Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Modern reggae revolutionaires.............., February 4, 2003
If I were to be stuck on a deserted island and I could only bring is one CD, this is the one I would take. This album in addition to "each one teach one" blows up the reggae scene. In this day, I feel as if reggae is being taken over by dancehall and techno-effects, but this album completley proves me wrong....This Groundation album comes packed with beatiful vocals by Harrison Stafford (not to mention Don Carlos as Guest vocals), old school style beat, soulful lyrics, and just all together Gooooodness! For all those concerned that the true reggae culture is dying and reggae is just becoming a fad, an "industry of cool", seek Groundation and they shall set your worries free, for they will revolutionize modern reggae. Modern reggae needs purification and these guys will supply it....Let roots reggae live, never forget your roots...
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Band...Good Album, May 1, 2006
It seems Groundation continues to put out solid efforts time after time and this cd is no exception. The tracks with Don Carlos and The Congos are fantastic and "Weeping Pirates" is my other favorite track. Yes, the singer has a unique voice which some may find hard to take but I sort of compare the band to Geddy Lee and Rush because once you get used to the singer's style, the whole band comes together very nicely. The band has a fantastic keyboard player (and rythym section) who have become one of my favorites of all time. Many of the best songs from this album appear in dub form on their new "Dub Wars" cd which is also very good if you are into the band. These guys need to stop doing Bob Marley Tribute shows and play their own stuff more often. Definitely check them out.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
#1, February 12, 2007
This is my favorite reggae album I own. Although I can understand the voice being a question mark for some people, I happen to really enjoy Harrison Stafford's unique flavor he brings to reggae. But what I can't see is any reggae fan question is the instrumentation. This band has tapped into something totally fresh while still wearing their roots on their sleeve. It's so jazzy and funky with a rolling reggae heartbeat the whole way through.
The opening track "Jah Jah Know" shows their maturation of song-crafting. The growling organ that drops into a jabbing horn line accented by a subtle guitar riff and classic reggae keys and percussion opens this masterpiece. The vocals are a perfect fit for this tune and the organ sweeps with every change punctuating the overall feeling that you're fighting a war for a good cause. Throw in a jazzy trumpet solo that flows seamlessly with its complimentary sections and you have yourself an original and arguably perfect tune.
The rest of this disc is chock full of similar genious structure without feeling forced at all. Uplifting progressions that take you by surprise ("Babylon Rule Dem"), tons of horn lines that will shape your arms when you walk ("Picture On The Wall"), rootsy backup vocals at just the right dose ("Silver Tongue Show", "Something More"), different time signatures teamed up that you wouldn't think of but make so much sense ("Hebron"), thick thick bass lines, fantastic guest appearances by Don Carlos and The Congos ("Freedom Taking Over", "Undivided"), conscious lyrics that truly tell the story at hand, and a strong feeling of closure to an album built on heart, struggle, soul and beauty. (And again that organ, that sweeping organ!)
I found it funny that 'rootsman' basically said those who liked this album and like the band are folks with untrained ears. I looked at his reviews and noticed 5 stars given to Midnite's 'Cipheraw'. I find that album unoriginal and boring with a couple of solid tunes, like most of Midnite's albums. My point, it's his opinion and this is mine. I feel passionate about this album and now you know a few reasons why.
Hebron Gate sits in the throne of reggae albums for me. 6 stars if I could.
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