Didn't I by Khalia!

Okay so, apparently I wasn't the only one thinking that a tune called 'Didn't I' was THE gem to be found on the recently released "Stay True" EP from the currently sizzling Khalia as she, Tony Kelly, Ineffable Records and whoever else is in charge of making such decisions have chosen to make it the next tune to be given the spotlight from the project and deservedly so. As I said in the write up for "Stay True", Khalia just seems to have a very fresh take on Lover's Rock, albeit not 'revolutionary' to any degree ("evolutionary" may be a better term, really. She is not angering the Lover's Rock Gods, if such entities exist (and they do), but she is giving them something to think about), and a tune like 'Didn't I' is a PRIME example of that.

As for the video, you are left with one last thought when watching it.... lucky guy.

Strictly The Best 63

"Strictly The Best 63" [VP Records]

1. 'Driver' by Romain Virgo

2. 'One More Time' [Don Corleone Remix] by Jah Cure

3. 'Don't Say You Love Me' by Aza Lineage

4. 'Soulmate' by Lutan Fyah

5. 'Open Heart' by Jah9

6. 'Nah Sell Out' featuring Kabaka Pyramid by Alborosie

7. 'Cyaah Done' featuring Iwaata & Country Hype by Konshens

8. 'MUGGER' by Intence

9. 'Happy Living' by Jahshii

10. 'Only Room For Two' by Gyptian

11. 'Gyal Dem Time' featuring TeeJay by Shaggy

12. 'It's Guaranteed' Remix featuring Bounty Killer & Busy Signal by Christopher Martin

Okay so, while we aren't too sure who's showing up these days and, if they are, when exactly they'll be arriving, I am damn pleased to say that we definitely are getting a shot of one of the most reliable compilation series in... in ever, as the latest installment of one of Reggae's most reliable sets, "Strictly The Best 63", is set to reach in just a few weeks' time. VP Records delivers as always in a time where "STB" remains quite consistent, having missed only one year in recent times, by my count [2021], despite one of the label's other large annual releases, "Reggae Gold" (which just may be the genre's most identifiable collection), being a bit more of a mystery in terms of scheduling these days. I took a quick look at the tracklist of "STB63" and a couple of things that I saw caught my attention and did so in a good way. 

The first thing that I noticed was that they kept it simple. You get a dozen tracks and in those tunes (and the second thing that grabbed me) you get a very healthy mixture of artists and styles. Compilations and albums in general can be too damn long at at times and I was very happy that they chose to keep "STB63" on the more 'cozy' side of things. As for the sounds you will hear here, how about this: You get people such as the incomparable Jah9, Lutan Fyah, Alborosie, sitting Reggae Grammy holder, Kabaka Pyramid and Jah Cure, then we make room for the likes of Romain Virgo, Christopher Martin, Gyptian and Aza Lineage and not to be excluded, we'll also cover the Dancehall with Bounty Killer, Shaggy, Konshens, Busy Signal and Intence (or whatever they call that stuff Intence makes) ('Mugger' is not Dancehall. I don't care anyone says) (not saying it's bad, IT IS TERRIBLE, but it isn't Dancehall).  So the vibes on this one are HEALTHY to say the least. "STB63" also boasts of four exclusive tracks, including efforts  from the Fyah (a new Lutan Fyah tune??? Works for me!) and Aza Lineage as well as several selections which have never previously been available on disc (if you're old as hell, like me, and're still interested in prehistoric physical media) (just make a contraction out of anything. What the hell is "and're"??) (Andre who???). So, it seems as if they've taken great care with assembling this year's edition of the esteemed series.

How well does it work? Well, you can join me in figuring that all out when "Strictly The Best 64" releases on the 15th of December from VP Records.... but I can tell you it's probably going to be pretty good. 

"Stay True" by Khalia!

"Stay True" by Khalia Ineffable Records

Next?? I'd like to think that I'm at least a little discerning so it doesn't happen very often at all, but if you look at the history of these pages, you'll notice several things. The first, obviously, is that I talk entirely too fucking much; another thing you might notice is that, every so often, I'll come across an artist and IMMEDIATELY become a fan of theirs and turn into one of their more vocal supporters online anywhere. Think back to individuals such as Messenjah Selah (an odd example, I know, but I'm still relatively confident in saying that no one has still written as much about his music than I have), the brilliant Reemah and, of course, Funky Comfort herself, Sara Lugo. Well, though it may have been a long time since last we encountered such an individual (or has it??? I should probably also include the likes of Vaughn Benjamin, Norris Man and Mark Wonder), I'm thinking that I've recently come across the latest example of someone whose music is going to be receiving a whole heap of my attention on these pages and already has, the incredibly interesting Khalia. 

