Rewind!: "Beauty For Ashes" by Midnite

"Beauty For Ashes" by Midnite [I Grade Records]

We weren't finished. There was more. Today we go back and take a look at an album which, despite how rare it is that one of these releases generates this much attention, may've already outperformed its pre-release interest. With good reason (there just isn't that much anticipation to go around), you won't find many albums located within the overweight catalogue of Midnite which have received as much pre-release notice as 'their' most recent project. The album was presented in a fine way, via the wonderful people at I Grade Records, and, at least from the feedback that we've gotten, it seems as if more than the heavily devout Midnite head (who massively anticipate all of them) have paid attention. Even more interesting than that, however, is the fact that when we actually got to listen to the album… it was even better than we thought it was going to be. It deserved MORE attention and a lot more. So here's more. Up now is a guarantee for one of the best albums of 2014 and one of the best Midnite albums of all time as we Rewind! "Beauty For Ashes". 

1. 'A Reminder'

Next to the album's first single and its track #2, I've probably listened to the opener, 'A Reminder' more than any other song on the entire album and with good reason. For every ultra-slow and downright skeletal Midnite song that you've ever heard and been dismissive of, 'A Reminder' (and several songs on this album) is their collective complete antithesis… but you won't know just how vibrant a composition it is unless you fully give it the attention that it is due. As for the message here, I'm still working on that as Vaughn Benjamin takes his listeners on a trip from the spiritual, straight to the biological level ["12 strands inna the DNA-gast"], but where I am now is hearing this tune as one where Benjamin is pointing out characteristics of the existence of The Almighty. Everywhere he looks he sees His Majesty and all of these traits and qualities are 'reminders' of HIM. Ask me in a year and I might have a different view, but I'll still be of the opinion that this song was MAMMOTH!

2. 'When Jah Arise' featuring Lutan Fyah

"From The East, to The West

To The North, to The South

PEOPLE CAN FEEL IT ALL AROUND -

When Rastafari redemption riddim come

With authentic override

Stimulates righteous vibrates alive

Resistance to wrong: Right to strive

Over-stimulation: Overdrive"

TEARS! "People can feel it all around". BOOM! 'When Jah Arise' is the song which I expected to be the leader from the "Beauty For Ashes" album initially and though I ultimately gave that distinction to another song, this tune is focusing for me and I'm hearing streams and channels of just GORGEOUS music and I hear again what I must have heard early on. I can attempt to put it in place on "Beauty For Ashes", but be it #1 or something else, 'When Jah Arise', easily is one of the best Midnite songs that I've ever heard and that's saying a lot.

3. 'Same Boat We'

"Is these kind of things to be careful with

Rasta seen countenance fall and broken spirit

Just uplift out of it how Jah create a insist

And the legislative whip was the laws of uplift

WHIP IS GOVERNMENTAL TITLE INNA POLITICS

WHIP WAS ALSO INNA SLAVERY AH PERFORM WICKEDNESS

Dem psychology trigger nerve and how dem touch it

Personal responsibility to each human unit of livity

That mean every simple one inna I-manity

SIMPLE RESPECT MAKE A PEOPLE IN PROSPERITY

The ebb and the flow, the give and take of living, moving currency

King Selassie I speak out against isolationist policy

HUMAN SOVEREIGNTY, WHERE PEOPLE STILL RETAIN THEIR DIGNITY

And play a part inna how things run inna fi dem community

Situation where none can shut up loyalty

Gonna do the best they can to enhance the country

And some of them will face the sun

Some of them with tenacity

THERE'S A FUSING OF CULTURE AND DIVERSITY

In the same boat we!

In the same boat we!

Let's try to see - in the same boat we"

Given its peculiar sound, I was definitely looking forward to taking another listen to 'Same Boat We'… hold on, excuse me for a minute:

"When they ask about logistics - 

Then it's budgetary transgression admit how di picture on the wall lopsided is

Jah know nothing no straight yet

THINK WHAT COULD BE DONE FOR INFRASTRUCTURAL POSITIVES

IF WE COULD ACCOUNT FI ALL DEM REVENUE INNA BLACK INK!

