Signatures Vol. XII: Reggae Random

Okay so, I was working on a few ideas for what would be next on the Signature series (it is EASILY one of the most enjoyable things that I write as it, primarily, involves me going through a lot of old music that I really, REALLY love) and I had some good ones. While I'll tell you about a couple of the others in the notes for this (right down there ↓ in small print) the one I'm going on today is probably the most fun and less stressful to write. Today we get random: HERE ARE FIFTEEN RANDOM SONGS THAT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. Signatures: Reggae Random

{Note: The only rule is that no one artist would be repeated}

{Note 2: If it works out right, there'll also be Dancehall & Soca versions}

{Coming soon: Bushman, Vybz Kartel & Destra}

[BOOM!}

1. 'King Selassie H.I.M.' by Tarrus Riley

Never before. I spend a great deal of time talking about people like Norris Man, Chezidek and others: UNCONVENTIONAL TALENTS. These are individuals who offer a very different style but one which is largely effective and downright stunning when at its best. However, with that being said, there is definitely room for.... refinement. "Refinement" would be someone like Tarrus Riley. If someone had a sound signifying that they had no greater purpose on this planet than to sing this music, it would be Riley and, arguably, the single greatest demonstration of this  EN skill would be in one of the best songs I have ever heard, 'King Selassie H.I.M.'. TEAR! You're likely to find similarly organized songs throughout this list (I know at least one because I've already written it) but you'll have a damn near impossible task in locating one -- on or off this list -- which was as PRISTINE & FLAWLESS as this diamond of a praise. 

2. 'I Have My Goals' by Anthem

Wicked ahgo fall. You remember this song??? Chances may be fairly high that, if you ever were familiar with a band (which may or may not still exist) by the name of Anthem from out of who knows where, you probably do remember 'I Have My Goals' over everything else they've done. I don't know if they still exist and, if they do, under what form. I don't recall where they were from (I want to say Connecticut, US for some reason) but full credit goes to the band for blessing us all with this SWEET uplifting and inspirational piece from many years ago now. Take a listen. 

3. 'Health & Strength' by Warrior King

My Father's work. My Father's work. TEARS! I can safely say at this point that I missed on Warrior King. He's made some fine music  but, to be honest, I expected him to enter a level of the music that he has not and, almost surely at this point, never will. A lot of those very high expectations were built upon the work that would go into his 2002 debut album, "Virtuous Woman" (I have a signed copy of that album around here somewhere and the second one too). While the title track there remains his biggest hit to date (unless I'm REALLY forgetting about something) what his actual BEST SONG has been is of even less question (and, in retrospect, that album had some SERIOUS songs on it alongside 'Virtuous Woman'. 'Never Go Where Pagans Go', 'Breath Of Fresh Air' ["ANYWHERE THERE'S LIFE, YOU KNOW MY PEOPLE WILL BE THERE!"], 'Love Jah and Live', 'Empress So Divine', 'JAH IS ALWAYS THERE'.... and I could go on and on) ('Rough Road', 'It's Been Awhile'). Song #14 on "Virtuous Woman" is the mighty 'Health & Strength' and that song, for me at least, puts "virtually" everything that Warrior King does well at its optimum. It is melodic and beautiful to hear and it also carries a high level of substance to it as well; this time combining the enjoyment of the lovely things the world has to offer with a sense of hard work and accomplishment. I don't find myself looking up much of WK's output these days which is too bad and that's too bad because of the skyscraper of talent this man has as is crystal clear by a song like 'Health & Strength'. 

4. 'Before I Lose My Strength' by Akae Beka

All for The Most High, Jah. Here's an interesting one. On the very first edition of this series, we featured Akae Beka and there were several REALLY difficult choices in tunes that I cut off from the final list (to the point where I may, someday, make a vol. 2 for Akae Beka, specifically, and it wouldn't be difficult filling with another 12-15 songs). One selection was DEFINITELY 'Before I Lose My Strength' from the "Jah Grid" album. I can distinctly recall hearing this song (and most of that album) at a stage in my life where the music of Akae Beka (then Midnite) was almost entirely lost on me and the contrast of what I hear these days is absolutely ridiculous. "Jah Grid" is a borderline Modern Classic in my opinion and its finest offering, 'Enter' was on the aforementioned Signatures: Akae Beka post. Its second best?? That honour is up for debate but it settles at the glorious 'Before I Lose My Strength'. Something that I think is unintentionally beautiful about this song has stuck with me: It is delivered in a way (that may, actually, make it one of the best SANG songs that Vaughn Benjamin has ever done. That was never a specialty of his) that directly coincides with its direction. Benjamin sounds... kind of tired, doesn't it? He sounds like a man who has given almost every last drop of effort that he has in his body and before that final spill has been exhausted -- before he is at THE end of his line -- he has something to say. 

"Before I lose my strength-

All of my breath, OH JAH

A joyful song, I sing

Today & tomorrow"

5. 'On My Way To Zion' by Turbulence

Seeking The Conquering Lion. I definitely considered doing a full Signatures feature on Turbulence but the slightest bit if you want to know the signatures of Turbulence's career,  just dig up the "Rising" album and you'll probably be about 80-85% of the way there. One of the exceptions is, arguably, the single greatest tune he's ever done in my opinion, the absolutely STUNNING 'On My Way To Zion'. If ever you've had the fortune of seeing him perform this tune live (and I have) you'll know just how much you can actually FEEL this song but even the studio version of it does a fine job in capturing its presence. I've definitely had my issues with Turbulence's output over the.... best of the last decade and a half or so (and probably longer than that) but, here, he put on a downright ROYAL performance; one befitting The King.

6. 'Black Coffee' by Anthony B

No sugar. No cream. The perhaps surprising standout from the self-prouduced 2001 VP released "That's Life" set, 'Black Coffee' was an absolutely GORGEOUS and SMOOTH tune giving praise and honour to the beautiful Black women of the planet ["Here's my token of appreciation"] from the great Anthony B. For as popular as he is (for good reason), coming across compilations of Anthony B's work isn't the most difficult thing but you probably won't find this true gem of a tune that has largely gone forgotten. That is most unfortunate because it easily ranks amongst the finest love songs of his storied career.

"BLACK COFFEE, NO SUGAR, NO CREAM!

BLACK WOMAN MI A DI KING, YOU A DI QUEEN!"

7. 'Ganja Farmer' by Marlon Asher

Stinkin rocket launcher. Undeniably one of the finest ganja tunes in the history of the music, Marlon Asher left an impact on Reggae music over twenty years ago when he dropped 'Ganja Farmer' which can still be felt to this very day (typically I say it doesn't seem THAT long ago, 'Ganja Farmer' does seem twenty years old at this point). A strong case could also be made that it is the single biggest tune Trinidad Reggae has ever produced (and there're a few strong candidates but it is definitely in the conversation) and that has an even greater reach; it probably helped a number of Asher's peers get their foot in the proverbial door and who knows who we're listening to TODAY that we may not have been exposed to were it not for this tune. And as for this tune... 'Ganja Farmer', as effortlessly as possible, burned a giant hole in the minds of anyone lucky enough to get a taste of it, courtesy of a rocket launcher. 

