the song). I call it unusual because I don't.... quite know how to qualify it in terms of sound. It isn't Reggae really and I almost want to call it Hip Hop to some degree but not quite. Regardless, while I can't rank it amongst my favourites, I'm still working on 'Fireflies' because I'm damn confident that there is something in here that is slowly building on me. I don't think that I ever get to the point where I LOVE 'Fireflies'.... but we will see. And I'll put it here (as it may just be the shortest combination that I've ever heard) but 'Same Struggle' is at least a little better than every song I've told you about since 'What If'. 

 

"Careful cah di rat dem out fi get yuh cheese

Mind yuh enemies cah dem will try fi put yuh pon yuh knees

Solid as a rock, it's like wi concrete

 Neva tek a loss, it's like wi bawn fi it

HAFFI LIVE MI DREAMS, THAT'S WHY MI CAAN SLEEP"

I THINK I may've come across Richie Campbell but I'm not entirely and IF I did, I did not hear THAT from the Portugal native. He SCORCHES the semi-social commentary (I say "semi" because it is but it's also pretty personal and specific) with his piece to the tune of one of the most thrilling verses on the whole of "Gratitude" and I will definitely be seeking out more of Campbell's work in the future. 

I have no idea how many songs Gentleman has done with Capleton and I don't feel like looking it up but I'm going to go ahead and immediately install their collective tune on "Gratitude", 'They Don't Care', as one of my favourites from the duo. Let's stay here for just a second because I have a couple of things on my mind. The first thing I'm going to do is to give HUGE credit to one Gardel Fulvio Stuart who produces and comes up with a riddim literally DRIPPING with nostalgia. This thing sounds like.... gorgeous, BRUTAL late 1990s Dancehall and if you don't know, you just happen to be in the presence of one of the genuine masters of the era in Capleton and he absolutely annihilates this sweet, sweet track (the KNOCK on 'They Don't Care' almost reminds me of a tune King Shango did called 'Melting Pot' a hundred and twenty years ago) 

"After mi gi dem di torch and dem drop it

Show dem di door and all now dem caan knock it

Give dem di code and all now dem caan crack it 

How dem si mi wid di key and ah ask 'a who lock it'?

Capleton and Gentleman, di one yah shoot like rocket

Not even AI, nuttin can stop it

Go fi cybernetic and dem still couldn't hack it

Mek mi tell dem one more thing: 

Mi love di people uplifted

Blessed from birth, so mi know seh mi gifted

ANYTHING THAT GOOD, IT HAFFI GET RESTRICTED

Real organic, well a dat wi ah stick wid

And mi nah lef mi clip wid"

Grrrr! Gentleman, himself, also turns in a stellar effort and the pair blaze hot enough to the point where if 'Lion' is not the best song on this album (and it is), 'They Don't Care' makes a MIGHTY argument for itself! Don returns to steer Gentleman with Christopher Martin on the postively golden 'Open My Eyes'. This is another pairing that isn't first as the two vocalists have linked on multiple occasions; most notably, perhaps, on 'People', atop Kabaka Pyramid's winning Victory Rock Riddim. Though 'Open My Eyes' may not quite hit those lofty levels, it's running it very close as a total composition. 'Open Your Eyes' isn't Reggae music at all. It just is not. It's somewhere between R&B and Jazz and it's one of those songs that people would say has "Caribbean undertones" or something like that, strictly because of the vocals but it doesn't have that either (and we'll get back there before closing this one out). It does have a very uplifting message and, again, regardless of its genre, 'Open Your Eyes' is undeniably wonderful music. Finally (besides the other... four songs I still have to tell you about), Bermy star, the well qualified Collie Buddz, is featured on "Gratitude" as well with his track, 'Friends' ranking amongst the very finest it has to offer altogether. On paper, Gentleman with Collie Buddz is a HUGE FUCKING DEAL. The thought of it is a very one exciting one and it pans out as well as you could have imagined.