If it reach pothole and sidewalk and kitchen sink

Where the country can partake in its resources

Without all kinda deviate and off-track and synch -

Brinksmanship ah play out fi all fi see and take in 

Upraising the standard of living 

And the part that each one plays in it

When all man deh a Abuja inna clinic

Strategizing minutia down to specifics

Sisters inna boardroom inna business -

Micromanaging revenues which are gigantic"

DAMN! I came back listening for a certain sound which gets full on hypnotic the more you listen to 'Same Boat We', but what I found, going back, was a torrential stream of lyrics. Probably the best written song on the whole of "Beauty For Ashes". 

4. 'Beauty For Ashes'

The album's title track was not exactly in a dearth of quality sound. I went back and heard this tune in an opposite way from its predecessor. This riddim is just somewhere else. You pick up so many delightful and small bits and pieces and they combine to make one unforgettable showcase of music. Like many of the tunes here, 'Beauty For Ashes' has this concept of unity hovering over it where Benjamin says that so good things are ready to occur and it is the responsibility of all to see them through to fruition.

5. 'Betterment Mouth'

Benjamin urges all to seek higher standards on another of the album's biggest standouts, 'Betterment Mouth'. From the first time I heard this song, one of its most glaring and powerful traits was its expansion and development. It goes through so many different moods and progressions that, despite being one of the shorter songs on the album, by its end 'Betterment Mouth' leaves a song sounding at least twice as long as it is. A WONDERFUL SONG! 

"Worldwide corruption mek dem arm di gates

From tenement yard to heads of states

Dem have dem gun and mobs in battlefield ways

Meanwhile simultaneous, in the same place

If ever be showed to the wicked it will not change

A NUH I SAY IT, A DI I-BLE SAY IT

Babylon set di table and full up di plate

All nation participate inna Earth but way -

How things of early come down of late?

How di same issues ah dominate?

Who build di system inna Jerusalem place?

Biggup di original, no pontificate"

6. 'Same I Ah One' featuring Pressure

Seeking balance! There's not much more to be said in this case. ‘Same I Ah One' was chosen as the album's first tune and, thus, one of its signatures and it doesn't even take the whole of a full listen to know why. "It's a cold world, but the whole world haffi witness Afrika redemption!" BOOM! 

7. 'Holy Mountain'

Something about 'Holy Mountain' kind of strikes me now as a tune from I Grade's past. I don't know what it is, exactly, but it has the sound of a song from a decade or so ago. Of course I'm not complaining (and if this is an example of such a tune, then maybe we should come up with a time machine and make ALL music in that timeframe), the results are golden, but in this case and maybe even more than any other song on "Beauty For Ashes", this song requires you to dig and dig deeper for comprehension and appreciation. And I've said previously that one of the things that I enjoy most in regards to listening to Midnite's music is that it is a journey. Vaughn Benjamin makes you work - probably as hard as he worked to make the song. These days, while it was always clear that the heart of this song was a spiritual and praising composition, what I've added to it is the notion that the chanter is somewhat disgusted and disappointed with certain aspects of the world because he knows that not only does 'better' (and 'BETTER' as a guarantee, not as a prospect) exist, but it's also reachable. But I'm still working on this one and I can't even see that 'finish' line. 

8. 'Generation Again'

"When they're just beginning to face what the belly of the beast have to deal with

Demoralization from the womb and the crib

Hail Ithiopia's Kings

Haile Ithiopia's I-lect I ah sing

A visual cortex image

When the groove ride out strong like that

A squash, a gourd, a canteen

A horse, and a crocus backpack

What man advanced in?

A shuttle, sky bus, what -

They ah from upon horseback

They know it's the same one that experienced retrogressed-throwback

Let I and I go forward

JUST MEMBA CIRCULARITY IS THE WIND CARRYING THAT

Processional cycles of dimension, non-stop in the gap

You see the rising when the setting was what?

GENOCIDE IN A PURELY LEGAL SETTING - GUNSHOT"

I liked 'Generation Again’ when I first heard it but, in even this short period of time, it's moved so far ahead of the already high level that I rated it at. This song is just brilliant as what we find is Benjamin time traveling with the spoken word, but not really moving at all. He draws so many shining comparisons between today's world and that of years and years ["THEY KNOW IT'S THE SAME ONE THAT EXPERIENCED RETROGRESSED-THROWBACK"], to seemingly say, that lessons learned thousands of years ago, are still lessons to be learned now.

