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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The StrongEST One???. . . , June 17, 2008
If you are a reggae fan these days you REALLY need to be taking a strong interest in what the Women of reggae are currently doing in the typically male dominated genre. While still far from being equal (numerically speaking here and definitely overall as well) women are being more and more represented by new artists and by established names remaining consistent for a longer period of time. In dancehall, where things tend to be a bit more complicated, we've seen the emergence of artists such as Spice, Timberly and of course dancehall songbird Alaine reaching the forefront of the vibes typically dominated by the Lady Saw's, Tanya Stephens', Ce'cile's, Lady G's and Macka Diamonds of the world (all of whom arguably remain at the height of their powers for the most part) just over the past few years (ESPECIALLY Alaine and Spice). Then there's Tami and Tessanne Chynn alongside female duo Brick & Lace all of whom attracted international attention by virtue of their reggae/dancehall/r&b/hip-hop molded vibes and all have actually yet to reach their peaks musically speaking (although for her part, Tami Chynn is probably quite close to hers and still has a bit of growth and may actually give the genre its first international female superstar since Lady Patra more than a decade ago). And I've yet to make mention of the likes of Stacious, Natalie Storm, Tifa, (everyone's favourite) Kris Kelli, wicked French queen Lady Sweety and of course the notorious D'Angel and Ms. Thing, all of whom (and I could still even name a few more like Tina Nunez and (wicked) Lexie Lee) could potentially join the names at the top or near the top of the vibes someday. In the roots landscape, while the names haven't been as plentiful or consistent, one could make the case (and I will) that we've seen a bit more consistent and crucial performers overall than in the dancehall. You'll find a rather small but consistently growing group of reggae fans who will swear to you that Cruzan Queen Dezarie is making the best reggae music in the world, PERIOD, right now. The sublime singer has established a strong fan base throughout the Caribbean and indeed the extended reggae community as well throughout the world and really if you want to know more about modern roots, Dezarie's music is mandatory listening at some point (and check out her new release, Eaze The Pain). Of course I have been singing the praises of Queen Omega to any and everyone over the past half decade or so. The large voiced Queen has combined with some of Jamaica's strongest and received spins and respect in every corner of the vibes (check her re-released Servants of Jah Army out now) which, at their best, are nothing short of brilliant. Reaching back to Jamaica, the biggest name to emerge over the past few years in Women's roots music has definitely been that of Queen Ifrica. The Tony Rebel protégé is one who is now even `threatening' to outshine her own mentor on his own annual bill every year, the fantastic Rebel Salute show, is in the process of laying the foundation for a legendary career of her own. What is/was missing for females in the roots genre (and one could make the case that its missing for the males as well, although there are MANY more candidates), however, was a name who could take the music to an international level. Honestly giving the WORLD its first true female roots reggae superstar (and I should probably mention Cherine Anderson somewhere in here).
Has the search ended? I honestly almost NEVER get artists come across my radar who give me as much anticipation as has the PHENOMENAL Etana over the past two years or so. In my opinion, Etana makes a serious brand of music, which has a form which could rather EASILY translate into international attention and popularity (in much the same way artists such as Jill Scott, Alicia Keys and India Arie have in what is called `neo-soul') (neo-roots???) and virtually not change its current form at all! The singer first came to the attention of almost everyone on the strength of her first two initial releases (more on those later) which almost set her up as a `soul' artist `trapped' in reggae music. While we've definitely seen that type of artist before (see Tessanne Chynn, see Della Manley) (even see Tanya Stephens at times), but they typically come with limits (keep listening to Tessanne and you'll discover her to be a pop artist (albeit a potentially very good one); keep listening to Stephens and it won't take long for the 100% lyrical fire breathing dancehall queen in her to become apparent; and you won't even have to listen long to Manley to get a taste of her near folkish style of material); but when have you ever seen a female Rastafarian singing songs which wouldn't sound out of place on ANY urban video station throughout the world outside of the Caribbean? I don't recall EVER having vibes to such an artist, and particularly not one who could achieve and maintain her status with reggae heads and international fans alike and do so seemingly effortlessly. The former reigning 'First Lady' of well known reggae label 5Th Element (former home of Chuck Fender & Richie Spice. . . Okay and Anthony Cruz too) did so well, so early in her young career that she would ultimately attract not only a bit of attention from the fans for her debut album, but likewise, a bit of label interest. Thus, (VERY unsurprisingly) the biggest Caribbean music label in the world, VP Records, took on Etana and now delivers on her debut album, The Strong One, one of the single most anticipated reggae albums of 2008. The Strong One joins Jamelody's Be Prepared (also from VP) as two of the recent truly high profile reggae debut albums to reach (also check out Cali P's wicked Lyrical Faya from Pow Pow). Like Be Prepared, The Strong One is an album which blends styles along with reggae in delivering its vibes; UNLIKE Be Prepared, The Strong One maintains its level and scores nearly all the way through.