(....Yes, I know what you're thinking and I agree. She is stunning!) Khalia, in her best form for me, might make the most refreshing form of Lover's Rock Reggae music that I've heard in a very long time. There is a very smooth and organic vibes to her work and as someone who wouldn't describe themselves as the hugest of Lover's Rock heads, she's the greatest thing to happen to Reggae love songs, again, in a very long time. She isn't a one-trick pony either and Khalia will routinely touch the typical topics terrestrial to Reggae music (like that, didn't ya), but when the Jamaican born UK grown songstress makes a song about that special someone, she SOARS virtually every time and it caught me! So, you know what I wanted and while that full blown project remains something to wait for, Ineffable Records have done something wonderful and released "Stay True", the debut seven-track EP release from Khalia. Not only has she shown great promise on her own, but she's done so under the guide of one of the greatest maestros the genre has ever seen in Tony 'CD' Kelly whose handiwork is delightfully all over "Stay True". So just to recap: We have someone who is quickly becoming one of my favourite artists today working alongside someone who has long become one of my favourite producers of all time, doing a brand of infectious music which she is in the process of making her own. You know I'm interested and, if you've read this far, I think you might be as well. Let's talk about it a little. 

1. 'Waiting On You'

The first tune on "Stay True" is probably its very single that I heard after learning that the set was forthcoming and with its captivating old school bounce, by its end, it sits as one of its highest of highlights and I probably have an even greater appreciation for the tune today than I did when I first laid ears on it a few weeks ago now. 'Waiting On You' very quickly finds a groove that it settles into that is in the STARS somewhere and Khalia maximizes it to its full potential. This track is unfortunately quite short but, if you think about it, it's really an exercise in patience as Khalia finds herself waiting on her special someone and, CLEARLY, the girl just got tired of waiting. BOOM!

2. 'Didn't I'

I'm pretty sure 'Didn't I' was a completely new song to my ears and... the things that it does to my ears.... DAMN. What a truly GORGEOUS creation 'Didn't I' is. For me it establishes itself as the clear winner here early and though it is chased by some excellent work, by the end of "Stay True", it reigns supreme. The song also fully captures what I meant when I said that Khalia had a "refreshing" take on Lover's Rock as though I don't think anyone is going to find it as revolutionary or something they've never ever heard before, there's something so delightfully and comfortably MODERN about 'Didn't I'. My absolute favourite Khalia song is one you won't find here, the Collie Buddz produced 'High', but 'Didn't I' is definitely in the process of making a challenge to it. 

3. 'Tings & Times' featuring Mortimer

The first of a surprising four combinations finds Khala linking up with Mortimer (who, at least at times, sounds a bit like Serani) and doing so in an ever so slightly different tpe of tune. At its core, 'Tings & Times' is surely a love song but, specifically, it's one about persevering through hard times and maintaining the love and the relationship. It also, at least for me, has elements which seem to reach between a romantic relationship as you could  very well apply these concepts to.... friendships or family ties as well. It's just about DEPENDABILITY. However it sizes up for you though, I think we'll all be able to agree that 'Tings & Times' is also EXCELLENT.

4. 'Double Trouble' featuring Shaggy

If you were going through the first three tunes and came to the conclusion that maybe you needed a little BITE to the vibes of "Stay True", Khalia pulls in the great Shaggy for just a bit of spice on the all kinds of fun 'Double Trouble. You should know what to expect here, you've heard it dozens of times before but, as is the case here, when songs like this are done WELL, they are damn catchy and infectious and I would expect 'Double Trouble' to be one of the, if not THE most listened to selection on "Stay True". 

"Worries and problems again

Yeah we make good lovers but we're terrible friends"

5. 'No Answer' featuring Tanya Stephens

There are very few bona fide geniuses in music --or in anywhere else in the world-- but Tanya Stephens is definitely one of them. The longtime Dancehall veteran lays claim (EASILY) to being one of the most intelligent minds the genre has ever come across and, even on paper, a combination between Stephens & Khalia is a big deal. In actuality it did not disappoint as the two come together on a GORGEOUS social commentary where they seek explanations for the way things are and, ultimately, come away empty-handed with 'No Answer'.

"Everybody know seh wah yuh fertilize di most have di highest probability fi grow

So why dem investing in crime and ignoring education?

Khalia, ask dem. 

Wi waan know"

The  vibes of the song are also top notch with a 'dramatic' scene painted around an old school set and what we end up with is definitely amongst the heights of "Stay True".

6. 'Stay True'

The severely R&B/Pop infused title track isn't a favourite of mine, but I won't completely dismiss it because of the message behind it. I'm going to tell you what to do if you hear this track on a superficial level and don't love what you hear; just do one thing. Go back and listen to the second verse on 'Stay True'. Listen very carefully and then cast your judgment on it. I don't think the tune is going to reach a lot of heavy Reggae heads (it won't) who'll not give it a chance, but when you skip it, you'll be missing out on a little lyrical gem (somewhat reminiscent, coincidentally, of Tanya Stephens' tune by the name of 'Do You Still Care', where you have a message built on different stories), but you do what you want.

