Coming Soon #62: Before "The Messiah"

"Bring Back The Vibes" by Lion D [Bizzarri Records]

BOOM! Up first this week is a really, REALLY big deal as WICKED UK born chanter now from out of Italy, Lion D, the Burnin Melody, is back again with his much anticipated followup to the best album I heard in all of 2009 and a bonafide modern classic, "The Burnin Melody", "Bring Back The Vibes". Once again the artist links up with Bizzarri Records to bring the set to fruition and, also once again, I'm DAMN looking forward to it (even though I already have it and am currently listening to it) [BOOM!]. One of the biggest attractions to the Lion when I first heard him was this brilliantly organic and natural approach which worked so well for him four years ago. This time around, he's also brought a bit of help with him as the likes of Ras Tewelde, Skarra Mucci, UK star Gappy Ranks and others appear on "Bring Back The Vibes". Definitely have an excellent feeling about this one and you know you can expect a big review sometime next week. BOOM AGAIN! 

Releases on March 29

CD + Digital 

"Pariah In Transit" by Taj Weekes & Adowa [Jatta Records]

The exceedingly popular Taj Weekes & Adowa from out of St. Lucia are in next with their latest creation and the first of two live albums on today's post, "Pariah In Transit". Billed as their first live set (although there is an older [2008] from the Taos Solar Music Festival), the album is reportedly set to be featured as a compilation from various performances of the band's, over a period of time. Also, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the album will also go to charity (which has always been of importance to Weekes). Taj Weekes & Adowa have become very popular throughout the years and although I've never been their biggest fan, something tells me that now is a good time to get on board. Join me and pick up "Pariah In Transit" when it reaches. 

Releases on April 9

CD + Digital [I THINK]

"Giving Praises {Live}" by Sanchez [Jasfar Records]

Also soon to be taking the live route is legendary vocalist, Sanchez, who returns with his own new set, "Giving Praises", which was recorded and MIXED in a church, reportedly. If that doesn't let you know that this is a Gospel album (get yourself some good help) - it is. It has always been Sanchez' style to make more traditional Gospel music and, at times, to connect it with Reggae and while you aren't likely to find much of that in this case, "Giving Praises" does contain a live rendition of 'Never Dis Di Man'. If you know Sanchez, however, you full know what to expect from this set and you don't figure to be disappointed either. 

Releases on April 16

CD [I THINK] + Digital

"Dredlocks Time" by Army [382 Music]

A really excellent piece of news is next because also releasing a brand new album is the MIGHTY veteran Army from out of St. Croix, with "Dredlocks Time", his first album in about five years or so. I was REALLY happy to see this one jump up and although I still know very little about it (and it releases in about a week), I'm well looking forward to it. In the past, Army has worked alongside some of the best from out of the Virgin Islands and I would figure that to be the case here as well as the early listens through the album sound exquisite and, again, you can expect a big review when I get my hands on it. 

Releases on March 30

CD [I THINK] + Digital  

"Reggae Music Will Mad Unu" by Captain Sinbad [Maximum Sound]

Loooooooong time from last anyone has heard the name Captain Sinbad associated with some type of new album (his music actually releases quite often, but it's almost always re-releases), but leave it to Frenchie and co. at Maximum Sound to bring back the legend with a big new album, "Reggae Music Will Mad Unu". Unsurprisingly, the vibes here seem to come screaming from out of the late 1970's/early 1980's (right down to the cover) and old school Dancehall heads get ready to rejoice! I have a really good feeling about this set with its full-on delightful vintage vibes and you cannot possibly have any even remotely decent reason not to pick it up. 

Releases on April 15

Digital + Vinyl 

The Answer Riddim [Fat Eyes Productions]

Bulby and company at Fat Eyes Productions are in next with a glowing reworking of the old Answer Riddim . That, alone, should be more than enough to cement your interest (and it probably was, unless you don't recall which was the Answer) but, as is the case on any track, the real story here is the wonderful cast of vocalists assembled to voice the track. Bugle, Lutan Fyah & Spectacular, Delly Ranx, Ele and Junior Reid all make solid appearances here as does the man of the moment, Sizzla Kalonji who chimes in with 'Badness A Nuh Play Thing'. A very nice set. 