9. 'All i's On You'

I said brilliant? The mix of a scientific appropriated level of genius and a riddim which subtly just took over my mind (if you can do such a thing "subtly"), helped make the MASSIVE 'All i's On You' my favourite song on "Beauty For Ashes" and it's what is currently keeping it there as well. EVERYTHING about this song fit in itself nearly perfectly and it takes more than itself with it, but it stands as one of the songs here which're destined to become personal classics for me as the artist, once again, deals with the concept of progressing time.

10. 'Weather The Storm' featuring Ras Batch

If making fifty albums doesn't prove that you can 'weather the storm' (then I don't know what kind of storm you're facing, but you need to stop reading this and start running!) then maybe this SWEET tune which features Vaughn Benjamin alongside the incomparable Ras Batch can take care of that. This tune is about the lasting presence of His Imperial Majesty and I take it as an example and not one which is a declaration of what was happened. Instead the thought is that THIS is what we all should aspire to and not just stand in witness of. And I also should mention that the song which is north of six minutes in length could have just kept going as an instrumental at its end.

11. 'Tried and Tested'

Wonderfully, 'Tried and Tested' continues to build on the ideology of 'Weather The Storm'. This song kind of flew beneath my own radar initially (and this is why we do features like this, for that exact reason), but I LOVE the message that I hear in it. What I get is the BEGINNING of maintaining oneself and persevering. You have to do something. You have to make your way and earn your respect then you 'weather the storm'.

12. 'Hold On'

"No matter how seemingly negative the times

In this moment alive

Means time is on your side

Make the most and try

This one moment in time

Locking eye-to-eye

Becomes immortalized

It's nostalgia by tomorrow time

Was it about loving life?

Was it about well shared time?

Did you get some clarified?

Some affirmation times

Orange papaya, blue sky, gold sunlight

Brewing penicillin in the backyard firelight

Plan a trip to see it in the urban high rise

What Jah has permitted in the seek-and-find"

The very peaceful 'Hold On' is one which I originally referred to as a 'love song' of sorts. And that's what it is. It doesn't follow that phrase in the stereotypical way in which I'd use it in some romantic type of vibes (Benjamin just doesn't do that and I don't think that he could if he tried to - at least not in any straight forward manner), but it is a song about the love of the life you lead and the APPRECIATION OF THE MOMENT ["CAPTURE THE MOMENT!"] [Biggup NiyoRah]. It really is a very fascinating song. From its curious composition to its light delivery - it may not be a hit and may ultimately be overlooked on this album, but if you follow it through, you know that this song DEMANDS attention.

13. 'A Healing'

And lastly, 'A Healing' is one of the best songs on "Beauty For Ashes" and that hasn't changed at all. Or maybe it has a bit. I do now have a healthier appreciation for a song which I already loved. I think that Benjamin, himself, really sums it up better than I can when he says:

"A THERAPEUTIC WALK THROUGH THE SOUL"

That's what this song is about. It's about helping someone within the human experience. And this help can come in a literally infinite amount of different ways. And I really enjoy how he stresses the simple (and therefore more doable) ways that you can offer someone help: 

"Kind words and good emanation frequency -

Proven most beneficial inna medically

It can bring down the tone so not to riot, stampede

IT CAN REACH THROUGH YOUR SOUL AND FEEL TO YOUR NEED"

Here he's just talking about saying something nice to someone and the good that it can do even in very serious situations. You don't have to be a medical doctor to do that and it requires virtually NO effort at all.

So, if you've made a mistake and you did not pick up the latest Midnite/I Grade Records link, "Beauty For Ashes". I have some "kind words" for you. It isn't too late, you can take care of that right now.