8. 'Rub-A-Dub Market' by Luciano

Living legend. You come to expect certain things from certain people and when they kind of break that level of expectation and confidence, the results typically aren't very good...  but that isn't always the case. When 'Jah Messenjah', the great Luciano, broke the norm with the title track from his remarkable 2011 album for Irievibrations it was wholly unexpected but NOT AT ALL unwarranted. The man has (and had even fifteen years ago) attained a level of respect and accomplishment in Reggae music that is beyond reproach. We all knew that at the time but he'd never really expressed that, musically, until 'Rub-A-Dub Market'. 

"THEM KNOW THAT PAPA LUCI IS A LIVING LEGEND"

His place already secured, Luciano would even take a next step and criticize some of his less storied peers who are not willing to work but full want to reign.

"DEM AH GWAN LIKE DEM A DI ROOT BUT DEM A DI BRANCH AND STEM"

The tune was spicy, out of the norm and a gorgeous highlight within Luciano's LOADED catalogue.

9. 'Upper Room' featuring Empress Cherisse by Anchants

No need to wonder. I don't remember much these days about Empress Cherisse and the band Anchants. I THINK she was from Trinidad but I don't remember where they were based out of by the time they sent out their 2003 project, "Merkaba". I may've lost the stories of their origins but I do know that, barring some type of dementia, I'm not going to forget their actual work because one of the songs carried by "Merkaba", 'Upper Room', has been a personal favourite of mine from the very second that I laid ears on it. 'Upper Room' is... hypnotic. It is a.... CAREFUL EUPHORIA almost reminiscent of something you get from an ultra-tuned in Dezarie and I have gleefully lost myself in it. The biblically armed track is one with at least one foot on terra firma as, in a very relatable way, Cherisse tells us that there're many things that are questionable -- literally an endless line of them -- but there is something or SOMEONE who is above it and there is no need AT ALL to wonder about HIM. 

10. 'God Bless' by Junior Kelly

Anointed & Appointed. Buried on a long forgotten (but SPICY) album from nearly a quarter-century ago by the name of "Conscious Voice" is simply one of the single greatest songs I have ever heard from anyone, Junior Kelly's DAZZLING 'God Bless'. For anyone who has this kind of rigid archetype of what Roots music is, I'd point you in the direction of this most malleable giant. 'God Bless' had its purpose and it served it. Before we get lost in the stars, the track also deserves a giant lyrical credit as well:

"Yeah, though I walk through the Valley of Death, I man will never fret

Cause Jah is by my side and HIM ah guide mi footstep

Stood firm inna mi faith

Cause Jah is very great

So why you choose to fight man and don't appreciate?-

The vibes a weh mi fling, uplift mi race and thing

BADMINDED PEOPLE DEM DON'T WORTH A THING CUZ-

They would like to see you wear a frown everyday

They would like you throw your dreams all away!

But I'm anointed and appointed by Jah

Dem ahgo fi si mi face on ya!"

With that covered... LISTEN TO THIS THING! 'God Bless' sounds GORGEOUS. It's never failed to put a smile on my face in the last twenty-three years and, apparently, Kelly knew precisely what he had on his hands because he literally observes the moment:

"CAUSE A WI GOT THE GIFT FI MAKE HEADS ROCK AND SHIFT"

Yes, sir. Yes, you do. 

11. 'Volume Of The Book' by Ras Shiloh

The whole earth shook. Veteran vocalist Ras Shiloh is probably best known for two things: The first is his massive hit, 'Are You Satisfied', while the second is the similarity of his voice to the legendary Garnet Silk and that's just fine. I would argue that the single best song that he's ever made (even over 'Are You Satisfied'), is the literally inch-perfect 'Volume Of The Book', which appeared on his 2007 Bobby Digital produced set, "Coming Home", for VP Records. I'll put it to you like this: Shiloh is known, as I said, for being very similar, vocally, to Garnet Silk - if 'Volume Of The Book' were placed somewhere in the catalogue of Silk, it would still rank very highly in my opinion. There're songs that I like more than 'Volume Of The Book' in which I will acknowledge the existence of certain flaws which may even add to their appeal but that isn't the case here. If such a thing is possible: 'Volume Of The Book' was PERFECT. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with it. 

12. 'I Wanna Go Home' by Alborosie

Island in the sun. I am not a fan of Alborosie's. I never have been and I almost certainly will never be. For some reason, his brand of music has just never appealed to me and though, once upon a time, I definitely did give it a shot I can honestly say that I haven't listened to much of his work, period. Something new coming from Alborosie will likely not get much of my attention. HOWEVER, with that being said there is one exception to all of this within Albo's catalogue, the complete and utter JEWEL that was 'I Wanna Go Home'. The song was just so easy and it was one of those magical times when the vibes of the tune so perfectly match the actual nature and focus of what is going on, lyrically. I wouldn't be surprised if I never found another Alborosie tune that I even kind of like but a big for 'I Wanna Go Home', he has earned and will always have my respect.

13. '50 Push Up' by Spectacular

Hundred skip. I'm probably more open on the heels of his wicked latest release, "Stay Up", from last year but that album didn't represent the first stroke of genius made by the scathing Spectacular. Way back in 2005, the Kingston native served up his debut set, "Find Yourself" and the lasting track from it maintains its STRENGTH to this very day. '50 Push Up' was a song stressing HEALTH & FITNESS of the highest caliber. You're well familiar with Roots music singing about the importance of keeping one's soul and mind in-shape by focusing on the proper things and, of course, praising His Majesty. You'll also hear the occasional offering talking about things such as living a more natural life and putting healthy things into your body. All the more rare is what '50 Push Up' does (as its title DIRECTLY suggests).... it's still necessary for you to break a sweat sometimes to keep your body in shape and to build muscle. There's a certain simplicity to this one, beneath everything, that really helps it along and made it a favourite of mine. Time to get off your ass and do some work!

14. 'From The Beginning' by Lyricson

The powers to sing. Though I may've (I did) beat up on Lyricson's most recent album, "African Dream", I actually did so because I've been witness to the mountain of talent on which he rests his head when at his best (and he's had an EP since then called "Zodiak Vol. 2", I didn't love that one either). Demonstrated amongst his earlier work on albums such as "Keep The Faith", "Born 2 Go High" and "Messages", the incredibly gifted Guinea born vocalist's  talent can be amongst some of the very best in the entire genre when steered properly and WITHOUT A DOUBT the best example of this would come on that "Messages" set from 2012, 'From The Beginning'. WITHOUT QUESTION, 'From The Beginning' is the single best piece of music that I have EVER heard from Lyricson (there exists a chance that he's made something that I haven't heard that I would rank higher but I HIGHLY doubt it) and you could drop it into the catalogue of a handful of others with more storied careers and that would still be the case. 'From The Beginning' was FLAWLESS. 

15. 'Manifess Joy' by Arkaingelle

JOOOOOOOOOY! I may have bad news for you, if this song does not bring a smile to your face. I regret to inform you that your ability to smile is GONE! It's found something else to do with its time and it's spending most of its time at someone else's house. For the rest of us, however, the Arkaingelle THRILLED! I've spent nearly twenty years singing the praises of the SWEET 'Manifess Joy' and with good reason: It's simply one of the best songs that I have ever heard... with no qualification at all (not one of the best from Arkaingelle, from Guyana or during a certain time period. IT IS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD!). I should also do something that I'm not sure that I've ever done and give credit to a beautiful background singer who almost serves as a duet partner as much as a backing vocalist (...and may just be Malika Madremana).