"Biggup di real ones and go have a laugh"

The tune is about the special people we meet along our journey and how they come and go (and how we come and go in their lives as well) with that specific select few sticking around to the very end. Also I just get from 'Friends' the idea of TREATING people better, in general. Also, just in case I haven't mentioned it over and over again but the riddim here, from Don, is a piece of glowing magic. I don't spend a lot of time talking about Collie Buddz but the man is super talented and he's been churning out some top notch material over the course of the past few years or so.

'So Good' is a solid love song. It isn't a GREAT one but it's pretty good but.... I hate to beat a dead horse (revive it and beat it again) and sound like a broken record but... DAMN! The riddim on that song is kinda divine. It's a gift from the Heavens or Don - one of them. The same EXACT source provides that thing you'll hear beneath 'Never Fail' so I'll spare you my thoughts on its quality... because you already know what I think about it. 'Never Fail' is excellent. The praising tune sits comfortably amongst the very best that "Gratitude" has to offer without a doubt and it's specifically one of the best on the lyrical end as well. I should also mention a VERY subtle horn that I hear in the background here. It is as faint as it could possibly be but my ears jump (biggup Shabba) each and every time I hear it, particularly during the sweet, SWEET chorus. Check the surprising modern Dancehall burner 'Warrior' which stands as a bit of a changeup for 'Gratitude' and one that is damn welcomed! I would have listened to this album and said that maybe something here is missing and I wouldn't have been able to qualify it.... it would have been 'Warrior'. 'Warrior' would have been missing. It's a FUN song that does have a semblance of a greater purpose but, like I said, Gentleman seems to me to be that music addict who is always thinking of something to add to the pot and it sounds like he had an endless amount of fun putting this one together; that stands out most glaringly, when it almost seems like he free-flows an entire verse to biting effect. 

"Mi just ah sekkle and flow pon di beat unu Don

Cooler than di breeze weh blow outta di fan

Hotter than di fya from out frying pan 

Lyrics dem ah shot but no gun inna mi hand" 

The final song on the album doesn't do much for me - 'When The Sun Goes Down'. It's largely acoustic and it has a nice, bright vibes to it which is fine but it doesn't move too much from that point. It's also the second shortest song on the album so it doesn't wear out its welcome and, who knows, you'll probably enjoy more than I do.

Sticking on that topic, quickly, I do want to just mention that, "Gratitude" definitely brings in a few different sounds which aren't typically/traditionally found in Reggae circles. It isn't overbearing to any degree and it isn't even all that shocking given just how many songs it carries but it is worth mentioning. So, just in case you're wanting every single tune to clunk you over your Reggae & Dancehall starved head, do beware. Also,.... have I mentioned just how DAMN GORGEOUS some of this music is??? In case I haven't (over and over and over again), you've now officially been notified. 

Overall, while I won't attempt to compare "Gratitude" to some of Gentleman's other releases, what I will say is that it is a very entertaining and fulfilling set. Again, given the sheer number of songs here (and all of that other stuff that I mentioned), I was expecting a lot here and I don't come away from it disappointed to any degree. While the album comes at an interesting and WELL DEVELOPED point in the career of Gentleman, it still sounds, wonderfully, like he's working on some things. He's still in the lab tinkering and mixing vials that probably shouldn't even be sitting next to each other; it's probably the same thing that got him started down this most interesting path in the first place. "Gratitude" is an album from an aging star that sounds like he still brings every ounce of the zeal and PASSION that initially put him on our radars in the first place.... way back when. Well done.

Rated: 4.2/5

Warner Music

2026

NEW FROM PRINCE THEO!

 Okay so, I was meaning to mention one of these songs by itself and it took me so long to get around to it that another one has popped up. Biggup longtime favourite of ours, Prince Theo, who apparently has been hard at work (building up to something, Theo???) with a pair of big new singles that I thought you might be interested in hearing about, 'Punches' & 'Little Tip Of Love' (I know the title is awful but give me a minute). 

The newly released 'Punches' comes courtesy of the same Reggae Vibes Productions with whom Theo has done quite a bit of work throughout the years (and were he to release a new album, I would at least expect them to be somewhat involved - if not completely responsible) (distributed through VPAL) and is a fairly straightforward tune about dealing with the struggles or "punches" that life throws at you on a daily basis. The riddim is very nice and upful and jovial and it's really just a nice vibes. 