Coming Soon #76: More Pressure

"Radical" by Sizzla Kalonji [VP Records]

As it was last time, this week we begin with yet another new album from the legendary Sizzla Kalonji, this one with quite a bit more in the way of background than the also still forthcoming "Nuh Worry Unu Self", "Radical". This project comes via the vaults of VP Records who bill the album as "a new compilation of Sizzla songs recorded between 1992 and 2003", containing some "rare and previously unreleased tracks" and being produced by Fattis & Kareem Burrell. Looking through the tracklist on this album definitely does reveal a few very familiar moments, with 'Sad Mistake ' and probably 'What's Wrong With The Picture', leading the way and that's compelling, but what I really like about this one is that the album very much appears to kind of have an old school quality to it as apparently they made it feel like the timeframe of the music which fills it (it looks an album Greensleeves would have done in 2003-ish) and its another Sizzla album from VP, which is always nice to see. And he also has another album on its way in March, but we'll tell you about that next time.

Releases on April 15

CD + Digital 

"Africa Redemption" by Pressure Busspipe

VI star Pressure Busspipe is also coming back to you with a much anticipated set as "Africa Redemption" is FINALLY set to make its way to shelves. The Baby G produced album was rumoured as long ago as 2012, but now materializes in a year in which most fans of the St. Thomas chanter are eagerly awaiting his assuredly big set from I Grade Records later this year. But two albums in a single year (for the first time in his career) from someone who appears to be at the height of his powers, is even better and I'm damn looking forward to both of them. 

Coming Soon… probably really soon

Thanks Susan!

"Ragga Ragga Ragga 2014" [Greensleeves Records]

If it has been a minute (or a few years) from the last time you paid any attention one of the very few remaining series from the glory days of the once mighty Greensleeves Records (who, once upon a time, would feed their various series at a rate of ~ 4:1 when compared to actual artists' albums), then maybe you'll be convinced to check out the latest edition of "Ragga Ragga Ragga". With that being said, however, the formula here really hasn't changed and you know what to expect from 2014's installment. Series regulars Vybz Kartel, Aidonia, Elephant Man, I-Octane [new album, "My Journey", in stores now] and Busy Signal all make appearances, because that's just what they do. And they add to the likes of Spice, Alkaline and Bugle.

Releases on May 6

CD + Digital 

"Hi-Grade Ganja Anthems 4" [Greensleeves Records]

Though certainly not as old or tried as "RRR" also in the on its way is the latest and fourth edition of Greensleeves' herb-centric series, “Hi-Grade Ganja Anthems". Even more so than on the previous entry on this post, you know what to expect in this case though its ranks are filled a lot more colourful vocalists. From I-Octane, Busy Signal, Alborosie, Jamelody and Natural Black to Snoop Lion alongside Collie Buddz, Linval Thompson, Little John, Horace Andy and even Shinehead, "Hi-Grade Ganja Anthems 4" really covers a very WIDE course and should be perfect for more casual fans. 

Releases on April 15

CD + Digital

The Zion Train Riddim [Liv Up Records]

Be sure to check out the very nice Zion Train Riddim via the always welcomed Liv Up Records who have done some really strong work in the past (pinnacling, likely, with the Good Life which is best known as having backed Mr. Vegas' monstrous hit, 'I Am Blessed'). The Zion Train surely has to rank amongst the label's very best as, in its brevity, it manages to make a very large impression. The biggest impact thus far has been made, unsurprisingly, by superstar Tarrus Riley [new album, "Love Situation", in stores now] with a tune named after the label, but he's joined by Christopher Martin and also Jah Cure with the riddim eponymous selection. Up and comer, Tony Frass (a Liv Up Records official artist) as well as Zagga also chime in with excellent tunes as well. 

Releases on March 11

Digital

'Say No To The Enemy' by Designer's Original [JahLight Records]

And finally coming soon this week is a changeup from our friends at JahLight Records as the label known for its big contributions in the arena of Reggae, goes in the direction of a bit of Groovy Soca with 'Say No To The Enemy' from Designer's Original. The song is kind of a Gospel spirited piece which got me to thinking why Soca and Gospel don't link more frequently. With both being such passionate and celebratory genres, one would think that there would be more songs like this one. And though I wasn't very happy with Soca this season, this song has grown on me a bit and I look forward to hearing more from Designer's Choice and more Soca from JahLight in the future. Pick it up and see for yourself.

