The Genuine Article: A review of Grateful by Torch

Blocks. In traditional Dancehall music, there are what I've called the Three 3 G's: Girls, guns & ganja. What I mean when I say that is if you listen to [traditional, have I mentioned TRADITIONAL??] Dancehall music, while you will find songs about topics beyond those three, those are, far and away, the most popular that songs from the genre center around. Furthermore, you're likely to almost NEVER find a song which doesn't incorporate at least one of the three in some fashion or another. I won't spend a similar amount of time explaining it but if you listen to Soca music at all, I don't have to tell you the concept of "jump, wave & misbehave" or any of its... thousands of infectious incantations or full blown albums. When it comes to Roots music, there're also a number of very basic and foundational concepts that anchor the music to a large degree. One of them is omnipresent (LITERALLY) and is THE central Figure of the entire genre; the others tend to revolve around HIM and are intrinsically interwoven within it as well. Now, just as is the case with the more restrictive confines of the Dancehall (I gave you three options for Dancehall. There're... maybe ten-ish in Roots music), we reward and celebrate the makes of this wonderful sound by how well they can convey these themes and, furthermore, how they can manage to differentiate it from their peers. HOWEVER, with that being said, there does exist a very straightforward way to present Reggae music in a way that does not stray far from center AT ALL but is still able to win the affections of listeners. There's a set road and those who show themselves capable of trodding it -- in even the most basic way -- can still reach a certain level of success when certain factors are in order. I'll bring up someone who so wonderfully embodies such a quality and though he hasn't enjoyed a massive amount of accomplishments to date (and likely never will), Steve Machete has spent a significant amount of time making a beautiful brand of Roots Reggae music that I absolutely love that does not challenge or stress the typical  foundation of the genre AT ALL. When you spread that out in terms of an album form (DAMN I would love a Steve Machete album), it can be even more important and while I do LOVE uniqueness and will continue to push it to your attention when I find it done well, I have to admit that there is SOMETHING mightily attractive about digging into a pure, extremely well done piece of modern Roots Reggae. I've spent years and years lifting up such releases and have absolutely no problem with doing it again.

2026

....like today, for example! Earlier this year, Torch released an EP by the name of "Path To Success" which, for what it was, was incredibly well-received and fairly popular in its time. I remember being very pleased to see the response around it and it featured a number of big names in just a handful of tracks (more on that in a bit because all of those songs are on this album) - so that definitely helped bring in eyes and ears. We were all largely rewarded. "Path To Success was very good and, apparently, it was just a bite of what was forthcoming. I've never actually reviewed any of Torch's work (despite the fact that he's been making full projects for... almost a decade and a half or so and you'll find him mentioned around here as early as 2009!) and made a proper note to attempt to change that around the time of "PTS" and LOOK [!], he's given me the opportunity to change that and I am all over it. 

I don't want to paint a picture that Torch or his music (or this album) are bereft of uniqueness or originality: They most certainly are not. His style is a very pleasing blend of a loud chant (he almost sounds like Tony Rebel at times. Coincidentally, The Rebel would give him his name and has been a help throughout Torch's career to my understanding) with a more traditional singing voice that he occasionally employs to big effect. I've also read interviews where the Trench Town native lists the likes of Buju Banton and Sizzla Kalonji as artists who've inspired him musically and his approach also reminds, somewhat, of them as well. Now, were you one of the ones who caught onto Torch during the hype of "Path To Success", you should be REALLY happy (and even if you go back further than that, you'll be pleased as well) as that release has now been inhaled and a larger project has been constructed around it and we get "Grateful", the brand new album from the ever talented Torch. Torch has an actual background in music, apart from making it, I believe he was trained as an engineer and he also spent considerable time at the hallowed Penthouse Records, so it comes to no great shock that he, himself, handles production for "Grateful" and, after getting a listen to it, hopefully he spreads the joy around a bit because there is some WONDERFUL Roots music on this album. I got started down this road as far as the direction of this review because of that title and how being grateful and thankful, in general, is foundational tenet of this music and, as the album plays out, Torch and company really begin to touch so many of the others and in a very forthright and matter-of-fact manner. "Grateful" makes absolutely no illusions as to what it is. It is a modern Roots Reggae album - nothing more, nothing less. It's very well written, it sounds exceptional and it is just so beautifully presented. Such a set of circumstances may present certain limitations (and I'll touch on that in closing, SURELY) but it also will open it up to my opinion; for what it may lack in "legs" and diversity, "Grateful" more than makes up for with sincerity and an UNFAILING understanding as to exactly what it is. Let's talk about it! 