"I said life throws many punches 

But I never give up easily

So I's telling you to believe in me!"

As for 'Little Tip Of Love', it is INHERENTLY of grand interest because it actually features Theo alongside none other than I Lue, who you're most likely to remember from the work he did alongside the similarly vibed Bushman (like 'Sen Dem Come'). I saw this track initially and, even on paper, I was so damn interested as both are large talents who you don't come across very often and here you have them together! The tune is produced by Greatest Friends Records (with Evidence Music) (and if Prince Theo were to do an album and RVP wasn't behind it, the next likeliest suspect would definitely be Greatest Friends) and is a cut of their flaming Ramp Up Riddim (which I just told you about in backing the Queen's latest, 'Spiritual War'. The tune has some Dancehall to it and also some FIRE as the pair deliver a piece well befitting such a large collection of abilities.

I'm always hoping for more work from Prince Theo and he's rewarding fans in 2026 and we're definitely looking forward to what else he has to show... just thought you'd like to know. 

Spiritual War by Queen Omega!

"MAN NUH HAVE NO MERCY

MAN IS TOO BLOODTHIRSTY

MAN NOT TRUSTWORTHY

MAMA HAFFI PURGE WI"

biggup Tiwony. Making the cameo

What I'm Listening To: Zigging

'Head Up' by Ziggi Recado [Nayamari Music - 2026]

Not too long ago at all, we told you about the new EP release from Statian star, Ziggi Recado, "Elevation" from Oneness Records; a couple of months on, and he's already back at work with a brand new tune for his own label, Nayamari Music, 'Head Up'. Let me just say, first of all, that the riddim on this tune is ABSOLUTELY SUBLIME! THIS THING IS GOLD! A quick glance through the credits reveals a pair of familiar names which would well explain the quality of the musicianship here as both Jah David [Zion High Productions] & Tippy I [I Grade Records] are amongst the players of instruments behind 'Head Up' - giving it at least a baseline of expectations (and results). To his credit, Ziggi doesn't waste the moment and continues his winning run of form with another impressive track. This one speaking to keeping focused (and HAPPY) in the face of outside factors trying to steer your decision away. 

"Caan mess wid mi mind, dem nuh able

Walk mi own road, mi nuh follow dem fable

Mi destiny set, it written pon di cable

Dem chat plenty but di works nuh stable"

Can't imagine it's happening this year (though I'd take it if it is) but HOPEFULLY 2027 brings us a new full project from Ziggi Recado as it appears he's hitting his stride once again. 

"Brightside" by Ziggy Marley [Tuff Gong - 2026]

I've never been the biggest fan of legit Reggae star, Ziggy Marley, and his latest set, "Brightside", most certainly isn't going to change that. I did give it an honest shot but, unfortunately, "Brightside"appears to embody what I don't like about his work. There's a certain... Folk-ishness or Country-ishness about his sound that just doesn't vibe with me for some reason or another and I hear it (whatever IT may be) all over this one. That being said, I'd be pretty damn surprised if "Brightside" isn't nominated for a Grammy next year and it will be amongst the favourites to take home the trophy once again for Ziggy Marley (he'll probably win). 

"Love And Energy" by Ky-Mani Marley [Konfrontation Muzik + DubShot Records]

I've also never been the biggest fan of Ziggy's brother, Ky-Mani, though he has made music over the years that I have enjoyed (namely an album from a century or two ago, "Many More Roads") (also had a song called 'Royal Vibes' that I really liked; think it was on the "Radio" album) and he's also back with a brand new album of his own for 2026, "Love And Energy". Though I'm not really a fan and SURELY because of its length, there're things that I've enjoyed on "Love And Energy" as opposed to "Brightside". Standouts include both the openers, the title track and  'New Creature', as well as 'One Family' and 'War Inna Babylon'. Ky-Mani calls in the heavy artillery as "L&A" features a helping hand by the likes of Anthony B, Gyptian, Sizzla Kalonji, Agent Sasco, Lutan Fyah and others. I'm not going to blow it up and say IT'S FANTASTIC [it's not] (I would've reviewed if it were) but I have had a little fun with "Love And Energy" and you'll probably like this one (another damn near lock of a Grammy nominee) more than I do. 