Releases on March 11

Digital

In Stores Now

"Carnival Tabanca" by Bunji Garlin [VP Records]

'Carnival Tabanca'

Someone who did have a good season this year, who has ridden the massive wave from 2013 which hasn't even begun to dissipate, apparently, is Trini Soca ace, Bunji Garlin who isn't back just yet with his much anticipated brand new album from VP Records, but is going the route often taking by VP artists in doing a pre-album EP, "Carnival Tabanca". Named after, arguably, his biggest hit not named 'Differentology' over the past year, the four track set includes its title track (DUH!) and a remix version as well as 'Red Light District' and the best song I heard from this year's Carnival season, 'Truck On De Road'. These things typically don't release too far ahead of the actual album, so hopefully the full set is in the offering soon as Bunji Garlin heads to what may just be the most anticipated Soca album in… like ever. 

Digital

"We Muzik Vol. 5: Trinidad & Tobago" [Precision Productions]

'Ministry Of Road' by Machel Montano

And sticking with the current theme, also in stores now is the fifth installment of the best Soca compilation running today, "We Muzik" from the mighty Precision Productions. This remarkable and well done series alternates in odd and even numbers with tunes from different areas with the odd focusing on Trinidad and the even everywhere else, and they're always so well done and have great covers and are just the biggest assembly of the music that you'll find at any given time. And though, as I said, 2014 wasn't a great one for Soca music from T&T, I'm almost certain that no one entity could have put together a greater package than what is to be found on "WM5". Along with containing no less than three songs from the indomitable Machel Montano, who secured his fourth consecutive Power Soca Monarch crown and is a virtual lock to take his… 800th Road March title -- including the biggest tune, 'Ministry Of Road' -- carries songs from the walking divinity that is Destra Garcia, Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Skinny Fabulous, Nadia Batson and Kes alongside the brilliantly ridiculous Mr. Killa. If you want one Soca compilation from 2014, this is probably the one you buy - like right now. 

CD [I THINK] + Digital

'Love You With Music' by Ossie Dellimore [Massagana Music]

And though he doesn't deal with Soca music, definitely check the latest single from St. Vincy native, Ossie Dellimore, the outstanding 'Love You With Music'. It seems awhile from last we heard from Mr. Dellimore, but hopefully this new track is part of an album which we'll get to hear sometime later on this year. This is big, big tune. 

Digital

The Rise Up Riddim [Oneness Records]

Finally be sure to pick up something we mentioned not too long ago. It's the latest creation and release from the wonderful people at Oneness Records, the Rise Up Riddim. Still listening through the clips and it sounds like, potentially, one of their best to date and you can expect a full review when we get our paws on it. Beat me to it though and grab the Rise Up Riddim today. 

Digital

'Priming???': A review of "My Journey" by I-Octane

Deeper breaths. Despite any talk that you may hear of Reggae music being dead, or even remotely wounded in any significant way, a quick look and listen to the genre in almost any direction reduces that notion to ruins. I'd make the argument that artists at every stage are nearly, if not completely, as strong as they've ever been and, of course, with the music being as wide spread as it is these days, music of the current era -- unlike that of any one preceding it -- boasts a quantity of truly gifted names which goes unmatched. Already this year, we've looked upon a very interesting variety of names which definitely offer an inherent counter to anyone pushing an idea of the mortality of the genre. From the absolute heights of the music in someone such as Tarrus Riley, to up and comers such as Addis Pablo and Mr. Williamz and through to celebrated popular veterans such as Midnite and Ward 21 - in just a couple of months worth of albums (not even dealing with just big singles which would make things even more compelling), evidence already exists to suggest that 2014, like 2012, is about to be a special one (with a bag of albums from Sizzla Kalonji loaded and ready to go as well as others from Perfect Giddimani, Pressure Busspipe, Ziggi Recado and more). Today we take a look at someone who fits into a very interesting class as well. I don't think that, in the best intentions of the term, we can call someone like I-Octane an 'up and comer'. Surely he's still on the rise, but he's gotten here and if you were concerned, you know how talented he is: Immensely. Still, I don't at all think that the curiously gifted artist has approached the height of his talents. Unlike someone like Perfect (and I may be wrong about him), who I like to make the point of having risen to a point where, when compared to previous stages of his career, appears to not only be making excellent music, but also sustaining and maintaining it in a way in which we've never seen before; though making hits seems to come easy for him (as does being damn consistent) I don't think that we can say that yet about I-Octane. As fans, I think we're still trying to figure him out. 