7. 'Go' featuring Blvk H3ro

I also don't see 'Go' tapping too many people who come here seeking Reggae and Reggae all the time but, to its credit, it's even better than the title track in my opinion. This song, which features the helping hand of Blvk H3ro, is an inspirational trip which kind of grew on me a bit, especially during its middle portion. Khalia and Blvk H3ro deal with all the things they've grown through to reach their standings in life and how they still have to struggle to maintain it and to set a proper example for others who are to follow them. Again, I'd tell you to not just take what you hear on the surface before passing through 'Go'. It isn't a GREAT song, but there is DEFINITELY substance here and, should you give it a chance, you will find that substance damn hard to shake.

SO! I really hope you enjoy Khalia's music because if you hang around these parts (you have hideous taste in reading material, you're probably [you are] going to be hearing about her work quite consistently and you already have. This set gives a nice little bite of very impressive talent and one who we will surely be keeping an ear on in the future. "Stay True" is available right now on Ineffable Records. 

The Lovers Rock by Jalena!

"The Lovers Rock" by Jalena [Jalena]

1. 'If This Isn't Love'

2. 'High'

3. 'Better Days' featuring Harella

4. 'But I Love You'

5. 'No Living Without You'

6. 'Closer To Heaven'

7. 'Goodbye [Has Never Been So Hard]'

Big, biggup to Achis Reggae favourite, the infinitely delightful Jalena from out of Tortola, who recently returned with her latest project (her fifth by my count and first from 2015's "L'amour"), "The Lover's Rock". As its title would suggest, the new set finds Jalena exploring yet another style as previous releases have featured such a wide variety of different styles such as Reggae, Pop/R&B, of course Soca and even Zouk. Jalena has always been an artist, clearly, driven by results and everyone who has paid her attention knows that she is capable of sparking some damn colourful vibes of so many different colours, going allllllllll the way back to 'Roll It', (a HUGE tune - ridiculously nearing a decade old) (it cannot possibly have been that long ago) ["ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL! WIIIIIIIIIIIINE! YOU CAN'T CONTROL  THIS WAISTLIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE!"] [BOOM!]. So her taking on a bit of Lover's Rock, certainly not a great deviation from her impressive skill set, comes as a very welcomed addition.

As for "The Lovers Rock", while I am still working my way through it, I definitely have to say that my early favourite is the ear candy, diabetes causing 'High' - an absolutely GORGEOUS selection. I also really enjoy 'Better Days' with Harella, the very subtle 'Closer To Heaven' and previous single, 'If This Isn't Love'. I should also say that, given the style of the music here, this might be the most impressive collective display of Jalena's vocals to date (although "L'amour" was really good there as well, it wasn't as long as "The Lovers Rock"), which is a quality I don't think she gets enough credit for. Jalena can sing! She has pipes!

Not sure about that?!!! See for yourself when you pick up "The Lovers Rock" by Jalena which you'll find in your favourite digital store right now. Go get it! I'm going back to bed.

Everything is Easy With Maxi Priest

"Easy To Love" by Maxi Priest [VP Records]

1. 'Easy To Love'

2. 'Loving You Is Easy'

3. 'Every Little Thing'

4. 'If I Gave My Heart To You'

5. 'Gravity'

6. 'Without A Woman' featuring Beres Hammond

7. 'Holiday'

8. 'Still In Love'

9. 'Angel Wings'

10. 'I Could Be The One'

11. 'Hearts Across The World'

12. 'None Of Jah Jah Children' 

Though it's still just about two months away, here is an early look at the forthcoming new album from the remarkable Maxi Priest, "Easy To Love" from VP Records. Already the project has generated considerable buzz, largely on the strength of its SHINING first single and eponymous track and there was also the delightful 'Every Little Thing' as well. 

"Every Little Thing" [2013]

The album is built as the UK standout's "first new studio album in 5 years" and it features musical contributions from the likes of Sly Dunbar, Lenky Marsden, Earl 'Chinna' Smith, Donovan Germain and others. Of course, looking at the tracklist, the one immediately striking thing is track #6, 'Without A Woman', which is a potentially DELICIOUS combination featuring the Priest alongside reigning world's coolest man, Beres Hammond. And the album's next single is set to be 'Gravity'.

'Easy To Love'

Still in the early stages, obviously, but it's never too early to get excited so start now! Maxi Priest's "Easy To Love" for VP Records is set to arrive in stores on June 10.

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!

