Our Top 5 Reggae/Dancehall Albums for 2018
A list complied based on reviews done by Gladstone Taylor and Amilcar Lewis
Etana – Forever “5”
Possessing one of the more recognizable voices in reggae music, Etana certainly has her fair share of memorable hits. From her debut “Wrong Address” and “Roots” to the more recent “I Rise,” the singer, also known as Shauna Mckenzie, has cornered the market on a specific type of sound (the powerful almost belting octave levels her voice reaches). With her fifth album, “Reggae Forever,” Etana succeeds in delivering 14 songs that are guaranteed to please any longstanding fans. For those picking up this album out of sheer curiosity, we have pinpointed four songs off of “Reggae Forever” guaranteed to catch the ear. “Free” pt II, and “You’re The One,” produced by FreeMind Music (Etana’s personal imprint), “My Man,” produced by DJ Frass and “6 Mins :21 secs,” producing by Kirk Bennett, are the songs that have the highest replay value. However, all listeners should do themselves a favour and listen to the album straight through.
Kabaka Pyramid – Kontraband “4”
Kontraband is Kabaka Pyramid’s debut album, and a well composed one at that. It is clear that thought and effort went into both the conception of the ideas and their presentation. Let’s face it, that is how we must judge bodies of work now given the new platforms and shifts in culture and technology. An artiste no longer has the luxury of just being an artiste without concern for things like marketing and budget, unless they do have the luxury. That is to say, seasoned, established and wealthy artistes have that luxury. Rarely is that the case for freshman artistes pursuing their debut. Kabaka demonstrates his dexterity with this 16 track arc, where he sonically and theme-wise, takes you on a journey of highs and lows. A story is evident, in different layers through different mediums, whether word play or instrumentation. The fusion of sounds like Hip Hop and Dancehall are caressed end-to-end by the unmistakable Roots-Rock that we have come to know Bebble rock by. With Damian and Stephen Marley on executive production, we can see where the range of the end product was amplified. But in most, if not all parts, the content was king. A well done debut indeed.
Popcaan – Forever “3”
Popcaan has steadily morphed from dominant local act to international superstar and his sophomore album “Forever” is a perfect symbol of that shift. The album itself is a well-designed listening experience; each track boasts melodies, harmonies and songwriting of a higher caliber and quality than his freshman attempt. The genius thing about this album is how precisely and intentionally an unruly artiste like Popcaan can channel his usually untethered nuances and flows. It’s evident that great care was spent in creating a uniform sound and it plays out throughout the entire album, which is one of the key things that makes it such a heavy contender in the international market place. Imagine Steve Jobs redesigned the apple brand, it’s a lot of designs, but at the core as a designer, he has ensured that the core feeling is noticeable by everyday people so that they know all these designs are associated with the same brand. In a similar way, Popcaan, Dre Skull and his whole team has curated a sound specific to their intended feel for this album. The sound may be different in very specific ways and be similar in very intentional ways. All 17 tracks display this intention, and though some may not be able to understand as yet, it is expertly made.
Agent Sasco – Hope River “2”
For all the themes for albums that go over well with audiences, one that shows the artist/s being grateful for all the trappings afforded to them by their relative success, is one that fans will automatically gravitate towards. Agent Sasco’s “Hope River” is such an album. With 14 tracks, “Hope River” certainly overflows with deeper meaning than the regular release. Some albums you get the feeling that the artiste was forced by the label or management to put something out however after track three on “Hope River,” it became very clear that this was an album that Sasco needed to have out for his peace of mind. Not to say that the man formerly known as Assassin, was troubled in any way, but the relief and gratitude expressed on this set shows a man who is reflecting positively on his roots while mentally preparing himself for the future. The standout track on this album is “Banks of The Hope,” this ditty encapsulates the entire set, ‘Never give up and wi never lose hope’ is Sasco giving advice to all who would listen about how one should live their life. The other songs that warrant a replay are ”Winning Right Now,” “Journey,” feat. Wayne Marshall and “All Aboard” feat. Tony Rebel, Jah Vinci, Queen Ifrica, Romain Virgo, Tessanne Chin, Tosh Alexander, Majah Hype, Chevaughn, Bay C and Wayne Marshall.
Protoje – A Matter Of Time “1”
“Matter of Time” is Protoje’s third studio album, with a smooth ten tracks of musical storytelling. Bodies of music are often the only sufficient platform for the voice of artistes that have been consistently growing over a period of time. This is something evident in Protoje’s career and what he has achieved since he had his start in music. Growth. So naturally, the themes and nuances of “A Matter of Time” are varied, poignant and accurate. There is much to commend regarding the superb sonic quality of the album, such as instrumentation, lyricism and production. It’s safe to say there is a track on this album for every type of listener, which is one of Protoje’s strengths as an artiste. He has an ability to make reggae sound appealing to uninitiated ears. His contribution to the music, in terms of bringing new life and new audiences to it, is understated. But it is, perhaps, the polished finish and reliability of this new album which makes it a contender for strongest reggae album of the year. Even though the album is titled “A Matter of Time,” it is definitely of this time, very contemporary and solid.
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