Review: Mr. Vegas - Sweet Jamaica (2012)

Artist: Mr. Vegas
Album: Sweet Jamaica (Double Disc)
Genre: Reggae/Dancehall
Label: VP Records
Release Date: May 26th
RIYL: Beenie Man, Lady Saw, Elephant Man, The Harder They Come Soundtrack
Rating:
Overall: *****
Dancehall Disc: *****
Reggae Disc:  ****
      
Mr. Vegas' "Sweet Jamaica" is a tribute to Jamaica's 50th anniversary of independence.  It is a double disc-- split between a CD of dancehall and another of reggae.  This arrangement is rather strong.  Each disc stands fairly well on its own and neither seems to need more variety outside of the genre they are focused on (usually its a really good thing when an album has a mixture of dancehall and reggae to break things up, but here that's not the case).

The dancehall disc is a bonafide masterpiece. If it was released on its own would easily be one of the best of its kind this year.  The album features a variety of styles from different periods of the genre's history, but the most satisfying thing about these recordings is that they are almost 100% pure dancehall, which is great to hear as a change from the hip-hop influence on dancehall over the last ten years.  "Let the Music Play" recalls late 80s ragga and King Jammy style production replete with a marching drum line and bubbling synth.  "Black and Proud", a response to Vybez Kartel's bleaching scandal from a year ago, uses the "Bam Bam, the Sequel" riddim, a fresh mix of the classic "Stalag" riddim.   Tracks that throw back to dancehall in the 90s, when Mr. Vegas started his career, include the lover's tune "Something About You" and the hardcore "Certain Law".  Fresher material includes a lot of Mr. Vegas' hit singles from the last few years.  "Bruk It Dung" is a crucial energy hit that repeatedly builds to a huge climax, only to pause, end in a drum roll, and start all over again.  "Honey Girl", on the "Dancehall Pull Up" riddim, and "Call Me", on the "Aurora Skies" riddim, are two other solid songs that have been previously released. Other material, like the addictive summer-flavored, "God on My Side" and "Dancehall Queen", featuring a synthesized horn line, are huge songs that are original releases for this album.  The weakest song here is the mellow "Talk is Cheap", whose choruses walk the line of cheesiness, but this track manages to remain enjoyable thanks to masterful toasting by Mr. Vegas during each verse.  This CD closes with a live version of "Blessing", a gospel and bluegrass flavored tune that captures all the energy of dancehall with live instrumentation.  This disc is a major feat in dancehall energy--there hasn't been a dancehall release this consistently lively since Elephant Man's release from last year.

The reggae disc, in accordance with the anniversary theme of the overall album, is a tribute to the musical history of Jamaican popular music.  Almost all of the tracks are covers or versions of classic reggae and rocksteady music.  Direct covers include Alton Ellis' version of the Motown song "You've Made Me So Very Happy", Jimmy London's version of the classic "A Little Love That's All I Want From You", Hopeton Lewis' "Take Your Time", and the Maytal's "Sweet and Dandy".  Reactions to these covers may be mixed.  Mr. Vegas, who is not the most gifted singer, is covering songs from the golden era of rocksteady, when many would argue Jamaica had its most talented male vocalists.  However, those listeners who are more forgiving of imperfect singing and can appreciate a unique Jamaican voice (most reggae fans), will appreciate the sincerity of the references.  Mr. Vegas also covers the Beatles, "Ob-la-di Ob-la-da"; appropriate as the song was originally a tribute to reggae's growing popularity in Britain.  Other songs are less direct in their nods to reggae history, many borrow classic riddims or snippets of melodies that experienced listeners will recognize.  The huge title track, "Sweet Jamaica", has Mr. Vegas sharing verses with Shaggy and the legendary Lone Ranger over the classic "Lecturer" riddim.  "Can't Stop (Love You More Everyday)" features Jovi Rockwell singing classic melodies with Mr. Vegas to the "You Don't Care" riddim.  "Roses In My Garden" bubbles to the "Cherry Oh" riddim.  "Gimme a Light" and "Say You Bad" are lyrical transformations of Desmond Dekker's "Israelites" and the Slickers' "Johnny Too Bad".  Unlike Busy Signal's moodier reggae throwback album featuring  dub influences, Mr. Vegas, drawing more cues from rocksteady, serves up a much brighter, celebratory tribute album for the summer.

As most dancehall artists struggle to release one album with enough good material to be enjoyable all the way through, it's a major feat to create this excellent of a double disc.  Highly, highly, recommended.