'Still Evolving': A review of "New Veteran" by Lloyd Brown

Development for an artist isn't something which stops when an individual reaches a certain level in his or her career. For better or for worse it persists for as long as they remain active and can really continue to offer fans and the artists, themselves, continuous thrills throughout an extremely long career. Elder and much more established stars develop in different ways, of course, than younger ones who are generally in the midst of concreting their musical identities and creating things like fan bases and setting up relationships and, really just concentrating on getting their name around. For the more experienced, barring a complete career overhaul, I suppose (the likes of which I can't actually think of an example of, but I do allow for the possibility, of course), they tend to do other things. For instance, when you talk about someone who has been around for a very long time but has shown a great amount of development and expansion in what they do, I automatically begin to think of sweet singing veteran, Glen Washington. Now, you could listen to a Glen Washington tune from 198X and one from 201X and they're very likely to sound nearly identical, because what the veteran singer has done is to make very subtle and clever shifts, specifically in with whom he has chosen to work, which has managed to not only rebuild his fan base, but also to recreate it in many aspects. Perhaps that would explain a wildly popular album from him in 2012 with a very diverse audience, the appropriately titled "Masterpiece". And, because it's so fresh in my mind, it is difficult to talk about old names developing and progressing in 2013 without at least mentioning Super Blue who wrapped up a 2013 season for the ages. It does certainly happen and it can happen with good results. Someone else who has been around for quite awhile (despite the title of his new album) and has never been a shy one for making the 'next step' has been another sweet singer, Mr. Lloyd Brown, from out of the UK. Not entirely unlike Washington, Lloyd Brown has also seen a 'renovation' of his listeners in recent years (which made room for people like me to become fans) and, without making great changes in the final product has managed to stay current - making music which is pertinent to and appreciable by fans within a wide variety of age groups. In retrospect, last year he took another step (an extension of one made in 2010), one which was somewhat surprising, and this year, he's doing it again. 

Lloyd Brown & Cousins Records

I consider myself a fan of Lloyd Brown's music but, obviously, what I've mainly focused on has been within the last six or seven years, beginning with his very first album for Cousins Records, "Said & Done" from 2006. That album would be the first of a quintet of releases via that union (which would include the MASSIVE "Silver" from one year later) and, despite what you may say of Cousins at this point, they had a very nice run once upon a time and, definitely, their 'cornerstone' was the wonderful work of Mr. Brown. In 2010, with Cousin's almost completely gone, Brown would release his "Cornerstone" album via his own Riddimworks Productions imprint, which had been responsible for the music on his previous four releases. After taking 2011 off, he would return last year with "30", again on his own label, but that time, despite how absolutely COOL it would have been to have that cover on a CD, it was only a digital release and, presumably, he doing that again in 2013 with his new album, "New Veteran". 

Lloyd Brown & Riddimworks Productions 

Mixed emotions. I certainly don't mind the digital format (LOVE it sometimes) but, for some reason, it exclusively, doesn't tend to lend itself well to promotion. Because of that, despite the fact that "30" was well received, I don't know that it was AS received, in general, as it would have been if it were on a CD and that's just not right for an album from someone on the level of Brown (and, again, digital-only isn't a problem, biggup Jah Marnyah, but "30" wasn't well circulated, even on that side). In 2013, it appears that things have stayed the course as "New Veteran" also seems to be exclusively digital. I didn't even know that this album was going to be happening until we got a message from Brown's manager (a woman named Denise, who is, EASILY, one of the nicest people we have ever come into contact with in doing this) (biggup Denise) saying that there was a new Lloyd Brown album and it was called "New Veteran". Brown had, for a few years, made it a point to do all of his business in November, but apparently February is the new November. Now about that title… uhmmmm… yeah. Okay, last year was "30", which was meant to mark Brown's thirtieth year of making music. If my math is correct (and it is not), that would make 2013 his thirty-first year, which kind of makes it difficult to call yourself a "new" veteran (now that you've been making music for as long as I have been on the planet), in my opinion, but I'm going to assume that he had something else in mind. Again, the album comes via Brown's Riddimworks Productions which, looking back, has been very dependable and, really, regardless of whether you like a particular album or not, one of the last concerns you have going into a release from Lloyd Brown is its arrangement and direction. You basically know what you're getting into and I follow the lead of my Brother-In-Law (biggup Bredz) who, upon listening to the album and in response to my question of its quality provided me with this otherworldly level of insight: "It sounds like a Lloyd Brown album" (Bredz: Linguistic Wizard). With that set, the lasting questions are -- how many people will actually get to hear this Lloyd Brown album [?] and if it is a good Lloyd Brown album? The former remains to be seen, as for the latter - let's talk about it. 

If I recall correctly, the "30" album had around six-hundred songs on it, so I was, initially, rather happy to see that the track count, this time around, was kept to fifteen. But it proves to be, arguably, just as healthy as its most immediate predecessor and, by album's end, you have another winner for the lot of albums from the well accomplished vocalist. And he's still accomplishing a great deal is Lloyd Brown who begins his new album, "New Veteran", on a very familiar note, 'Crush On You'. The Heavybeat produced syrupy sweet love song is from a few years back and it finally pops up on a Lloyd Brown album. I enjoyed it from the very first listen and probably have as strong of an appreciation for it these days as I ever have and I imagine it will be a big winner from the album which it heads. Next, we get into one of the most interesting routes of a Lloyd Brown album. I always find myself wondering with whom is he going to work and in this case that was also the case. On the first of the six combination tracks on "New Veteran", Brown links with 'veteran' (although if he is a 'new veteran', I guess I should call her 'small child') and possessors of one of the coolest names in all of music, Kele Le Roc on the delightful 'Night Like This' (which I believe is a loose remake of an old R&B song). Le Roc probably isn't too much older than me, but she's been making music from the late 1930's or so. She's been around from FOREVER and what is the first (or the second) combination between the two UK stars is divine. It's a great song and an very easy listen - although it is worth mentioning that it is not the finest Brown/Le Roc link on this album. And rounding out the opening group of songs on "New Veteran" is the decent 'You've Turned Away'. As its title suggests, it is kind of a breaking up type of composition and, although not one of my favourite songs on the album (and, by far, its shortest piece), it is fairly good with a riddim, however, which is outstanding. 