"Crying For The Nation" [2012]

If his intense popularity and a very impressive level of prolificacy with high scoring singles isn't enough for you (then you… may want to consider lowering your ridiculously high standards), then certainly the biggest piece of verification of just how far the still quite young I-Octane has come already has been his debut album. In 2012, Octane released the loooooooong anticipated (it probably wasn't that long, but it just seemed like it at the time) (and we'll likely be saying the same thing about Chronixx before the end of the year) "Crying For The Nation". That album, as a big example, showed both a profound talent as well as the glaring likelihood that something better was on the horizon and not just in the form of a second album, but maybe a dozen of them by the time he's done. It was exceptional. It was classy. It was very well done in general. It was popular and well received. And it was just the beginning.  

Step two. In the brief time since, Octane has continued along in much the same spectacular form and, rather quickly, he now arrives at album #2, "My Journey". Unlike its predecessor which was a VP release, I-Octane's sophomore set comes courtesy of Tad's Records who has already done a sterling job in promoting it. You could even make the case that they have done as good of a job as VP with the debut as news of "My Journey" has been almost inescapable over the past month or so if you pay attention to Reggae albums (and you do). Though they do not tend to receive that type of credit and attention and respect, Tad's is easily one of the biggest labels in Reggae music these days and has been for awhile. I think that because they release so much material, that they can go somewhat overlooked, but this album changes things as it is their biggest release in some time. On the musical end, the albums links Octane with clearly one of his favourite maestros, the WHOLLY unavoidable DJ Frass. If you listen to modern Reggae music and enjoy it, you are a fan of Frass', whether you realize it or not. He is certainly one of the genre's most active builders and he has worked and continues to work alongside some of the best in the genre. One of his most constant staples is I-Octane and the two have already produced a considerable amount of work together and formed a very solid working relationship. According to the press releases for this one, "My Journey" was a few years in the making and, when they decided that its proper time had arisen, the album was completed very shortly. Given the already very high level of success of both men, I think that there may come a day when we look back at what they've done as comprising one of the most fruitful artist/producer combinations in recent times or longer. But the first thing that they have to do together is to successfully navigate their way through this voyage and, at least hopefully, turn up another bright light in a year which is turning out to be a shining one. I wasn't totally expecting "My Journey" (or any second studio album) so soon after "Crying To The Nation", but when the news of it broke during late last year or so, the outlooks went exceedingly high and, as I said, as things progressed along, the album became more and more visible along the way. Now? I'm damn looking forward to hearing what they've come up with and exactly how far along this journey has progressed. Let's take a listen! 

The one thing that stood out immediately about this new album is just how 'open' it was. I don't use that term in this kind of genre-traveling fashion -- this is a Reggae album -- and it is a very accessible one and one which was seemingly done in a very level-headed and organic type of manner. The results make for a big and compelling project and one which is a clear step ahead of the first one, which was already very good. I-Octane's new album, "My Journey" begins with one of its biggest features and a track which is poised to do a whole heap of damage if it receives the opportunity, 'Time Will Come'. This downright royal sounding composition is of a 'silver lining' variety with Octane saying that no matter how bad things get, if you live a clean and decent life, things will turn up for the better and your 'time will come'. It is a very nice and poignant message, but this song is appreciable on many levels because it sounds so good. And then there's 'Million Miles Away'… TEARS! If the opener was "royal", and it was, then 'Million Miles Away' is royaler (not really a word). Everything, without exception, about this tune is grand and special and it is a STUNNING creation and the summit of this journey. What I took from it is that it is a piece about not 'knowing' yourself, but learning yourself and the process you go through to reach that state of mind. Octane, again, kind of makes that point by surrounding it, ultimately, in attractive things. When you truly know yourself, you leave negativity behind and inherit serenity ["far from the bloody city, bloody zone - a place to call my own"]. A MAMMOTH tune. The tune which follows 'Million Miles Away' is the absolutely delightful 'Stepping In The Name of Love'. It kind of follows the ideology set in the two preceding selections in a way. This tune is about heading in a upright direction and living a good life. What I really like about these songs and, about the album in general, is that I-Octane always leaves room for people to be people and do what people do - make mistakes. He's not saying that you have to be perfect to achieve these things and reach these places, he's saying the total opposite, in fact. And I appreciate people, particularly artists, who don't just bark instructions and, instead, acknowledge, deal with, appreciate and even celebrate the intrinsically flawed nature of mankind. And I should also mention 'Babylon', which is another sterling offering near the head of "My Journey". 

