Completely Random Thoughts #50: OUTLANDISH!

So while I know that I do not have to tell YOU, because you pay great attention, just in case others… who are not you, have yet to notice what a certain label from out of Spain, by the name of ReggaeLand, has been doing over the course of the past year and a half and beyond, we thought that we'd take a look back and one forward in one case at what has quietly been a very impressive run and give due credit to a label whom we hope continues the great work (a very, very long sentence that was). Though they had been well simmering prior to it (releasing at least three albums), 2012 proved to be a breakout year for ReggaeLand on the big strength of a very impressive quartet of new studio album releases from equally impressive vocalists. The set would also include at least one piece which would tune into a very nearly special level and be apart of a pair of its own for someone who had a huge year. ReggaeLand has also remained significant into 2013 and have wonderfully built upon the flames ignited last year. Let's take a look.

2012

"Dancin' Shoes" by Malijah

First up was the debut album [I THINK] from the all kinds of interesting vocalist, Malijah (not to be confused with the flaming Malkijah from out of Reunion), "Dancin' Shoes". This was an album which was probably considerably better than most people gave it credit for being . Still, despite being as colourful and fascinating as its star, "Dancin' Shoes", at least in my opinion, was an album best described as SOLID. Songs like the sublime 'No Peace', 'Pressing On' alongside Jah Nattoh, 'Rastafari Clear The Way' (which sounded NOTHING like you thought it would), 'Things Won't Be The Same' and several others (like 'Ruling Sound') highlighted on an album which I probably should have reviewed at some point. Very nice.  

"Warrior of Jah Army" by Singer Jah

Next was an album I definitely did get around to writing for and for good reason. As move further and further away from its release date, "Warrior of Jah Army" by Singer Jah continues to progress and progress in terms of its quality. Another "solid" album, this piece highlighted and then made excellent usage of the somewhat unusual singer that Singer Jah is. It also left us with some really big material as well. The title track was the single best tune that I heard on the album ["we never get scared pon di battlefield, Jah is our guide and shield"], but it kept good company. Other tunes like 'Bloodsuckers', 'Prayers 2 Di Most High', 'No Giving Up' and the downright WATERY 'Life Continues' also stood out as did others. Probably the second best album ReggaeLand did last year.

"Gimme What's Mine" by Chantelle Ernandez

CUTIE with the golden voice, Chantelle Ernandez wasn't greedy or selfish, all that she wanted was what she was due and what she was due in 2012, obviously was a big debut album, "Gimme What's Mine" (there's a really dirty joke in here that I really want to make, but I'll leave it alone) (she's a very, VERY attractive woman). Though I was surprised to see her doing an album for ReggaeLand, I wasn't entirely shocked by the direction of the album. There was definitely Lover's Rock and some R&B-ish textures, but dismissing this one as something of a 'crossover' is to dismiss common sense. Tunes such as 'Reggae Reasoning', the Etana-esque 'Control Freaks' and definitely 'Songs of Redemption' gave this one a more familiar edge. I just very recently gave this one a bigger listen and was really impressed. Ernandez is someone who I always thought (was very easy on the eyes) had something indescribably SPECIAL about her and you hear it in flashes throughout her debut album which was probably the most popular of the four.

"No Fear No Man" by Anthony Que

And finally, ReggaeLand would save the best for last. Earlier in the year Anthony Que had constructed a piece of MAGIC and called it "Meditation Time" which is now well on its way to becoming a classic in my opinion. Not too far behind was the golden "No Fear No Man" for ReggaeLand which arrived later in the year. SWEET! The album, in retrospect just had such a lovely vibes about it and, with an excellent sonic appeal (you listen to a song like 'World Keep Spinning Around' and you have to TRY not to smile, it sounds so good) ["the world keeps spinning around, spinning around for you and me. Once you've found true love girl, then you will see"] [WHAT!] [BOOM!], really came off as such a wonderfully produced and then executed project. The standouts here were plentiful, but they stand out, fully, because of how diverse they were. From the BIG sounding 'World Keep Spinning Around' to the subtle 'Holy Ground' and everywhere in between, which included the MASSIVE title track ["I don't fear no man! Cause I've been giving Jah the praises all my life!"], "No Fear No Man" was fantastic and the crowning jewel of ReggaeLand's gem of a year in 2012.

The year also saw the release of a compilation or two as well as a big tune, 'King Selassie I Alone', by veteran Mikey General, produced by the well esteemed Roberto Sanchez. 

2013

The Da Gong Riddim

Speaking of Mikey General, the General would join Anthony Que, Singer Jah, Wayne Daniel and even Norris Man (why not make a Norris Man album? Everyone else is) on ReggaeLand's splendid Da Gong Riddim from earlier this year. This thing was so basic and straight-forward, but I mean that in a good way, because it was excellent. Norris Man's track, 'Hold On To Ites', may've been the best, but everyone here did well and made a great time of the riddim. Very worth picking up.