Something that I (a nerd) found really cool about "Grateful" in relation to "Path To Success" (that no one else will but who cares!) is the fact that of the seven songs present on "PTS" only four of them made it to the full release. To me that says that there was some sort of total vision for "Grateful". It isn't that they cut away some of the 'fat' (they most certainly did not. This album has seventeen tracks and it's an hour long); it's that Torch and company had an idea of what they wanted "Grateful" to be and the songs that fit in that image made it over and the ones that did not fit, did not. They weren't just attempting to flesh out a record. What they did see (whoever "they" may be, precisely) begins with a definite highlight and the first of what turns out to be NINE combinations in total, the GORGEOUS 'Travel Jah Road', featuring Vyzadon.  The guest here is an interesting one for a few reasons, not the least of which is that Vyzadon tends to sounds.... almost SAD to me at times. It isn't quite the same feeling (and they sound nothing alike) but the feeling of listening to his music sometimes reminds me of Bugle to a degree. Of course SAD does not mean BAD at all and, like I said, 'Travel Jah Road' is outstanding. Specifically, the tune deals with things such as perseverance, overcoming obstacles and not being too proud to ask for help when needed. There's a lovely spot right in the middle where 'Travel Jah Road' REALLY settles in, musically, and when the vocals return we get a bit of back and forth between the Torch and Vyzadon for one of the more dynamic stretches of the album before the instruments return and send us out soaring on a golden start. In next is, arguably, the even higher 'Agenda', which is downright brilliant.

"So sharpen di vampire stick

Pass through, stab wicked heart wid di prick

A DIS YAH FLAME BUN NASTINESS"

"Full time no deh pon shift

DI MISSION IS TO SAVE DI PEOPLE DEM FROM A FIERY PIT

Dem waan fi stop mi from seh dat and dis:

Waan control di narrative wid lies and tricks

So dem come and seh 'excuse mi, yuh fire too red!'

KNOW SEH MI NAH PARTIAL

BUN YOU OUTTA YOUR BED"

'Agenda' Torch's shot back against a general level of nastiness being expressed in the world and he does it with such a HEAVY HAND! I mean this tune is dripping with confidence and wit. Torch tackles this one like someone who is taking a test that he's been studying for his entire life. There are no surprises to be had; HE'S GOT THIS! 'Agenda' is a special song and though I do find one stronger than it on "Grateful", were I to just pick one to present Torch's music to someone, 'Agenda' might get the call. I'll skip ahead a bit to another excellent selection and one with a title that you'd fully expect to see on a release such as this one, 'Don't Give Up'. I just mentioned how "confident" Torch struck me on 'Agenda' and I think that CONFIDENCE, particularly self-confidence and assurance is the main theme behind 'Don't Give Up'. This isn't necessarily that piece solely about dealing with things that you encounter in life and going through the things that give you trouble (as is the case on the opener); although that is certainly apart of it, 'Don't Give Up' is more about what's going on inside of your head. We've had bad times that we've experienced and we knew that they were passing. Maybe you were working on something that wasn't going quite to plan but you were fine with it. You were patient and knew you had a good chance of turning it around; 'Don't Give Up' is when THAT is gone. When you've lost that inner belief, 

"So no give up on yourself

ONE DAY YOU'LL HAVE A STORY TO TELL"

'By The Cover' was a legit surprise to me and a damn powerful one. I didn't make the connection but it's quite clever. This one is about not underestimating people and places and circumstances (and ALBUMS) (I may've thrown in that last one) ["Dem judge di book dem by di cover and wasn't sure of what was inside. And now dem wishing dem discover, cause it was more than what meets di eye"], for better or for worse. There's just LOADS of common sense and knowledge behind 'By The Cover' as well and you get the point, without knowing him at all, that Torch is someone who writes with a level of life-experience that he pushes into a song like 'By The Cover' and several others on "Grateful" as well. Before I switch gears, I will mention out obligatory love song on the album, 'Still Believe In Love'. You don't dwell on these tunes unless they're exceptional or really bad and 'Still Believe In Love' is neither. It's just fine for what it is and it actually does a nice job in showing off Torch's vocals when he sits on them just a little. You should have expected such a piece to be in this mix and, if you did, you probably expected it to sound pretty close to 'Still Believe In Love'. 