The Best Reggae Albums of 2024!

I don't feel like writing an intro! LET'S GET TO IT!

{Note: No Soca, EPs, multi-artist compilations or complete dubs/instrumentals}

{Note 2: Haven't done one of these in ages, it was kinda difficult}

#10."See It Deh"  by Ras Shiloh [Reggae Vibes Productions]

Had you told me at the end of 2023, that Ras Shiloh's name would be on a list for biggest albums of 2024, I would probably have been quite surprised. That shock wouldn't have come because I didn't think he could reach those levels in terms of quality but... I wouldn't have thought that there was much of a chance, AT ALL, that the year would bring an album from the decorated singer. Wonderfully, the project would come via JahMikes and the increasingly esteemed Reggae Vibes Productions (which has, QUIETLY, become one of the more dependable outfits in the entire genre in my opinion). Ras Shiloh & RVP should tell you pretty much everything you need to know about the actual quality of "See It Deh" and, with carrying a tune such as the downright GLORIOUS 'Hail The King', it did not disappoint.

#9."Levite" by Zacheous Jackson [Red Ground Jamaica]

"Levite", the twenty-four track monster set from the well gifted Zacheous Jackson, equally bludgeons and finesses its way onto this list through some truly beautiful vibes and the sheer size of the project. Perhaps the single greatest credit that can be paid to Jackson & "Levite" is to say that it doesn't contain an ounce of 'filler'. It was twenty-four good songs which were of all of a certain quality which made it one of the BIGGEST (literally) albums of 2024. Standouts were all over the place such as 'I Wish' and, NINETY MINUTES LATER, 'Look Within' and 'Unda Mi Medz'. I didn't end up hearing much about this one which is too bad but hopefully its shelf life is greater than its launch because, clearly, there is so much good to be heard on "Levite" and it'd be too bad if not too many people got to experience it. 

#8."Ganja Man" by Linval Thompson [Irie Ites]

Legendary vocalist meets CLASS outfit on "Ganja Man" as the esteemed Linval Thompson links with the brilliant Irie Ites. Together -- TO THE SURPRISE OF ABSOLUTELY NO ONE AT ALL -- the duo mined gold. "Ganja Man" was complete musical treat of an experience, uniting some of the most captivating vocals the genre has ever heard along with Irie Ites' typically extremely high level, classic sound. The best of it was the title track, 'What Time Is It' and the outstanding pair of Ligerians  (more on them later) scored tracks, 'Trod Along' & 'Get Ready' but the entirety of "Ganja Man", dubs and all, was an outstanding contribution to 2024. 

#7."Outrospection" by Twan Tee [Baco Records]

While 2024 didn't completely introduce me to French artist, Twan Tee, it did do so formally via his LOVELY album, "Outrospection". Produced by the one Oddy (who, apparently, produces all of Tee's work), "Outrospection" was a really good time, featuring work which ranged from straight forward Roots Reggae, to Dancehall music of varying eras, though it is clear that a large chunk of Tee's inspiration can be tracked to a more classic sound of the music which he has captured excellently here. Highlights included 'Bridges', which featured Warrior King, the outstanding opener, 'Put It Pon Replay', the HUGE 'Stamina', 'Undercontrol', 'General' with Niggle, 'Babylon Walls' alongside Omar Perry, 'Underwater' and others. Didn't see much about this one and were we more active, I would have definitely slapped a giant review on it and.... hell, I still might after I clear out a bit of space. "Outrospection" was sublime. 

#6."Apex" by Bugle [An9ted Ent/Evidence]

Despite the fact that he's already held in fairly high esteem, the case could be made that Bugle actually stepped it up a notch or two through his incredibly well done and well received 2024 release, the CHILLY titled "Apex" (you KNOW that title is cool as all hell). Bugle is a case of someone who has enjoyed an overall raise of profile over the course of the past few years or so and the work that comprised 'Apex" is a giant example of the reason why and also why more casual heads of the genre are beginning to pay more attention to the Kingston native who is fond of exercising everyday and not still being fit. "Apex" thrilled with Bugle on his own with tracks like 'Promise', the HEAVY 'Bad Dream', 'Heads Up' ["Before wi even play di game, yow wi win already"] and the downright scalding social commentary 'Upside Down' and then... oh, Capleton, Buju Banton & Jr. Gong, Maxi Priest, Barrington Levy, Tifa and personal LONGTIME favourite of mine, Military Man were also on board.... just hanging out! AND HAVE I MENTIONED JUST HOW DAMN COOL THAT TITLE IS??!

#5."Shelter From The Storm" by Nadia McAnuff & The Ligerians [SoulNurse Records]

Had I done one of these lists last year, my #1 would have been "Freedom Legacy" by Queen Omega and THE Queen of 2023 passed the mic to the queen of 2024, Nadia McAnuff who, along with the aforementioned Ligerians, delivered what may just have been the single greatest sonic experience in all of Reggae for the year, "Shelter From The Storm". This album was IMMACULATE from beginning to and end and contain some downright halting material. At its pick, 'Waiting Room' laid claim to being amongst my absolute favourite tunes from the entire year ["Stop looking out of yourself, my son. Never stop fighting for repatriation"] and what it headed, fully, was nearly as strong. 'Shelter' (year's best album best-song-chaser), 'So Jah Seh', 'Yes We', 'Holy' and the FUNKY 'Freedom of Peace' also stunned but the album only had ten songs altogether (its only flaw)... so pretty much all of them. 

#4."Free Man" by Norris Man [Tad's Records]

These days, Norris Man HAS ME. He just does. He cannot do much wrong and that was the case before 2024 began and the chanter would do nothing in the way of diminishing my support of his work throughout the year. In July, he would drop the looooong awaited "Free Man" (the album was literally announced in late 2023, if I recall correctly) and that album, for me, has grown and GROwn and GROWN. "Free Man" is gorgeous and EASILY one of the best albums that Norris Man has released to date. Despite only carrying eleven tunes it was stocked with big ones: 'Fighting For My Rights', 'Jah Is The Almighty', 'To Jah I Pray', the freeflowing 'Ahead A Dem', 'Going Out On You', the popular 'Burn Babylon' ["Mi bun dem more than a trillion times"].... and MORE! "Free Man" has still found a regular place on my players and, were we to revisit this list in a few years or so, I wouldn't be surprised if it ranked even higher AT ALL.

#3."The Gentle Man" by Romain Virgo [VP Records]

It never even occurred to me to actually review "The Gentle Man" by Romain Virgo because it got to the point where I believed that everything that was to be said had already been (or was being) said. I may be overlooking something but, off the top of my head, I can't think of another album from 2024 that was as widely critically acclaimed (not saying it was the run away regarded BEST but, given how popular it was, the sheer amount of praise that it has been given may be #1). All of that stuff (ALL OF IT) was warranted. Romain Virgo broke stuff and ripped it to shreds on "Gentle Man" in did so in several different ways. Sometimes it was more aggressive ['Been There Before' and 'You Must Pay'], while others required a more careful hand ['Good Woman' and the MASSIVE 'Driver'] and, brought altogether, what we ended up with was not only one of the best albums of the year but, in all likelihood, the single best album of Virgo's entire career... but I think he can do even better someday. Masicka, Jesse Royal and even Capleton featured. 