Releases on March 26

Digital 

The No Pwoblem Riddim [One Time Studio]

No Pwoblem Riddim mix

One Time Studio from out Gwada is also going up this week with their own GORGEOUS Roots Reggae composition, the No Pwoblem Riddim. I was really impressed, not only be the vibes here, but the very colourful line-up OTS has brought together to voice the track. It is easily one of the most interesting of the young year. Of most interest is definitely ‘Mèsi Pou La Vi', which actually brings together Zebulun, Khari Kill (big album, "Born To Rule", in stores now) and Jah Bami (Guyana and Trinidad link on a Kreyol track), but also grabbing a major attention is a combination featuring Daweed alongside the amazing Pearle Lama and the brilliant Tiwony. Straïka also appears, as does Turbulence, Jah Defender, the burgeoning King-I and the WICKED Cali P as well. Very well done by One Time Studio who is DEMANDING your attentions in early 2013. 

Releases on March 27 

Digital 

"Voices of Reggae" [Tad's Records] 

And finally coming soon this week is a very interesting compilation from the always active people at Tad's Records, "Voices of Reggae". There's absolutely nothing here which is a MUST have piece of music, but as a whole, it is a very fine set which features (at least primarily) some of the most excellent Reggae vocalists of the past few years. Shining the brightest are the likes of Jah Cure, Natty King, Richie Spice, Chezidek and Romain Virgo (with 'Wanna Go Home '). Also finding a space on the album are both Buju Banton and I-Octane. Again, you don't "need" this album, but I do think it is a pretty good idea.

Releases on March 26

Digital 

In Stores Now 

"New Name" by Jah9 [RoryStoneLove Records]

'New Name'

Definitely wanted to remind about what seems to be a favourite for Album of The Year thus far for 2013, the MAMMOTH "New Name" from Jah9, which released just a few weeks back now. The album is amazing, I'd almost go to the point of calling a 'lyrical landmark' at this point and is well a future classic. Also, it seems to be spreading soon, so if you were unable to get it on certain sites, you may want to check again next week. Absolutely mandatory. 

CD + Digital

See Review

The Groupie Luv Riddim [Daseca Productions]

It's definitely been more than a minute from last we talked about a release from Daseca, but they've done quite well with their most recent delivery, the sterling and FUN Groupie Luv Riddim. Perhaps somewhat Poppish and wholly BRIGHT, the Groupie Luv is damn hard to forget and even harder to get out of your head once it is in there. It also gets in the collective heads of and behind the collective vocals of Demarco, Konshens, Christopher Martin, Alaine alongside Bugle and more. Not bad at all. 

Digital

The Hard Rock Riddim [Misik Muzik]

Grrrr! Also showing up recently was Suku & Ward 21 with the KNOCKING Hard Rock Riddim for Misik Muzik. If you trace back the Ward's vault, you'll find some MADNESS (at the head of them all, of course, would be the Bellyas) and I'm tempted to rate the Hard Rock alongside some of their finest work and certainly that's accurate as far as recent years. This thing is heavy, authentic and hardcore Dancehall music and it is making its case for one of the best Dancehall riddims of the year thus far and, to my opinion, will be hard to best. Ward 21 also pulls together not only a strong group of vocalists, but a fitting one for the moment. Bounty Killer leads a pack which also includes the likes of Lady Saw, Ele, Wayne Wonder, Frisco Kid, Ward 21 themselves and others.  

Digital

The Harp Riddim [RBZ Records]

And finally this week we take a look at the latest from De Red Boyz, from out of Barbados, the SWEET Harp Riddim. In only four vocals (and a clean version), the track manages to make a nice impact. Anthony B checks in with 'Love Come Down', while Hezron (2013 album???) turns in my favourite tune on the riddim, 'Fly'. Our old friend, Buggy Nhakente, does very well with 'Rasta Love' and CLASS in human form, Maxi Priest, goes on 'Holiday'. Although I don't know them to be as active as they once were, DRB make excellent music and the Harp is clearly no exception. 

