REISSUE Sugar Minott’s 1977 album Live Loving emerged as Coxsone’s response to the relentless reimagining of his iconic riddims. Widely regarded as a foundational blueprint for the dancehall albums that followed in the late ’70s and early ’80s, Live Loving showcases Minott’s smooth, confident delivery as he breathes new life into timeless Studio One riddims with fresh, original lyrics. Though…
Six months after captivating his loyal fans with the Willie Lindo-produced album Feeling Irie, Glen Washington, the veteran artist from May Pen, Clarendon, returns with yet another full-length project. Titled Just Giving Thanks, this 14-track album is produced by Tad Dawkins Jr and released under the Tad’s Record label. Infused with lots of relicked classic Jamaican riddims, the album benefits…
COVER VERSION VS ORIGINAL SONG Since the early 1960s and even prior, numerous iconic Jamaican hits were derived from popular foreign songs. The original pop and soul tracks were frequently embraced by audiences on the island, leading reggae artists to create their own renditions. Some of these artists gained fame by covering chart-topping songs, turning these adaptations into timeless classics.…
Last year when Qshan Deya performed at the Sunflower Festival in Waidhofen, Austria, he was backed by the House Of Riddim Band, a homegrown unit that has worked with reggae’s elite artistes including Mykal Rose, Luciano, Tanya Stephens, Turbulence and Jah Mason. While on stage, their tight coordination resonated with the roots-reggae singer, who is from St. Vincent And The…
The King of African reggae continues his reign with this release, almost reggae all the way – Le Cri Du Silence sounds like a Muscle Shoals soul ballad transplanted to the Ivory Coast, and it is a performance that certainly keeps the listener’s attention. The remainder of the set is definitely in the trademark Alpha Blondy reggae style: lovely, lyrically…
Aza Lineage has steadily built a strong reputation in recent years, with several notable collaborations, including multiple releases with legendary producer King Jammy. Her magnetic presence radiates positivity and energy, while her voice strikes a perfect balance—gritty enough to feel authentic, yet expressive enough to convey deep emotion. Her seemingly effortless flow across riddims is a rare talent, helping to…
NEW RELEASE Yi Mas Gan Records has dropped a fresh 12″ vinyl single showcasing the works of two Breton producers. Side A features Give Thanks For Life, a vocal cut by Jamaican artist Aza Lineage, performed over the Give Thanks riddim, composed by William Spring at Roll & Record Studio in Rennes, mixed by Daddy D&H, and performed by Guru…
STAY UPDATED WITH OUR PICKS OF THE WEEK In general, Reggae Vibes’ weekly Spotify Playlist is compiled of tunes that were released in the previous week, a blast from the past, a dub piece, chart toppers and new entries in the dancehall & reggae charts, and tracks from albums and EPs that were reviewed in the past seven days. Share…
Reintroductions With the advent of warmer temperatures, what better time to enjoy a reminder of the classic roots tunes that go hand in hand with the hotter weather? In light of this, it’s good to know that the powers that be have our collective backs with the reissue of Culture’s 1978 lava rock, Africa Stand Alone, produced by Jamie Hatcher…
Lone Ark Riddim Force – Psalms in Dub Vol. 1 Lone Ark Riddim Force’s Psalms in Dub Vol. 1 serves as the dub companion to Clive Matthews’ Going Home (check its review HERE). Available in both CD and vinyl LP formats, this release is part of a trilogy of albums – vocal, dub, and instrumental – featuring 13 riddims produced,…