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:
- Beautiful Life ****
- Champagne Rose ****
- Certain Law *****
- Let the Music Play *****
- Bruk It Dung *****!!!
- Dancehall Queen *****
- Party Tun Up ****
- Whine for Me Baby ft. Patrice *****
- Call Me *****
- Something About You ****
- Talk is Cheap ***
- Black & Proud *****!
- Honey Girl *****
- Get Ready to Whine Up ft. Tifa and Ms. Kitty ****
- God On My Side *****
- I Am Blessed ****
- A Little Love ***
- You've Made Me So Very Happy ***
- Alive & Well ft. Luciano ****
- Things Ruff ****
- Sweet Jamaica *****!!!
- Gimme a Light ****
- Take It Easy ****
- Roses in My Garden *****
- Magical ft. Nadine Sutherland ****
- Whenever You're Lonely *****!
- Can't Stop (Stop Love You More Everyday) ft. Jovi Rockwell *****!
- Say You Bad (Johnny You Too Bad) ****
- Sweet and Dandy ***
- Ob-la-di Ob-la-da ****
- Above the Water ***
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