Digital 

'More Exploration': A review of "Signs Of Change" by Blaak Lung

Keep going. As we've talked about a few times in the past, there're so many wonderful and talented individuals who, essentially, keep the ever-evolving and ever-progressing vehicle that is Reggae music moving smoothly. These people, or at least some of them, may not exactly be household names to most of the Reggae listening world, but if they were to stop doing what they do, even momentarily or just for a very little while, their absence, whether you realized it or not, would be greatly felt. Furthermore, if you were to go a step further and just remove what they've done, in some of these cases, you may actually find it a bit more difficult to appreciate the genre, as a whole, because great contributions does not necessarily equal a very high profile, at least not when it comes to Reggae. A pair of fine and fitting examples for this particular case would definitely be Ras Batch and Tuff Lion. Just last year I found myself extremely happy for the former as he released what was definitely the most well known album of his catalogue to date, "Know Thyself" from I Grade Records. After years and years of pushing some of his own material, but way more of the work of others, the spotlight finally shined in his direction, brilliantly and he was well up to the moment and turned in one of the best albums of  the year and a likely future classic. If you were to go back and just un-exist all of that man's work, artist's whose music you LOVE (or at least you should if your ears function), such as Midnite, Mada Nile and, of course, Ras Attitude, with respect to their own great talents, loses more than a little bit of lustre. Similarly - Go back and remove what is probably the uncountable roster of participation of the incomparable Tuff Lion - and you're going to come to a point where you'll find yourself unable to enjoy almost ALL of Reggae music from the Virgin Islands as much as you once did, because the Lion's contributions have been nearly halting in both quality and quantity and they continue to be so. Someone else who fits firmly in that class and is even less well known, but has done brilliant work alongside both Ras Batch and Tuff Lion and others still, would be Blaak Lung. While the California based artist/producer/music/… probably engineer (if you want to make a Reggae song, you probably wouldn’t need much more than his services) has yet to make that solo leap forth in terms of popularity in some respects, he's already more than solidified himself as someone whose presence has had a grand effect on the landscape of modern Reggae music.  

"Rooted In Inity" [2010] & "Be Ever" [2011]

And apparently he isn't finished "solidifying". Working alongside the aforementioned likes of Tuff Lion, Ras Batch and Ras Attitude, as well as many others, in a genre where there're so many people whose work goes unnoticed, Blaak has seemed to be one of the most consistent figures for those who pay attention to his work. If that isn't you, then it's time to catch up as, along with his very own Green Sphere Records imprint, Blaak Lung has spent the better part of the past few years attempting to push his own recording career further and he has seen the releasing of two album in the past few years to fruition. Back in 2010 there was "Rooted In Inity" (which, in retrospect, was absolutely excellent) (oh and that album seems like it came out around eight years ago, it's been a long few years!) and a year later would reach its solid followup, "Be Ever". These two albums signalled a change in direction for the label who, again, had been putting out full albums and singles for others and it seems as if the "change" continues. 

Also from GreenSphere Records

"Signs Of Change" is the brand new album release from Blaak Lung, via Green Sphere Records. Somewhat like UK veteran vocalist, Lloyd Brown who we recently talked about, Blaak Lung has become someone of whom, every time you REALLY hear his name, you know a new album is not too far away (also like Brown, he puts out his own album (new Lloyd Brown album, "New Veteran", in stores now) on his own label (biggup Riddimworks) and does a great deal of all of the work) and I kind of remember having that feeling that a next project was likely forthcoming as Blaak is someone who, I would imagine, is GLUED to his studio and it had been a minute from the last time I had actually seen his name associated with anything that I remembered (however, as we established, that doesn't mean a great deal. He has probably been making releases all across the past couple of years), so you figured something would be forthcoming and here it is. As far as his actual music - the greatest qualities that Blaak Lung possesses are his compositions. You can pick up any of his albums that I've heard and choose almost any point at which to begin and what you're likely to notice primarily is that this man makes some AMAZING tracks and that is a trend which continues on the new album and I can assure that it remain so on his next album and the next one after that! He just makes very good music, even before you get to applying the vocals. Of course, when  you work with the likes of Tuff Lion who, once again, makes his presence known on a Blaak Lung album, as he plays on every song on "Signs Of Change" with the exception of the album's closer. And while I'm not at all going to even make an attempt to tell you that Blaak is the most dynamic of artists (more on that later), if you really do enjoy Roots Reggae music of the modern era, he has and does again, make pieces which're entertaining and captivating. He's also a strong writer and, again, that is a trait which is on a full display throughout the new album. So! What remains is to see whether or not Blaak Lung manages to continue his winning ways on his new project -- Yes. Yes he does. 