Bomboclxxt Now Riddim [Misik Muzik - 2026]

I most certainly AM a fan of Suku from Ward 21 and his latest creation, the Bomboclxxt Now Riddim has not done a damn thing to dampen that... at least not as far as a creation. Strictly in terms of the actual riddim, itself - the Bomboclxxt Now is a winner. It is the aggressive, legit, hardcore Dancehall that you've come to expect from Suku after all of these years. What happens on it when turned over to even some very talented vocalists, however, is largely a different story. Most... MOST of the tunes on this riddim just don't work for me and, again, that isn't just from some random up and comer struggling in the moment (although there're a number of those as well). The likes of Spragga Benz, Delly Ranks, Lexxus, Kiprich, Craigy T, Bling Dawg and others all turn up with relatively flat performances across something that you would think would be right up their proverbial alleys.... but not everyone misses the mark. 

Reigning supreme is Sean Paul with the sickening 'Steal Machine', also scoring well are both Wayne Wonder and Wayne Wonder's alter ego, Supriz (Supriz actually does a little better, in my opinion) as well as Jah Izrehl who absolutely scorches with the very clever 'Seh No'. The Bomboclxxt Now also has a version 2.0, featuring some (many... like 20 of them) of the lesser known artists on the riddim, as well as Digital Riley. Actually, though you may not know most (or any at all) of their names, 2.0 is better between the two. Here, Uncle Finch, Andre Blackx, Crazy G, I-Jah Yout, Cute Axe (who!), Kwanele and others still turn up with solid offerings. 

 

"Higher Meditation" by Anthony B [Greensleeves Records - 2007]

Obviously I've found my way back to the [hard-to-believe] now NINTEEN YEARS OLD "Higher Meditation" via Anthony B's latest creation, the lovely "World Of Love". Regardless of the reason that brought me here... I'm here and "Higher Meditation" IS an excellent album, especially when you haven't heard it in awhile. The set was another product of a very powerful union between Anthony B and Frenchie & all of the fine people at Maximum Sound and was the direct descendant of the even stronger "Black History" album from a couple of years prior (before that was the SOLID "Powers Of Creation" project as well) ["Stand guard, nuh let dem hurt you!"]. These albums, in my opinion, are highlighted by HEAVY but INFECTIOUS Roots Reggae music (with a little Dancehall mixed in). It's the genuine article but it is very catchy and that's the signature Maximum Sound (if there exists such a thing) for me. That is exactly what "Higher Meditation" was. These days, a tune called 'Hold On', that I didn't remember AT ALL, is absolutely killing me ["Dutty babylon, mi nah need yuh ointment!"] along with the typical highlights, 'Just Can't Live That Way', the title track, 'One Chalice' ["ALL WHEN MI OLD AND GREY, MI STILL AH SMOKE THE HERBS EVERYDAY!"], 'Jahx5' (that song is literally called 'Jah, Jah, Jah, Jah, Jah') and of course its pair of combinations, 'Real Wariors' and 'Honour To Marcus', with Turbulence and Natty King, respectively. I'm presuming that ship has sailed but, DAMN wouldn't it be nice if Anthony B & Maximum Sound linked up again for another set! 