The High On Love Riddim

While Da Gong Riddim made itself brisk and brief, its followup, the nearly hour long and seventeen-tracked (with its various mixes) High On Love Riddim, definitely did not and it worked out fine for it as well. Definitively highlighted by Anthony Que's HUGE 'Rastaman House', this track would also make good decisions in featuring the work of, again, artists such as Singer Jah, Wayne Daniel and even maestro Roberto Sanchez (whose 'Mother of My Child' was very strong). But what stood up even more for me was 'Often Wonder', a big, big tune from former Higher Trod member Prince Jahved, who doesn't voice a lot of songs, but always makes it interesting when he does. This was no exception.  

'Selfish Love' by Chantelle Ernandez

I don't know this for sure, but like I said, the album which seemed to make the biggest impact and continue forth of the four from 2012, was Chantelle Ernandez' "Gimme What's Mine". Because of that, perhaps it shouldn't come to much surprise at all that the sweet singer returned with another song for the new year, 'Selfish Love'. You kind of get the feeling that Ernandez and ReggaeLand have found favourites and nearly perfect musical partners in each other I would well expect to see the relationship flourish and continue to be fruitful in coming years. With songs like this one and the album, they've obviously gotten off to a fine start. 'Selfish Love' was cavity-causing music. 

The Change Riddim

And do be sure to check out ReggaeLand's next project, The Change Riddim, which features a reunion of sorts (biggup Malkijah) as Chantelle Ernandez (alongside Joggo), Malijah, Anthony Que, Singer Jah and Mikey General are all featured in the riddim's six tracks which finds Jahmali also on board with 'Do It For Love'.

Releases on September 30

So as you can see ReggaeLand has definitely been up to big things lately, making some of the best vibes in the genre. Take a closer look, you'll find something you like, pick it up and biggup ReggaeLand. 

Coming Soon: "Shining Hope" by Gappy Ranks

"Shining Hope" by Gappy Ranks [Hot Coffee Music/VP Records]

 1. 'Shining Hope'

2. 'Tomorrow Loves You'

3. 'Hello'

4. 'First Sight'

5. 'Back to Reality'

6. 'Nothing Comes Easy'

7. 'Maybe'

8. 'Sell Out'

9. 'Up Again'

10. 'Everything  Gonna Be Alright'

11. 'Still In Love'

12. 'Never Enough'

13. 'Why?'

14. 'Carpenter'

September 2013 is already shaping up to be a very memorable month for music fans as we recently told you, Reggae star, Perfect Giddimani, is set to release his highly anticipated brand new album, "Over The Top" for The House of Riddim, but he will not be alone next month. Also set to bring forth a new project which has been long rumoured for quite a few months now is ultra gifted UK light, Gappy Ranks, with his third studio effort by my count, "Shining Hope". Like a great deal of Gappy's work, the new album comes courtesy of his own label, Hot Coffee Music, in conjunction with VP Records and should it prove to be anywhere near as good as his two previous efforts, "Shining Hope" figures to be a very BIG release for the second half of the year.

"Put The Stereo On" [2010] & "Thanks & Praise" [2011]

In 2010, Gappy would make his long awaited album debut for Greensleeves, with the old school aimed "Put The Stereo On" and the next year he would immediately return with a more modern set in the wonderful "Thanks & Praise". Both albums, full, showed a very complete and versatile artist who was capable of just about anything on a track and in the more than two years from "Thanks & Praise", Gappy's star has remained on the rise which can be seen in the considerable buzz around this album. "Shining Hope" is very interesting in that it was discussed months ago and was always mentioned to be headed for a September release. If you pay enough attention (and we do), in Reggae music things like that rarely actuate when they're supposed to, but in this case it seems as if everything has gone properly and the full album is on its way. 

Although the early official tracklist that we've seen does not show it, from my own experience with some of the songs on the new album, it appears that at least a couple of combinations are here with the flaming Exco Levi joining in on 'Everything Gonna Be Alright' while sweet singing bonafide cutie, Denyque, appears on the lover's piece, 'First Sight'. Also of interest are the fantastic title track, 'Up Again', 'Back To Reality' and the potentially WICKED 'Carpenter'.

'Shining Hope'

I have a really good feeling about this album and we'll all be able to see how good it is when the latest from Gappy Ranks, "Shining Hope", reaches stores on September 17. 