Not surprisingly at all, the musical direction on the new album is quite similar to its predecessors, but what I will say is that the album very much has a 'looser’ feel than the previous two which you can take one way or another, but does make for a very interesting trip. We began our musical journey through the brand new album from Blaak Lung, "Signs Of Change", with a very strong Intro on which Blaak, seemingly, outlines his own intentions with the album. Definitely pay attention to what is being said here, but that track is KNOCKING! The first actual full song on the album is up and it's a guaranteed signature from this set, 'One Nation'. This is a piece about unity and unification on both the small and large scales and a triumphant moment to my opinion. It also has that type of big and vibrant sound that you want to hear at the head of an album (as does the intro), which would make a newer listener curious to hear more. Nice start. Next is an even more sizable selection in the form of the MASSIVE 'Grows & Grows', which was my absolute favourite tune on this album until I reached its latter stages. I had, based on the title, assumed this one to be a 'love song' of sorts and… well I was kind of right about that, but it definitely isn't one in the typical fashion. 

"My love

[my love]

For Jah

[for Jah]

It grows

[it grows]

And grows

[and grows]

For iver

[for iver, for iver]

For iver

[for iver, for iver]

For my life that I live daily

For all of my family

Jah gave me a precious gift -

The ability to know love

Because of Father, I can see with my first eye

My direction in life is so very clear

For the earth and the sun 

For the stars and moon and clouds and every breath that I breathe

For the food that I eat

For the water that I drink

For everything, Jah has blessed me"

You see, it is a tune about love, but it is directly for the love of His Majesty and all that HE has given. BOOM! Another big song rolls in next - the very familiar 'Concrete Jungle Werkers'. I don't know if I know this riddim from somewhere or if I've just listened to it so many times, but I'm pretty sure I know something about this track from somewhere (which almost certainly means that I do not). In either case, it is a lovely tune about people maintaining themselves and their lives in the struggle provided by oppression and, in general, every day life. Three (and a half) tunes to open the record and three (and a half) big tunes. 

As you might expect of someone who has spent so much time doing work on the projects of other people, Blaak Lung has no problem getting vocalists to join him on his own record and "Signs Of Change" pushes a trio of winning combinations. First up is veteran Luv Fyah, who makes a stop on 'Mama Afreeka'. This isn't the first time the two have done a song together as they linked for a song on an older Blaak Lung album ["Aspire" from 2008], called 'Destination Rootsman'. This song is one just really giving honour to Afrika as HOME and as a major source of inspiration for people throughout the world. The Arkaingelle (why not make a new album??? It's been a long time from the last one) makes an appearance on the fine 'Been A Long Time'. Every time I mention his name, I feel compelled to also state that Arkaingelle (along with Blaak Lung) made one of the greatest songs I have ever heard in my entire life, 'Manifess Joy', and while I wait for him to reach those levels again, this track is pretty good. It has a kind of 'large' sound to it and the two deliver what proves to be a more than solid piece and one of my favourite songs on this album. I also want to mention just how much I like to hear from Arkaingelle, in general. He isn't the most active of names (though he is on the recent Indo Riddim via Jah Youth), but he almost always produces big songs. And also you'll find our old favourite, Messenjah Selah (you can make a new one too!), back with Blaak Lung again for the nice 'Re-bel Rebel'. 

"Let dem know dat we have a right -

To fight for whatever we believe in 

Justice - until we get some, there'll be peace

They thrive under wrong and never cease

But di fyah caan cease

Babylon, your laws are deceiving

You tried to tie our hands, but Jah bless my feet

Yes, now I must take the higher road

Yow, mi seh di system is a heavy load" 

"Dem no waan wi live better

That's why they do the worst

THE MORE WE PRACTICE, WE GET BETTER AT BREAKING DI CURSE

Different methods wi haffi use and -

Babylon dem caan tell wi what to choose man

How could wi be the last - when we were the first?