#2."Deep Medz" by Eesah [King I-Vier Music/Loud City]

In terms of debut albums (ALLLLBUMMMMS, not big EPs), no one did finer in 2024 than Eesah who impressed in a major way (and BROKE STUFF) with "Deep Medz". Eesah's talent is an EASY one. It is effortless. The man could probably give you studio quality renditions of some of these tunes fresh out of his bed because what he does appears to come SO naturally to him. You could hear it saturating tunes like the all-conquering opener, 'Behold The Conquering Lion', 'Jah Give Me Strength', 'Uprise', 'Red Alert', the overlooked 'Push On', 'Irie' and 'Empress Menen'. That was one story behind "Deep Medz", the other was the ridiculous supporting cast of artists who joined Eesah like Capleton & Lutan Fyah [on the same damn song], Perfect Giddimani & Pressure Busspipe [on the same damn song], Kabaka Pyramid, Million Stylez and even Sizzla Kalonji leant their names, collectively, to HOPEFULLY attract attention to a project that deserved some of the brightest shine that the genre had to offer in all of 2024. 

#1."Living Testament" by Akae Beka [Trinity Farm Music/Go A Chant Productions]

Noted as the final album recorded by the legendary Vaughn Benjamin, "Living Testament" would, in my opinion, send the legendary chanter on his way taking the biggest prize of the year. I did not hear its equal in 2024. I've come to a place as a listener of Akae Beka's music where I'm able to decipher, relatively quickly, how I feel about what I'm listening to. The work that comes afterward (the "journey to comprehension" as I've come to call it) notwithstanding (that adds to the overall experience but I can't assess how fun that is at the time with new material), I'm USUALLY able to catch on when Benjamin is a particularly effective form - such as was the case ALL OVER "Living Testament". Credit goes to the grounded Trinity Farm Music -- who would later release a dub version of the album -- for providing a captivating background for Benjamin, which has not been/is not always the case, making for one of the more digestible albums in his catalogue in my opinion. You could probably have a fairly good time digging into "Living Testament" as a casual listener. It doesn't require ALL of your attention in order to be pleasing.

HOWEVER, should you have chosen to give it your 100% (and you should, you have no reason not to), what awaited fans in 2024 was 'intoxication of a certain kind' (biggup Gentleman). Tunes like the giant opener, 'Stone Of The Corner', 'All Around Man Yard' and 'Cream Of Joy' hit on a VERY HIGH level but they were topped by 'Rebellion Running', 'Who Is The Rejector Who Is The Reductor', (I'm listening to 'Rebellion Running' right now. With these horns... tune song is PROBLEMS! ) ["Let hearts be fertile to receive goodness. Let soul be receptive to rationale and reason"], infectious single 'Who Wil Go For Us' and the all-conquering 'Holding The Amen Key', RIDICULOUSLY, skyscraped (YES! I just turned SKYSCRAPER INTO A VERB! WHUT!) the quality of "Living Testament" and it soared not only to being one of the best Akae Beka albums but also THE BEST REGGAE ALBUM OF 2024.... among the ministers of The King's High Court.

Still Satisfied: A review of See It Deh by Ras Shiloh

Solidified. Perhaps the methods that we use to measure things like success and accomplishments need to be more individualized for different cases. In music we may look at things such as a general popularity which is reflected via several ways: How many times your music is played -- how many hits you've had -- once upon a time it would have been album sales and maybe even the number of people who attend your live performances and, fittingly, those are all fair points. People do make music as a career and if you're hitting all of those marks, chances are pretty good that you're making a good living. HOWEVER, around here we specifically spend a great deal of time (likely more than any other) writing about a genre that is so foundationally structured around a message that isn't necessarily eschewing of all things 'popular' at all times but is of the type that it directly reaches to those who do not fall within the 'mainstream'. Of course I am referring to Roots Reggae music and it is a genre like any other but it is one well married to its ideology, arguably, even more so than its sound (which is odd, if you really think about it. You could put an Opera riddim behind a singer saying "PRAISE JAH RASTAFARI" and someone will call that Roots Reggae or say it has Roots 'overtones'.... and everyone will agree with them). Because of that, I don't know that registering someone's success there is best accomplished on any type of chart or computed using data but, instead, is done more appropriately on a personal level. We recently did a new feature called Signatures, where I listed out my favourite songs from a particular artist and, it just happens that the first installment of that series is Akae Beka. Now, I don't know how many albums or tickets Akae Beka sold (although, unsurprisingly, if you're trying to collect Akae Beka/Midnite albums in 2024, I'm sure you've noticed that the price has gone up) or how many hits they charted; maybe MANY by comparison to their peers, maybe not - BUT YOU'D BE A DAMN FOOL TO THINK AKAE BEKA HAS NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. When you make 'message music', surely you want that message to reach as many ears and minds as possible, but I would think that even if you tap into just a handful of individuals, so long as you provide them with certain ideas and ways of living and progressing that, to some extent, you've accomplished what you've set out to do and if that is accurate (and isn't just an over-romanticized thought on my part) then today we're going to have a look at a VERY fruitful artist.

When the name Ras Shiloh comes up I think even his most casual of fan probably has a couple points of reference for his music. The first and most immediate is his voice. Often linked to the great Garnet Silk (a comparison he Shiloh has more than welcomed, more on that in just a second), from the very beginning of his career Ras Shiloh's voice has been one of the most discussed aspects of his work and, all these years later, that is very much the case even still. The next thing you're likely to know about the music of Ras Shiloh is a song nearing a truly staggering THIRTY YEARS of age: His cut of Tony Rebel's Lala Bella Riddim, 'Are You Satisfied' (that one riddim produced 'Are You Satisfied', the MAMMOTH 'Jah By My Side' from the Rebel, himself and even 'Ghetto People Song' by Mr. Everton  Blender). I'd be surprised if, over the last quarter of a century, Ras Shiloh has EVER given any serious performance that did NOT include at least a portion of that tune being sang. It is without a doubt his most identifiable set and one could even make the argument that it is one of the entire genre's most recognizable of its era and beyond.

