TEARS!

If you haven't been able to figure out up to this point (clearly, thinking isn't a strength of yours) I love this stuff. For me, music is one of the greatest and most easily appreciable spices of life that there is and I couldn't (well, I could, but I don't want to) even begin to tell you just how much it has improved my life, personally. It also can be a very emotional experience for me. As I've said in the past, I'm not actually the most well put together person you'll ever meet, so the absolute perfect song, at the absolute perfect moment can definitely affect my senses in a billion different ways and I'm not complaining at all. Examples? I say it with not the slightest bit of shame (at all!) (no behaviour!), that I ROUTINELY 'tear up' listening to music. Generally in life I don't cry much and usually only when on the verge of some spell of delirium or when I'm, otherwise, really really happy and in the musical sense, it's pretty much the same. Music that makes me happy also 'threatens' to reduce me to a living and breathing bottle of water. Here, I present for your . . . whatever you want to do with it - Ten songs which do just that. TEARS!

{Note: The only rules for this list are that no artist is used more than once and that it's all Reggae. However, I cut out so much Soca that I may make a Vol. 2 at some point}
{Note 2: Tunes appear on no order after the first}
{Note 3: Biggup Bredz if you haven't already}

'Free Again' by Natural Black

Launch. I thought that we'd start with THE tune which actually hatched this idea. I have no idea why the biggest early career hit from the amazing Natural Black isn't this amazing tune, 'Free Again', but is (probably) 'Bad Mind'. Surely the latter wasn't a bad tune, it is BIG actually, but for me - looking back, the greatest thing he ever did prior to 'Far From Reality' was probably this tune. For me the song was quintessential Natural Black which means that he is able to infuse a great deal of personality in a song which, on the surface, seems SO straight forward. The result is an inspirational vibes of a MASSIVE order which flattens the listener at the chorus. It should also be said that the riddim here, the Fresh Air, should probably be considered the greatest ever musical contribution from its creator, Goofy (the same riddim backs Warrior King's huge 'Breath of Fresh Air', which would have made this list, easily, had it stretched to 15 or 20).

Album: "Spiritual Food"

'No Night In Zion' by Luciano

No night. EVER! Legendary singer, Luciano, hardly says an actual word before I need to wipe my face on what is EASILY one of the greatest songs of all time, 'No Night In Zion'. The intro on this song is probably one of the most memorable ever and by the time singing begins, you're already in the midst of this rapturous PRAISING 'confusion' that the balance of the song comes through as this most SPECTACULAR echo!

Album: "A New Day"

'Soon Come' by Jah Cure

Problems! Much like the final name to appear on this list (and the previous one, for that matter); Jah Cure is someone who I could've filled this post with the material of. Armed with a downright HALTING voice, the Cure has a catalog full of meaningful tunes which are going to carry a different type of 'weight' than any of his peers, simply by his amazing delivery. While I could've chosen far more likely choices here such as 'My Life' from the same album and, of course, True Reflection' and 'Longing For' (and 'Love Is' got very close to being on this list), I went with 'Soon Come' because I think it has become one of the most underrated tunes that he's had. Also - It is HUGE! From beginning to end, it is a powerful emotional trip through the mind and one which should not be forgotten. "Tell Mama be cool, tell Papa be cool!"

Album: "The Universal Cure"

'Old Roots Rastaman' by Sara Lugo

Shine on. Almost surely the newest entrant on this list is a tune which comes from FLAMING Achis Reggae and earth favourite, German Reggae Princess Sara Lugo, 'Old Roots Rastaman'. This tune is interesting for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it actually missed her wonderful debut album, "What About Love", where it would have been a highlight and that it utilizes the same Lion Paw Riddim which is best known as the crystal composition which backs Richie Spice's hit, 'More Terrible [9-11]'. Still, the most interesting aspect of the tune, for me, is the fact that I've yet to hear it in its entirety or partiality (a word???) without smiling from ear to ear. There're just certain spots in this tune which were seemingly designed to just kind of shock the listener at a certain moment with such a great vibes that it shows on your face and clearly Lugo agrees (and DO so check the second verse):

"He doesn't have much
But that's okay
He doesn't need a lot, to be free
As long as he's got music, he is fine
Look at his wonderful smile"

Album: N/A

'Trodding Home' by Ras Attitude

SWEETNESS! If you really love Reggae music you love this song. That probably goes without even saying (even though I just said it). Specifically, the thing about my affection for 'Trodding Home', which likely remains the most recognizable single track in all of Ras Attitude's career, is the 'mood' of the tune. It is a repatriation tune, but it's one which gives you the same sense of comfort and FULLNESS that the lyrics of the tune offer and that's something which, unfortunately, is quite rare. If we are to hold up this place "home" as this very desirable and perfect place, then we sing of it, we should be happy! The prospects of going are something which should make you happy and you can tell that Attitude crafted, wrote and sang this one with giant smile on his face. You'll smile when you hear it also.