Disc 1: Dancehall:

1. Beautiful Life ****
2. Champagne Rose ****
3. Certain Law *****
4. Let the Music Play *****
5. Bruk It Dung *****!!!
6. Dancehall Queen *****
7. Party Tun Up ****
8. Whine for Me Baby ft. Patrice *****
9. Call Me *****
10. Something About You ****
11. Talk is Cheap ***
12. Black & Proud *****!
13. Honey Girl *****
14. Get Ready to Whine Up ft. Tifa and Ms. Kitty ****
15. God On My Side *****
16. I Am Blessed ****

Disc 2: Reggae:

1. A Little Love ***
2. You've Made Me So Very Happy ***
3. Alive & Well ft. Luciano ****
4. Things Ruff ****
5. Sweet Jamaica *****!!!
6. Gimme a Light ****
7. Take It Easy ****
8. Roses in My Garden *****
9. Magical ft. Nadine Sutherland ****
10. Whenever You're Lonely *****!
11. Can't Stop (Stop Love You More Everyday) ft. Jovi Rockwell *****!
12. Say You Bad (Johnny You Too Bad) ****
13. Sweet and Dandy ***
14. Ob-la-di Ob-la-da ****
15. Above the Water ***

Review: Romain Virgo - The System (2012)

Artist: Romain Virgo
Album: The System
Genre: Reggae/Dancehall
Label: VP Records
Release Date: May 10th
RIYL: Tarrus Riley, Gyptian

Rating: ****


For Romain Virgo's sophomore effort, the music is stylistically similar to his debut from 2010, but there's a bigger emphasis on conscious social lyrics here than last time.  Another improvement is the lyrics, which are better overall.  The acoustic version of the title track, "The System", made the final cut onto the album versus the initial version; it makes for an excellent opener.  "Food Fi the Plate" transitions into "Dem A Coward", a version on the same riddim.  It's a cool effect you don't hear much on reggae full lengths, and it works well here.  "Not Today" is one of the weakest songs--its production and feel sounds a little too much like cheesy adult contemporary music--but it doesn't offend too much.
The album is well organized thematically with all of the lovers songs grouped in the second half beginning with "I Am Rich in Love", a summer instant classic that shouldn't be missed.  "Fantasize" is another strong number with echoing dub effects.  The one guest spot on the album is filled by Busy Signal on "Broken Heart".  However, his appearance somewhat awkwardly enters the track to toast for a little under a minute and then disappears.  It sounds as if Busy Signal was phoned in; like he was briefly recorded at a different studio and mixed in as an afterthought.  He doesn't add much to it, but the song is good enough without him.
"Press On", the most dancehall flavored of all the songs in terms of production, closes the album as one of its best songs, possibly because it offers a little variety to the more purely reggae songs.  It's a shame it's pushed to the end of the set, and there's not more of this stylistic variety to break things up in the middle.

This album seals Romain Virgo's position as one of the best current neo-roots reggae singers.  With artists like Gyptian and Gappy Ranks autotuning their voices over their roots productions with various success and failure, it's to Virgo's benefit that he lets his excellent voice shine unaltered.  Maybe the best "pure reggae, no dancehall" album this year so far.

1. The System *****
2. Minimum Wage ****
3. Another Day Another Dollar ****
4. Food Fi the Plate ****
5. Dem a Coward ****
6. I Know Better ***
7. Mama's Song *****
8. Not Today **
9. I Am Rich In Love *****!!
10. Ray of Sunshine ****
11. Fantasize *****!
12. Fired Up Inside *****
13. Don't You Remember **
14. Broken Heart ft. Busy Signal ***
15. Press On *****!

Review: Busy Signal - Reggae Music Again

Artist: Busy Signal
Album: Reggae Music Again
Genre: Reggae/Dancehall/Dub
Label: VP Records
Release Date: April 10th
RIYL: Romain Virgo, I-Octane, Gappy Ranks