The Vault Reviews: "Vijan" by Midnite

Pictures. Hopefully, when all goes well, when you see and listen to an album, there is some type of quality that it possesses which will stand out for you. Something about it will leave a lasting impression in your mind for better or for worse and that is exactly how you will come to identify it. And, of course, this is not a phenomenon strictly reserved for albums. It is in music where the phrase 'one hit wonder' was coined and because of that, in many circles, someone like Nanko will likely forever be 'that guy who sang 'Lucky You' and so many others will always be tied to single songs (even someone who wasn't necessarily one in any way). But specifically in terms of albums, because that's what we're doing today, it is always very interesting to see what really sticks out for people in the absence of a supremely popular tune. Certainly a very fruitful place to conduct an examination of how albums are best remembered would be the obese catalog of Vaughn Benjamin & Midnite as we continue our trod of comprehension through their works. If you stop at various points along the way, you will certainly run into a variety of different pieces which, for one unusual reason or another, have managed to find a place in the collective memories of fans as albums having one or two particular traits. For example, it was excellent for many reasons, one of which was the fact that it had 'Black Mamba' on it, but we can now look back at the "Kings Bell" album because it was produced Bassie Campbell or because it carried a tune in 'Mongst I & I' which would subsequently birth the first Midnite video ever after around FORTY albums worth of music. Similarly there was the "Let Live" album. If you see the cover of that album and nothing comes out of it - that's fine. But if you turn it over and look at the music, what immediately jumps out? Track #6. Oh! That was the album with 'The Gad' on it (and that album, in my opinion, has probably become underrated because people look at it as just being a giant bed for that one song, but it was so much more) (a very accessible record as well). And there're more - such as "Ark A Law" which is probably best remembered for… not being remembered (a shame, another strong set). There's "For All" for its unusual sound. "Treasure" for FINALLY getting the attention of VP Records. "Nemozian Rasta", for introducing us to Dezarie. And also, perhaps, most notably, the immortal "Ras Mek Peace" set for the ultra-streamlined way in which it was recorded - a quality which, itself, has become legendary for that one moment.

And then there is "the Purple One". Biggup my Brother-In-Law, Bredz, as much as you possibly can. If you enjoy this blog (you have very, very low standards in life and really need to be under some type of professional care) he is to thank for it. Anything you SEE here is his work. If you like the pictures or the videos or even how a review is presented, he does ALL of that, all I do is the writing and he pulls it all together. However, he does have opinions of his own and as we initially decided to start kind of substantiating the "Discography: Midnite" piece from last year (which was very popular), I asked him what was his favourite Midnite album and, of course, he said it was "The purple one". Now I don't know which is more interesting: The fact that he would characterize a nearly decade old and more than hour long Midnite album so simply… or the fact that I knew EXACTLY what he was talking about.

"The Album With 'The Gad' On It" [2005]

"What he was talking about", clearly, was "Vijan". An early product of the Midnite/I Grade Records collaboration from 2003 (and I know what you're thinking - Yes, he does call "Assini", "the white album"), "Vijan", in general, is a fairly well recalled album, especially one for being a decade old now. And although it isn't nearly as well known as some of the other Midnite/I Grade Records releases, it is an album which has aged quite well and, at least on some level, has been a favourite of mine from that union. I believe that it's probably one of the better albums that it has produced. As everything is which comes from I Grade, "Vijan" was produced by Laurent 'Tippy' Alfred and, probably like everything from the label around the same time frame, features the work of master guitarist Tuff Lion, as well as several other names which should well be familiar to fans of the imprint. "Vijan" would also have a very interesting quality to it as well which really stood out to my ears and does so even more so now that I dig into for the sake of reviewing it. As I've said in the past, when it comes to making accessible and 'open' music, while it may not be the specialty of Vaughn Benjamin (it isn't), I do think Midnite is often unfairly criticized for being too cryptic and closed off. If you really tune in to an album such as "Vijan" (and, for the most part, all of their work on I Grade Records), there isn't a significant stretch where I feel that it is that type of arduous listening. It is, on the Midnite scale, an easy listen of an album and one which, although it definitely may take some time (it does say "MIDNITE" on the cover, after all) to fully grasp, is very accessible to my ears. So I'll give you a recommendation even before we talk about the music: If you have either NEVER listened to a Midnite album before or you've never been able to find one which appealed to you, you couldn't at all make a much better selection than "Vijan". On top of just being more accessible and listener-friendly, it was also very good and I thought it would be nice to give Bredz an even better way to remember "The Purple Album". Let's do it. 

Along with (or as part of) being a nice and open Midnite album, "Vijan" also has quite the varied sound. Again, this is something which I'd only say on a scale comparing it to other Midnite albums (and other I Grade Records albums), but you hear a wide variety of different directions, musically, throughout the album, making for a very nice experience at album's end. At its beginning, however, is also a very nice stretch of tunes, highlighted by the album's glorious opener, 'All Ye Naashan'.

"All ye nations hail HIM Jah!

All ye hail The Emperor!

HUMBLE OUT OF YOUR CONCEIT, DISGRACE AND DECEIT

All ye nations hail HIM Jah!

Worthy of thee, hail The Emperor"

As far as Vaughn Benjamin songs go, 'All Ye Naashan' is crystal clear and straight forward. It is a beautiful praising song like so many he has done throughout the years and it is one of the best songs you'll find on this album. The next song, 'See Blah Sum', was another very stellar one as well. Both of these, however, are songs which have just recently gripped my appreciations. The second one is definitely a bit more difficult to take in than the first (still with a very nice vibes, however), but these days both are amongst the album's very best in my opinion. Oddly enough, of the first three songs, the one which I've always thoroughly enjoyed, 'Cradle Of Joy', I may not rank as highly as its two predecessors anymore, but it is still very good as well. What I ultimately took from this one is the notion of the power of HOME. Here, though, home is a revolving place. It is wherever, or WHOEVER, it may be for you, but the song to me rings in as speaking about seeking and developing things and people which bring comfort and joy in life. 