"Tell dem a wi seh 'lightning pon scissors and comb'

So how wi fi frighten fi Rome?

The Most High, Emperor, dun sit up on di throne

So how wi frighten fi clone?

Wi no do weh Rome do -

That's why no bore tongue, wi no bleach skin

The Most High correct dem breaching

Sword pon mi side, so any bwoy that diss thing, di judgment ahgo reach him"

"A ready, yow wi ready fi di battlefield - wi dun talk!

Cause in Rome, there's no peace, no comfort

Jah warriors, dem just come fast

This a serious thing, so no come laugh

Wi have no more time fi waste

Ithiopia is the place!

Tell babylon fi fly di gate

Jah Jah guide wi straight!"

BOOM! The tune is one which kind of surprised me and really set the tone for the quality of this album in a way. Certain tunes, of course, rise to the top, but even being a level or two below that (not saying this song is, because it is not), doesn't mean much. It's a POWERFUL release from beginning to end.

'Love You Like I Do'

The first single from "My Journey" dropped late last year in the form of the lovely 'Love You Like I Do'. This piece, perfectly, exemplifies what I meant when I said that this album was very "open". It is a dazzling and cool love song and one which, despite its sound, doesn't really take this album very far in a different direction and, instead, wonderfully just builds another dimension of colour for it. Similarly is the song which follows 'Love You Like I Do', the even better 'I Will Be There'. I couldn't call this song a 'love song', even though it kind of has that vibe. What I received from this song was that Octane was stressing the importance of being dependable in life. It is great to be able to depend on people you love and in the track's latter stages it goes further in that course, but I think what he was doing was to make the point of how nice it is for others to be able to depend on you when they need to. The album's obligatory mama song, 'Mama', is a golden one. No other genre of music comes even distantly close to Reggae music in terms of celebrating the most wonderful Woman in the world and this tune is probably one of the best of its kind that I've heard in some time, which is saying something substantial. I-Octane returns to painting with silver linings under dark clouds on the infectious social commentary 'Pressure'. The PRESENTATION of this song is so damn compelling because, on one hand, you can definitely describe it as being somewhat bleak and gloomy, but "bleak" and "gloomy" are difficult (if not full on impossible) to do on a riddim like that. Much easier is it to inspire and that's the message here - that pressures and stress are going to exist, they are a large part of life, but there is no reason that one or any combination of them should stop you. 

"Dem seh war, but a nah dat wi ah preach

Wi have a goal and a dat wi a reach

Just di truth wi ah practice a straight

Mount Zion, dat wi a seek

I praise The One who govern the glow -

SITS HIGH AND LOOK LOW

Jah soldiers a whoa - on to Zion wi go"

The pulsing 'Jah Jah Warrior' is another definitive highlight on "My Journey". This song is MASSIVE as it is both highly entertaining and carries a crucial message which is not to be missed. I was very happy to hear a bit more in the way of familiar material on the album and, as it nears its end, we get a very nice trio of selections which more attentive fans are likely to appreciate. The first, and likely biggest, of them is 'My Story', which was a divine piece from a year or two ago. This pillar of a social commentary was sensational in its time and it hasn't lost much lustre, if any, these days. There's also the big 'Blood Ago Run', which is another social commentary, this one dealing more specifically with themes of anti-violence. Definitely tune in to the lyrics on this one (more on that in a minute) and focus on what is being said. On the surface, as well, its very powerful, but this just may be one of the strongest written pieces Octane has ever pushed. The very clever 'Jah Jah Mission' was the artist's cut of Frass' still fresh Diamonds & Gold Riddim from just last year and is a mighty contribution to this album, which may just give it a much deserved second wind of sorts. It links the tangible with the spiritual and does so, almost strictly, in the name of love which makes for a very fascinating listen and truly special tune. And though it's new (at least to my ears), also be sure to check the album's closer, 'Burn It', the album's subtly infectious obligatory ganja song. There isn't much here to explain, you already know the direction of this one, but don't overlook it, because it is a joy to listen to.