Rating: ****

Busy Signal's fourth album is a departure from the contemporary dancehall that he is known for.  The album is filled with reggae and dub tracks. Some fans may be disappointed by the lack of any contemporary dancehall, but Busy has continued to release dancehall songs digitally during the creation and after the release of this album.  It's clear this isn't meant as a change in direction for his career, but more of a passion project.  The two singles are massive numbers: "Come Over" (Missing You) is an incredibly crucial lovers tune; the title track, "Reggae Music Again" is a solid dedication to the album's overall theme.  Busy doesn't have the most beautiful singing voice, but he is far form unbearable. "Fireball" features Busy toasting quickly over a bright sax melody by Dean Fraser closed by an extensive instrumental, bass-led dub.  Other tracks, such as "Kingston Town", bubble with a echoing dub texture and a darker tone.  The tracks featuring guests are some of the most exciting: "110", featuring Anthony Red Rose and a growling Joe Lick Shot is a throwback to early 90s dub-heavy roots dancehall with the three artists passing between different styles; "Running from the Law" features Esco Levi and a effectively auto-tuned Romain Virgo. The last third of the album doesn't have the same punch as the rest, and none of the songs here are as excellent as their predecessors.  Production is full and excellent throughout and in some places it gets downright exciting to hear live instrumentation.  Most productions are from Shane C. Dove (Juke Boxx), with a couple tracks from Donovan Germain (Penthouse), Kirk Bennett (Kirkledove Records), and Wayne "Unga" Thompson (Notice).
Overall the album feels current while honoring the past.  Most tracks are memorable, while only a few are less than successful.  It's interesting to consider how a variety album with the best songs from here mixed into Busy's biggest dancehall tracks from the last year (something akin to Konshen's recent release) would sound, but that shouldn't effect the judgement of what is a cohesive and solid album on its own.  Recommended.

1. Busy Thoughts: Positive Music (Interlude)
2. Run Weh *****
3. Modern Slavery ***
4. Reggae Music Again *****
5. Come Over (Missing You) *****!!
6. Royal Night ****
7. Kingston Town ***
8. 110 featuring Anthony Red Rose and Joe Lick Shot *****
9. Fire Ball *****
10. Wicked Man ****
11. Running from the Law ft. Romain Virgo and Esco Levi *****!
12. Busy Thoughts: Music from the Heart (Interlude)
13. Jah Love **
14. Part of Life ***
15. Sweetest Life ***
16. Comfort Zone Acoustic Remix ***
17. Busy Thoughts: My Intention (Interlude) 

Review: Konshens - Mental Maintenance

Artist: Konshens
Album: Mental Maintenance
Genre: Reggae/Dancehall
Label: VP Records
Release Date: February 28th/March 6th
RIYL: Chino, Assassin,

Rating: *****


This is Konshens debut album.  Konshens has been a DJ to watch for approximately three years--since the release of his first big single, "Winner".  This record showcases Konshen's versatility, it features reggae, dancehall productions, and hip-hop flavored club bangers.  The album opens with "World Citizen" a conscious reggae tune with a flowing acoustic guitar melody.  Konshens shows his singing abilities on this and other tracks throughout, although he is probably most effective as a DJ when toasting verses in between is sung choruses.  Immediately after this solid opener, we have "Represent" a massive chune that sets the standard for the next 6 excellent numbers. "Simple Song" is a bubbly synthesizer-fuelled dancehall track which is distinctly contemporary while also having a wonderful 80s feel.  This flows well into "Rasta Imposter", a remix of a hit song from early in Konshens in career.  This, and songs from Konshen's earlier repetoire ("Last Drink", "The Realest") are greatly refreshed by being remixed.  "Rasta Imposter" moves effectively through a dubbed out atmosphere, Konshen's vocals are pushed into the distance as a soundscape of effects and echoes bubbles over them; punctuated by guest appearances from Tarrus Riley, Sizzla, Darrio, and Wrath Riley.  "Do Sumn", the single of the album, is an instantly addictive dancehall track.  "Bounce" leans more into the realm of hip-hop, yet is equally addictive and a great club track.  The album closes with "She's Happy", a sincerely felt song about Konshen's concerns as a parent. Less effective is the romantic number treading into R&B territory, "Wanna Be Done", yet it is far from unbearable. "Mental Maintenance" also features a number of somewhat annoying skits, however, generally the album flows quite well from song to song despite featuring such a variety of moods and styles.  Konshens is definitely one of the most talented DJs of his generation, and it shows on this album.  Stylistically, the album effectively conveys the variety of genres available in Jamaican popular today. An early runner for best reggae album of the year.  Highly, highly, recommended.

