Customer Reviews

Contagious

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is Tarrus Riley's third album and for all that know his music . He certainly has made his way with this album . The title track is a great take on a classic Marley Riddem . His cover of Michael Jackson's " Human Nature " is excellent . One of the gems on this album is a track called " Mandkind " at times it becomes Beatlesq , it is really amazing . " Good Girl Gone Bad " with Koshens is one of the best modern dancehall tunes of the year . "Young Heart" brings you back to a classic 60's sound , While " Soul Mate "and Sly & Robbie produced " Stop Watch " takes you back to the 70's. Tarrus , brings in the gospel with a little help from Etana on "Let Peace Reign"and takes you to a higher level . All tracks are well produced and the writing is true to its form , Tarrus has reached a great level with this album .

I loves Parbles and wondered how Tarrus could top that and behold he did it. One of the best pure conscious reggae I've heard in a long time. And it still could be even better as he has songs out which were not incuded on the album which are outstanding ( Cold Kisses, Wanti Wanti and Forever more (with Alaine))Thsi cd will be a classic like Parables

This is an extremely refreshing and uplifting album. All roots reggae fans will be hard pressed to find a better reggae album out today!

The fantastic Tarrus Riley has done it again; delivered a recording of highly relevant, socially-conscious music, featuring his beautifully-flexible vocal range in his own style, extremely talented musicians (great instrumentals!) and vocally-strong female back-up singers who are true artists in their own right! If you like righteous lyrics within the modern style of Caribbean/Jamaican music, you'll love this CD. He's not afraid to bring abusive men to task in "Start Anew," as he urges women who've suffered abuse at the hands of the men who "love" them to "cut it off" and move on. "Love's Contagious" is a highly fluid song that makes you just want to get up and dance - well, actually, every song in this recording does! Some songs are faster and more up-beat, whereas others are slower with a more "down-beat" feel and they're all great. It's Tarrus' voice that does this! When I saw him live in Jamaica 2 years ago, I was amazed at how he is able to produce a sound that's melodic and flows so well that it sounds like a recording session - except there he is on stage! You'll LOVE this CD!

This album by Tarrus Riley recognizes human ways of life. It discourages the bad, and encourages and good. It keeps me rocking from the beginning of the album till the end like reggae music should. It is very good.

I am a huge Tarrus Riley fan & actually discovered him because the guy pumping gas at the next pump had him playing on the radio. I asked who it was, and thus found a new person whose music I really enjoy!

Tarrus Riley has indeed been blessed with a wonderful gift. All of the songs on this album are hits. This album will remain in heavy rotation for years to come.

This is a good package which has grown on me considerably. Parables was FIVE-STAR, and this is not, but it is a worthy effort all the same.

Tarrus`s first album Challenges largely went unnoticed until his breakthrough with She`s Royal from his sophomore effort Parables. When parables caught on, Tarrus entered the coveted "can-do-no-wrong zone" that all entertainers wish for. The Jamaican and overseas public lauded everything about him and some even went back to find his first album which they had missed. Now he is on his third collection of songs and it will be left to see if this package is enough to keep him in the zone.

Contagious features some tracks that demonstrate why Tarrus is such a hot commodity. Namely his adaptation of Robin Thicke`s "Superman." Tarrus owns the song, and treats the lyrics to some real singing. Just as he is able to satisfy the singer`s ear with his crooning he effortlessly moves between singing and chanting for some well delivered pieces like King Selassie. He demonstrates an easy flow and rises to falsetto heights for emphasis and praise of his King.

"I Sight" is a well delivered and lyrically strong ode to his King that tries to walk the line between imposing his beliefs on others and the need to proclaim his faith at the same time. I can never play this one once.

"Contagious," the title track, benefits from some good singing but its major fortune is being backed by Bob Marley`s "Comin In From the Cold" riddim. This riddim is classic. It will always stir some emotion in every reggae listener. However, it takes time to allow one`s senses to accept the use of these chords for ruminating on love contagiousness as opposed to life`s struggle which is the way we have always know this piece of music.

Tarrus continues his use of classic riddims by bringing up the General Penitentiary riddim for Stop Watch. The result is pure power. This one should get some serious play in the early warm segments.

Other standouts include: Life of a Gun and S-Craving

Good Girl Gone Bad done with Konshens is a banging tune released as a single, and complete with well executed video. The song, despite the title, bears no relationship to Rihanna`s effort. On its own the tune could sell the album. It is that well done.

I am a 49 year old woman and had become quite disillusioned with reggae over the years that is until Tarrus came along. Message in the music?? Have not experienced such vibes since Bob Marley, and he keeps them coming. I love the entire CD. For the first time I do not feel cheated by having to pay for an entire CD for only two good songs. Title track 'CONTAGIOUS'is great but my favourite 'LIVING THE LIFE OF A GUN' is superb. His cover of Michael Jackson's 'HUMAN NATURE' is flawless and a striking tribute to Mr. Jackson. I could go on. THIS CD IS REQUIRED LISTENING!!!!

I just got this CD. the music on this is great. my favorite songs is Herbs Promotion.....WHAT??!!?? His voice is out of this world.