As we keep going and look at the tunes wrapping up the first half of "Vijan", we run into various interesting songs including 'Thanks For Life'. I don't know… what to think of the riddim on this song… I guess you could call it somewhat slightly Hip-Hoppish and what Benjamin does with it is just as interesting. I'm so accustomed to (and probably even prefer him) not paying exceptionally close attention to what a particular riddim does, but he does in this case and it works to the tune of one of the more sonically pleasing moments on the entire record, especially in its later stages. And speaking of sonically pleasing, you check 'Yeah Many'. The riddim here is divine. I'd LOVE to hear an instrumental of this track with all the small things that seem to be going on and 'hidden' in the composition. What this song does is to just make me SMILE, it's so pleasing to listen to ["have ye any? Yeah, many"] and definitely one of the best songs on "Vijan". Next is a MAMMOTH pair in 'Thank The Lord' and 'Nativity'. The former has just a small amount of discernible fire to it which is an excellent touch on a riveting song giving praise like this. 

"Well I thank the Lord -

Who invigourate man yah

Breath in man body

As dem ahgo forward

DI JOURNEY OF DI BIGGEST INTO OBSCURITY

WHEN DEM AHGO FACE GOD -

IS THE REALITY OF DEM HUMAN MORTALITY!

Underdog ah fight back pon di undercard

I-tection under shield up ya inna di dun guard

Haile I Selassie I: The First Lord" 

For its part, I'm not going to do it, but I think that a strong case could be made that 'Nativity' is the single best song on this album. This certainly isn't one of the pieces which exemplify what I meant when I spoke of how accessible "Vijan" is, this is a little deeper, but if you're more of a fan of Midnite, or just listen to a great deal of their music, this is tune is CANDY to your ears and nearly lyrical perfection. 

As a whole, the second half of the album isn't as strong as is the first, but it does definitely contain a few highlights in its seven offerings, including the absolute best song you'll find here. It is not THAT song, but the plodding 'Far I' is a winner to my ears. Though it may take you a few spins through to comprehend WHY, you will LOVE the riddim on this track and it is utilized to excellence as Benjamin produces a very clever play on words at the core of the lyrics. 'Days Come' is another song highlighted by a dazzling riddim - this one acoustic and nearly sounding like something from Youssoupha Sidibe's catalog and it makes way for the huge best song on "Vijan", 'Structa'. This song has gone on to become the most popular selection from the album to my knowledge and with good reason. It is PERFECT. What I take from it is that it is a composition created to instill and enthuse a sense of pride. You are exactly as you were intended to be by The Almighty. There is nothing wrong with you! It is a powerful song and albeit kind of slow and pounding, the best thing I hear on this album and one of Midnite's better pieces of work altogether in my opinion. 

'Ru Be' is a song from "Vijan" which can be appreciated in a variety of different ways. If you do dig into it a bit, you get another wonderful message about pride, this one specifically coming to those of us of Afrikan heritage. But if you just cut this song on and don't really tune it in, the riddim will do things to you as well. I don't know what it is but there is this DELIGHTFUL horn sound which emerges in the latter stages of 'Ru Be' and bounces along its duration and it is so nice to hear. It's a great feature to an already majestic instrumental track. In both title and sound, 'Economics Out in The Raw' is the changeup from "Vijan". That instrumental would be another I'd really enjoy hearing. There is so much going on here and whatever it all is combines to form a glittery track for Benjamin. Next is the Jazz-ish and R&B-ish 'Scornful' which, lyrically is the type of tune I always speak about how much I like hearing. Being human, unfortunately or fortunately, means being flawed and on a song like this, it acknowledges it. And this one goes more to saying that after you've made a mistake or have done something really bad, life isn't over, you can be forgiven, you can be loved and continue along your journey. I really like the 'chorus' (Midnite songs don't seem to have more set choruses and instead, what you call the chorus is what you hear repeated a few different times) and it brings the ideas all together as it should. And finally, the closer on "Vijan", the again-acoustic 'Blackson Rays' is another of its biggest moments. 

"Weaving a psychological fear inna dem annual rings

Youth a grow up and hear these things

Youth and can just caan find a teeth to skin

Seeing it's all about medicine and bling

And who shall cradle such a king?

A dog and sunset walking

And who to authour such a scheme?

Over and left the reason for these things

For these things, for these things

For these things"

The mood of this song is somewhat melancholy, even for a Vaughn Benjamin song (and he isn't the most cheerful of artists that you'll encounter), but what I think it is used for is to say that we should really expect and work towards receiving better than the current state of the world. It is a very interesting song and definitely one which leaves you with a considerable amount to think of as you reach the end of "Vijan".

