My Life by I-Octane : Album Review (EP)

With his debut album (EP), My Life, I-Octane has delivered a classic roots and culture work complete with meaningful lyrics. His voice is unique with a deep range and outstanding melodic delivery - akin to the likes of Gregory Isaacs, Luciano, and Beres Hammond; and that is saying plenty about a newcomer. However, this is no exaggeration. My Life is a collection of the lyricist's personal experiences. At times sad -- yet reassuring. Like the Lose A Friend:

"...Yo, Jah know star
More time you a tek fi granted the time
Weh you spend with your friends
Now dem gone

Used to split yuh world inna two, and
When I screw you make mi happy
When mi tell you seh mi cyan
You tell mi seh mi smart
Seh it break mi heart fi see you pass on"

The entire ten song EP is refreshingly inspiring and will definitely please reggae music lovers world wide. For a partial album, it does not get better than this. We want more -- and looking forward to the full length album due out in February. My Life signifies the arrival of a new shining star in reggae music - and I-Octane will surely continue to bless the airwaves with more 'irie-ness'.

My Life by I-Octane (EP)



My Life EP by I-Octane @ amazon.com


*Updated January 20th, 2012

Peace of Mind by Rebelution - Album Review

American reggae bands are often dismissed due to the fact that they are not from Jamaica or the Caribbean. Well - try as they may, the critics cannot ignore Rebelution, the Roots & Culture reggae band outta Santa Barbara, California (you say where?); yes Santa Barbara. After the huge success of their first full-length album, Courage to Grow, all awaited the release of this latest work to see if it was a fluke. Well critics - sorry to disappoint you -- but this band shows great promise and staying power -- and the release of Peace of Mind, indicates Rebelution is a conscious band that will be blazing the reggae trails for the foreseeable future.

Peace of Mind is a thirty-six (36) song collection with uplifting lyrics carried over irie instrumental vibes. Every song is pure and well written. After listening to this album, it is easy to understand why Rebelution is one of the hottest touring and selling bands in the United States -- and soon to be a world wide sensation. A must have music!

Live from Las Vegas at the Palms - Rebelution




Bright Side Of Life by Rebelution @ amazon.com

In Awe by Midnite - Album Review

Midnite makes music with a mission. Every work is at its core a journey centered in spiritual teachings and upliftment. Their signature sound harkens back to the 1970's style -- the golden days of Roots and Culture reggae; when love, spirituality, and political protestation filled the radio airwaves from Kingston to Accra, as Black people all over the world rose-up to demand their rightful place. Midnite hails from St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and employs a pure classic One-Drop vibe in their music.

The new release Awe deliver all that reggae music is about - and then some. Deep melodic voice blazing over classic heart-pumping musical arrangement, with Rastafari infused messaging. Lead vocalist Vaughn Benjamin drops timely measured and captivating lyrics as he always does. Midnite is by far the hardest working reggae band today; releasing an album or two annually since 1999. With this latest release, the band has solidified itself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

In Awe - Midnite




@ iTunes: $9.99
Genres: Reggae, Music
Released: Jan 17, 2012
℗ Fifth Son


In Awe by Midnite @ amazon.com

They Call Me Mr. Melody - Singing Melody - Album Review

The album was two years in the making, but well worth every minute of it. One of the finest voices from Jamaica has released one of the best albums to come outta yard in a very longtime. On par with legendary vocalists like Beres Hammond, Gregory Isaacs, and - yes - John Holt, Mr. Melody may have finally reached that 'Sweet-spot' all artists from developing nations strive for; which is to bust out to the rest of the world and be recognized - not merely as a good 'reggae' or Jamaican singer, but a good singer - Period!

From the first cut No More (Ta-Da), to the final song Call on His Name, Singing Melody shows why They Call Him Mr. Melody. He has exhilarating and soothing voice like an angel - combined with silky delivery style that he illustrates on this album. Living in America, I have heard plenty of singers from all genres, and if there is justice in the music world, Singing Melody aught to get Nuff Respect for this sure to be a classic work - Get your copy ASAP!

They Call Me Mr. Melody - Singing Melody

@ iTunes: $9.99
Genres: Reggae, Music
Released: Jan 17, 2012
℗ S.H.E.M. Music



They Call Me Mr. Melody by Singing Melody @ amazon.com