Now, let's talk about the other seven individuals who, along with the aforementioned Vyzadon, join Torch in making "Grateful" the project that it is, as he taps a wonderful variety of names you know and maybe others that you should/will know. Let's just pick a random one... let's say... 'All I Need'! This fine track features veteran singer, Little Kirk. Little Kirk is [delightful] an interesting one because he was never the type to hop on every single riddim -- even at his pinnacle -- and though he's strung together a fine career for himself, the urge is to always bring up his generational talent of a brother when his name comes up but he's more than deserving of a significant amount of credit on his own merit and I was DAMN happy to see him aboard "Grateful" and he does not disappoint. 'All I Need' is a very straightforward, but BEAUTIFULLY done, praiser and that's about all of the explaining it needs, but DAMN this song is so nice to listen to! Biggup Little Kirk. You wish he came around more often after tracks like this one (but he won't). Just ahead of Little Kirk's appearance on "Grateful", Aneillyon makes a contribution on the somewhat melancholy 'No Procrastinating'. Like the song just behind it, 'No Procrastinating' is song exalting The Almighty but it takes a little bit of a twisting route to arrive there. I'm actually pretty curious as to how they came up with it but the song's punchline:

"No procrastinating, we've got work to do

Trust in Jah, and HE will see us through"

It's pretty SMART. What they're saying is that NO ONE, not even HIM, is going to do everything for you and you have to try, at the very least, to meet someone halfway. You do your part and I'll do mine and we'll be just fine. Again, the vibes of the song are pretty different; this is not a joyful tune but it's one that you'll make a mistake in not taking in should you pass on it when realizing that it doesn't immediately grab your attention. You should have no such issues AT ALL with the all sorts of fun 'Wheel Again' which enlists the talents of Bingi (who, himself, has a new EP for this year by the name of "The Beginning"). I'm not going to call it a 'love song' or a 'lust song' ["She seh she a nuh door but she loving how mi jam it"] but it is kind of relationship-ish and flirty. HOWEVER you come to qualify it - it is outstanding and a damn joy to listen to. Just as impressive as Torch & Bingi on the vocals is the actual riddim and whoever is on that guitar on this song deserves a bonus with the performance they put on for 'Wheel Again'.  'Be careful of the company you keep' is the sentiment behind another winner, 'False Pretense', which links Torch with the always interesting (for one reason or another) Turbulence. The tune was one of the few making it over from "Path To Success" and I can actually recall the first few times that I heard it (because I can literally still hear what my critique of it was at the time) because it sounds a little uneven in combining the vocals with riddim at times (especially at the beginning) but it subsequently settles down and you get a really nice vibes between these two across an old school bounce of a riddim ["TRY TO DESTROY MI FOR SELFISH REASONS AND IN MY EYES, THAT IS A TREASON"]. You've heard songs like this many times in the past on Roots sets (Ickarus had one of the finest I've ever heard called 'Mind Who U Lime Round' ["Spend time round. They could be the same one that's putting you down"] and they do so nicely fit into the ideology of the genre as well as far as uplifting positive works and putting away negative ones. Torch also taps German star, Gentleman, for a cut on "Grateful", the glowing 'I Will Be There'. RIDICULOUSLY COINCIDENTALLY, Gentleman, himself, also recently released a very similarly titled album by the name of "Gratitude" and it also just happens to have seventeen tracks as well! No stranger at all to combinations, himself ("Gratitude" has TEN of them), Gentleman at least has the propensity to work well with others, Gentleman can pretty much work well with just about anyone - CLEARLY Torch isn't an exception (and I am fully expecting to see Torch on Gentleman's next album or EP, whenever it may get here). As its title would suggest, 'I Will Be There' is just a track about accepting and asking for a helping hand when you need it. It's also about serving that purpose for someone else when you're able and just such a nice vibes altogether and one which sort of indirectly (almost directly) gets into things such as depression and mental health. Now, with supreme respect to Gentleman, Turbulence and everyone else whose name I've mentioned thus far playing a guesting role on "Grateful" there's a trio of others who really turn in efforts that set them apart from the rest. One of the names I was most curious about hearing was Natty King. Natty King is a really big deal for me but he seems to not be as active as I would like (which would explain why I was more looking forward to his tune than another one here which happens to feature one of my absolute favourites artists) (more on him in a second) which makes it an even bigger deal when he does come around. His contribution to Torch's album comes on a song called 'Give Thanks'... you know damn well you can't have a Roots Reggae album without a tune called 'Give Thanks' or something like it. The actual music echoes the simplicity of its name and it definitely is cursory but in a lovely way. The two have a nice amount of chemistry with one another, the song sounds excellent and it isn't necessarily lacking lyrically either. 

[Who knew ^that^ paragraph was getting THAT damn long???] Junior Kelly has an album of his own which actually releases TODAY (currently writing this on the 2nd of October, 2026), "Care About Me". If it's at least halfway decent (and it should be), it'll probably be the next review that I start (listening to some of the early clips.... ain't looking good) (maybe I'll review it anyway) but until then, he pops up on "Grateful" for one of its largest moments, the downright triumphant 'Perseverance'. 'Perseverance' is GLORIOUS Roots Reggae music; both turn in excellent performances but you have to definitely big up Junior Kelly who provides the tune (and the entire album, actually) with one its most scintillating segments:

"I no born inna socks or nah grow up pon no carpet

No silver spoon inna mi mouth mi neva get yet

Yet, when rain ah fall - man a wet

Sun ah shine - man ah sweat 

Pon mi pride, mi dignity - dem waan mi step, step, step

I'm more

Mi nah less 

Mi nah sleep

Mi nah rest

Through all di blood and di sweat and all di stumble weh mi mek

AND WHEN YOU HIT ROCK-BOTTOM DI ONLY PLACE YOU CAN GO IS UP!

And when you lost everything then you got no more to lose!

So don't give up!"

BOOM! Similarly vibed is the final combination I have to tell you about, the title track, this one calling up the great Lutan Fyah. 'Grateful' is EPIC. It's one of the single best songs that I've heard ALTOGETHER in 2026 and, of course, the sitting GEM of the album named for it. Though 'Perseverance' has a more jovial type of vibe to it, it and 'Grateful' are quite similar to my ears and, again, they both WONDERFULLY encapsulate a couple of the longstanding and significant themes of modern Roots Reggae music. CHECK! 

And we're not done, I still have four really good solo songs to tell you about [!]: Check the easy-going and prayerful 'Goodness & Mercy'. This tune, which has a clearly established biblical core, is likely exactly what you're thinking but it might come as a surprise that it actually has some of the finest musicianship on the entire album. The riddim here exquisite and it seems to keep adding little [delightful] nuances as it goes on and on. First you get a little horn (not THAT kinda "horn") (biggup Soca); then A LOT of horn; then a keyboard; then some guitar and it all makes for one attention dominating piece of music. 'Goodness & Mercy' shares a heart with the closer of 'Grateful', 'We Shall Overcome'. While the sound of 'We Shall Overcome' is far more basic than 'Goodness & Mercy', I'll challenge you to listen to this album out and not find yourself singing, "we shall overcome, we shall overcome". It's musical 'modesty' is not only its most apparent characteristic, it's also its most charming and powerful in my opinion and I wouldn't be surprised if, somewhere in his background, is a more traditional amount of Gospel for Torch as well. Then there's 'I Am A Warrior'.

"Sometimes I feel so broken and battered

All my hopes and dreams, it seems shattered

And I know that faith is required

Even though I'm weary and tired

Time it waits on no man, so I just can't play around

Keep my head above the water, cause I man no plan fi drown"

I'm thinking 'I Am A Warrior' (and the next song that I'm about to tell you about) will kind of go overlooked because it definitely doesn't have some of the more... IMMEDIATE qualities that you hear on some of the others but it is a very nice selection! It's well-written, it's catchy (that chorus ranks amongst the album's finest in my opinion), the vocals are lovely and it's just a high-quality, total effort from Torch. Finally, 'Oh Jah Jah' is a sweet praise of The Almighty which instantly translates to a more terrestrial and tangible idea in using a level of praise and inspiration to overcome certain things in life (more on that in a second) and it is lovely. Take a listen for yourself! 

"One day my sorrows will ovah!"

There're a couple of things that stood out to me as I was putting this review together that I think deserve to be stressed. The first is that "Grateful" definitely does cover many of the bases of its genre but it pinpoints things like perseverance and struggling, specifically. While I won't say that it does to that topic what Akae Beka did with unity on the unforgettable "Beauty For Ashes" because not the entire album is on the same topic but what Torch does manage to do here is extremely impressive, particularly considering that "Grateful" remains fresh and exciting throughout. It never wears out the subject and becomes flat. To that end, credit goes to the wonderful music and writing. The other thing I want to mention is just how nice of a showcase this set is for Torch's VOICE. He sounds fantastic, consistently, within every approach he takes (he almost sounds like Natty King at times, which is a huge compliment). If he's chanting, full singing or bringing in the fire, Torch shows himself to be amongst the most gifted, CAPABLE and versatile lights on the scene today with what he does throughout this release. 

Overall, if you cannot tell (shame on you), I REALLY like "Grateful". It's long overdue that I review one of Torch's albums but I picked a good one to get to work on. Because of how it goes, and its full quality, I would first specifically recommend "Grateful" as a great doorway into Torch's work. Maybe you'll find a better set somewhere in his catalogue (and if you know of one off the top of your head, feel free to let me know), maybe not, but if you're just catching on to his work, this is a FINE entry point. Furthermore, I'd go as far as to say that, even in a year as ridiculously STACKED as 2026 has been, "Grateful" stands as one of the strongest displays of talent that I've come across. Let's specify that for just a moment: I'm not saying it's THE best album that I've heard (it is not but it is up there) but as far as showing what its star is capable of, it's great at that. Along with its sound, its display and everything that it has going in its favour, "Grateful" by Torch is an album that should register with fans for one reason or another. Maybe it isn't the greatest you've ever heard or maybe it doesn't blow you away but IF YOU ENJOY MODERN ROOTS REGGAE, YOU WILL LIKE THIS ALBUM. Period. 

Rated: 4.45/5

Bad-Hasai Muzyk

2026

Aging Gracefully: A review of "Gratitude" by Gentleman

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

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

2022

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

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

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

"Coulda hill top weh a di grades, man grow

Dung inna di gully, a di same love show

Still ah carry love pon di journey, mi know

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

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

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

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

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

 

"Careful cah di rat dem out fi get yuh cheese

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

Solid as a rock, it's like wi concrete

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

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

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

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

"After mi gi dem di torch and dem drop it

Show dem di door and all now dem caan knock it

Give dem di code and all now dem caan crack it 

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

Capleton and Gentleman, di one yah shoot like rocket

Not even AI, nuttin can stop it

Go fi cybernetic and dem still couldn't hack it

Mek mi tell dem one more thing: 

Mi love di people uplifted

Blessed from birth, so mi know seh mi gifted

ANYTHING THAT GOOD, IT HAFFI GET RESTRICTED

Real organic, well a dat wi ah stick wid

And mi nah lef mi clip wid"

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

"Biggup di real ones and go have a laugh"

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

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

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

Cooler than di breeze weh blow outta di fan

Hotter than di fya from out frying pan 

Lyrics dem ah shot but no gun inna mi hand" 

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

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

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

Rated: 4.2/5

Warner Music

2026

NEW FROM PRINCE THEO!

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

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

"I said life throws many punches 

But I never give up easily

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

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

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

Spiritual War by Queen Omega!

"MAN NUH HAVE NO MERCY

MAN IS TOO BLOODTHIRSTY

MAN NOT TRUSTWORTHY

MAMA HAFFI PURGE WI"

biggup Tiwony. Making the cameo

What I'm Listening To: Zigging

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

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

"Caan mess wid mi mind, dem nuh able

Walk mi own road, mi nuh follow dem fable

Mi destiny set, it written pon di cable

Dem chat plenty but di works nuh stable"

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

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

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

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

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

Bomboclxxt Now Riddim [Misik Muzik - 2026]

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

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

 

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

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