Overall, if by some chance you've missed picking up this album over the years, then I would definitely recommend that you do that. As I said earlier, it is both a varied album and one which, I think, would make a fine point of entry into the music of Midnite for completely new fans. If you never heard a single of their albums (and yet you're interested enough to read a review this long… nearly 2500 words by now - you are a very fascinating person!), this would be a nice one for you as well. Also, as a whole, I think that it stands up to comparison well between other Midnite/I Grade Records albums. From that link, I might go so far as to say "Vijan" has been the third or fourth best album produced (which was the best??? Either "Kings Bell" or "Rule The Time") and, as I also said, its qualities have persisted up to and beyond today - at least a decade following its release. So while I know that it may be difficult for you, as it most certainly has been for me, definitely exercise a bit of common sense and pick up one of the better Midnite albums ever, "The Purp… I mean "Vijan".

Rated: 4.35/5

I Grade Records

2003

CD + Digital

Review #462

Modern Classics Vol. XXXIX: "Love Has No Boundaries" by Beres Hammond

"Love Has No Boundaries" by Beres Hammond [VP Records - 2004]

Certainly not every great album that you've ever heard comes from an unlikely source. They're not all very difficult to find and they didn't all arrive in some ultra remote and obscure package which is now lost for all eternity. Sometimes they're expected and predicted because the album before it was great and the album before that one was great and the one/s after it have been as well to some degree. Such is the ever revolving case of the legendary coolest man in the entire world, Beres Hammond. Undoubtedly one of the finest vocalists Reggae music has ever produced, Hammond has spent the latest stage of his career, from ever since the turn of the century or so, putting on an absolute master class in making and producing albums of Reggae music.

Over that time, he has produced four new studio albums, the first two of which, including 2001's MAMMOTH "Music Is Life", were classic sets, while the most recent pair, "A Moment In Time" from 2008 and "One Love, One Life" from just last year, were borderline classics and I would not be at all surprised to see either or both get better with a substantial amount of time behind them. However, with that being said and even in acknowledging class amongst classics, as a complete project, he may have had more SPECTACULAR moments, but I think that the best unit, amongst them all was the album which probably didn't get as much attention as the others did, but was definitely very well respected in its time and remains so to this day. Beres Hammond's specialty is making some of the finest love songs ever heard in any arena of music and one can very readily say that the well celebrated crooner has at least partially been responsible for the births of potentially hundreds of thousands of people (with a career dating back more than forty years now) who, most likely would also grow up to be fans themselves… Beres Hammond might be accountable for aiding in the production of several generations of families throughout the world. To my opinion, when it comes to recent works, they all lead in one direction, one of the greatest love albums ever done in history and an album which we now, FINALLY, put in terms of greatness. "Love Has No Boundaries". 

The Music

#1. 'Interlude'

Despite being very, very basic and just a bit bigger than ninety seconds long, the album's interlude and first song is definitely one of it's most spectacular features. Here, although specified and tuned in, Beres Hammond essentially lays out much of the inspiration for the album and what you can expect on the following nineteen songs. When you hear this for the first time, you hope that the rest of the album is just as good… It is. 

Lyrics: "I'm that voice that's blowing in the wind. And I'm that heart that's always hurting deep within. I'm that soul that's longing to be found. I'M THAT SONG THAT WILL ALWAYS BE AROUND"

#2. 'Solid Love'

'Solid Love', in retrospect, is a very interesting selection from "Love Has No Boundaries" and probably one of its most so for a few different reason. Of most note is the nature of this song. This thing, EASILY, should have been a more respected and popular song than it was and although it did do well if I recall correctly, it had and retains some sort of special quality about it which I do not think has ever really been widely appreciated. To my ears, the piece was one which was very basic and just dealt with people showing a bit more RESPECT to your fellow man and woman. To arrive here, Hammond uses a variety of different lyrical tools, but the predominant one, of course, is love. He nears the point where he virtually equates "love" and "respect" at times and others he also goes in the course of adding PEACE to that equation as well. On top of that, the song was amazing in its sound. A very easy and a 'missed' hit in my opinion which still sounds so good. 

Lyrics: "Solid love - solid nation. Then we won't know desolation. Rock stable foundation"

#3. 'Good Old Dancehall Vibes' featuring Big Youth

BOOM! A song which definitely did receive its fair share of respect, the SWEET 'Good Old Dancehall Vibes' has become one of the signature moments from the album and has not lost an ounce of steam throughout the years. The song found Hammond tapping the venerable Big Youth to join on a delightful old school composition which was fully his specialty. The results were a dazzling ode to music which will, clearly, take a lot longer than nine years to forget. 

Lyrics: "Ain't nothing like good old Dancehall vibes. Where the music is just as sweet as the wine. And folks would sing to every line. ALWAYS THAT ONE SONG THAT STAYS ON YOUR MIND" 

#4. 'Songs Of Happiness'

Wicked production duo, Mafia & Fluxy, would lay the vibe for the more than fitting followup to 'Good Old Dancehall Vibes', the just as delightful 'Songs Of Happiness'. These days I actually rate this song higher than the very popular one immediately preceding it on the album and it was another very underrated and overlooked selection in my opinion. You'll find better songs on this album, but for what it is and what it said, I don't know that there is one which captures the MOOD of the entire record better than this one. A COMFORTABLE thrill of a song which you cannot listen to without smiling.

Lyrics: "Now once there was a time when we were young and didn't know. So we fooled around, played around cause nothing really mattered. But time has passed us by and I'm surprised you don't even realize - You're and angel and its your responsibility to - SING SONGS. Sweet songs of happiness. BRING JOY. Your love and nothing less"

#5. 'All For Me'

TEARS! SHIT! It had been a little while from the last time I had heard 'All For Me' and I… I just wasn't ready for it. This song, this WONDERFUL song is simple. It's about falling in love and being in love, existing as a pair and really just putting someone else ahead of yourself in all situations. For me, the major notion of note here is that Hammond is saying that when you do reach that stage when you are willing to do everything for someone else, then that is when you KNOW that you are truly in love and have reached a point where this song speaks directly to you. For me, personally, I was fortunate to reach that point years ago and this song hits nerves in my mind which get a regular workout. BOOM! 

Lyrics: "And as I hope for lovely things. Happiness and the sweetest dreams, I think of you endlessly. And if for any reason I should travel far away. Would you wait for me? Hey, now would you babe? Think about it good. It's a big decision for long time. Anything you say right now could never be a wrong time. Would you turn your back on temptation that this world would wanna bring? And stand firm without hesitation, yeah. All for me" 

#6. 'Thanks Fe Mi Pride & Joy' featuring Buju Banton

Anytime you could get Beres Hammond and Buju Banton [pictured] on the same track, you were potentially dealing with something special and the Donovan Germain and Penthouse Records produced 'Thanks Fe Mi Pride & Joy' was one of their finest links in my opinion. This song so nicely compliments the song before it because it, literally, expands on this notion of living life for someone else. Here, we've gotten to the point where you take pride and REVEL in it. It has a bigger vibes to it, but also contains some of the same sweetness found in 'All For Me', with a bit of spice courtesy of Mr. Myrie. 

Lyrics: Buju - "I really love you gal, world without end. TWO FULL CUPS OF YOUR LOVE IS WHAT THE DOCTOR RECOMMEND!"

#7. 'Love Mood'

'Love Mood' was no frills and quintessential delectable vibes from Beres Hammond. Here is a song which adds considerably to the presentation of this album. It may not leap out at you as being so great (it may do that to YOU, it does for me, however), but what it does, like 'Songs Of Happiness' is to add to the overall vibes you get from this album. The song itself is an easy one, it is about the experience of being in love and somewhat the kind of 'helpless' (and I mean that in a good way) and vulnerable feelings which accompany it.

Lyrics: "I tried to tell myself, 'I'm a man. I'm strong. I can wait. Still I find myself standing guard at my gate. Looking up, looking down. Looking just about everywhere. Hoping that, at any minute, you will appear. And capture this magical moment. Love don't come across in years. And another page in history and only you can compliment a dis ya love mood"

#8. 'There For You'

Because it was once 'All For Me', I can certainly be 'There For You' when you need me to (that was AWFUL writing, but you know you liked it) (you're easily pleased and have low standards in life) (I digress). Although not necessarily and exact 'response' to his own song. The tune is the other side of 'All For Me' and really, again, just speaks to the sacrifices people make to be in relationships and ENJOY making  to be in them. What I most like here is this very interesting coolness about the song (and I know, saying "cool" in a Beres Hammond song is absolutely ridiculous, because they're all like that), but what I mean is that Hammond is saying that his dependability to his special person is almost like an instinct. Like he has no choice but to do it so although he'll "come running" "as long as the sun shines", you already know that. You also already knew that the GORGEOUS riddim behind it was via the Taxi Gang.

Lyrics: "You taught me how to love again. You even talked to me when I need a friend. True love is such a wonderful thing. Not everybody knows exactly what it means"

#9. 'No More'

And sometime (oftentimes) we make mistakes. 'No More' is the examination of a very large and, seemingly, very easy mistake that people make when it comes to love: Taking someone for granted. I'm damn happy to say that out of all the STUPID things that I've ever done for/in love, that hasn't been one of them (but I'll probably get around to it one day, given my history), but it is a common problem and here we find someone dealing with it and trying to make amends and get a second-chance. 'No More' is a fantastic song with an old track from Treasure Isle behind it and, really, one of the best pieces on this album.

