Coming Soon Vol. 3

Vybz Kartel - Come Back Home [Adidjaheim/Notnice]

First this week is Vybz Kartel who delivers a single, apparently not on his forthcoming album, Pon Di Gaza (which releases next Tuesday digitally), Come Back Home. The tune has received quite a bit of attention and is what it is, however, I chose to mention it largely based on the fact that it comes via the same Adidjaheim & Notnice combination label that is also running Pon Di Gaza. This, along with the rather OBESE nature of that album (22 tracks, sans a single interlude) kind of makes me think that you can expect a rather 'generous' output from the label and I wouldn't be at all surprised (especially if Pon Di Gaza is successful (and it will be)) to see a Kartel album every few months or so, especially as quick as he releases music these days. As for Come Back Home, however, judge for yourself.

Rated: 3/5

Releases digitally October 13

Carlene - True Worship [VP Records]

Carlene Davis is back! With her first release in four years, True Worship, Carlene resumes her well earned place as THE name in Gospel Reggae. You can expect what you've come to love from the songstress over the years, a very calculated blend of traditional Gospel and one-drop Reggae and enough of both to attract fans of one genre who aren't necessarily so much of the other. I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Carlene, despite the fact that I'm not very much of a straight Gospel fan at all, simply because of the CONVICTION with which she sings her songs and anytime she's working on something, it's worth checking out, True Worship is no exception. And a little birdie told me that VP Records are giving Carlene her time to shine with an anthology styled release coming in November, so be on the look out for that one as well.

Rated [Potential]: 4/5

Releases physically on October 6 (available now digitally)

Riddim Driven: Clearance Riddim [VP Records]

Speaking of VP Records, they're also firing up Riddim Driven again with the first Dancehall installment of the series since The Beauty & The Beast, with the Clearance Riddim. Why the Clearance exactly? I would assume it had a bit to do with the fact that the signature tune on the riddim has become Mavado's (a VP artist) Dem Alone and the fact that the best tune on the Clearance is Bounty Killer's (another one) SCATHING Rodney's Intentions probably didn't hurt matters either. Joining the Alliance's most popular faces are solid efforts from the angriest people in the world, Einstein & Flexx, as well as Munga Honourable.

Rated Potential: 3.75/5

Releases [digitally] on September 22

In Stores Now

Dancehall 101 Vol. 5 & 6 [VP Records]

Lastly from the fine folks at VP today are two installments from another of their signature series as the seemingly forgotten Dancehall 101 series gets its first bit of light in seven years (almost to the day) and does so with arguably the series' best releases to date. Between the two pieces, you'll find tunes from the likes of Sean Paul, Tanya Stephens, Beenie Man, post-conversion Capleton and even General Degree (GRANNY!) which are certain to make you (like me) feel old as hell (now that these tunes are considered old school). However, should you be seeking to recapture your youth, tunes from the likes Shabba & Nardo Ranking, Mega Banton, Reggie Stepper and Ninjaman should do the trick. If you like Dancehall and aren't necessarily the most complete collector, Dancehall 101 was MADE for you.

Rated [in full]: 4.75/5

Peter Broggs - Never Give Up & Fire Fi Lucifer [Jah Warrior Records]

Lastly this week is a bit of a 'feel good story'. Steve Mosco (I think that's his name) and the powers that be at Jah Warrior Records have released not one, but two new albums from THE MAN himself and one of my favourite artists, Peter Broggs. Later in his career, Broggs did some of his finest work for the UK based Jah Warrior and that manifested itself in the BEAUTIFUL Jah Golden Throne album back in 2000 or so. Apparently, in his work with Jah Warrior, Broggs did quite a bit of other material as well which is now showing up on Never Give Up and Fire Fi Lucifer. Reportedly, the two albums are only being released digitally for now and I would assume (although I don't know this, so don't hold me to it) that in some way, proceeds from sales would go to help a now physically depleted Peter Broggs, following a stroke a few years back. So do a good deed and simultaneously get to enjoy one of the few bonafide MASTERS of Reggae Music.

Rated [in full]: 5/5

{note: There are a couple of albums I'm dying to put in here this week, but instead, I'll just slap a review on them in the next coming days (including one tomorrow) so stay tuned}