Mind Control [Enhanced]

Stephen Marley | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 20, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Tuff Gong / Umgd
• ASIN: B000MRP2ZO
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (67 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,463 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #82 in Music > World Music > Reggae > General AAS
  • #82 in Music > World Music > Reggae > General

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It's hard to believe that Stephen Marley is only now making his solo debut. But as the brains (producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, singer) of the family who has been behind the Grammy-winning careers of the Melody Makers and Damian Marley, as well as young brothers Kymani and Julian, he hasn't been slacking off or lost in a haze of ganja. Perhaps too acutely aware of the magnitude of this record, Marley finished it once, then scrapped several songs and started anew. The results this time reveal an artist who is in complete control of his medium: Some songs have a political edge; some are societal critiques; some are lullabies to his children; some are party anthems. The sound brings in such unlikely but satisfying elements as flamenco guitar and nyabinghi rhythms. Throw in guest spots from Mos Def, Ben Harper, his brothers and others, and Mind Control truly does sound like the work of a master craftsman able to weave all these different ideas into one cohesive whole. –-Tad Hendrickson

Product Description

The highly anticipated debut album Features 'The Traffic Jam and 'Hey Baby'. A member of the celebrated Marley sibling group The Melody Makers since the age of seven, the 5 time Grammy Award winning producer, singer, songwriter, and multi-in strumentalist is stepping center stage for the first time. Mind Control is all Stephen and a cornucopia of the sounds and styles that he loves: a blend of reggae, rock, R&B, nyabinghi rhythms, flamenco and hip-hop. It's an album with the grit and flavor to rock old school Kingston sound systems and slippery, waxed Miami Range Rovers alike. Features cameos from Damian Jr, Gong Marley, Julian Marley, Mos Def, Ben Harper and Mr. Cheeks.

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Mind Control" does justice to Bob Marley's legacy March 20, 2007

By D. Wees

Format:Audio CD

"Mind Control", the debut album from Stephen Marley, the fourth of Bob Marley's children, is full of great reggae and dancehall beats, passionate lyrics, great guest appearances, and great vocals. Stephen's vocal tone is uncannily similar to his father's, and his songwriting ability demonstrates greater range than that of his brothers (with the exception of Ziggy). The album is a blend of reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, rock, and nyabinghi percussion, and the lyrics cover topics such as isolated loneliness, political corruption, romance, ganja, and of course Rastafarianism and how it affects everyday situations.

The standout tracks would have to be "The Traffic Jam", a heavy dancehall track which features Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, "Chase Dem", a politically driven reggae song that could easily pass as a long-lost Bob Marley B-side, and "Iron Bars", which could be the next roots reggae classic. The rest of the album is all very well produced and performed, and I can honestly say Stephen Marley is probably my favorite of all the Marley children. Since the album is so musically diverse it really has the chance to please just about anybody, but I know for sure that fans of Bob Marley and the Wailers, the Melody Makers, or just reggae music in general, will highly enjoy this amazing album. The "angry lion" has finally been released.....

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible March 24, 2007

By To Be Simple VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

People looking for a pure reggae album shold look elsewhere. Only a couple roots reggae tracks are on Mind Control. Like his brother Ziggy, Stephen delves into a variety of genres other than the pure reggae that characterized the Melody Makers' albums. Is this a good thing? Most definitely. Eventually I would love to see Stephen unite with his siblings again and do a pure reggae album, but for now it's interesting to hear him go in another direction. Mind Control is a very strong outing from a guy who has primarily played second fiddle to Ziggy and Damian Marley. Stephen's voice has matured quite a bit over time, evolving in a distinctive manner. It works well in the context of Mind Control, with a list of great guests adding to the mix. The result is a smooth group of songs that do not get boring.

On a side note, and not to take anything away from Amazon, the Best Buy version of Mind Control has two bonus tracks, which are solid. I don't like these exclusive deals, as I think the bonus tracks should be included on all versions rather than be a part of a promotional deal. But potential buyers of the album should keep the bonus tracks in mind.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Stephen Marley - New Legacy May 1, 2007

By ST

Format:Audio CD

I really liked this album. I'm really confused about people giving it a poor review for not being more like traditional reggae. Stephen is not his Dad and people shouldn't expect for him to be. Bob Marley left a legacy that is hard to match but I think Stephen's music has its own stamp and should be recognized as such. He modernizes reggae a bit and allows other musical influences to shine through (i.e. flute music, flamenco guitar). I have been looking forward to an album of his since his guest vocal appearances in other albums always leave me wanting more. I've always enjoyed his creativity in musical arrangements and I seriously thought his star as an artist needed a little more light. I enjoyed this album for what it is, a new interpretation of reggae. I was really sad this had only 12 tracks, but guess I can't be too greedy.