Etana (like pretty much every VP artist there ever was) made the usual rounds appearing on the Strictly the Bests and Reggae Golds of the world and it is quite interesting that The Strong One comes forth on the same day as the new Reggae Gold album (incidentally, one of the worse RG albums in recent memory). But for the reggae heads, definitely this is THE album of the day. Like a few of Etana's peers, VP has brilliantly turned the reigns of her debut album over to the well capable and legendary Dean `Cannon' Fraser as well. Starting off this album of the day is the downright lovely Don't Forget (which I believe has already been tapped as The Strong One's third single) for Fraser. The tune is one which is actually more on a simple kind of lite-pop style of vibes (the somewhat `dehydrated' one-drop doesn't pick up for a minute) but it works COMPLETELY for the vibes. It also introduces her style to the point where it shows really her diverse nature at its peak on the album as she flips throughout her various vibes, the `root' of it all remains reggae music. Next up (speaking of) is the second tune which brought the August Town (yes, we're waiting on a Sizzla/Etana combination!) native to prominence, Roots. Roots is SPECTACULAR! The Steven Stanley produced one off is a song which DIRECTLY spoke to people about leading the youths away from His Majesty (and went on the strength of what was probably the best reggae video of 2007) and encouraging them (and all people for that matter) to never lose sight Rastafari. It is quite honestly about as PERFECT a tune which exists (and notice the very African style chanting backing throughout, an excellent touch which almost changes the vibes into something else completely but keeps it in the reggae landscape) and it struck a chord and a vibe with so many people (myself definitely included), yet, oddly enough I'm not calling it the strongest tune here, but definitely a `strong' second and that's saying A LOT. Finishing up the opening of The Strong One is on for the real roots heads, Jah Chariot for Fraser. Respect goes to Fraser or whoever at VP chose the album's song order as when I first heard the first vibe on the tune I just get a big smile as it is a perfect spot for a big one-drop style of vibes. For her part, Etana puts forth a calm, yet well powerful message for the people to stand with His Majesty and righteousness against oppression in HIS Chariot and to be mindful and detailed to do so (as she says later in the track; the most memorable line, "make sure when you sit up in trees, you better have good deeds, or the chariot just might pass you by!"). Just a wonderful vibes and I haven't heard an average tune yet.
And throughout the album you won't find such a tune (although I must admit the album's sole combination, Blessing with Alborosie is definitely my LEAST favourite tune here). The Strong One is literally saturated in highlights from beginning to end. Check the empowering I Am Not Afraid for Kemar McGregor's Rub a Dub riddim. Definitely one of the biggest tunes on the album altogether and one of the best from Etana period. I liken it to the type of tune you would hear from current roots chanter Lutan Fyah (more on him in a bit) where she sprinkles pure education in the vibes as well as riding the downright sublime Rub a Dub on another vibes for the roots heads out there. When The Strong One really moves into its highest gear, however, the results are even `stronger'. Check the AWESOME Caltariba System for Carl James. Besides the really cool and bouncy riddim, Etana, for her part, paints a picture which you almost wish was an accapella vibes because it in itself is beautiful from the opening, through its 4:13. Definitely one of the album's finest pieces. Then there's what is her signature tune (alongside Roots), the first time anyone really heard Etana was on the self produced Wrong Address. The tune is one which is pretty acoustic and pretty much outside of the scope of...
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sweet reggae sound!, November 23, 2008
Having been to Jamaica many times, I am always asking the locals about new and upcoming artists. You won't go wrong with this one. Beautiful voice and positive messages. Check it out for you won't be sorry. Another upcoming artist is Tarrus Riley. Coco Tea also has been getting a lot of play time lately for his song Barack Obama. Which is on You Tube. He has been known in Jamaica for some time now, yet several months ago, the Obama song brought him to the forefront again. Enjoy these sweet reggae sounds!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic voice, August 4, 2008
I bought this CD largely for one song I kept hearing on XM Radio-The Joint (reggae channel). It was titled, "When A Man Loves A Woman." It is a duet with Alborosie. It ends up it is also called "Blessing", and is included on this CD. This was news to Jimmy Cliff (host of The Joint on XM Radio), but is great news for contemporary reggae fans. At any rate, every song on the CD is solid. Blessing is one of the best songs I've heard in years. Engineering is excellent on the CD.
Etana is a very talented songstress. Great voice, great range, great emotivity. The song Blessing alone is worth the purchase price.
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