Beast belly bust, life must preserve

Wi nah tek it and just cool man

Mamma, Daddy neva raise no fool man" 

Selah actually released a pair of sublime Blaak Lung produced singles from a while back, 'Criminal Planet' and the WONDERFUL 'Be My Messenjah' (both well worth checking and are available now) and 'Re-bel Rebel, at least to my opinion is on those same levels. Big, big song. 

Sololy (not a word), Blaak continues to make strides throughout "Signs Of Change", including offering up what is my absolute favourite selection here. Before that, however, is the title track which is another strong moment. The sound here is divine, but I had to actually hear it a few times to get past the excellent vibes of the piece to really dig into it. While it isn't particularly complex to any degree, I would just say to make an effort to pay just a bit more attention here, because it is deeper than it seems. 'All We Need' may also require more than one or two spins and not because I think it to subtly DEEP, but because it is… EXCELLENT.

"LOVE

Mr. Oppressor know it is a must

That's why he took it from us

Him give us so much negativity

On the radio, TV or the movies

If you look in your communities -

There's so much anger and destruction, see

That was the ultimate plan for we

To keep in a lower form of consciousness, see

So what we must do is overcome this trend

And bring back love again" 

Originally, I was not very impressed by 'Into You', which is a love song, but despite the fact that it will never be a favourite of mine on this album, it has grown on me considerably from the first listen (probably due to its inescapable chorus - good luck not finding yourself singing that thing WELL after you've finished with rest of the album). 'Walking Away', had no such space to grow in my affections - I enjoyed it from the very first listen. The strength here, at least partially, is how well it relates to the title and theme of the album. It takes the concept of "change" and really personalizes it for Blaak Lung and the listener as the artist suggests making both large and small changes in one's life, thus "walking away" to a better frame of mind - both a mental and, if need be, a physical walk. 

As it winds down "Signs Of Change" continues to thrive, but it never does so as brilliantly as it does on what is my choice as the album's single best tune, 'No More'!

"SOON THERE WON'T BE NO MORE WARS ANYMORE

OUR FEET SHALL SOON TOUCH THE DIRT OF ZION'S SHORE

Jah's time is soon near

Victory for us is here

What a beautiful day this will be

One big global family"

This song… it has so many wonderfully different facets. In the middle of it, Blaak Lung breaks out with a Spoken Word styled delivery and what resonates throughout is his growing CONFIDENCE. At times it is casual and at others it's far more forceful, but you know this man is full certain that "soon there won't be no more wars anymore!" What immediately precedes 'No More, 'I Call On Jah', is also a highlight (though it may take you awhile to realize it). No new ground is broken here and it doesn't take things to a 'different level', but it is damn delightful and hopefully it gets a proper chance to shine, because it deserves it. Check 'New Day' (also delightful) and 'I Know' (… yeah, pretty delightful) also. The former is a decent piece which doesn't really have anything SPECTACULAR to it, but is a standard Roots track. The latter, on the other hand, is golden!

"I know sometimes it can be real hard

But always keep on holding firm to Jah Jah

Never sacrifice your roots and culture

I know sometimes it can be real hard

Just keep on moving forward

And never go backwards, backwards"

Lastly, "Signs Of Change" ends on an acoustic note - 'Declaration To Jah'. There're stronger and similar compositions on the album, but this tune does nothing to dip the quality of the complete record to my opinion.

My one prevailing critique of "Signs Of Change" is that it could have used a bit more "change". I wouldn't at all want a grand deviation (and I'm almost certain Blaak Lung wouldn't do that anyway), but it can be a little 'rigid', at times (even on songs that I really like), so maybe just one changeup, at least in my opinion (and what do I know???), could have really added a bit more colour and texture to the release. 