Album: "Trodding Home"

'Can't Sleep Ah Night' by Capleton

Lyrics! Intelligence can be such a powerful quality. Capleton, in my opinion, due to his rather LARGE and GRIMY presentation has often been ignore for being the proper A+ level lyricist that he is and not only that, but when at his best, his songs can make such good SENSE (and we flame all common sense around here, but we'll make an exception here). In the case of 'Can't Sleep Ah Night', that was definitely evident and the tune was wrapped up and delivered in this very big package - the sonics - Which made for a double powered winner of a tune.

"Can't sleep a night -
A nightmare dem ah get
Get up over night and wash by cold sweat
All come outside-
Come sid dung pon step
Wid hand pon dem jaw, dem nah stop from fret"

Album: Many

'Free' by Etana

Everyday. Etana has made some completely stunning music inside of her completely STUNNING career and while I wouldn't call 'Free' the finest (although it certainly isn't very far from it); she's probably yet to offer up a more pausing moment to date. Much like in the case of Luciano earlier, this tune is becomes IMMEDIATELY gripping to the listener and ultimately not only proves to be powerful in the manner in which it is carried out, but also powerful in being one of the best sang tunes Etana has ever sung - Which is OBVIOUSLY saying a great deal.

Album: "Free Expression"

'Sleep With Angels' by Spragga Benz

Getting Personal. Okay so, it'd surely be more appropriate that I bring this post with some type of story about how I lost someone close to me that this song reminds me of, but that's not the case. As I've said in the past, I just don't look at death like that and . . . Yeah. It's not necessarily a 'SAD' occurrence for me. HOWEVER! What 'Sleep With Angels' from Dancehall legend, Spragga Benz, does remind me of is an even more personal event. I was doing one of the three or four billion STUPID things that I've done in my life and this was a song which played the background to the moment. Eventually, with tears streaming down face, nose running and mouth watering - I stopped. I haven't heard the tune from then with tearing up just a bit and remembering my days of intense intelligence deficiencies (which, unfortunately, persist on a daily bases in only a slightly lessened version).

Album: "Fully Loaded"

'Just Jah' by Malika Madremana

I've spoken extensively on this master class of a tune, definitely one of my favourite of all time and a tune which has had a great deal of impact on the way I listen to music and really, how I look at certain aspects of life, in general. What Ms. Malika Madremana managed to mature and maintain on the MASSIVE 'Just Jah' is this DIRECT connection from the spiritual world to the tangible one. I speak so often about people writing these kind of open ended songs which will either deal with one or the other (and that's not a bad thing, you'll likely find such a tune celebrated in this very post), but when someone can link the two well touched aspects of the music, that song becomes something truly special. Meet "truly special".

Album: "Healing"

'Praise Ye Jah' by Sizzla Kalonji

Hail The Emperor. And finally we have what should be the most obvious moment on the whole of this list as it's been a loooooooong time that I haven't become 'misty eyed' when listening to what should likely be regarded as the greatest praising tune in the entire of Reggae history (which is saying A LOT - probably placing it at the head of a MILLION songs, without exaggeration), 'Praise Ye Jah' from the incomparable Sizzla Kalonji. Similar to how well Ras Attitude captures what should be an incredible joy of returning to this magical place - "Home" - on this legendary track the main highlight is just how IMPORTANT the song takes the nature of its subject. If you are going to make a song speaking on the joys and the splendours of His Imperial Majesty, it should 'sound' (theoretically) like this! You don't even have to agree with the sentiment, but you can tell just how important this is to the artist.


From a personal point of view, I'll always say that Sizzla's music changed my life and it was songs like this on the ignition. TEARS!