As for those aforementioned combinations (all of which besides 'Night Like This, curiously, come on the second half of the album), they turn out well on this album. One in particular really got my attention I was damn interested in hearing it, 'Bada Boom, Bada Bing', which actually features Mr. Lloyd Brown alongside the genius Ms. Tanya Stephens (who needs to make a new album this year), and while this isn't at all what I would have expected from such a team-up, such a pairing could not fail, doesn't and seems an easy choice for a future single. After all of these years, the rush of hearing Stephens rhyme hasn't dwindled at all. 

"Mi hear you have two ring pon it

Mi still waan put di glisten, put di bling pon it

Whether permanent or mi ah fling pon it

Pop out di waist, gimme, mek mi swing pon it

And mi ah - put on blinkers, touch di scene

Know what I mean?

A one man ah beat di skin

And when it punch and mi ride di rim

Gimme a riddim, mek mi put it on pon him

Di gal dem ah watch you 

Man dem ah watch mi -

Everywhere wi touch 

Love how wi keep it tight, that's why wi blaze it so much

That's why mi ah Guinness and Purple Haze it so much

You have something mi crazy fi touch

A nuh nuttin if- 

Other man ah mek a bid, mi know fi get rid of di kid

 Mek him talk til him fed-up

Two drinks at di bar

Head back to di car

Bun something til mi eye dem red-up" 

Someone named Shanti Force guests on 'Melt Like Butter', which sounds like some old school R&B song and had a great distance to go, but grew on me just a bit. Shanti Force actually sounds a bit like a Kardinal Offishall to my opinion (biggup Nat) and he's talented and I don't think I've ever heard his name before appearing on "New Veteran". The words of the immortal Dennis Brown are featured on 'Lyin' Eyes', which is a remake of a song of the same name from 'The Crown Prince' of Reggae. The best thing I can say about this one is that it was just a great IDEA. You remake a tune and you involve its originator - something which actually happens quite often in the case of Dennis Brown - but it doesn't always sound this good. And someone named Mystro (a great name), who is almost surely a Hip-Hop artist from the UK joins Brown on 'So Long'. It's Mystro who dominates most of the song and, not at all being the Hip-Hop head, theoretically I'm not going to like a song like this, but the chorus is FANTASTIC and Mystro (biggup Maestro) ["They asking everywhere - how I coming next year. What kinda Calypso? Is it fast or slow?"] (WHAT!) (BOOM!) (okay back to it) - although I'm no expert at all, I think I know good when I hear it - and Mystro definitely has considerable skills. Still, the album's two finest collaborations come in succession (with another of its biggest moments), 'If You Want Good' and 'Blessed'. To my opinion, the former is the single best tune on the whole of "New Veteran" and it finds Brown, once again, linking up with Kele Le Roc and making a HUGE social commentary together. 

"In between the shades of black and white, it's obvious we are the same

Tell me why the need to fight and play war games?

There's a clear and present danger if we don't change

To restore our human nature to the way that Jah ordained

Look at what ah gwan in wi backyard

Minor beef and postcode war

Always seems to resolve at point-blank range

Report on the news and the radio

Another youth get shot, oh no

I DON'T WANT TO WEAR MY BLACK SUIT TODAY"

Hopefully I'm not the only person who walks away from this album thinking that Brown and Le Roc make a might duo and it would be fucked up if they never worked with one another again - with 'If You Want Good' being the biggest reason why. 'Blessed' has the incomparable Junior Marvin committing some type of crime on guitar and a name which I'm almost certain is new to me, Mikie Blak. Again, this selection is another top notch effort, this one combining the social element with the spiritual one on one of the finest sonic experiences here as well. And although it isn't a combination track, I have to mention 'Live and Let Live' here as it follows 'If You Want Good' and 'Blessed' on the album, making it the biggest fifth of "New Veteran". This piece is EXCELLENT and further expands and upon the ideas expressed in the preceding two songs in a much more specific fashion. 

"Why do we fight - over house, land and money?

Caan take dem ting deh when you gone

Why do we fight - 'gainst a next one lifestyle?

Lef dem to dem business, mek dem gwan

Why do we fight - in the name of God

There's no such thing as a holy war

No, that no right - caan wrap my head round that one 

Guess I'll stick to my vocation"

If you really wanted to call 'Live and Let Live' the BEST song on this album, I' would disagree with you, but I don't think I'd put up too great of an argument. It's a big, big moment here. 

The remaining third of "New Veteran" also offers up some big tunes, which are real highlights for the album and are sure to be favourites for a lot of people. On the tail of the five songs is a nice pair of love songs in 'Love Is On My Mind' and the RIDICULOUS (and I mean that I a good way) 'My Baby Loves Me'. 'Love Is On My Mind' is straight forward, but is backed by one of the nicest tracks on the entire album to my ears. Lloyd Brown uses it to deliver a something that isn't at all unexpected, but is no less sterling because of it. For its part, 'My Baby Loves Me' brings in all kinds of lovely and infectious old school-ness which is not to be missed. And speaking of old school-ness, Lloyd Brown also goes all Al Brown on the people by tuning up a remaking of  his uncle Al's (not really) 'No Soul Today'. Again, it's a nice IDEA as much as anything and one which proves fruitful. There's also 'Until It's Over' which is just about special and one my favourites. 

"Won't you listen up - to what I gotta say?

It won't take too long, so you can get on with your day

Nuff adversity, we face with everyday

Put our faith in Jah and HE will show the way

Small as a mustard seed is the space that faith needs

To fit inside our hearts, in our thoughts and deeds

Rest up if you must, but don't you ever quit

See, I don't want you ever just give in

Don't say it's over 

Until it's over

Don't say it's over 

Until it's over

Won't you hear me out and give I a chance?

Convey some faith to you, to change your circumstance

With simple ways and means, believe I know you can

Lifting your head up and help your brother man

Small as a mustard seed is the size that faith needs -

To fit inside our hearts, in our thoughts and deeds

Don't you ever quit

Rest up, if you must

See, I don't want you to ever give up"

That song is precisely the type of track which goes overlooked on an album like this and that's wholly unfortunate because it's one of the better efforts you're going to find on it. And lastly is the familiar and rousing 'Gwan a Yuh Bed'. I don't think that I've ever actually heard this song prior to it appearing on this album, but I'm not at all surprised to see it present. Last year, Lloyd Brown would make an appearance on the best compilation I heard in 2012, "Jah Golden Throne" ("and the throne HE sat upon was like a fiery flame!") (biggup Toussaint), with the sparkling 'Just So That You Know' (which was my favourite song on "30" as well) as well as 'Make It Work', alongside Tippa Irie. On that same album was a tune by the name of 'World Needs Love' by Jahdan Blakkamoore which came equipped with the very same Zion I Kings riddim that carries 'Gwan a Yuh Bed' on which Brown, essentially, tells all negative people who fight against him (and all decent people really) to go lay down somewhere. A big tune. 

Overall, what I'm thinking is that "New Veteran", odd title and all, is a noticeably better album than was "30" and that's saying a great deal, because I thought that "30" was arguably Lloyd Brown's best work following "Silver" ("For Your Consideration" was good also) and, although it didn't seem to find a big audience, the reaction that I did notice from that album was predominantly positive. As I attempted to point out earlier, no matter the platform through which the music comes, Lloyd Brown is about as dependable as they get when it comes to albums. Even some of his lesser pieces fall somewhere in the range of 'above average' and are entertaining, but I think that "New Veteran" is better than most of those. The album, while not being a deviation at all from what he typically does, is a beautiful and entertaining piece of evidence that while he has managed to change with the times in some ways which I may not enjoy too much (and I REALLY hope this album gets a lot of attention, it is too good to languish on a digital 'shelf'), what has remained is that "a Lloyd Brown album" is still a GOOD album and sometimes - it's even better. Very well done. 

Rated: 4.35/5

Riddimworks Productions

2013

Digital 

Review #419

'Still Not Holding Back': A review of "My Way" by Wayne Wonder

A giant. Should it be your goal to, for some very, very strange reason, find evidence of the existence of CLASS in music, I would surely recommend that you begin your search somewhere besides the current landscape of modern Dancehall music. Not that you won't find any amongst the artists, you will, but you won't find it in any abundance and it doesn't seem to be a situation, at all, which is headed for a changing any time soon. In fact, for the most part, if you listen to Dancehall music these days (and you do), you've probably noticed, and may even enjoy, just how full on strange the music has gotten in recent times. And as someone who forever takes pride in the fact that I'm not [yet] that disgusting old man who will seemingly go out of his way to make sure you know that he thinks that everything from his youth was better than it is today, it's kind of making it difficult for me, but like I said, it is there if you're REALLY interested. I'd look at someone Agent Sasco as a classy artist as, when even near his absolute best, he comes across as someone who has spent… years and years writing his lyrics and perfecting his delivery. And I'd also look at someone like Ce'Cile, for whom 'class' definitely also takes on a visual context [DUH!], and others like Romain Virgo, a still nicely active General Degree, even Sean Paul and just a few other artists who present their music in a way which gives the listener the impression that the general intent was for the final product to sound as good as it possibly could. Another name which belongs in that lot or which that lot belongs with is certainly Wayne Wonder who, given his longevity and prevailing contribution to the genre, may just belong in a class of his own. The singer has now a career which stretches back a nearly ridiculous thirty years and, although he's surely experienced essentially everything the life of being a musician has to offer, Wayne Wonder remains someone whose music, with one large exception of course, really hasn't had to go through a glaring shift as far as its audiences. You'll find Wayne Wonder fans everywhere, young and old, and while you would think that he might reach a point where you'd see this kind of, very typical, gradual aging of his fans - but it hasn't happened. While the historicity of WW is reserved for older fans, the actual appreciation of his music still belongs to pretty much everyone who has ears. 