Overall, however, "Signs Of Change" is still a winner and is one with quite a bit of room to spare. I've become a bit more 'open-minded' recently and while this album is one which I would have very much recommended strictly for more experienced listeners, I don't think that's the exact case here. If you're a newer fan, you should probably be able to find quite a bit here to like (though "Rooted In Inity" does remain the best of Blaak Lung's albums that I've heard). Older fans - have fun! "Signs Of Change" is an album which impacts in a heavy way, but by its end, it proves to be quite meticulous and well-crafted. Of course what else should we expect from someone such as Blaak Lung whose presence in Reggae music, in some form, has made it even more enjoyable throughout the years. Well done.

Rated: 4.15/5

Green Sphere Records

2013

CD + Digital 

Review #425

Rewind!: "Holding Firm" by Ras Attitude

"Holding Firm" by Ras Attitude [Zion High Productions]

Much like an album from his good friend, producer and oft-collaborator, Ras Batch (more on him in a minute), Ras Attitude has had an album in his career which took its slow time to do so, but eventually wore me down and took hold of my attention. Back in 2005, the aforementioned Batch would release an album in, "Jah Guidance", which I would think okay, but really only register because many of the compositions on it were sublime, but as an album… I just didn't think much of it. A few years later that had changed completely and now, I regard it as one of the single finest albums that I have ever heard. Most coincidentally, that very same year Ras Attitude was at work on releasing his own project, via Zion High Productions, which would, years later, also awake and activate in my mind and although I don't know that I'll ever come around to regarding it as highly as "Jah Guidance", I wouldn't at all be surprised. If/When that occurs, I'll gladly come back and write a 'Modern Classic' feature for it, but until then, we still go back and have a look and a listen to an album whose quality, at least for me, was wonderfully time delayed and REWIND! "Holding Firm" by Ras Attitude

1. 'Why?'

It is that familiar blaring organ sound on 'Why' which signals in my mind that we're dealing with the "Holding Firm" album (which is most interesting that I immediately associate it with this album and then this song, in particular). The opener was a very straight forward, yet GLOWING, social commentary. I can recall when I initially kind of began to change my mind on this record and how I began to take a 'slower' appreciation of it and it started with this song. What was once kind of boring and uninteresting started to light up for me and it hasn't dimmed even a bit these days.

2. 'Wrath of Jah' featuring Batch

Anytime you can link together Batch and Attitude, you're potentially working with something special and, off the top of my head, I cannot come up with a moment where they would have failed (most recently they did a bit tune, 'Vampire Slayer', for West Coast Studios) (in stores now). Here, I guess I can call 'Wrath of Jah' a 'spiritual commentary' as the duo push a track which reminds that when you live nasty, there is nowhere you can hide from His Majesty. BOOM!

"How dare you - diss The Conquering Lion?

How dare you - build your planes and drop your bombs?

How dare you - try stop marijuana from bun?

How dare you - punish the youths with all starvation?

How dare you -  stop the movement of repatriation?

Just beg Jah mercy for your sanctification 

Rastafari shall ease di nation

Rastafari is I occupation!" 

3. 'Where Did They Come From?'

Next Attitude is wondering exactly 'Where Did They Come From'. The "they" of note in this case would be those who stand in the way in Rastafari and, by extension, righteousness in general.

"Where did they come from - trying to fight Rasta down?

A who fah name dem ah call pon?

Must be ______

Where did they come from - trying to fight Rasta down?

Who fah name dem ah call pon?

Caah be The Almighty One

Dem ah fight Rasta!

When they, themselves, don't even know dem ah fight di Rastaman fa

Dem no research di natural way of life

Dem listen to the media!

Just because you don't love life, don't bring dem dutty vibes bout ya

SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF HIS MAJESTY WILL ALWAYS CONQUER!"

This piece has a very nice aggressive 'shine' to it and it isn't one which kind of hides. But, simultaneously, it isn't the kind of 'fire blazing everything' type of approach. Instead, Attitude burns an INTELLECTUAL flame, although I do not know if those for whom it is intended are smart enough to comprehend.

4. 'Let Jah Be Praised'

For as long as I have had an opinion on the matter, 'Let Jah Be Praised' has been my favourite song on "Holding Firm". HOWEVER… no… no it still is.

"Let Jah be praised -

For the rest of your life

Let Jah be praised -

In the morning when you open up your eyes

Let Jah be praised -

PRAISE JAH AND EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE

Let Jah be praised -

Jah is the only way out in dis ya time

Cause HE is the Lily of the Valley

And HE is the bright morning star

You've got, to give up everything to Jah and keep the faith in HIM too

You've got, to clean your physical, and mental and spiritual vibes too

Know and see the blessings Jah has given unto you

With every breath that I take, I know His Majesty is powerful

I have faith in my God, only HIM will get me through

I trust in thee, oh Lord, there's no other that's greater than you

Let Jah be praised -

For the rest of your life

Let Jah be praised -

In the morning when you open up your eyes

Let Jah be praised -

PRAISE JAH AND EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE

Let Jah be praised -

Jah is the only way out in dis ya time

Cause HE blessed me with HIS mercy

I thank you, Jah, for giving me the breath of life!

Judge me, oh Lord, and ah bless me so I shall not slide

In the grace of Jah love and kindness, I will abide

What a joy!

What a joy!

What a joy!

For the miracle HE's done for I

The King of Kings shall be praised, worshipped and glorified!

Praise HIM and fear HIM

HE's The Most High

Elect of HIMself, so we hail HIM:

King Selassie I"

There is giving 'thanks and praise' on a song and then there is a song like this, which takes the generic approach and tactfully disarms and then rebuilds it. It remains, in my opinion, not only the finest moment of this album, but easily one of the best of Attitude's entire impressive career. TEARS!

5. 'See My Point'

The very clever 'See My Point' is the obligatory ganja tune on "Holding Firm" and it was a good one. This song has always sounded like kind of an 'expanded' freestyle to my ears. He may've written it, but what he wrote was more of an approach and then he kind of followed the formula, rather than the words. Altogether, however, the song is a big testament to the lyrical and approach dexterity of Ras Attitude [reason #11,362,783 to like this man's music].

6. 'Bad Bwoy'

I may be the only one in the world who, upon hearing the riddim on 'Bad Bwoy' IMMEDIATELY begins to sing the MASSIVE 'Nothing To Prove' by NiyoRah. The tunes share a riddim and while Niyo's version is already a certified modern classic, Attitude's tune is also quite strong. This is somewhat of social commentary, but it is one which is pointed at the individual. Instead of saying that 'society has done…', Attitude takes his ire to the actual people taking violence to the streets.

"Seh that dem a bad boy, but dem a bad boy fi no reason

If you a real rude boy, rude boy no terrorize poor people"

7. 'All We Need Is Love'

Although my mind is spinning over another tune from NiyoRah when 'All We Need Is Love' comes in (NiyoRah is one AMAZING artist) (so is Attitude), Attitude hits a level which is rare here. This song is GORGEOUS! If you listen to Reggae to any amount at all (especially enough to read a feature such as this), you're familiar with this type of song and well familiar actually, but this is one of the better pieces of its kind as Ras Attitude makes a plea to infuse a bit more LOVE throughout the world.

8. 'Smile On Your Face'

If the goal here was to make me angry and feel like breaking something, then 'Smile On Your Face' was an utter failure of a track. It's horrible! But if it was actually to… I don't know… put a smile on my face - it was a big, big success.

"Put a smile on your face - Kings, Queens and Princess

Put a smile on your face - little youths don't be depressed

Put a smile on your face - Jah bless with your royalness

Put a smile on your face - let's all live in happiness

No frowns!

Even when your up times go down

Happy people all around

Black or yellow, white or brown

From the east, west, north and south

There's lots of joy to share out

If you don't know then you must go find out

A SMILE A DAY RUN UGLY PEOPLE OUT!"

9. 'Life Of Love'

Definitely the biggest revelation of 'Life Of Love' is my newfound appreciation of just well SUNG this tune is. Attitude sounds nearly spectacular with his vocals, but it isn't the type of where the delivery immediately leaps out at you. However, years and years of hearing it has gotten me to the point where I am so appreciative of Attitude's ability to turn on the singing voice and spring an excellent song with it.

10. 'Holding Firm'

"Holding firm inna di gideon

Ready fi go trod up outta babylon

Holding firm inna di gideon

They tried their best but still can't stop the Rastaman"

'Holding Firm' is another big moment on the album named after it. Despite its title, which is very straight forward and not hard to decipher at all, the actual song is a bit complex and I mean that in a good way. From this tune I take so many different things, but I think that where I am with it today is the thought of not allowing negative influences to take too much control of your life - or a general level of control at all, really. While Attitude allows that you may have to endure some things and go through some things you don't want to and you know are bad for you, he presses all to stay the proverbial course and do EVERYTHING in their power to maintain themselves.

11. 'Ethiopian Eyes'

Ras Attitude takes time to pay a PILLARING level [BOOM!] of respect and tribute to Afrikan women everywhere on what is definitely a signature tune from the "Holding Firm" album. This song isn't necessarily one which I would refer to as a 'love song', although it certainly does have those type of elements, instead it really is more of a cultural one. In the most actual sense, you can't really show love to society, to spirituality and to a particular culture, without showing love to its nurturers and that is precisely what we have here.

12. 'Truths & Rights'

"As I stand before you, I seh Rasta!

And don't 'pologize

From I sight Rasta, I saw something special in my eyes

Rasta gave me the path to walk and then show me towards -

Jah Jah light!

I know Rasta is there to guide I

And show I & I wrong from right"

Things take a splendidly old school turn on the HUGE 'Truth & Rights', a song which really gets into the JOURNEY (and it is a journey) of Rastafari. It is likely a very personal track as Attitude describes how he came to walk the path in life and embrace it. It is a beautiful piece on that side, alone, but you also have to get into the delivery. Again, Ras Attitude shows a great singing voice on the almost Luciano-esque 'Truths & Rights'.

13. 'Without You' featuring Marcia Ball

Attitude linked veteran vocalist Marcia Ball for what is, directly, an actual love song. There is also something very 'old school cool' (biggup my Wife) about 'Without You' and the song still retains a kind of a duet quality, which is nice and I love when the genre makes room for someone like Ball to make songs. Though seemingly not very active at all, nearly every time you see her name, it guarantees a certain level of quality awaits.

14. 'Greetings'

'Greetings' is a tune which requires almost no explanation at all (but watch me try, anyway). One of the most dynamic compositions on the whole of this album, the tune is just Attitude giving a very direct praise to His Imperial Majesty. It is almost entirely a spiritual place and that hasn't changed throughout the years (and it never will). What has changed, however, is how I hear it. I don't remember this song sounding THIS good. Its arrangement makes for a very FUN moment on the album while simultaneously developing such a crucial message as well.

15. 'Pay The Cost' featuring Binghi Ites & Jakada

Binghi Ites and Jakada join Ras Attitude to stress the point that, eventually, someone will have to pay for the state of the world. While not a favourite of mine, I do have to say that something hear recently did grab my mind quite a bit:

"Somebody's gotta pay the cost

SO WHO'S GONNA BE THE BOSS?"

That second line in particular is very interesting because it is almost like Attitude gives the powers that be the opportunity to choose some type of a representative, but what I took from it was the notion that with great power comes a great responsibility. So, if you fight your way to the top, when the pile beneath comes tumbling down, your fall will make the greatest of impacts. And if you can't tell, yes, I am very much still working on this one… and enjoying it.

16. 'Olive Tree'

The closing piece of "Holding Firm", 'Olive Tree', has become a favourite of mine and I so much look at a song such as this one as being a selection which would not have done very much for me when this album was released (and I was 23-24), but is downright GOLDEN to my ears just a few years on. Yes, I'm getting old[er] and I hate it, but if it sounds this good, I probably shouldn't complain too much… yeah I'm going to keep complaining, but big tune still.

This is a completely evolving project for me. Each and every time I spin my way through this album, I'm fully expecting to either hear something that I didn't previously, at all, or to appreciate something that I hadn't been able to previously and, like I said, I still compare that range to the "Jah Guidance" album and, how perfect is it that those two artists have given me albums which continue to register in that same way. So, whatever I write about this (EVER), figures to be, at best, a report on the progress that it has made for me, but I wouldn't at all be surprised if, in a little while, it too is one of my favourite albums of all time. I don't know about that yet though, ask me again in a few years. Until them pick up one Ras Attitude's best releases, "Holding Firm" and hear for yourself.