Album Review

Album: For you
Artiste: George Nooks
Label: Tad’s Records
Genre: Reggae
Ratings: Lyric:3.5/5, Shelf Life: 4/5, Concept: 3.5/5

Iespite some unfortunate circumstances, Gospel and Reggae artiste George Nooks has allowed nothing to derail him from his love for music. With the release of his new album, his excitement is focused. The album, “For you” is a musical composition of emotional love letters in a captivating and soothing reggae vibe. The 16 track compilation offers delightful lyrics and sweet melodies and includes singles such as “Give my love a try”, “God Bless our love”, “I remember you” and title track “For you”. The lovers rock album provides a collection of stimulating love songs in reggae form. Each song on the album speaks to the versatility of moods that emerge during relationships in an entertaining delivery. The album produced by Tads Records is the first lovers rock album released by Nooks in over a decade; Nooks is also widely known as a Gospel artiste.

Album: African Museum
Artiste: Gregory Isaacs
Label: Tad’s Records
Genre: Reggae
Ratings: Lyric: 3.5/5, Shelf Life: 3.5/5, Concept: 3.5/5

Gregory Isaacs “African Museum” is the latest release from the late Gregory Isaacs who passed away at his London home in 2010. The album offers singles true to the iconic sound of Isaacs and includes collaborations with artistes such as Ninja Man, Johnny P and Johnny Dizzy Moore. Singles such as “Dancing Partner”, “Souls of Ethiopia” and “Favourite Love” make up the 10 track album released by Tads Records. Highlighted by its smooth and calm sound, the album provides the perfect environment for an easy vibe and meditation, keeping alive decades of music that is synonymous with the sound of one of Jamaica’s iconic vocalists and fathers of lovers rock. The African Museum is the perfect token of music mastery and legacy rooted in the cultural rhythms and essence of reggae.

Album: Dub, Stories and Poetry
Artiste: DYCR
Label: TAD’s Records
Genre: Reggae
Ratings: Lyric: 5/5, Shelf Life: 4.5/5, Concept: 4.5/5

“Dub, stories and poetry” is an entertainingly humorous collection of melodic spoken expression, addressing personal relationships and societal topics. Delivered through conversations, subliminal messaging and comedic play on words, the album is complemented by the smoothness of reggae sound with vocal accents in perfect harmony. The 16 track compilation showcases dub poetry at its best and features relatable storylines in creative packaging that excites the mind and ignites laughter in some cases with its catchy phrases and pun-filled lyrics. It includes lyrically charged singles such as “Chicka Bow”, “Bleach and Tattoo”, “Rings and Knobs” and “Jackylin” which are examples of the finesse and pun-filled content on the album; while singles such as “Poet of Love”, “Mothers Love” and “Nyrie” are personal recollections and confessions that add a more wholesome feel to the album. In its entirety, the album is a marketable representation of the Jamaican culture in an authentic blend.

Album: Hope River
Artiste: Agent Sasco
Label:Diamond Records
Genre: Reggae
Ratings: Lyric: 4/5, Shelf Life: 4/5, Concept: 4.5/5

Agent Sasco delivers a powerful and empowering album with Hope River. As the name suggests, the album is a collection of songs that inspire hope, positivity and light in an uplifting and entertaining form. The 14-tracks from start to finish offers feel-good music, words of encouragement and expressions of gratitude in musical perfection. It features collaborations with a host of top local artistes including Wayne Marshall, Tony Rebel, Tessanne Chin, Romain Virgo and Sevana.
Each track offers its own message of positivity and encouragement. The track “Banks of the Hope” is a message of overcoming struggles and standing strong in faith; offering lyrics that include “Jah first and second and third, watch we blessings come forth”. “My song”, the fifth track speaks to the power of music in uplifting one’s spirit amidst difficulties and feelings of self-doubt affirming that “I got a song that makes me feel like I can conquer the world”; while the track “Mama prayed” is a song of gratitude to Sasco’s mother whose prayer, he shares, brought him to his current place in life through many difficult times. The song which carries a smooth easy rock rhythm is complimented by the beautiful vocals of Glacia Robinson. The album ends with the track “All aboard”, an anthem calling for us to unite in order to heal the nation; featuring Jah Vinci, Queen Ifrica and Chevaughn among many more.
Hope River is overall a great album offering music, message and maturity. Its buzz is undeniable and definitely worth having as part of your musical collection.