Because it only takes such a person to realize that he makes 'wonderful' music. It's going on a decade now from the time when Wayne Wonder achieved his biggest successes, which were raised on the strength of the still MASSIVE 'No Holding Back' (a bonafide modern classic) tune and album of the same name, which went around the world and back several times. Following that, he would also reach back in 2006 with the excellent 'Foreva' album for VP Records which, in retrospect, was probably an even stronger project than its predecessor. And from then WW has remained active and remained in the spotlight throughout the years, just as he has managed to do for his entire career - keeping his name one of the most respected in the genre - and his next move is sure to do the same thing again.  

"No Holding Back" [2003], "Foreva" [2007] & "If I Ever" EP [2010]

Wayne Wonder now delivers "My Way", his very first project since the aforementioned "Foreva", which released way back at the front of 2007. Taking its name into context is very interesting because the album marks something of a debut for the vocalist. In late 2010 news broke that Wayne Wonder had broken away from VP Records and was set to do things on his on and he had been, but "My Way" becomes the very first album he's done on his own imprint, Singso Music, which literally means that the album features him doing things his own way and answering, musically, to no one but himself - a right which he has well earned at this point. I should also mention that in late 2010, Wonder would drop a digital EP on his label from a forthcoming album (then still two years away, obviously) by the name of "If I Ever", which really just went to show how his intentions were set and where he was planning on taking his music on the behind the scenes end and also feature three songs which would subsequently appear on this album. Listening to WW's music these days (and all days)is just so easy because YOU KNOW that this album is going to be good. It's not something which requires a great deal of thought. It's going to be a very good album. You know that now and you knew whatever his next one was going to be, from almost six years ago, that it was going to be good. Adding to the attraction in this case is the downright royal group of producers Wonder had to work with here as well. Included in the bunch are very classy maestros Tony 'CD' Kelly and Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor who provide tracks for "My Way" and, as we'll talk about later, he also links up with very talented vocal artists as well. The sound of the album, largely, continues to push what Wonder has been doing in recent times which is this very CLEAN and, again, refined brand of Dancehall and Lover's Rock which is just incredibly easy on the ears and extremely appreciable and accessible for all types of fans of the genre, new and old, which is a very rare quality reserved for a very select group of artists and an even more exclusive one when speaking of Dancehall. The results, as we've already established, is another nice album much along the same lines of its two most immediate elder 'siblings', "No Holding Back" and "Foreva", as "My Way" proves itself quickly to be on that same level. Let's take a listen.

'Caught Up'

Coming on the heels of nice releases from Cocoa Tea and Beres Hammond over the last month or so, Wayne Wonder just may be the last big-named Reggae artist of 2012 to release an album, leading into 2013 and I would think that the hope (and the expectations) would be to show that an album like this, on his terms, can succeed commercially and, even prior to the first tune spinning, the artist has given it every opportunity to do so. That "first tune" comes in the form of a single from the album, the very infectious 'Caught Up'. In choosing a single, I would think that you would want to pick a song which would definitely stay with the listener long after the tune has completed and because of that, I would imagine that WW and company didn't have a very difficult time here because "My Way", basically, features fourteen such songs, but they did choose so wisely in 'Caught Up', in my opinion. And good luck to you getting that song out of your head (biggup my Wife). Next up is the tune which I believe is the album's next single, the very frenetic (nearly Soca-ish) 'Drop It Down Low' which is a song so evidently aimed at drawing asses of varying sizes in the general direction of dance floors anywhere in the world. It won't have any problems doing that… it just won't. Typically I have an aversion of songs with titles like that, but I don't dislike this song at all, which actually, kind of, features a brief bit from an non-credited Supriz (biggup Supriz). 'Sweet Dreams' rounds out the opening batch of songs on Wayne Wonder's new album, "My Way" and it just may be the best of the initial trio. Of course, I'm absolutely biased in saying that because the tune comes through across a sterling mix of one of my favourite riddims from 2012, the Baddest from Dre Day (which Aidonia left for ruins with his devastating tune, 'Militancy'). The lyrics here are also very clever and a bit of the attraction of this song will be lost on you if you do not pay attention to what is being said. Big tune!

'Drop It Down Low'

With the way "My Way" is set up, the album has a very nice middle portion where things begin to slow down and while I don't say this in the same as I would in reference to the first three songs, really gets EXCITING and diverse. Again, for someone of WW's class and skill, this is what he's been doing throughout his career and it really adds a nice dimension to the album. DEFINITELY the best of these songs here is the Stephen McGregor produced syrupy sweet 'All About You' from a few years back on the Next Chapter Riddim. This song is a vintage level WW love song it hasn't diminished in the slightest to my opinion.