1. World Citizen ****
2. Represent *****!
3. Simple Song *****!
4. Rasta Imposter [remix] ft. Tarrus Riley, Sizzla, Darrio, and Wrath Riley *****!
5. Do Sumn *****
6. Bounce *****!
7. Pop in My Headphones ***
8. Last Drink ft. Voicemail *****
9. Homewrecker ****
10. Leave Your Side ***
11. Gal Dem a Talk *****
12. Only Jah ****
13. Wanna Be Done (Mi Love Har) ***
14. No More Tears ****
15. Love This Life *****
16. The Realest [Remix] ft. Bounty Killer ****
17. She's Happy *****

I-Octane - Crying to the Nation

Artist: I-Octane
Album: Crying to the Nation
Genre: Reggae/Dancehall
Label: VP Records
Release Date: Feb 14, 2012
RIYL: Jah Vinci
Rating: ***

Crying to the Nation, is roots dancehall artist I-Octane's debut album, although he has been a star on the dancehall circuit for approximately four years now.  He is likely one of the most promising of a new line of roots dancehall artists, including Jah Vinci, prepared to carry forward the torch of seasoned veterans such as Sizzla and Capleton. I-Octane's album features a variety of styles, largely focused on a general neo-roots feel but also featuring more dancehall oriented tracks produced by Cash Flow Productions ("Nuh Love Inna Dem", "Puff It", "Missing You").  I-Octane is a great singjay who is as comfortable with toasting as he is at providing a solid sung chorus.  The album is extremely nicely organized in terms of grouping songs by specific themes and styles, whether it be lover's tracks, darker dancehall, or roots oriented pleas for peace.  The dancehall on the album is generally mediocre. None of these songs really come off as a hit.  With lover's numbers, however, I-Octane truly shines.  "L.O.V.E. Y.O.U." is an incredibly catchy tune with a addictive synth line.  This is follow by Missing You, a wonderful duet with one of the best current deejays, Agent Sasco (aka Assassin) who is complimented wonderfully by I-Octane's singing.  I-Octane falters lyrically with some of his songs about love and peace; songs such as "All We Need is Love" featuring Tarrus Riley and "Space for All of Us" featuring Alborosie are as nauseatingly cliche as their titles betray (although it's hard to dislike a song accompanied by Riley's excellent voice).  This is balanced by the excellent and heart felt, "Lose a Friend" and the powerful title track.  Although it's a big year for VP records with many albums announced, this is a strong start to their 2012 catalogue and certainly one of the better roots dancehall oriented reggae albums of recent years.

1. Rules of Life ***
2. Help I Please *****
3. Vanity Will Come ***
4. Nuh Love Inna Dem ***
5. Puff It **
6. No More Violence****
7. System a Beat Dem *****!
8. Zion Awaits ***
9. L.O.V.E. Y.O.U. *****!
10.  Missing You [Remix] ft. Agent Sasco (Assassin) ****
11. Once More ***
12. The Master's Plan **
13. Lose a Friend *****
14.  All We Need is Love ft. Tarrus Riley ***
15. Space For All of Us ft. Alborosie **
16. Crying to the Nation *****!

2011 A Year in Review of JA Music

It's that time of year for the end of year post. I haven't been updating this blog as much as I'd like, but I still have managed to update with a review of every new reggae or dancehall album I listen to (all of two of them this year). Unfortunately, the music industry continues to suffer and reggae has been hit particularly hard. The only publisher I know of is VP records and they continue to cut back on new releases. The internet and mp3 downloads are the only real option for keeping up on what's going on in dancehall. Although dancehall has always primarily been a singles genre, it is still sad to see physical albums not being made.

With that said. Chino's Self Titled and Elephant Man's "Dance and Sweep" were both awesome releases we saw this year. The highlights of both albums featured productions by Jamaica's star producer, Stephen "di Genius" McGregor. Chino's album was filled with great lovers tunes and feel good dancehall. The single "Leaving (Seal the Link)" was one of the best songs of the year. Elephant Man reasserted his namesake as Energy God with his best album in years, a perfect dance and party album. The album contained the first album release of the classic, "Nuh Linga" as well as "In Jamaica" and "This is How We Do It" featuring Bounty Killer. An album I was excited about but did not get to hear was British deejay's Gappy Ranks' sophomore effort, "Thanks an Praise". Both singles "Tun Up" and the album's title track were solid. Albums VP put out I didn't hear at all that I could care less about included Richie Spice's "Book of Job", Alborosies "2 Times Revolution", I-Wayne's "Life Teachings", Ziggi Recado's self titled. I would have liked to have heard Etana's "Free Expressions".