It's Still Burning: A review of World Of Love by Anthony B

Specifics. After a particular artist has been around long enough and established themselves at a certain level, we, as fans, begin to do certain things with their music outside of just enjoying it. It is the source of both discussions and arguments alike where the topic goes to things such as biggest hits and prime years and such. It can be interesting as hell and it's been fun analyzing in certain reviews and articles I've written through the years as well. Today, I'm going to not do either but, instead, jump somewhere in between because when I first laid ears on the album for today, I began hearing certain things that reminded me of certain others and I got a REALLY good feeling heading into it. When you talk about Anthony B, he most certainly has reached a place in his career where that conversation has long begun; to the point where I did consider doing a feature on him about my favourite tunes (and I may still someday) but ultimately talked myself out of it because I thought that the idea of 'Anthony B's Greatest Hits' has kind of been worn a little. Such things are not hard to find. What I want to look at today, in particular, however, are albums. Like his equally legendary peer, Sizzla Kalonji, Anthony B has been incredibly prodigious in putting out albums during his career. Though things have slowed in recent years (for everyone), once upon a time not long ago, he could be counted on deliver multiple sets every year for multiple producers and multiple labels and a brief look back into his catalogue can reveal certain things about Anthony B when he's in form. One of my personal favourite releases that he had which probably didn't get the respect that it deserved was a BEAUTIFUL album from over twenty years ago by the name of "My Hope". I bring that set up not just because I absolutely love it and I'm still trying to get the word out that it was excellent but, again, it went through my mind when I really began to take in Anthony B's latest creation that we're going to talk about today and it got me to thinking about exactly what works for Anthony B during the best of his album releases. He most certainly is not perfect (neither am I) (neither are You) and a trip through his vault will reveal an album or two that aren't the greatest (like "Untouchable") (and "Rasta Love") but when that man is ON, there is a certain, infectious BOUNCE to his music. It is an exciting, freeing brand of Roots music which manages to deliver the more 'standard' and cursory elements of the genre at the same time. "World Of Love" is that type of an album. 

What type, exactly??? What I really want to say about Anthony B at his best is that HE SOUNDS LIKE HE'S HAVING A REALLY GOOD TIME. Even if you go into tunes like 'the classics' in 'Fire Pon Rome', 'Raid Di Barn', 'Waan Back' and others, that's a quality that's present there as well. The man is having fun while slaying oppressors and chanting for The Almighty and that isn't a trait that is always present in everyone (I wouldn't necessarily say that is AT ALL the case for Sizzla at his best, for example) so it stands out to me when I do hear it. It also seems as if he, purposely, makes the type of music in the studio that he would enjoy performing in a live capacity. I hesitate to say it because he does touch some very serious topics but Anthony B almost has a 'playfulness' to his sound at its best ["What dat dem ah do? What dat dem ah does? Nowhere dem come from, no know where dem was"] and, obviously, I mean that as a compliment (and "playfulness" probably isn't the best word (but I'm sticking to it) easiness or effortlessness are likely more fitting). Fortunately, it seems as if the actual process of making music and not just singing songs (although that too) is a grind that Anthony B enjoys because a number of his albums and MOST of the good ones feature a version of the Trelawny native who is not only in a good form but seemingly a good mood as well. "My Hope" was a great demonstration of this, as were the likes of "Black Star", "Higher Meditation" and "Life Over Death" to not go too far back.

2023

Another snapshot of a fun-having Anthony B would come on his most recent release, 2023's stellar "Bread & Butter". For me, that album stands as a culmination of a string of excellent work for the chanter. The time just prior to its release (and including the actual material that would appear on it, if I recall correctly) featured some really excellent output and it put Anthony B's name near the head of a list of someone who I was REALLY looking forward to making a new full release. What resulted most certainly did not disappoint as "B&B" stood up as one of his finest bodies of work in yea... probably a decade at that point if you really think about it (looking at a it... it might be his best album from the aforementioned "Higher Meditation" from way back in 2007) ("Life Over Death" hasn't aged very well in my opinion but even at a depleted level, it'd still be good enough to be in that conversation as well). I want to say that it was maybe late last yearish... October or so, that I first heard that Anthony B would possibly have an album forthcoming. The roll that he was on just ahead of "B&B" has continued for the most part and I'd been well paying attention to the fact that, virtually every single time, he had something new, it was excellent. Because of that, he would be featured (literally first) on our "Most Wanted 2026" list and I was all in. If Anthony B were to have an album this year, I though it'd be a legit contender for Album Of The Year and look what we have here! "World Of Love" arises from the same background as its immediate predecessor - via union of his label with Ineffable Records and features a whole heap of interesting names in front of and behind the scenes. In production, of particular note are the likes of Jazzwad and J-Vibe; while I'll get into it more in just a second but on the vocal end, Anthony B and co. CLEARLY spared no expense as far as whom they brought in. Unsurprisingly, I can also liken the end sound of "World Of Love" to "B&B". As you would suspect, they definitely share more in common than just a strong version of their star (I should say that some of the tunes he was doing back then had me questioning whether or not a then damn-near fifty year old Anthony B (just hit half a century earlier this year) was still in his ascendancy) and, just like its elder sibling, "World Of Love" proves to be a delightful and SOLID set that most certainly will appear on a few 'best of' lists at year's end. Let's talk about it.