"I've been around the world and back -

And that's a natural fact

It really made a difference in my life

I've toured a lot of places

I've seen so many faces

But none compare, none compare…

It's all about youuuuuuuuu"

The tune is one of the biggest you'll find here and I think it's great that it gets a bit of a 'second-wind' and resurrection on an album sure to be heavily paid attention to. Also ranking highly is the tune following 'All About You' on the album, 'Xtra Ordinary'. This song has a riddim which took me a minute to catch on to because of the vocals, but is sublime (I'm convinced that the instrumental of this thing would be a gold bar). It has a unique sound altogether, so while it did take some time to grow on me, it was well worth it. Check the somewhat electric, but otherwise fairly laidback 'Anna Lou' which sets as another highlight here and another one which doesn't necessarily leap at you and grab you fully on the first spin through. 'Anna Lou' (at least to my ears and probably on mine) has a Zouk-ish feel to it and you could certainly call it R&B, but for me it has that kind of subtle, but wholly up front sound to it which you find in Zouk these days. It's excellent, regardless of how you take it, however. The very important sounding 'Crush On You', for some reason sounds very familiar to my ears and it also sounds kind of like Zouk with its rather 'bright' sounds. Both of these songs, 'Anna Lou' and 'Crush On You' were somewhat unexpected and having read an interview from earlier this year in which Wonder talked about his new album having "twists", I'm going to call these the biggest such on the whole of "My Way".  Even better than those is a later song which has just a slight bit more energy, but is clearly not of the variety of the opening trio or some of the others I'm about to tell you about, 'Lovely Days'. The sound there is a complex and it isn't that kind of natural and organic sound that you would have thought with that title, but it is a bit more forceful to a point - that point being a very nice song. Also check 'This Time', which actually does feature a bit from an announced Supriz (without the presence of whom, no WW album is complete) (and that may actually be a law). 

"I'm coming for you baby so make sure that you are ready, like -

Jay and Beyonce both of us, we're going steady

I got to ease her burden cause her burden getting heavy

I don't want she give way like the New Orleans levy, lets -

Make it a classic like the '74 Chevy

Spice up the love, mi no want it deady deady

Baby we can make a perfect pair

Just like All For One, 'I swear!' "

When things do speed back up, Wayne Wonder has enlisted the help of a couple of friends as making guest appearances on "My Way" are Shaggy and veteran R&B vocalist, the incredibly easy on the eyes Mya. The former, an oft-collaborator of Wonder's joins on the pulsing 'Don't Say No'. This song has been around for quite some time and in a few different forms (including a WICKED one alongside Delly Ranx) and Shaggy still adds a very nice facet to a song ["woman you buck up on a smooth criminal, good fi yah body like a vital mineral"] which is pretty hard to fuck up and isn't on this version either. For her part, Mya chimes in on a song which I've been completely unable to shake out of my mind from the first time I ever heard it, 'If I Ever', which reigns supreme as my favourite song on "My Way". That song is crack for your ears in every way. It has this very LARGE sound to it and while Mya tones it back just a bit initially, it's still as contagious as ever in this version and I'm still not complaining! 'Like The First Time' is another really fine selection and one which sounds right out of the same vibes as the sterling 'Glad You Came My Way' and 'Bounce Along' from the 'No Holding Back' days, which were captivating and somewhat 'loose', but also had this undeniable power (and I mean that outside of just making asses shake, which is a very nice trait to have as well). Check 'Put Your Drinks Up' as well as the Tony Kelly helmed 'Over All' which round out the album as two of its biggest moments. The latter is also somewhat of a changeup because it's a song about perseverance and determination, which steps outside of every other song on the record. Well done! It's very nice to adjust things a bit and while the nature of the song is different, it's very vigourous sound is absolutely not and it's also the single most impressive lyrical display you'll find here as well in my opinion.

Wayne Wonder

Overall, like I said, the actual perceivable quality of an album like this is pretty much sealed when you know that such an album is going to exists. Wayne Wonder's new album - whatever it is and whenever it gets here - is going to be a very good album. You also have an idea, going in, as to how it is going to sound and while there were "twists", I don't think any song here is going to run off any long time (or short time) fans of WW's. The only real question about "My Way" is, specifically, how good is it and to my ears, it's every bit as good as and it belongs in the same, general, company as both the "No Holding Back" and "Foreva" records. If you liked either one of those (and if you liked one of them, you probably liked them both), you're virtually locked to have a great deal of fun with this album as well. Just like I did. In "My Way", Wayne Wonder continues to show his own personal side of the music which brilliantly mixes substantial class and substance with just a bit of grime. The results are as expected: Another winner. 

Rated: 4.25/5

Singso Music

2012

CD + Digital 

{"My Way" by Wayne Wonder releases on December 4}

Review #402