'My Story'

And finally, big credit goes to DJ Frass, I-Octane and whoever else was responsible for following this course which made it possible for three very familiar faces to make appearances on this journey. The first is German superstar, Gentleman, who makes his presence known on the stellar 'It's Alright'. Gentleman, himself, has always been someone conscious of working alongside big names (he's made music with almost everyone of note during his career) and the two are blessed with Frass' very recent Cane River Riddim, so it comes to no surprise at all that the results are downright magical. 

"Nuff a dem ah come up and ah run up dem mouth -

But guess what - it's alright

And nuff a dem ah come up and ah push up dem snot

But guess what - it's alright

Even when dem call mi name from way down di lane

It's alright

Mi know that Jah shine di sun and a HIM fall di rain

It's alright

I no listen to what Pagans haffi seh

If A DEM ALONE, MI WOULDN'T HAVE A HAPPY DAY

Dem sight up di evil weh dem orchestrate

Waan box di food from di natty plate

So dem no waan si wi rise

Tell yuh bout di pestilence weh walk inna night

Dem ah work fi rejoice

Neva speak di truth yet

Cause dem heart fulla lies

Nuff a dem ah come up and ah run up dem mouth -

But guess what - it's alright

And nuff a dem ah come up and ah push up dem snot

But guess what - it's alright

Even when dem call mi name from way down di lane

It's alright

Mi know that Jah shine di sun and a HIM fall di rain

It's alright

Wi tell yuh from di beginning, wi tell yuh from di start

If wi neva positive, dem wouldn’t have nuttin fi talk

Wi tell dem fi genuine, wi tell dem fi be smart

If that wasn't enough, wi show where fi walk

Wi tell dem fi clean up dem livity

LEAVE OUT VANITY AND CARE BOUT HUMANITY

Tell dem love should be the first priority

And stop indulge in animosity"

BOOM! The most surprising appearance is on 'A Yah Wi Deh', which actually features Octane alongside Ky-Mani Marley. Marley's recording schedule is erratic to say the least, but if you pay attention to him, you'll notice that nearly every time someone convinces him to record a song, he does very, very well. This tune is not the recent exception to that. I like the edge here, in its absence, the album was missing it and the fiery combination well fills the void. And lastly, 'Lighters Up' for Alaine who also joins on "My Journey". The Groovy Soca-ish is just a HAPPY vibes, but one with substance where the duo pushes an idea for everyone to 'shine your lighters' and make your positive contribution to the world. Whatever you can do, do it to make people happy and make the world a better one. I-Octane, for example, makes big albums and hopefully Alaine can join him later this year (for the first time in 1928).

I-Octane

Overall, I do want to mention just how finely crafted this album is. As I said, it is clearly a better album than "Crying For The Nation" and I don't often make distinctions like that from such an early stage in the new album (especially not when both were at least very good), but it just is a wholly better record in my opinion. What has clearly improved apart from the changes in sound (which isn't necessarily an improvement, as much as it is a natural change) is I-Octane, himself. HE IS BETTER AT MAKING MUSIC. And that sounds odd to say because the first album isn't half a decade old, but in that short time, he's improved. He writes better lyrics, His delivery is more diverse and he is simply capable of doing more things these days. That's remarkable and as I alluded to, I don't think he's gotten to his final musical destination just yet. I think he still has quite a far way to go. If he does, somehow, find a way to go much further than "My Journey" [he'll likely do it again with DJ Frass] then in I-Octane we may have found someone who, despite being amongst the most celebrated and respected figures in Reggae music of the current era, may be deserving of even more attention. OUTSTANDING!

Rated: 4.85/5

Tad's Records

2014

CD + Digital

Review #496