There is a proverbial elephant in the room of this album that I absolutely have to address and you'll agree with me: The title of the album is horrible. It's cliched and... just lame. It's a bad title and you know what else is bad? The cover! Neither one are any good but FORTUNATELY, this is about music and you cannot listen to an album title or a cover and that is the worst thing I have to say about this one, by far. While you cannot listen to an album title, you can listen to a song with the same name as the album and that song, 'World Of Love' gets the album named after it off to a very strong start. As I mentioned, Anthony B really brings in the talent to work alongside him and, arguably, the biggest star he does pull in is German star, Gentleman for the title track. This song is as BEAUTIFUL as it is entirely SIMPLE. Ultra-straightforward in just about every way on Anthony B's side; Gentleman does 'complicate' things a bit (not really) with his outstanding verse. The two have previously worked together, years ago, on an excellent tune called 'Face Off' ["Like a siren, you just ah waaah waaah waaah"], which would appear on an album... by the name of "My Hope". 'World Of Love' isn't far behind those levels at all and biggup Gentleman who has his own new album out, "Gratitude" (review coming soon). 'Rude Bwoy' was an all kinds of fun single from late last year or so that I loved from the first time I heard it and still love, nearly a year on. Anthony B absolutely TORCHES this song. He puts it to the sword!

"Rudeboy protect wi health as young, youths and baby

PROTECT WI COMMUNITY, NO ABUSE WI LADY

No violence pon di corner, yuh crazy?

Nobody can out Rasta fyah when wi blaze it

Wi no preach hate, wi preach love and duality

Bun babylon cah dem nuh show partiality

Memba - Rasta teach principality

Bun out illusion, let's face reality

Unity is strength, so wi need equality

Stop fight each other, dat a dutty mentality

Remember - everything ruled by gravity

So stop promote hypocrisy"

BOOM! You listen to certain tunes and get the feeling that the artist just sort of vibed it. They had a feeling and it, rather quickly, turned into a finished product on their side. That is not the case with 'Rude Bwoy'. This thing is immaculate! It is absolutely exquisitely modern Roots Reggae done by one of its greatest champions and if I had any common sense -- any at all -- I'd be declaring it the best moment from "World Of Love".... but I don't (more on that later). If you were familiar with 'Rube Bwoy', chances may be decent that your listening travels also took you in the vicinity of 'Good Music' which was another single from around that same timeframe. It is highly unlikely but maybe something from one of the first two songs didn't quite work for you. Maybe you aren't a Gentleman fan (shame on you) or maybe 'Rube Bwoy' was a little abrasive for you and that's fine. We all have different tastes. With that being said, however, I'm gonna have a very difficult time in listening to any complaint of 'Good Music' AT ALL. Along with being what its title says it is, it's just so damn joyful and wholesome (besides that "sex, weed and money" part, of course) and EASY that it'll take a Herculean effort to dislike, in my opinion. I didn't feel like putting in that type of work and, instead, I loved it. Sandwiched in there is a younger single from just earlier this year, 'Big City' which features Anthony B alongside talented Hawaiian, Fia, whose name was unknown to me prior to it. I do not know what type of music Fia typically makes (and I don't feel like looking it up) but if it's something other than Reggae, he may want to think about a career shift because what he does here is very impressive. The song is kind of a loose social commentary/observation and it is another fairly straightforward one but, again, it works so well and is so pleasing to listen to along with the substance it surely offers. 

