This being my first ever music review I must say from the start that in my humble opinion there are only two types of music in the world – the type you like and the type you don’t, or in some cases music in which parts or sounds of the song appeal. What one person loves another may hate with every one having a valid opinion. I’ve been singing professionally since 1982, mainly reggae with a sprinkling of RnB, hip hop, jungle, drum n bass and more. It is an honour and a privilege to do this.
This album brought back childhood memories of opening birthday and Christmas presents. Like the various toys received, some I played with once or twice then discarded. Some I used often and some were just what I wanted. Now I is a man who love Jah Cure and from a Rasta perspective the message of the music is the most important thing. For that InI give a 12 out of 12.
On the musical tip, Jamaicans are the best at singing off-key, on some songs it works but on some it doesn’t. I understand the raw emotion he is trying to get across as a singer on Love You, but I think too many spliffs, or not enough bro.
Next are the songs in the category of ‘good’ to ‘alright’ which function at their best when heard in moderation, so as not to overstay their welcome – not loved enough to cry over if lost, stolen or destroyed but still significant enough as to bring a slight sense of loss. A perfect example of this is the song, Jamaica, which was massive until the bridge when he struggles a bit and gets off-pitch. That with such pretty background music isn’t a match for my ears. Now this is not because I have respect only for the Western scale of music. I have listened to and been involved in reggae and world music since 1980. Don’t get me wrong, this song has a lot going for it. Atmospherically it makes you feel as if you are on a beach in J.A under a palm tree chugging on whatever is your poison. But I still cringe when it comes to that bridge.
I’ve saved the best for last, (that is JAH way) – this is the just what I wanted for Christmas slot – like falling in love at first sight, or sound in this case. The songs that you thrash until they almost but never reach the use in moderation category, or the ones which bring back recollections of good or sad times. These are the soundtracks to our lives, that as people we wouldn’t be without.
On this album those songs for me would be Love Is, Share The Love, Longing For, Most High Cup Full, Congo Man, Dem Nuh Build Great Men and Cease All War.
As far as song order goes I must say I think that Love You and Same Way should have been last or left off. On the production side there is a lot of different styles, something which is always a monumental task in this day and age unless you have a permanent band. Some of the songs are recorded by live musicians and others have been done digitally, however in saying that, each track cannnot be faulted as individuals.
My favourite thing about Jah Cure is the way he sings – a kind of Middle Eastern, Celtic, African style which makes me think of a cross between Celtic folk music and call to prayer. Very soul stirring stuff and worth having as far as I’m concerned.
Asterix signing off – JAH LOVE 4 IVA