And Shiloh has done some serious work besides 'Are You Satisfied'. While the Brooklyn native will never be known as the most prolific of artists (and I also think he's just fine with that) and surely not on the album release side, what he has done has been farrrrrrrrr more than respectable. You can go all the way back to 2002's "From Rasta To You", which was an EXQUISITE set and go up to, unfortunately, his most recent year of activity when it comes to new material which was just five years on (and I'm about to tell you about an album featuring material even older than these two). During a very Sizzla-esque campaign in 2007, Shiloh would release one album for Greensleeves and another for VP Records in "Only King Selassie" & "Coming Home", respectively. Both sets were literally damn near perfect (historically, I've held "Coming Home" (deemed an actual Modern Classic on these pages) in slightly higher esteem but going back and listening through them both for the sake of this review and I'm not so sure about that anymore) (but "Coming Home" did have the MASSIVE "Volume of the Book" ["Under a cool meditation while the whole earth shook"]) and who knows why it took so damn long after that (maybe that was kinda Ras Shiloh retiring from making albums) but it's 2024 and Ras Shiloh now has a brand new album out for the masses, "See It Deh". Back in 2020, the singer would pop up with the tribute EP, "Ras Shiloh Remembers Garnet Silk", but "See It Deh" becomes his first full length project in SEVENTEEN years (unless I am really forgetting about something). The album comes via an old favourite of ours who I am ALWAYS thrilled to run into, Reggae Vibes Productions. JahMikes and company have been hard at work for well over twenty years and have vibed alongside some of our favourites such as Jah Mason, the former Prince Theo, Theo Nyeemiya and many others. It was with the Mason when I believe I first became familiar with RVP as, also back in (I now feel compelled to dig this album up because I haven't seen it in awhile, so let's see if I can find it quickly because I think I know where it is) (it wasn't hard to find at all and. listening to it now, some of these tunes are personal classics for me) 2002, they headed an album for him by the name of "Unlimited".... very strong and has aged well. Mason is someone else who, although he has checked in with his fair share of hits and big tunes, his 'wins' are probably best gathered in a more unconventional manner. Obviously Ras Shiloh hasn't made it an aim of his to release albums. In the press release that I read for "See It Deh" he literally says "I don't really rate albums", which is fine, but you'd never know it from the levels attained throughout "See It Deh". When I first saw it in the offering not only did I get pretty excited as I thought it would be very interesting to write about (because it's been awhile since we've written a review for Ras Shiloh's work) but also just to hear! The early clips and bits that I was already familiar with would lead me to believe that "See It Deh" would be quite strong and....

Quite strong indeed! Ras Shiloh hadn't exactly been dormant over the last few years despite not flooding the shelves with albums and he actually turned up with some very nice tunes, some of which are featured here (one of which, however. is not. In 2019, Shiloh did a tune called 'Bun Dem and Done' which is EASILY one of the best songs of his entire career, in my opinion and if you haven't heard it, go and take care of that now and I'll be waiting for you when you get back). That being said, the opening tune for "See It Deh", 'Endless Joy', was completely new to my ears and although you will find stronger material unfolding on the album behind it, it does get us off to a good start and is just a really nice song. What stands out is this kind of.... 'over sang' chorus. It just has this really LOUD affect to it (surely done on purpose) that is going to do something strange: If you have children, you'll want to be really careful with 'Endless Joy' because as difficult as it will be for you to get it out of your own head, they will give you no relief at all! While the backing singers dominate on the chorus, for his part, Shiloh also excels, producing a solid lyrical effort within a very cool delivery and, again, though it isn't THE best tune on this set, 'Endless Joy' isn't acres away from it either. The next selection, 'Righteousness', is even closer, actually. EVERYTHING about this one glows! From the second that gorgeous riddim (the True Crisis) fully drops in (intro'd by a lovely saxophone that sticks around throughout), straight through its end, 'Righteousness' does definitely prove to be one of the biggest highlights from "See It Deh". Sticking to the very basics, 'Righteousness' is simply about doing positive things and doing what is right for yourself as others whenever but the presentation DEFINITELY adds so much more to it. You've heard hundreds of songs vibed just like it, but they rarely sound this nice. Speaking of what sounds nice: Nothing on the whole of "See It Deh" sounds nicer than the well familiar 'Hail The King'.

TEARS! I'll make a point further on this later but when Shiloh turns up his vocals something happens to his music that simply does NOT for virtually everyone else. 'Hail The King', a towering praise is a mighty example of that. The tune comes through on a cut of the Traveling Man Riddim (a remade version of what I believe was the original by the Techniques) by RVP (the aforementioned Prince Theo also had a big tune on the riddim, as did Pressure Busspipe) from about a dozen years ago. I may change my mind at some point and be too lazy to come back and change this but as for RIGHT NOW, by the slimmest of margins, 'Hail The King' has no equal on "See It Deh". It is absolutely GLORIOUS and you really feel the significance.... I'll save that for later. If You, like me, found yourself wondering why 'Endless Joy' wasn't actually called 'Happiness', with as many times as the word is said on the tune, that's because this release has another tune called 'Happiness' and it also sounds very familiar. I don't think I've heard this actual song, however, and, instead, my familiarity with it comes in the form of that beautiful riddim bracketing it. Quick story: In the early 2000's or so there was a label by the name of Artists Only! Records (the exclamation point was a part of the actual label name) and they were solid. They released albums for the likes of Beenie, Buju & Bounty, Sizzla Kalonji, Wayne Wonder, Mad Cobra and others still. That same label also did "Wow... The Story", which was Baby Cham's first album and they were also prolific outside of Reggae music as well. In 2001, the New York based outfit would release "Many More Roads" by Ky-mani Marley and although I've never been much of a fan of Ky-mani's music - full credit to him for that one. "Many More Roads" was and still is excellent (surely you didn't believe me when I said "quick"???). Anyway, the very first tune on that album was 'Who We Are' shares a riddim with 'Happiness' and, the fact had been lost on me, but that album was largely produced by one Mike Coburn [aka JahMikes) and the Reggae Vibes Productions insignia is also on the case. That's why I knew 'Happiness'. Just as is the case for damn near all of 'Many More Roads', 'Happiness' is sublime. It's also quite simple and straight-forward (literally an anthem about being happy and feeling good!) (nothing wrong with that) and if you can resist the urge of singing 'Who We Are' while listening to it, 'Happiness' will likely have no problem carrying out its purpose on you... personally. 

'Here I Come' is another previous release, this time coming through across RVP's Soul Shake Down Party Riddim from a few years back, an update of an old drop by a guy named Bob. 'Here I Come' is downright MAJESTIC. I'm threatening to ruin my closing point but DAMN do you get the feeling that something very crucial is going on when you here this song.

"TIL SHILOH

SO HERE I COME!

RAS SHILOH

JAH WORKS MUST BE DONE"

We all have a purpose, hopefully a positive one, and 'Here I Come' is a song for everyone who is prepared to fulfill their purpose. It is a call to action of MAMMOTH proportions and a definite highlight from "See It Deh" (it is also the album's longest track, giving it all the time it needs to make a giant impression on the listener - a moment it well makes the best of). Ras Shiloh continues to receive high marks on another mega praise, 'Long Live The King'. Likely one of the oldest selections here, that's just fine. 'Long Live The King', Shiloh's cut of the probably two-decade old now Focus Riddim, retains every hint of the luster it would have had when it was brand new (with maybe one exception) (more on that in critiques). You see the title and you know exactly what it's about, but it is your [LARGE] mistake if you take 'Long Live The King' as.... stale or routine or generic and pass on it. It is a JOY to listen to. 'Never Be Enough' was wholly new to my ears and although it got off to somewhat of an awkward start, it quickly follows  the line of pretty much every other tune here and ascends. This one deals with the fact that there're certain actions (and CONSISTENT BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS) so deplorable that they are beyond forgiveness and being forgotten. I will also tell you that because of the kind of 'light' nature of 'Never Be Enough', that you may want to spend some extra time with it to fully take it in, because it's very easy to just enjoy on a casual level and move on. Previous single, 'On My Ship' is in next and it stands as the very fun changeup for "See It Deh" as it features Ras Shiloh dusting off his deejaying skills and tackling this kind of bouncing riddim. It's a love song and it isn't the greatest but I had no problem with 'On My Ship' and I do always appreciate when an artist and a producer and a label.... just make an attempt at trying something different and fresh, especially during an album where it's well possible to get stuck on the same vibes for song after song.