Album: "Praise Ye Jah"

Most Wanted 2011: The Update

Okay so, late last year we did a list called "Most Wanted" which was a compiling of fifteen different names who I had hoped would be delivering full albums sometime in 2011. With the year now being more than 2/3 complete, I thought that we'd take a look back (and a look ahead) to see just who's been up to what and really how good the year has been according to that (most ridiculous) list of ours. In terms of basic numbers, only three of my choices have actual albums out RIGHT NOW, but there're also two more who seem to be certain locks at this point, Let's have a look.

{Note: Names appear only in the same order they appeared in the original list, which was based on my preference at the time}

{Note 2: On the original list I had no 'behind the scenes information' and that is true on this one as well}

#1. Agent Sasco

While it surely would have been nice to have had a new album out from the current best Dancehall lyricist in the world, Agent Sasco, I can't actually say that I'm surprised that we haven't seen it just yet, but I am expecting it before the end of the year. The fact that we have yet to see his third studio album has only given the DJ more and more time to string together HUGE tunes and that's exactly what he's been doing in 2011, seemingly offering bigger and bigger songs each and every month. Much earlier in the year, Sasco was reportedly having a contest for fans to name his new album (which, technically isn't a good sign as Mr. Lex did the same thing with an album for VP Records which we, thankfully, never got, several years ago) and I don't know how/if that went at all, but I would greatly expect Assassin's album to be forthcoming in the final four and a half months of 2011 - Maybe the final big album of the year.

Original Chances of Happening: 4/5
New Chances of Happening: 4/5

#2. I-Octane

In terms of albums, 2011 would be somewhat of a failure if it didn't deliver on an album from arguably THE most talented name in Reggae without one currently (unless I'm REALLY overlooking someone), the dominant I-Octane. I fully expected that album, whatever it would have been, to be out by now, but we've remained patient and it appears that such waiting will be rewarded before the end of the year. The next generation hybrid chanter is set to deliver "Crying To The Nation" later this year. The album is reportedly produced by longtime Shaggy maestro, Robert Livingston and while I'm not sure of the label just yet, such things appear to be already concluded or will be in a matter of time. Given his recent track record, to suggest that Octane could give 2011 it's finest project altogether isn't completely out of the question.

Original Chances of Happening: 4/5
New Chances of Happening: 4.5/5

#3. Sara Lugo

I don't know if you knew this - I hardly ever talk about such things around these parts, but breakout German Reggae star, Sara Lugo, actually released her debut album, "What About Love" earlier this year and . . . I mean . . . If I were you, I'd pick it up!

#4. Jah Marnyah

The WICKED Montserrat born chanter, Jah Marnyah, is apparently on the road to becoming one of the two biggest disappointments on this list because it seems more and more unlikely that we'll see his debut album this year. I'm was almost certain that an album called "Sweat Of Your Brow" from Faya Wurks Records from Marnyah would have been on shelves by now and the fact that it isn't . . . Yeah I probably do want it more now than ever. Marnyah has a very captivating and RUGGED edge to his vibes and I'm damn interested to see how that spreads through an entire set.

Original Chances of Happening: 4.25/5
New Chances of Happening: 1.25/5

#5. Spice

Spice definitely has the greatest excuse of anyone on the list (should she choose to use it) for not having an album out by now, despite now, reportedly, being two years deep into a contract with VP Records - She had a baby! We can't blame (well you can if you don't mind being just a great big heap of shit!) her for not working things out on that end while she was busy being a Mother. STILL, would it be all that surprising if her debut set for the label arrived in December or so? Not entirely, but arguably the most anticipated debut album currently to be had in the Dancehall (minus Aidonia, of course, but I don't even want to go there) figures more likely to equip a presumably otherwise paltry early 2012.

Original Chances of Happening: 4.5/5
New Chances of Happening: 2/5

#6. Lady Sweety

Yeah. I knew it would it happen this way. "Ma Vérité" is the name of the album. We've now been waiting on it for more than two years and I just don't know what the circumstances would have to be in order for it to arrive any time soon. Most disturbing/interesting was that the tune which was apparently the album's first single, 'Sa Ki Taw Bien Taw' did actually appear on album - For Sistah Majesty's very solid "Ouvrir Les Portes" earlier this year, her own first album in several millions of years. Still, we have seen and heard Lady Sweety on just a few tracks throughout the year and even more as of late. So hopefully she's prepping for a big '12 because it's not happening this year. And, as usual, it should be said that if you haven't listened to Sweety's music - Definitely find some, EASILY she is one of the Dancehall's most talented female artists and may just be its finest lady lyricist EVER outside of Ms. Stephens (and that is one NICE picture).