I had a lot of [GOOD] problems on my hands when I SAW that Anthony B had a new tune with a favourite of mine, the incomparable Queen Omega, 'Made From Love'. Many, MANY years ago (almost twenty-five of 'em) Anthony B appeared on 'I Realize' which was the closer on Queen Omega's self-titled debut album, so she's come to return the favour (she's also on Gentleman's album "Gratitude") (did I already say review coming soon??) and the Trini Queen does not disappoint. She never does. She's incapable. Anthony B and the Queen are on a mission to spread love everywhere it is needed. You get love! Love for her and love for him too! Done at a nearly CRAWLING pace, it may take a few spins to really attach itself to you, I would tell you not to pass an early judgment and pay especially close attention on Queen Omega's offering. Taken as a whole, 'Made From Love' is SWEET stuff addition to "World Of Love". Later on, Anthony B taps overlooked well armed and unusually gifted Frenchie (biggup Frenchie), Mo' Kalamity for 'Little Cottage'. Let me say something about Kalamity because I don't think I've ever mentioned her around here but I've definitely spent a bit of time listening to her work (she had a song a long ass time ago called 'Me Say' that used to ANNIHILATE ME) (I love that tune). She has such an interesting voice and approach. When she starts singing, it sounds like her voice kind of limps out of her mouth.... and then it IMMEDIATELY starts sprinting. That gives her sound, whether you like the music or not, an inherent point of interest. On 'Little Cottage' she and Anthony B both lament the struggles of living in hardship and embrace the simplicity of a more natural lifestyle. One of these days I should probably get around to reviewing one of Mo'Kalamity's album but until then, join me in taking a visit to her and Anthony B's 'Little Cottage'... "somewhere by the sea". Anthony B is a veteran in this, he know that when you make a Reggae album, you have to give respect to The Queen so, along with bringing in a pair of them, he also gives you the obligatory Mamma song, fittingly called 'Mamma'. 'Mamma' exists to cover the basics (literally) (she covers the basics and sends you out to bump your head in the world) and that's exactly what it does. Nothing here will change your life or give you a new perspective but 'Mamma' is delightful and biggup my Mamma, Anthony B's and yours too! I couldn't fairly or accurately call 'The Best' a "love song" because it would be giving you an incorrect outlook on the tune: It isn't.... 'oh baby baby I love you'; it's more of an APPRECIATION song. 'The Best' has a riddim that, when it gets going, oddly reminds me (and maybe ONLY me) of the one that backs Sizzla's classic, 'Taking Over'. Where Kalonji used it to inspire each and every one who laid ears on it, Anthony B uses it to give a massive credit to the woman in his life ["This lion is a king and a strong one. Still you give I a shoulder to lean on. You help me to release the tension. Everyday with you is like a vacation"] in a very nice way.

The track behind 'Lonely' which features a helping hand from big voiced Shuga (who I should probably be calling a veteran by now; she's been around a few minutes) sounds a lot like that thing behind Shaggy's giant hit, 'Angel' from a hundred years ago. This isn't a favourite of mine from "World Of Love" but it does have a nice sound to it, especially as it progresses and it also gives me an opportunity to talk about something else in regards to Anthony B being in this current stage and form in his career. He is SO GOOD at the moment that he can save just about any thing! There's nothing that he's going to be doing that I'm going to say is just trash and suggest that when you get to it, you skip on by. EVERY SINGLE THING that he's doing these days has a certain quality level to it 'Lonely' is organized very interestingly (I actually think I hear an even older song, from the 60s, in there as well, called 'Mr. Lonely'), it has nice vibes to it and the more I keep talking about it... I think I'm really starting to like it. Let's move on! Another example of what his talents can do when they aren't necessarily in the best situation would be both 'Bubbling' and 'Bring Me Joy'. The former is my least favourite tune on the entire album and comes dangerously close to falling into being just too damn sappy due to the chorus but it is ultimately saved with the verses which don't lay too heavy on the LOVE/MUSHY stuff and, instead, casts a much wider net. It comes off less of such a track and almost seems like Anthony B is relaying a day: Like he had a hard day and he's going home and wants to hang out with his woman and just relax but... like I said, this is a close one. 'Bring Me Joy, on the other hand, is probably me stretching it because it, while certainly not the best here by any means, is pretty good, actually. Beginning with that riddim which can lay claim to being amongst the album's finest, Anthony B charts a course not too dissimilar from that on 'Bubbling' where he present his love as a shelter from the hardships of everyday life ["There is so much things to bother me: The government , the war, the economy. But your love come and set me free, so I'm so happy that you honour me"]. Again, I'm probably being too harsh on 'Bring Me Joy' by placing it in this context with 'Bubbling' (but I thought that the similarities between the two warranted it) but, regardless, it is a track where Anthony B's talents get the absolute most out of it as possible. I mentioned that were I to have more common sense that I would named 'Rude Bwoy' as the best song on "World Of Love" but, FORTUNATELY, you'll find very little of that 'round these parts because the song that reigns supreme for me on this album is, WITHOUT QUESTION, 'Jet Ski'. 