Lyrics: "No need to accuse me. I'm guilty - nothing to say. If it was me, I know I'd wanna go my way. But you're not me so can I have another chance with you? It won't be like before. I know just what I'd do"

#10. 'If This Isn't Love'

Robbie Lyn and Star Trail's Richard 'Bello' Bell helmed another sweet tune from "Love Has No Boundaries" and the first full piece from its first half, 'If This Isn't Love'. Again, this was another offering which was fairly straight-forward, but with an impeccable sound to it. It is also another composition which is an examination of some state of being in/falling in love (more on that later). This time around Hammond takes a look at that questioning stage when you're not completely sure what it is that you're feeling, but you do know that, at the very least, you are in love with that feeling and it is good enough. 

Lyrics: "And whatever you do, may the Father's richest blessing do with you. Bring you back safely to me at the end of the day"

#11. 'Love Has No Boundaries'

TEARS! NO! NO! NO! I NEED A NEW SHIRT! DAMN! The single finest song on the whole of "Love Has No Boundaries" was also its title tune. Looking back and looking at the credits, perhaps the background of the song should have forecasted what was to come as an abundance of talent was responsible for it. Featured here is the work of, alongside Beres Hammond, Willie Lindo (who produces much of the album actually), Sly from Sly & Robbie and even Christopher Birch ["some of these girls need to go back to church"] [WHAT!] [BOOM!]. As you would expect, in any situation, such an overdone amount of expertise on a single tune, just shy of four minutes (or four days long, either one) made for one MAGICAL moment and, in my opinion, not only the greatest song on this album, but one of the best of Hammond's storied career as well. 

Lyrics: "I GIVE YOU ALL THE STRENGTH YOU NEED! THE AIR I BREATHE - I'LL SHARE! AND I'LL FEEL YOUR PAIN, OVER AGAIN. I SWEAR!"

#12. 'Feel Love'

Lindo returns on the song charged with keeping the vibes intact following the MAMMOTH title track, the somewhat pounding 'Feel Love'. You can make an edge on an album like this, but when it matches perfectly, it won't be that kind of aggressive or angry sound. Instead, it'll be just a little more spicy than much of the rest of the work and, oddly enough that was precisely and wonderfully what a tune called ["late night ghetto"] 'Feel Love' was on an album called "Love Has No Boundaries".

Lyrics: "I'm guilty as hell! Never want to admit. Couldn't hold it no longer, yes a mi di cap fit. So right - if you hear that I'm jealous, when I see you smiling with them other fellas"

#13. 'Let The Good Times Roll' featuring Natural Black

"This is what the world has been waiting for", says Natural Black [pictured] who joins Beres Hammond on the album's third and final official combination, the HUGE and very popular 'Let The Good Times Roll'. Again, if you look at who worked on this one, along with Natural Black, then what it turned out to be should be no real surprise. This time Willie Lindo produces a track which is played on by Sly & Robbie and DEAN FRASER amongst others and what results is a spectacular song. Hammond is someone who played a very critical role in the early development of Natural Black and the chanter well shows his gratitude (biggup Jah9) by putting forth an unforgettable display of his talents on an equally memorable entire selection aimed at telling people to enjoy the finest things in life, wherever you find them. 

Lyrics: Natural Black - "Only di one life, so mek wi enjoy. Ism and schism, dat fi destroy. Hear mi now Sandra, listen now Fitzroy - settle fi di girl and boy. From it fi gwan, just let it happen. Jah Livication time, so come yah mi friend. Full joy yaself until The Father say when. Pure niceness from start to end" 

#14. 'Weary Soldier'

Another Mafia & Fluxy vibed piece, 'Weary Soldier' was, essentially, a social commentary from Hammond which made it a definite changeup on an album like this one. This one is so compelling because, in typical Beres Hammond fashion, his attitude towards the widespread violence is one which almost comes off as being somewhat cavalier and effortless. His idea isn't that the world needs this or that, he's saying. 'Stop the fighting so we can have fun again'. I make it simpler, of course, but that's part of the idea on a truly remarkable composition. 

Lyrics: "Weary soldier, it's time to lay it down. The war is over, full time we have some fun"

#15. 'Be That Person'

'Be That Person' and  its very large sound (courtesy of Lindo) is a song which I definitely have a newfound respect for. It was never a favourite of mine, but as I came more into the mind of writing up this album, I gave it a deep listen and it well began to loosen up just a little to my ears. The sound is almost overwhelming and, on an album like this, it is nearly alone in that regard and it so much stands out. As for the ideas behind the song it is another love-focused piece which kind of seems to come through the channel of being on the precipice of falling in love but wondering if the person you're with is willing to take that next step and 'be that person' you need them to be. The longest song on the album and one also featuring a dominant performance by Dean Fraser, again. 

Lyrics: "You'll fit just in my humble home. No restriction, you'll be free to do. I'M GIVING ME TO YOU"

#16. 'If I Should Wait'

Beres Hammond wonders openly if it is all worth staying around for and being patient on 'If I Should Wait'. Seemingly having everything in place and all in order, the one thing in question is the intent of his woman. Again, this tune is another speaking on a very common and relatable stage of a relationship. And it is one which really goes to help the EVOLUTION of the record as well. 

