Album Review

Check – New Kidz HD

new-kidz-hd

Album: Check
Truck Back Records
Artiste: New Kidz HD
Genre: Dancehall

Check shows a different side of New Kidz, with most of the songs on the 16-track album conveying optimism. The name given to the album is not obvious initially but then listener begins to realise that New Kidz may be imploring Reggae lovers to make a reality check. Tracks 1 to 11 act as reminders to focus on the important aspects of life such as overcoming poverty, extending a helping hand to others and maintaining national pride among other issues that resonate with Reggae’s main aim of communicating positive messages.

The production however, takes a turn at Track 14 – a collaboration with Lady Saw titled “Our Lives”: the ‘message’ was suggestive unlike previous tracks, since Saw’s lyrics deal with requesting sexual attention from a man. Even the tone of New Kidz’s voice is altered – no doubt this was to create the effect of the flirtatious bass tones of Barry White.

Other collaborations on the album: “Better Days” and “Fire Truck” feature Turbulence and Tony Curtis respectively; the tracks serve as a treat for the fans of both artistes. The final two recordings, “John Tom” and “Thank You” – the latter contains unforgettable lyrical acknowledgments to his mother and mothers in general – were indisputably the best tracks with which to end the album. Check boasts a gratifying selection of music that can be aired commercially because of its rhythmic tunes, creditable lyrics and most significantly the constructive moral import in the majority of songs.