"Mi mek gal change colour just like iguana

Gal ah rush wi from Jamdown to Ghana

Every man want a hot gal pon di cornah

Uptown, downtown gal - or foreignah

Any boy nah love woman, dem ah get lava"

Do you hear this song?? Here! I'll give it to you again. Pay attention this time.

Atop the absolutely absurdly delicious Hill & Gully Riddim, Anthony B puts forth a silly effort that will probably require a massive concussion or two to get out of your head and it's not worth it! JUST ENJOY! WHAT A TUNE! 

CLEARLY Anthony B, Jazzwad & co. knew what they had on their hands with 'Jet Ski' because they offer up the similarly vibed (not really) 'Move U Body' a song that, TRUST ME, is a better than its dreadful title (and its opening) would indicate. I'm not saying that it's a great song -- it most certainly is not -- but, again, you get into the middle of it and 'Move U Body' (...ugh!) does have its moments. 'Wake Up' has even more of those moments and it finds Anthony B giving thanks for pretty much everything that he can. While decent on the lyrical side, the biggest appeal of 'Wake Up' is the entire song, as a whole. With its big and vibrant sound that never threatens to overwhelm, 'Wake Up' is a song that you can leave on repeat endlessly. It almost comes off as a vibe. I wouldn't be surprised if Anthony B heard the riddim and came up with something, fairly quickly, because he enjoyed it so much. Regardless of its origins, however, 'Wake Up' is a winner. You know what else is a winner? 'Winner'! I used the word "playfulness" to describe a certain quality to Anthony B's music and it was for tunes such as 'Winner'. While the subject matter of it isn't super-serious, he has a way of saying things that maybe aren't done jokingly but definitely are light and very clever. 

"Got no time fi pose like statue

Is a good friend, alone, got you

Mi bredda, Fabian, seh him dream last night and get di winning number fi di lotto

I'm a winner!

I'm a winner, born as a winner

Mi no inna losing thing

I was born to win"

Also, much like was the case with 'Wake Up', 'Winner' is positively LOVELY. It's just such a nice and pleasing vibes to listen to and a mightily attractive tune! Closing things out on "World Of Love" is another of its biggest highlights, the prayerful 'Oh Jah'. A VERY solid praiser, 'Oh Jah' serves as an excellent way to end matters on the album and, in the process, Anthony B provides us with a very proper punchline:

"Oh Jah, you give I strength and always walk before me" 

And he also says a bunch of other cool stuff like:

"Rasta got one thing they can never take away-

It's the fire and wi keep it burning everyday 

To how you live, to how you work - that's how you'll get yuh pay

Bun di wicked, bun di evil, Rastafari seh

You haffi have a clean heart to go a Zion! 

NO GOAT CAN BE KING OVER THE LION!

No put yuh trust in politics and religion 

A NATION PERISH WITHOUT VISION"

BOOM!

Overall, throw another log on the fire that's been 2026 and that's been Anthony B's career as of late. I really wanted to drive home the point that the bottom of "World Of Love" really isn't THAT bad, which is a great sign of someone in good form. No. Not every single tune here is stellar but I don't have a problem with any of it, really. On the complete opposite end would be the fact that we also are treated to some truly impressive work and, in full, this one stands well with what we've been eating as of late as Reggae fans. If you stick around long enough, you'll get to a point in your life where age will start to take many things from you. WONDERFULLY and APPARENTLY, whenever that time is for Anthony B, musically, still seems to be quite far off. "World Of Love" is a more than solid set from someone who seems to be absolutely enjoying himself and his work these days. 

Rated: 4.2/5

Anthony B + Ineffable Records

2026