Original Chances of Happening: 1.9999999/5
New Chances of Happening: 0.25/5

#7. Ziggi Recado

In April, Ziggi Recado did the expected and dropped "Ziggi Recado", his third studio album to date and the results, also as expected, were fantastic. One of the year's best!

#8. Saïk

In the early part of 2011 we didn't hear very much from the intensely talented Saïk, but we knew it would only be a matter of time. With his record label, Don's Music, pretty much running through their entire roster of artists over the past couple of years, his time would come and it would seem as if his time is nearly upon us. Saïk is, reportedly, due to deliver his still untitled (to my knowledge) sophomore album in October, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it come even later than that and it's no problem. What makes me so hopeful is just how popular the album's lead single, 'You & Me' [digital single pictured] has become and chances are we may get another (not including its big remix) before we get the album. In this case, I'm ready for either - Send on!

Original Chances of Happening: 4.5/5
New Chances of Happening: 4.65/5

#9. Bramma

Not much to say here. While it would have been nice, I didn't particularly expect 2011 to be the year for Bramma's debut album. That being said, he has, somewhat quietly, managed to string together a pretty good year for himself and it seems as if much of his early popularity (including in the eyes of yours truly) has returned. There's just so much skill here and so much which is, potentially, untapped, that even if we have to wait until 2014 - It's probably worth it. Few people can do what Bramma can.

Original Chances of Happening: 2/5
New Chances of Happening: 0/5

#10. Bunji Garlin

Bunji Garlin is definitely an interesting name on this list because he has, by far, more albums than any other artiste you'll find here and, like most Soca acts, he's on a 'schedule' of sorts - You may not know WHAT to expect from him (and you don't) (even a haircut), but you do know when to expect it. 2011 would have been great for another big release from 'the Black Spaniard', but it will come eventually and another year passed now means FOUR seasons of tunes to draw from on the next one (which may or may not still be named "I Am").

Original Chances of Happening: 3/5
New Chances of Happening: 0/5

#11. Mr. Williamz

I don't particularly know what's going on in this case. It was now two years ago when I was highest on the ROUGH talents of one of the UK's finest up and comers, Mr. Williamz, but following a 2010 which wasn't necessarily the greatest and a 2011 which hasn't been as great 2009, my intensity in searching out his work has gone down a bit. He did drop an EP for Necessary Mayhem earlier this year and something like that surely helps to add to the attraction to an LP, but I think that, more than likely, it'll be next year when we get it.

Original Chances of Happening: 4/5
New Chances of Happening: 1/5

#12. Batch

While I have head of Batch doing production in 2011, I don't know that I've heard even the smallest rumour about him in the studio for himself at all this year and my inclusion of him on the first list was a matter of just how much I've grown to LOVE his music. That hasn't at all waned this year and it'll very likely still be high when he chooses to bless us with his musical presence on an album again - Hopefully sometime next year.

Original Chances of Happening: 2/5
New Chances of Happening: 0.5/5

#13. Skinny Fabulous

The fantastic three year run of Skinny Fabulous as St. Vincy Soca Monarch ended in 2011, but it's been yet another very successful year for the Soca superstar and in the age of iTunes, it makes it . . . very very strange that he doesn't already have two or three albums available. 2011 won't be the year for that, but it shouldn't take someone very long to realize that high order madness which resides in his catalog and the sure attention it will attract.

Original Chances of Happening: 2.5/5
New Chances of Happening: 0.5/5

#14. Bambú Station

I just don't know what happened here. Bambú Station's new album had a name, "Children of Exodus", it had a big first single 'How Things Ah Go' and I was completely under the impression that it was a finished product and just awaiting . . . whatever it was doing, but it never showed up! Then suddenly there were issues with the recording (I THINK that's what I heard) and other things, but apparently it's already to go now in January of next year but, that's what I thought this year, so who knows. In either case, whenever it gets here, we'll be looking forward to it.

Original Chances of Happening: 4.5/5
New Chances of Happening: 0/5

#15. Ce'Cile

Finally - Common sense said Ce'Cile would be back big in 2011 and continuing her brilliant two year run up to that point and she returned and did so in a stainless fashion with her big month old album, "Jamaicanization" [pictured].

What I'm Listening To: September

"Great Controversy" by Luciano [JetStar - 2001]


'Great Controversy'

If you wanted to call 2001's "Great Controversy" one of the finest albums that Reggae legend, Luciano, has ever done in his entire career, I'm probably not going to argue with you very much. From beginning to end the album had very few, if any, soft spots and it was just a WONDERFULLY put together project. It has, in retrospect, become a largely overlooked and nearly 'underground' piece of work for several reasons (not the least of which are the fact that it was released a month before the increasingly well regarded "A New Day" set), but while listening to some of these tunes today, it's hard to make a case for it not being one of his best really. This album found its way on my players, largely, in 'replacing' the latest Luciano album, "Rub A Dub Market" which only just recently feel out of my daily rotation. None of these tunes, really, are hailed as significant 'hits' today, but with tunes such as the title track (the album's best tune), 'Free The World' (BOOM), 'Road Block' and remakes of both 'Legalise It' and 'Rivers of Babylon', maybe we should just consider the entire album a HIT.

"Introducing Koloni" by Prince Koloni [Transportation Label - 2005]

I won't speak about this one too much (because I may just review his new album in a few days' time), but I'm still really impressed by the work done by Transportation Label this year which has seen a much greater presence international presence for the music from out of both Suriname and Guyane. We dealt with Little Guerrier from a little while back and these days I'm listening to two albums from a really big name from the region, Prince Koloni. This album, "Introducing Koloni" has recently gone digital, but actually originated from 2005 and it doesn't sound too dated actually. What I will say is that the album is very fascinating in that, it's pretty 'genre stretching'. Much of Koloni's early work was done in a style known as 'Aleke' and this album is an example of that. There's an Afrikan swing to it, there's Reggae, I hear some Soca (I hear Soca in everything) and this is just an intoxicating album. Definitely check its high point, the HEAVY 'Moro Wi e Proberi'.

"Fiery" by Bunji Garlin [Bunji Garlin - 2008]

By no means was "Fiery" the best album from Bunji Garlin to date (nor was it from his best season, even though he 'won' Soca Monarch that year and by won I mean "blatantly stole" it from his Wife . . .) (I still have issues), but I think that it may've been better than most people (named "Me") gave it credit for, in retrospect. The 'problem' with the album was its 'mood'. It just seemed like something that was forced, BUT listening to it three years on, while I can still see that (especially in the middle of the album) is the case, I'm more able to appreciate the good moments of the album. There was 'Bad So' ("mi alone versus dem!"), 'Bad & Famous' on the Lehgo Mi Riddim, the DAMAGING 'Mr. Murder' and a tune which I probably listened to (solely) for an hour or so yesterday, 'Feeling'. Oh and there's the title track which is still the best damn tune on the album. It's better than we thought.

"Over The Years" by Asante Amen [2011]


'More Fyah' w/Jah Thunder

Okay so, we had one of my favourite readers send us an album from someone whose name is definitely not a complete unknown to me, but at the same time, is just as surely no 'household name' in Reggae circles - Asante Amen. The album, "Over The Years" is billed as "the underground project" and, as it turns out, you can find it being freely given out, with the artist's consent, on several websites (including his Facebook and this one if Bredz linked it). What I heard on the album didn't blow me away, but was DAMN powerful material and certainly something that would be worthy of being put in a shop. However, we're well grateful for OUTSTANDING music in any form. This album is seventeen tracks of heavy modern Roots Reggae and Lover's Rock. The album also features Lutan Fyah on a later track as well as Jah Thunder and, to my ears, the Roots tunes are stronger, on the whole, but we've been having a good time with this album for a few days now - Take a listen for yourself (check a big tune by the name of 'Mek Mi Rich').

Get Album

"Another Level" [Monstapiece Entertainment - 2011]


'Brace & Wine' by Alison Hinds


'Lemme See De Rags' by Rupee

And lastly (I'm tired!) we have an album which, at least in theory, I thought had already been released. Each and every year, the wonderful people at Monstapiece Entertainment release their annual Soca compilation and while I was pretty sure we'd seen the installment for 2011, apparently I was wrong because here it is. "Another Level", just like every other edition from every other year before it, features the biggest tunes produced on the label from that season and they're usually jam packed with big vibes and big names. Checking in at a far more than necessary twenty-four tracks, "Another Level" also fits that trait well. Names like Alison Hinds, a suddenly flaming Rupee, Peter Ram and Lil Rick come to the surprise of absolutely no one, but also as usual, the album does offer its fair share of twists and turns (and I don't even know if I can call them that anymore because they happen so often), so also make appearances are Beenie Man, Konshens and even Gappy Ranks. If you like Soca music, you really can't go wrong here.