Major shifts in dancehall news included Vybz Kartel being charged with murder as he and everything Gaza related continues to fall off harder than a kid on his first bike. Seriously, the best riddim the group put out was Summer Time and I feel like Popcaan sweeped that one from Vybz. Although to Kartel's credit he has tried to release some songs reasserting his lyricism and deejay skill such as "The Lyricist". Unfortunately, that doesn't make up for the mass of ridiculously bad songs with lyrics about his horrible lifestyle and generally being a despicable human being. Hopefully, his mass of insane loyalist fans we start to wane in the coming years. Jah Vinci, who probably was the most talented member of Gaza, left this year and I'm excited to see him be able to participate on the best riddims without the baggage of being in Gaza. He's probably my favorite sing-jay out right now.

Mavado continues to be solid although his output seems to be getting a bit monotonous. I wish he had a few more hardcore tunes instead of pop-oriented songs (his song on the Darkness riddim being a notable exception). Assassin remains my deejay, he can't make a bad tune, and is loyal to true dancehall. "Badda" is probably one of the hardest dancehall songs of all time. Konshens continues to grow as an artist and has also become a favorite. "Buss a Blank" may be the best conscious tune of the year. I look forward to his album dropping in February 2012. Tony Matterhorn was putting out a lot of consistently solid material for the first half of the year, but I personally haven't heard anything from him since (maybe he's on tour). Demarco has really made his name known this year as a feel good ladies man with a score of hits; "I Love My Life" being one of the best singles of the year. Tifa is probably my favorite female deejay this year. Her "Nah Stop Shine" was a massive one. Romain Virgo dropped a few strong singles for 2011, solidifying his position as one of the best in the contemporary lover's arena (especially with Gyptian not having too many good songs). These included "I Am Rich in Love" and "System". Khago has blown up this year. I'm not sure I really get his appeal but, I'm not particularly offended by his existence either. "Tun Up Di Ting" on Overproof Riddim is super catchy. In general, I wish there was a new deejay out who could really do some hardcore toasting. It seems everyone wants to write catchy pop songs. It would be a horrible day when everyone sounded like Popcaan.


My favorite producers this year were Big Ship Productions (Pepper, Bad Acid, Wildlife, Iron Belt) and Good Good Productions (Young Money, Life, XXX). Washroom entertainment also provided two of my favorites (Matrimony and Bubble Gum).

With all that said, here's a bunch of lists:

Best Albums:

• Elephant Man's "Dance and Sweep: Adventures of the Energy God"
• Chino's "Chino" (2011)

Best Riddims:

• Pepper
• Iron Belt
• Wildlife
• Bad Acid
  
• XXX Riddim
• Young Money
• Life Riddim
• Matrimony
• Bubble Gum
• Bus Stop
  
• Deep Cover
• Overproof
• Summertime
• Belated Earth Strong

Best Singles:

• Assassin - Badda (Wildlife)
• Assassin - Gallis Wine (Blaze Fia)
• Assassin - Talk How Mi Feel
  
• Busy Signal - We Nah Dweet (Bad Acid)
• Beenie Man - Cah Puff My Chest (Warmonger)
  
• Chino - Seal the Link (Leaving)
• Demarco - I Love Mi Life
• Di Genius - Bounce a Gyal (Pepper)
• Di Genius - Only God Can Judge Me
  
• Elephant Man - In Jamaica
• Gappy Ranks - Tun Up
  
• Gyptian - Wine Slow (Rio)
• Jah Vinci - Mama Love (Eternal)
• Jah Vinci - No Love (Life Riddim)
• Khago - Tun Up Di Ting (Overproof)
  
• Konshens - Buss a Blank (Fresh Medz)
• Konshens - Represent (Island Vibes)
• Konshens - Forward (Bus Stop)
• Mavado - Tump
• Mavado - Delilah
• Mavado - Settle Down (Overproof)
• Munga - Mi Nuh Know (Young Money)
• Munga - One Call
  
• Popcaan - Right Now I'm Ravin (Summertime)
• Romain Virgo - Rich in Love
• Tifa - Nah Stop Shine (Mento)
• Tony Matterhorn - Dancehall Duppy
  
• Vybz Kartel - The Lyricist
• Wayne Marshall - Real Love (Bubble Gum)
  

Well, that's my take on dancehall in 2011. Might make another year end post for other music, but this is what I mostly listened to.

Music Video: Buju Banton - Make My Day (1993)

Goddang. Buju is looking fresh to death in this video: