'Shok Wave' is your weekly new music review of reggae and family: dancehall, ska, soca, calypso, reggae rock and whatever other relatives come visit over this summer.
NEW REGGAE RELEASES
Raging Fyah - 'Everlasting'
Raging Fyah has released their third album 'Everlasting.' With this album, Raging Fyah has carved their niche out & really found their sound. Now with that being said I find this to be the best overall album in terms of the quantity of quality songs, which in my opinion, there's not a bad tune on the 'Everlasting' sounds. On the other hand, they definitely have bigger tunes on other albums. The exception, is the one that feeds my hook/melody addiction I have with music in 'Dash Wata.'
I&I - 'Mama Earth'
I&I 'Mama Earth' will be discovered by entering the WorldReggaeContest.com going on thru June 13, 2016 (that's how I found them). I&I, out of France, was my choice and the first two songs on the album were their choices for their entries. Those entries are the title track of their new, debut album 'Mama Earth ' & my favorite 'Just Meet People.' The rest of the album is, at least, good. The other musical highlights are the love songs 'I Want You Tonight' & 'Baby' and the anthemic 'One.'
Freddie McGregor - 'True To My Roots'
Freddie McGregor, a veteran of 53 years, is releasing a new album 'True To My Roots.' Nothing less than expected from the Captain of roots reggae. A tribute to Dennis Brown & the older single 'What You Gonna Do.'
Nice Up - 'The Session Vol 2'
Nice Up 'The Session Vol 2' is a nice introduction to the Nice Up crew and a new compilation album. It consists of reggae, dancehall, hip hop, jungle and more. For what they are most of the music sounds good. I'm a reggae man so I'm liking Mr Benn Ft Eva Lazarus' cover of the original 'Stars' & Blend Mishkin & Roots Evolution ft Exco Levi's 'Settle Down.'
Christophe Rigaud & The High Reeds - 'Sounds Of Life'
'Sounds Of Life' is the new album from Christophe Rigaud & The High Reeds of France. The title track & 'Alright' are the top cuts. The rest of the album is decent to good. Pretty solid all the way through. There is a feature of another new discovery on the track 'Forward' from Joe Pilgrim.
Kappo - 'I'm Not The Only One'
Kappo is something completely new to me. His new 4 song EP is a nice surprise. All 4 songs are nice. The Lover's Rock & cover of 'I'm Not The Only One' and the ska flavored 'Party Time' are the top cuts.
'Take Time' Riddim
'Take Time' riddim has released and is a mi to upper tempo reggae riddim with a slight dancehall feel. Top cuts include Jah Vinci's 'Never Give Up,' Vershon's 'Used To Hungry,' and the riddim name maker Dama aka D2DIA 'Take Time to Know Me.' A nice juggling/early warm riddim.
'We Remember Dennis Brown'
'We Remember Dennis Brown' releases and how can you go wrong with such great songs from the crop of new wave artists sprinkled with a few veterans. So how do you pick out the gems? For me, it's the artist that puts that special twist on the song. Last week we told you about the all star cast of reggae revivalists doing 'Rasta Children.' This week my favorites from the album, interestingly enough, are the only two non-Jamaican bands on the 31 song compilation: The Green's 'Promised Land' & my favorite track of all Katchafire's 'If I had The World.' Other top cuts include Richie Spice's 'Wolves & Legends,' Maxi Priest's 'Love Me Always,' & 'Romain Virgo's 'Caress Me.' I also like the jazzy flavored reggae instrumentals of 'To The Foundation' and 'Silhouette.'
Anthony Ynot - ' Mr. Bristol'
This is one of those one away tunes and from a brand new singer Anthony Ynot with 'Mr Bristol.' An acoustic style plea to babylon.
Jalena - 'If This Isn't Love'
Mostly known for soca, & out of the US Virgin Islands, Jalena hits with a hard lover's rock reggae tune called 'If This Isn't Love.'
The 'Lion Paw' Riddim
Lastly, the 'Lion Paw' riddim has released and it contains the fully produced version of Chronixx's 'Out Deh' originally on the 'Roots & Chalice' mixtape. It's the only song worth mentioning.
NEW REGGAE ROCK RELEASES
Fortunate Youth - 'One Love'
A brand new release within the vein of reggae music, Fortunate Youth re-release their song 'One Love.' Fun and to the right point.
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