'Show Me': A Review of "Holdin A Vibe" by Jah Nyne

I think that, normally, when we think of a 'musical presentation' or the concept of such a thing, we're typically driven into the direction of something more of a visual nature. When someone 'presents' their music to you, surely it's somewhat of a personal experience and something which is, obviously, best appreciated in a more direct format. This is done, usually, through concerts and videos, both of which definitely aid the music and in a very specific genre such as Reggae, these things (especially in the case of videos where, presumably, the experience is exactly or near to exactly what was crafted in order to represent a particular tune) both of these mediums can do a great deal of work in various situations. There's also the more literal presentation of music - i.e. presenting someone with a song or an album and everything that it carries such as an album cover and liners etc. - but what I'd like to talk about today is the actual audio experience we can have through listening to a particular artist. You'll forgive me (because I've been listening to a month of Soca music) for going in that direction, but I think that one of the greatest audio presentations or 'displays', to be found in all music is in Soca. That type of vibe is so powerful that it can transfer you mentally to a very visual place in your mind and really have an EMOTIONAL link to its listeners. In Reggae, things can be just as compelling. Someone who I feel has an excellent presentation of his music is Chezidek. Strictly speaking on how the album was, musically, displayed, his winner from last year, "Judgement Time", is probably one of the best albums of the past decade and the roll he has been on over the course of the past year or so is, in its own right, a vivid display of just how musically proficient the odd voiced singer can be. 'Oddly' enough, Buju Banton is someone else who has this skill (and that is precisely what it is) and to a grand degree. If you can remember (has it been that long), Buju, in his latest form and when at his best, made these very RICH Roots Reggae anthems which, almost inherently, set themselves apart from similar tunes from almost all of his peers. You could listen to the opening few seconds of a Buju tune on a riddim voiced by twenty other artists and IMMEDIATELY have an idea which was his tune. Mikey General would be another good example, as would a few others who have this wonderful ability to individualize their music, within a pack of many, based on how well their vibes are presented to the listener in the most basic form.

Someone who I'm now going to add to that list of venerable names is an artist who, hopefully, isn't completely unknown to you at this point, the wicked singing chanter from out of the Bahamas, Jah Nyne! Longtime readers of this blog are probably well familiar with Nyne because his was actually one of the very first features we did for a particular artist (he was actually fourth) and fittingly so - I've been very keen on the artist for years now and to watch his career (and his abilities) develop over that same time has been damn interesting. What really first struck me about Jah Nyne's music is something which I've previously characterized as being this very 'intense' command of melody, and it is a very NATURAL command as well. I don't know if Nyne has ever taken a formal musical lesson in his entire life, in terms of learning how to sing, but when he sings his wonderful tunes they really OPEN things up, as far as the basic POSSIBILITY of having a great melody in a song. When you take that and combine it with good music and then add to it the fact that he's turned out to be a very talented lyricist (more on that later), well at that point we're dealing with someone who has a 'next level' type of skill and, again, watching that skill come to fruition, as of late, has been very pleasing. What he's become is someone who can, very naturally and organically, 'give' his music to his listeners and have it come across so well that you know when you're listening to a tune from Jah Nyne.

Goldcup Records [did we really need to caption this???]

Still, I think that the one thing missing from Jah Nyne's musical résumé, to date, would have been a greater level of recognition within the Reggae world. There aren't too many voices in the genre from out of the Bahamas who do receive that type of push, but we have seen it in certain cases such as for Jah Hem, Jah Doctrine and of course veteran Reggae/Gospel act, Monty G and now Nyne has joined that group as he reaches the next stage of his career with his terrific debut album, "Holdin A Vibe". Of course, a presentation on an album is something which is actually the result of not only the work of a particular artist, but a particular label as well and here, Jah Nyne works with the same Goldcup Records from out of Italy which has, at least partially, been responsible for a great deal of his recent successes. I don't know how the link was made (although it should be worth mentioning that the same label has also worked with another Achis Reggae favourite, Aima Moses, from out of Dominica), but I'm very grateful that it was because it now brings forth an album that I have, literally, been waiting for, for years and after a most cursory spin, it was clear to see that they hadn't overstepped any boundaries of his vibes and the results would be fittingly big. I think that "Holdin A Vibe" not only becomes the debut set for Jah Nyne, but also for Goldcup - To date they've only released riddim albums, so it shows you exactly what type of confidence they had in this charge, that they chose to do their initial single artist album for him, in particular. Reading even further into that (because that's just what we do), one could also say that, presumably, this means that perhaps the popularity of Jah Nyne has grown to a point where a label who doesn't figure to be struggling at this point in its existence, would choose to feature him and assume that the project would do well. In either case, the album definitely figures to introduce the singer to a wider audience and those fans, particular those fans of modern Roots Reggae music, are almost guaranteed to enjoy what they find here. Goldcup links Jah Nyne with some big riddims over which to star and throughout this delightful album, that's just what he does. Let's take a listen!