Lyrics: "I know you said you needed some time but, no indication how long. Signs that you care and you do need my love, or am I reading you wrong? Now that it stands, I'd like to make plans, I'm crazy for you baby every time. I'm certain that I can live up to the vows I made. Now it's up to you" 

#17. 'Not Over Until It's Done'

The unexpected 'Not Over Until It's Done' isn't really a love song at all, which makes it rare on this album, but just like 'Weary Soldier', it very much solidifies its place on it and does it almost exclusively based on its quality. Though it may not follow the running theme of  the album directly, it is an EXCELLENT song which deserves to be on an EXCELLENT album and that was what "Love Has No Boundaries" was. The actual piece is a very cleverly written one which really deals with being an inspiration to the masses and saying that no matter how fucked up things can become, there is always a chance for a turnaround at some point. I also really enjoy how it is arranged as 'Not Over Until It's Done' is really a student, Beres Hammond, telling other potential students or younger students what he's learned and how he is, still, very much in the developmental process on this just like the rest of us. 

Lyrics: "Last night I learned my lessons well, so I have to tell you. SOMETIMES THE THINGS WE CHERISH MOST HAVE NO REAL VALUE"

#18. 'Let It Flow'

'Let It Flow' sublimely follows the song ahead of it as it is another dealing with inspirational themes and here we even get into a bit of the Gospel with the singing chanting behind him (which includes Hammond, himself, as well as the great Marcia Griffiths) on the presentation of the tune. That PRESENTATION is simply one of the best on the whole of "Love Has No Boundaries". This one literally DRIPS with some special type of quality which is apparent throughout. 

Lyrics: "Don't let the sun catch you crawling. Don't let the fight in you disappear. Hold on to that feeling and don't let go"

#19. 'Fly Like An Angel'

And finally - TEARS! 'Fly Like An Angel', another deviation from the general premise of the album, albeit a very slight one, has always been a favourite of mine here. This song is really about someone just reaching their full potential in life and doing what makes them happy. It also deals, wonderfully, with the thought of leaving others behind. Be it in one way or another, for good or for sadness, sometimes you have to leave nice people behind and Beres Hammond, appropriately, knows that because his album is now done, you may go and listen to another. But if you listened to this one and you heard what I heard, you'll be back.  

Lyrics: "Could you grant me request? Be careful where you make your nest. Cause there are eagles that search the sky. SO REMEMBER WHEN YOU FLY!" 

Synopsis

I think that the intent behind and the purpose of "Love Has No Boundaries" is and always was rather obvious. This is an album which deals with, on every level, LOVE. Even on some of the songs, such as 'Not Over Until It's Over' and 'Let It Flow', which step outside of the 'boundaries' of what is the norm here, those songs can be ultimately linked back to love as well. Sometimes in love you can have war and you can have down times during which you need to be picked up in some type of way and I actually think that was the direct intent in those cases as well. Because of this, "Love Has No Boundaries" is basically a concept album. You can counter that by saying that Beres Hammond has had a 'concept career', which has revolved around singing songs about people falling in love, but that was amplified in an even greater way here where love was grounded down in to a fine, powdery (biggup Sir Lancealot) substance. But Hammond always does that, so what made this one so special?

A quality which I think is a lost one in terms of giving credit is the PRESENTATION of music. Typically when you tink of such a thing, you go immediately towards the live performance, but you can have a great deal of presentation and management in a studio somewhere as well and it is a quality which Beres Hammond has exuded for his entire musical life. There are so many great songs on this album and they are great to their respective cores, but I don't know if I'm as impressed by some (or all maybe) of them if you give them to someone else to do. Even someone like Jah Cure who could definitely make the listening to the singing of a textbook interesting, because he's amazing - I don't think could have presented these pieces as strongly as Hammond does. And music also very much comes with a sense of theatre and dramatics and "Love Has No Boundaries" is a very compelling set. It isn't compelling in the same way that a… Tommy Lee song might be (can you imagine how such a combination might sound? Beres Hammond & Tommy Lee) (WHAT!), but for the type of music that we have here, "Love Has No Boundaries" is a dramatic piece. It is a movie of an album which is thrilling, but in a unique way, from beginning to end. I am certainly not the biggest fan of the subgenre's, but to my opinion the album may actually stand as one finest pieces of Lover's Rock music from the modern era easily as the undisputed champion of the style put on a display which was absolutely brilliant. The album, in the near decade since its release, may not have picked up much in terms of popularity, but it has, at least for me, remained the leader when it comes to Hammond's music in recent years. The aforementioned "Music Is Life", "A Moment In Time" and definitely "One Love, One Life", enjoyed a popularity and lifespan which "Love Has No Boundaries" did not, but I think it was better than all of them in retrospect and, upon closer look, I'm even more sure now. 

What else do I know? Not very much at all, but I do know that it was a Bonafide Modern Classic!