VP Records/Hardwax (2008)
Lady Saw – the queen of dancehall – reaffirms her top spot as dancehall’s first lady with the release of Walk Out. In an industry dominated by men, Lady Saw has stayed on top as not only a songstress, but a producer, DJ and song writer.
With big name collaborations in dancehall, hip-hop and R&B, Lady Saw has stayed the test of time. Earning a Grammy in 2001 for her collaboration with Gwen Stefani and No Doubt on the track Underneath It All, it would appear that Lady Saw can do no wrong.
Walk Out is her eighth studio album and marks the end of her thirteen year relationship with VP Records.
To coincide with her recent appearance at this year’s Big Day Out, this special-edition fourteen track album release also includes two bonus tracks off 2004’s Strip Tease album – the infectious I’ve Got Your Man remix featuring Remy Martin and Loser featuring Ce’Cile.
Famously known for her rude gal slackness and her eccentric stage shows, Lady Saw shows a personal and vulnerable side on this album which may surprise many.
Producing and writing most of the tracks herself, Lady Saw also teams up with heavyweight legends Sly and Robbie on two tracks, the soulful Silly Dreams and the uplifting Not The World’s Prettiest, which explores the notion that beauty is more than skin deep.
Saw also teams up with Noel Alphonso, son of legendary Skatalites’ saxophonist, Roland Alphonso for three tracks, most notably the divine No Less Than A Woman (Infertility).
Having experienced miscarriage herself and being the mother to three adopted children this song is deeply personal and showcases a side of Mama Saw many have never seen. The lyrics are emotional and address the misconceptions and stigma attached to infertile women. A truly beautiful song and one of the standouts on the album.
But ultimately this is a dancehall album and there is no doubt that Lady Saw can deliver. The title track Walk Out using Sham’s Baddis Ting riddim is another highlight. The Power of the Pum hits with an electro riddium and is in true lyrical Saw style. Chat To Mi Back and Me And My Crew round the album out nicely.
This is a varied album (which has the obligatory country hall tune thrown in) having enough to keep everyone happy. It is a strong release from Mama Saw as well as having the appeal of being a collector’s item.
Justine