Album Promo Mix

I think one of the very first things that I thought when I heard the music of Jah Nyne was just how similar he sounded, at least to me, to somewhat 'scattered' Jamaican vocalist, Bascom X. He still does, to some degree, but, as I alluded to, the Bahamian has absolutely no troubles in distinguishing himself, musically. The greatest example of this now comes in Jah Nyne's brand new album from Goldcup Records, "Holdin A Vibe", which gets started in a CORRECT manner ,with what seems to be a somewhat autobiographical selection - the album's title track. The song finds Nyne recounting an experience he had, while "holdin a vibes one day", which seemingly lead him to do music. This isn't my favourite tune on the album, but it is situated so perfectly in respect to the album that, it alone, almost makes it even stronger. What we have, essentially, is Jah Nyne telling the listener that he received an inspiration from The Most High to make the album that we're about to listen to! It's like a VERY involved intro, but it's accurate and one which sets the bar extremely high for what is to follow. Luckily, Nyne has no trouble maintaining the levels on the next track in, 'Take Control'. This one is a tune that I know quite well, actually, as it was featured on Goldcup's Eternal Riddim from a little while back. This biblically bedded track is just a CRYSTAL of a tune. Sonically speaking it is an utter joy to listen to as we continue to get a taste of just where the artist is coming from musically and an even further introduction to his vibes, for those who need it. The first two tracks on this album, particularly when taken in tandem with one another work so well. And it gets even better. Check the final tune of the opening quarter, the STERLING 'Jah Bless Us' (biggup Ras Indio). Without any qualifications or conditions whatsoever, this is one of the best songs on the entire album and one of the best that I've ever heard from Nyne.

"Jah blessing us and keeping us alive yay
Wi go dung on wi knees and wi pray oh
Anoint I & I head with oil
My cup shall surely overflow"

"Going out and coming in
Ask Jah fi protect us from temptation and sin
Upful it and a cleanly living, as long as life exists I will always be exalting The King
Jah bless me with a talent fi sing
Word, power and sound -
Pass it, mek mi put it pon riddim
Under the shadow of The Almighty wing
Inna HIM secret place:
What a joy it bring!"

BIG! I was nearly sure that I'd heard this song before, but as it turns out it is new (biggup The Magista). It just sounds so familiar and so COMFORTABLE and the tune rounds out and HIGHLIGHTS a mighty start.

Jah Nyne

With the way "Holdin A Vibe" is worked - it features a pretty nice mix of new[er] songs with more well known pieces (by my, almost certainly incorrect, count, it features six of each) - It's clear that SOMEONE took very good care of how the album was presented to the masses (and, speaking of presentation, the cover of the album is just COOL). As for the four remaining new (to me) tracks, they definitely feature a heavy amount of twists and turns. First is another of the album's genuine highlights, the swaying 'Zion I'. This is praising track which, on the surface and initially, seems fairly 'rigid' and basic, but the tune reaches a new level when you take a deeper listen. Somewhere in the early middle portion it becomes SUBLIME and just a real winning track (Luciano would be proud!) ("inna Mount Zion I, there's only day, there is no night"). There's also the album's obligatory ganja tune, the spicy 'Herbs & Spice'. On this song, Nyne deals with kind of Reggae-tradition of outlining all the wonderful usages of marijuana and its very odd persecution in many places around the world. He does drift into some of the more controversial topics (which appear to be unrelated), but I'll leave that to you to hear. The remaining two new tracks on "Holdin A Vibe" are a couple which figure to receive a great deal of attention because they are the album's two official combinations. First is 'Peace & Love' which features another staple of Goldcup Records, the Trini born fiery chanter, Ras Ijah. This is another MIGHTY track and, despite its title, Ijah manages to make his presence known in a way which isn't overstated. I really liked this one because it's another which really shines on a sonic level and it should go without saying that the message is very pertinent as well (even though I guess I just said it).

"Well mi ah tell dem bout peace
Tell dem bout love
It's a blessing from The Almighty, Jah
It was sent from above
Well, no time fi hate, no time fi grudge
Alright, no time fi smother your bredda inna di mud
Mi tell dem seh well -
Time fi share outta di one mug
Alright, then you greet your bredda with a blessed hug
Marcus Garvey tell us 'stop live like thugs'
Alright, then put down di slugs'
-Ras Ijah from 'Peace & Love'

And lastly from the new batch is the final tune on the album altogether which finds Nyne linking with someone who may be one of the next big thing from out of the Bahamas (also mind a big artist by the name of Irate Johnson), sweet singing Peter Runks. The same outstanding gentleman who used to send us tunes from Jah Nyne also mixed in the occasional piece from Runks as well and it was generally impressive. Here, the two make a predictably fine duo on the fitting closer, 'Unity Is Strength' which is not to be missed (and check out Runks' work, he also has a few digital tunes available).

'Hungry Pickney'

As for the more well known material that is to be found on "Holdin A Vibe", here we have, in my opinion, the real class of this album and, if you've been paying attention to the artist's career to date, some of the tunes for which he is most well known. I don't know if 'I'll Treasure You', the love song on the album, fits into either of the aforesaid categories very well, but it is just a SOLID track. It's also interesting because it finds Nyne borrowing from the same riddim Nesta uses on the classic 'Stir It Up' and I just like really kind of random things like - You can hear Nyne or someone else just thinking how nice it would be for him to voice that riddim and here is the respectable results of his/their efforts. Better known is Nyne's BIG social commentary cut of Goldcup's BIG Golden Riddim, 'Hungry Pickney'. It's too early to use such an adjective on a two year old song, but for people like me (all eighteen of us, or so), there will come a point where this tune is hailed as CLASSIC work. It's one of the most melodically gifted songs on the album - and that is Nyne's strength, so that's saying a great deal - and if you haven't realized it by now, it's also one of the sharpest tunes, lyrically, from someone who is also quite advanced in that department. Big tune. 'How Do You Feel' is another social commentary, this one of an anti-violence nature, and another across a big composition from Goldcup, the LOADED Mirror Riddim. Goldcup also backs the HUGE previous single 'Shoulder to the Wheel' which, even before this album was one of my favourite songs from Jah Nyne. You're going to have a really difficult time showing me how this isn't a SUPERB song in every respect! This song is beautiful and it really blends the tangible and spiritual arenas together so well - an unfortunately rare lyrical trait in all of Reggae music.

'Shoulder to the Wheel'

And lastly, how completely and ridiculously odd is it that I fond that the single finest tune on all of "Holdin A Vibe" was a song which I knew of, but (obviously) had yet to pay a proper attention to. 'Rise' is FIRE!

"Yah cyan enter Zion if yah heart, it no clean
IF YAH HAND DEM FILTHY, YUH FOOT CYAH GET IN!"

What?! The song was the BITE that I would have been calling for in the event of its absence. It is here, however, if you, like me originally heard it and thought it nothing special, have another, VERY INTENSE, listen my friends (even notice how the riddim, beautifully continues running after the final vocals).

Overall, it's a winner and I had no doubts that it would be - Even two or three years back. Also, after digging into the album for the sake of this review, I'm wondering if it isn't a pretty PERFECT time to release this album. There aren't a great deal of big named Reggae albums which are completely new at this point, but there are enough on the horizon (Warrior King, I Wayne etc.) to maybe draw an early interest in it from early arriving more casual fans who are likely to come across the nice cover. What they'll find, assuming that they're smart enough to have a listen is one of the year's best SOUNDING Reggae albums to date. The sonics on "Holdin A Vibe", in every respect, are just fantastic and all of that goes back to my initial point of Jah Nyne being so well capable of a PRESENTATION of his music. His vocals are clear, his lyrics are to the point and it's really easy to grasp his concepts (even for an over-thinker such as myself). He's also, clearly, every bit as talented as I thought and it's never been more obvious after thoroughly enjoying his debut set. Well done.

Rated: 4.25/5
Goldcup Records
2011
CD [I THINK] + Digital
Jah Nyne @ Facebook

Review #329