 

'People Be Free' also charts a different route as it is the album's sole combination, linking Shiloh with the animated Dominican born chanter, Simpleman, another favourite of RVP's atop their Talk About It Riddim (that also carried the Mason's big winner, 'All I Can See' ["I'm sitting here looking at the trees. I'm looking at the birds and the bees. ALL I CAN SEE IS LOVE!"] BOOM!) (Yami Bolo and Prince Theo also had big songs on the Talk About It) (Beres Hammond as well but DUHHHH!). This one is as all over the place as the fiery Simpleman but it more than earns its stripes in its time

"Mi stand up inna di lights now

Mi no waan no jinx and mi doh waan no lies now

I tell di little youths fi open up dem eyes now

Sing out, sing out and mi seh open unuh voice now

Sing out fi truth, sing out fi rights now

Boil up di veggies and mi seh boil up di rice now

And praise Selassie I and then you know yuh nice now

But di likkle weh yuh have inna this time run out

Mi tell dem watch di youth dem

Dem go watch Oprah

None a dem no memba Mama Mama Ethiopia

Tell dem inna di west, dem caan find hope yah

Yow a just oil and powder and Obeah"

Written in a kind of a broad manner, what brings 'People Be Free' altogether is the theme of unity, particularly amongst the daughters and sons and Africa all over the world. Whatever that may be, from something directly cultural to His Majesty, whatever brings us together is celebrated here and in a major way. The cool, infectious title track (oddly spelled as 'See It Dey' in the tracklist) is several years old and it is as SPECIAL as ever. This song (as well as the one behind it) makes me question my selection of the album's finest (thankfully, I don't feel like going back and changing it): It just a SPECTACULAR social commentary with Ras Shiloh showing that the results of negative actions are clear and apparent. There is no way to sweep them under the rug and ignore them anymore. The song also has a bit of subtle bite to it. I wouldn't go as far as to say the singer is ANGRY.... but he's getting there! 'The System' touches down on RVP's beautifully misnamed Hardcore Riddim (no way in hell you listen to that thing and think to call it the Hardcore) and actually isn't too different from the title track in terms of its general focus. To my opinion, 'The System' looks more at personal responsibility and how easy it is to lose your way and blame others for what you do. No system is bad enough to force YOU to give into negativity and destructive ways and when we do that, it's all on us. The tune's also just a nice vibes, an excellent vocal display and, again, one of the biggest sets on the entire album. Finally (speaking of great vocals), the album's closer 'Tears From My Eyes' (I know the title is tough but it's not what you're thinking) sends us out on a high note. All of the madness, the cruelty and the gloom from the two previous tracks have gotten to Shiloh and he's struggling to keep it together, a sentiment he expresses finely here. TRY TO TREAT PEOPLE BETTER! That's the core of 'Tears From My Eyes' (pretty sure I've never heard this one before) and the way we are so POOR at it is clearly sticking with singer as it should be a problem for us all. Perhaps we can't make a song like this about it (we cannot), but we all definitely have a part to play in doing better.

 

I alluded to this earlier but I simply must say something about Ras Shiloh's VOICE. With the way he sings... it has some sort of DRAMA to it. WHEN RAS SHILOH SINGS, YOU FEEL LIKE SOMETHING IMPORTANT IS HAPPENING. It's impactful. It's cinematic. It MOVES you and it gives such a presence to his music that I almost hear parts of his work in the same way I hear Jah Cure's music where it comes with this inherent point of interest (the Cure could sing his way through a movie script (a really really bad and boring one) and still have my attention) and there are some GORGEOUS displays of that found throughout "See It Deh". I'll also mention that because of that you'd hope that the sonics are completely on point and that is not the case on the entire album. I don't know the word (maybe it's "mastering"), but the sound quality, unfortunately, is not the greatest here. 

Overall, despite wishing that things could be a little clearer and polished up, "See It Deh" is excellent. As I was going through it, it turned out to be an unexpected nostalgic trip through some old favourites of mine courtesy of Reggae Vibes Productions. I never realized the artist - label link in this case was THIS strong but clearly not only is it in terms of quantity and activity, but also QUALITY. They have made some very good music with Ras Shiloh over the past couple of decades or so and "See It Deh" exists as this wonderful compilation of that work, along with a few dashes of new/er/ish blips, here and there. This album won't be terribly popular. Even some of the genre's most faithful and dedicated may overlook it and I think that's just fine with Ras Shiloh (as odd as that may sound) (and it does), but for everyone who does hear it and is capable of finding some joy in it, YOU WILL LOVE "See It Deh". It will make an impression on you and leave you with something, maybe even to pass on to someone else, going forward. In that respect: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Well done.

Rated: 4.35/5

Reggae Vibes Productions

2024

See It Deh by Ras Shiloh!

"See It Deh" by Ras Shiloh [Reggae Vibes Productions]

1. 'Endless Joy'

2. 'Righteousness'

3. 'Hail The King'

4. 'Happiness'

5. 'Here I Come'

6. 'Long Live The King'

7. 'Never Be Enough'

8. 'On My Ship'

9. 'People Be Free'

10. 'See It Deh'

11. 'System'

12. 'Tears From My Eyes'

Were the prospects of a new album from Norris Man not enough for you for this week (GREEDY!), then the sweet and divine Reggae powers have something else that you just may be interested in as yet another well GRIZZLED veteran is set to release a new album of his own (and his first featuring original material in several centuries) when Ras Shiloh brings forth "See It Deh"! The album comes via the very nice Reggae Vibes Productions, a label who has, perhaps quietly but effectively, established an excellent reputation of their own with a history stretching back to around of a quarter of a century or so (I first really began to pay attention to RVP when they released the blistering "Unlimited" album by Jah Mason ["MI DUN SI DEM MOVE! MI DUN SI DEM FLEX!"] [BOOM!] and is Shiloh's first of any type from 2020's "Ras Shiloh Remembers Garnet Silk" and first carrying original songs since..... 2007 [!!] when the singer would release a pair of albums "Only King Selassie" & "Coming  Home" for Greensleeves & VP Records, respectively ('Coming Home" is a borderline modern classic. It is excellent and "Only King Selassie" isn't very far behind it).

Looking through the tracklist, along with the title track, "See It Deh" has a few familiar tunes that I recognize such as 'Long Love The King', 'Righteousness', relatively recent single, 'On My Ship', and maybe one or two others as well. Listening through some of the clips of this one, I have a really good feeling about what "See It Deh" ultimately turns out to be and I cannot wait to wrap my ears around the finished product. 

That wait won't be long at all as Ras Shiloh's "See It Deh" is set to release by Reggae Vibes Productions this Friday, the 26th of July. 

Modern Classics Vol. XXIV: Coming Home by Ras Shiloh

Ras Shiloh - Coming Home [VP Records - 2007]

We’re going to call this one a matter of ’hiding in plain view’. While certainly not being a complete unknown and definitely not so around these parts, Ras Shiloh is an artist who has spent the vast majority of his career existing, as so many of our artists unfortunately do, in a place where he isn’t necessarily going to get the credit he is due. In his case, of course, some will say that it has a great deal to do with the fact that he is so vocally similar to the late and great Garnet Silk and while that most likely does have something to do with it (who knows how many fans are still referring to some of his work as late or unheard work from Silk), I’d also suggest that Shiloh’s career and the standing of his career represents one of the greatest MISHAPS on the part of Reggae fans in the modern era - EVER. While all of his output isn’t stellar (all of no one’s output is), Ras Shiloh has been SO consistent in his career that not only will briefly listening to some of his work impress a listener educated in Reggae Music, but it would also impress them to the degree that they would very much want to hear more. Example? In 2007 Ras Shiloh had what has to be considered, in terms of albums, one of the best years of any Reggae artist of all time as he dropped not only one, but two potential ‘Modern Classic’ level releases. Incidentally, both of those albums came from two of the greatest producers of all time and can via the two biggest Reggae labels in the world also . . . And no one talks about it anymore. One of those albums was the gorgeous ”Only King Selassie” release, which was produced by the legendary King Jammy and distributed by Greensleeves and the other, which we’re now about to take a look at, ”Coming Home” from VP Records, linked Shiloh with Bobby Digital. It was the more dynamic and ‘beautiful’ of the two and an absolute DIAMOND of an album.

The Music

1. ‘We Need More Love’

The opening tune of Ras Shiloh’s ”Coming Home” was one which, maybe more than most others on the album, required just a second of ‘musical digestion’. It didn’t leap off of the track and the listener, it slowly took them over instead. What grabs you here is just how the tune kind of gradually wraps itself around its title and becomes it. It would be one thing to write the lyrics around the concept, but after thoroughly listening to the song, you do far more than simply HEAR what is being said. You kind of start to feel it. Don’t you?

Best Lyric: “Tired of walking the streets being scared of my shadow. Some people are living for today with no investment in tomorrow. Brothers killing brothers for no reasons, no special time, place nor seasons. Why can’t we show some brotherly love for each other?”

2. ‘Let the People Be Heard’ featuring Morgan Heritage

After warming you up properly with the opener, Shiloh and Digital take things really spicy with the second tune in, ‘Let the People Be Heard’, the first of three official combinations for the album - This one featuring the siblings of Morgan Heritage. This track was one powerful social commentary and call to the ‘powers that be’ to make just a bit more room for the poor and to hear their concerns. Shiloh often kind of fades into the background with so many different voices but, on the whole, what a link!

Best Lyric: “All dem waan do is incarcerate we. The world dem give poor people is like slavery. On di pay give wi caan feed pickney. Don’t even mention educate di pickney. Dem sen dem soldier in di street fi shoot wi and paramedics fi come clean up body. Hiii it ahgo get too bloody, best dem try I help di people make some money”

3. ‘Give A Little Love’

Next is a tune which slows us down just a bit and somewhat builds upon the subjectry of the opening track, but (and this is obvious when you check the vibes of the tune) it’s definitely one which will give you more if you pay it a more than superficial amount of attention. That is, of course until the end. ‘Give A Little Love’ comes with a ‘small’ built-in surprise as, in the tune’s latter stages, Ras Shiloh loses things just a touch and throws that incredibly voice to all corners of the room most impressively.

Best Lyric: “Never say ‘no’ when the children them are in need. Show them love and Jah blessings you will receive”

4. ‘What Have You Done’

TEARS! ‘What Have You Done’ is a tune which was seemingly one geared after my own heart (particularly in the last week or so since I began to dig back into this release). It is absolutely GORGEOUS! The vibes are nearly perfect and while Shiloh doesn’t throw his voice to its peak, he comes fairly close to doing just that and he goes about pushing a message which just reminds all to be righteous in your ATTEMPTS and to take into account the words of His Imperial Majesty at all times.

Best Lyric: “Testimony. I’ve been to hell and back, calculated the score. And now I’m sure!”

5. ‘The New Rising Day’ featuring Bascom X

Remember Bascom X??? There was a time when the chanter was looked upon as having just as much potential as peers such as Lutan Fyah, Fantan Mojah and Turbulence, but it just hasn’t (at least not yet and it doesn’t figure to anytime soon) (ever) materialized as such for him. Still, he most certainly has offered flashes of brilliance in his woefully under-active career. None were too much more SMART than this link with Ras Shiloh for ”Coming Soon” where the two made a WONDERFUL duo on one of the most ‘scenic’ of tunes on a very scenic album.

Best Lyric: “Searching to find some peace. UNITY. Spread some joy amongst the youth today”

6. ‘Need Your Love’

Ras Shiloh takes ‘Need Your Love’, a bonafide love tune, in a very familiar direction and one which turns into this kind of ‘crystallized’ vibes. What I mean is that this one was definitely one made for a purpose and while it surely isn’t the finest moment on the album, it clearly accomplishes what it was intended to do. Sweet sweet love song? Check.

Best Lyric: “They say love is blind, but I bear that in mind. Rasta knows everything is sealed and signed”

7. ‘Are You Lonely’

Even sweeter love song? Check. Between the two ostensible love songs pushed right near the middle of this album, the second of the two, ‘Are You Lonely’ is the better and more inventive of the pair. This song - My Wife loves - and after having had in playing on the house radio for more than a few spins, I’m sure you can imagine what her question was. “Garnet Silk?”. Not quite, but a lovely tune nonetheless.

Best Lyric: “Go to sleep with pictures of you hanging in my mind. I recall sweet things we used to do all of the time”

8. ‘Volume of the Book’

“They act like they don’t know”. BOOM! Here it is, the best song on the album. Unsurprisingly Shiloh finds himself on a biblical level taking this one to the proverbial next level and stepping such in such a HUGE way. I can remember first hearing this song and having such a powerful and IMPRESSED feeling of it that it kind of stopped me, in a sense, from listening to the rest of the album. Of course, had I actually done that, it would have been a damn shame, but ’Volume of the Book’ just might be one of the best songs I have ever heard in my entire life.

Best Lyric: “It was written in the volume of the book, under a cool meditation while the whole earth shook”

9. ‘It Will Be Over’ featuring Natural Black

Had I just left ”Coming Home” alone following ‘Volume of the Book’, I would’ve mentioned my favourite combination on the album and probably my second favourite tune altogether actually, ‘It Will Be Over’, featuring Natural Black. This tune came in signaling that a powerful change was on its way because going along as we were, the world is headed for disaster. It also provided the necessary lyrical boost as well, with one side being so undeniably powerful, but so ‘serene’ at the same time (and it isn’t the way you‘re thinking either).

Best Lyric: “What’s the use to be killing great men that’s teaching the world the right solution. Makes no sense to mislead the nation from the captivity of civilization”

10. ‘Rebel With A Cause’

Easily one of the finest riddims on the entire album backs ‘Rebel With A Cause’ and Shiloh uses it to somewhat build on the sentiment of the previous track, but in a slightly more aggressive and IMMEDIATE manner. “Here I come” is the lasting declaration for me and it is also one which helped me to come to the ultimate conclusion I did for the entire album because Shiloh certainly doesn’t appear to be calling US to action, instead, he’s coming to initiate the ACTION himself.

Best Lyric: “They are evil, in high and low places and deceivers trying to cover their traces”

&

“HERE I COME, here I come again. I’m a rebel with a cause. Mystery babylon must fall”

11. ‘Coming Home’

Surely there is great insight to be found in the title track of a great album, right? Surely. Lyrically speaking, this may just be the finest moment on the album because, at least to my completely over-analytical brain, it’s a song which very much carries a dual meaning. I’ll elaborate more on this in my synopsis, but what I’ll tell you here is that you essentially LOSE half of the vibes of the tune should you just look upon it, categorizing it as a ‘repatriation anthem’. It is so SO much more . . . Or is it???

Best Lyric: “I can’t wait to get home to Mama, to feel her warm embrace. I’ve been longing to touch her and see her smiling face”

12. ‘Come Down Jah Jah’

Ras Shiloh’s take on this proven winner is a . . . Well it’s a proven winner. I really like songs like this where I can kind of drift away in my brain and just sit back and be entertained and doing that here, Shiloh absolutely rules this tune. I really like the way it builds itself up and while he doesn’t take the voice off the register, he pushes it just far enough to satisfy the big tune. Dazzling.

Best Lyric: “Out there is a battlefield. No one trust no one. Trying to be humble, but still, you can’t be a simpleton. Raving dog will take your bone, leave you stranded in the cold. Upful in this yah gideon, you can’t let them steal your soul”

13. ‘All What A Go On’

I don’t know if I’ve ever REALLY heard anyone dig very deeply into ‘All What A Go On’ (and I’m not about to here either), but it is MASSIVE! It is a HUGE tune! I suppose you can kind of call the tune a ‘social commentary’, but it also seems to have some type of spiritual overtones to it (maybe that’s just what I’m getting from it, however) and it sounds very unique and original - Just the way the tune is situated. So, I’m going to call it one of the highlights of the album - Make sure you give it a HUGE listen before disagreeing (and even if you do listen deeply and disagree, you’ll still be wrong).

Best Lyric: “All what a gwaan inna di system, the more you give is the less you receive. And on, goes the system - Fighting the hands that feed”

14. ‘Voice of the People’

Heavy listening fans should recognize the riddim behind ‘Voice of the People’ as the same which backed Capleton’s mighty ‘Jah Is My Everything’ from the ”Reign of Fire” album and while Shiloh doesn’t quite reach the lofty levels set by King Shango, he does manage to come close. Unsurprisingly, the tune does follow closely the ideology expressed in ‘Let the People Be Heard’, but this tune well makes itself stand out because of its very urgent tones which, this time, fall all on Shiloh’s shoulders.

Best Lyric: “We will not surrender! Caste asunder (!) your evilous policies. Won’t be mobbed by numbers, we died from hunger. Screw your speech (!) we want food to eat!”

15. ‘Waste My Time’

‘Waste My Time’ is a tune which is most attractive because of the way in which it is written. What Ras Shiloh does is set up doing a variety of negative things as a ‘waste of time’. You don’t hear that very much. Certainly we’ve heard artists talk about the negative effects, both the tangible and the abstract, but for someone to look upon that type of behaviour and essentially say ‘I have better stuff to do with my time’, is very interesting and on top of that Shiloh is clever to point out that wasting time doing negative things is merely a ‘gateway’ of sorts to SERVING time.

Best Lyric: “Disagreement brings mis-unity. In this judgment you’ve got to face reality. My people we are one family, with one aim, one life and one destiny”

16. ‘All Of Me’

And finally (and oddly), Shiloh rounds up ”Coming Home” with another love song. 'All Of Me' is the second strongest on the album (after ‘Are You Lonely’) and it does take awhile to kind of blossom (on that sweet classic riddim), but after it gets up to speed it’s no problem at all. So sweet up someone special, grab them by the waist and do something. I just don’t want to hear about it.

Best Lyric: “All of me needs you. All of me - It’s true, you bring out the real man in me”

Synopsis

Although explaining it will almost certainly end up sounding very complicated coming from me (but I’m actually going to try to make it no so ridiculous this time), in my opinion, at the heart of comprehending the ”Coming Home” album is one simple question:

What does Ras Shiloh mean by “home”?

In order to find the answer, I believe that there’re two songs which really need to be considered. The first, as I alluded to, is the title track. As I mentioned, the song definitely has a bit of duality and you don’t even have to dig into too far to hear it. On one hand, there’s -

“We’re coming home
Ethiopia awaits us
We’re coming home
And we’re burning babylon”

And

“I can’t wait to get home to Mama
To feel her warm embrace
I’ve been longing to touch her and see her smiling face
I know she’s gonna welcome me home
I’m no longer alone”

While on the other there’s -

“We’ve been drifting for too long
Unable to find our way
Asking Jah to lend a hand
And protect us day by day
We’ve been suffering for too long
Help the weak to be strong”

Now think about that! In the very first passage, the concept of “HOME” is one which is even given a name - “Ethiopia” - and thus is looked upon as a very real and tangible and physical location, as in the simplest form, ‘I am going home’, meaning I am physically going to a place. Then we see “Mama” in the place of Ethiopia and surely one could just make the connection to “Mama Afrika’, meaning home, but like I said, if you stop there you lose half of what I believe is the prevailing message of the album. The final batch of lyrics ties it all up neatly for me. Here, home is looked upon as a type of refuge from “suffering for too long” and a place where the “weak” can become “strong”. This isn’t necessarily a trait of “home”. Home can be a place where I simply lay my head, this place Ras Shiloh is referring to is a very nourishing place and when you take that and go backwards - Ask yourself who are the two greatest nourishers of the world - Of course there’s The Almighty (“Asking Jah to lend a hand”) and then there is the Mother (“I can’t wait to get home to Mama to feel her warm embrace”).

The other tune which I feel is very instrumental in overstanding the main premise of ”Coming Home” is actually the album’s very first track, ‘We Need More Love’.

“I’m tired of walking the streets being scared of my shadow
Some people are living for today with no investment for tomorrow
Brothers killing brothers for no reasons
No special time, place nor seasons
Why Can’t we show some brotherly love for each other”

“We need more love
Love is what we’re searching for
A place for the children to play
Where is the sunny day?”

Once again we see familial terms thrown about, this time “brothers” and “children” and it is one of those, in particular, which definitely stands out. “A place for the children to play” is what Shiloh says (and you should already see this one coming now). That piece stands so far out to me because it doesn’t actually line up. Just before that he says, “we need more love, love is what we’re searching for”, but never does he say anything about a PLACE before the very next line. What is he talking about?

He’s talking about HOME. What is home? It is this very nourishing place. It is a place where His Majesty is present. It is a place where my Mother is. It is where I go for her “warm embrace”. It is a place where there is “brotherly love” and it is a “place for the children to play”. We can definitely stretch this to make it DIRECTLY mean the land of Afrika, but that’s not ONLY what Shiloh means and he doesn’t ONLY mean “HOME” is a concept either. Shiloh’s idea of “home” is one which is going to exist physically, but it has no specific location, it is wherever all of these can be accomplished for you at a given time.

‘Give A Little Love’ is another tune which explores this thought in my opinion and I’d like to mention what happens with both ‘Let the People Voice Be Heard’ and ‘Voice of the People’. These two tunes, to my opinion, quickly go about taking “HOME” and applying it to the entire world - As in, if we all are going to love here, it would be best if the largest man has a say AND the smallest as well - And that’s just a MIGHTY course of thinking if you follow it in that track of consciousness. What else is it??? It is the basis for one more glorious moments in a career which, although not full of much activity, is no complete stranger to such times. None too much more glorious from Ras Shiloh than “Coming Home”, a bonafide Modern Reggae Classic!