Jamar Rolando McNaughton, widely recognized by his stage name Chronixx, rose to prominence as part of a vibrant collective of young Jamaican musicians spearheading the Reggae Revival, a cultural movement that began making a global impact around 2010 by breathing new life into Jamaica’s rich musical heritage.
Rise To Fame
Chronixx’s rise to fame accelerated in 2012, fueled by heavy radio play in Jamaica, standout performances at major festivals like Reggae Sumfest, and the release of Start A Fire, a mixtape curated by Major Lazer. The momentum continued into 2013 with hit singles Smile Jamaica and Here Comes Trouble. In spring 2014, he dropped the Dread & Terrible EP, which topped the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart.
Chronology
His debut full-length album, Chronology, arrived in 2017 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018. In 2020, Chronixx released Dela Move, the lead single from his highly anticipated second album Dela Splash. However, the album never materialized. His last solo release before stepping away from the spotlight was 2022 released single Never Give Up – included as remastered version on Exile. A quiet stretch followed, marked by sparse solo output and limited public appearances, sparking speculation among fans and media alike.
Sophomore Album
That silence has now been broken with the long-awaited release of his sophomore album, the aptly titled Exile. One thing’s certain: after such a long and eagerly awaited return, this new album has a lot to live up to. Now it’s time to press play and find out if Chronixx delivers the magic his many fans have been craving. No need to listen to all tracks as it becomes clear early on, that Exile takes a different path from Chronology, signaling that this isn’t the seamless follow-up some longtime fans may have anticipated or wished for. Produced by Inflo, the creative force behind SAULT, Cleo Sol, Michael Kiwanuka, and Adele, the album unfolds as a deeply introspective, emotionally resonant, and intimately woven musical experience with live instrumentation, layered harmonies, and organic textures. It blends roots reggae with soul, lovers rock, and even touches of neo-soul and jazz, creating a warm, nostalgic yet forward-thinking soundscape. While there’s plenty of praise, this album is not without its shortcomings. Even after listening to it several times, the initial doubts about the overall quality of its production and mixing persists. These elements fall short of expectations, particularly when measured against the high standards set by his previous work.
The First Part
Exile, the album’s meditative opener, unfolds with minimal instrumentation that gradually builds, anchored by ear-catching subtle guitar play and hushed vocals that conjure a sense of solitude and spiritual yearning. Following that is the vivid storytelling and irresistibly groovy vibe of Market, a track that steadily emerges as a highlight. Here, on a riddim that somehow reminds of Dillinger’s Cocaine In My Brain, Chronixx pays homage to the farmers who feed the people and original deejays like Nicodemus, Early B, Burro Banton, and Super Cat who helped define the soundscape of dancehall. On Survivor, Chronixx makes a daring departure from reggae, delivering his lyrics, including the often recurring line “Jah never let you down”, over a vibrant funk-disco groove. Though this track, along with a few others, may not resonate with reggae purists, the next three offer a sound more aligned with their expectations. In terms of riddim, the slow-burning I Know What You’re Feeling echoes the style of Bob Marley & The Wailers, but lyrically it lacks direction and fails to leave a lasting impression. In contrast, Saviour stands out as a compelling piece of social commentary, elevated by Chronixx’s spirited toasting and dubby approach in the latter half. Next comes the motivational song Keep On Rising, which marks a return to to his signature themes of spiritual strength and resilience.
Mid-Section
Midway through the album, the acoustic Hurricane and the semi-acoustic Genesis demand a relaxed, attentive mood. This goes for both tracks, but in particularly Genesis, which stretches to an immersive 9 minutes and 30 seconds. These two tracks, deliberate or otherwise, mark a clear midpoint that separates the 17-track album into two parts. At this point one can’t help but wonder if trimming the tracklist would have strengthened the album. The mid-section feels sluggish, and certain featured tracks depend too heavily on repeated lines rather than the vibrant storytelling Chronixx typically delivers.
The Second Part
The uplifting Don’t Be Afraid opens the second half of the album, and like the introspective I And I, marks a return to roots reggae music. Though lyrically not that strong, I And I stands out as a powerful track, elevated by thunderous basslines, militant drum patterns, and affirmations steeped in Rastafarian tradition. With its heartfelt tone, the remastered version of the 2022 released single Never Give Up offers a message of hope and reassurance to anyone who’s navigating difficult times. Next, Chronixx shifts into soul territory with the romantic ballad Pain In Your Heart, but the track struggles to sustain interest, tapering off into monotony by its close. As the album nears its end, it offers Resilient. Featuring a choir named The Music Confectionery, this extended acoustic ballad portrays love as a bond rooted in shared strength, while humbly recognizing that a man can never fully grasp the depth of a woman’s pain. The final track, Love Is On the Mountain, offers a gentle finish to the album, with Chronixx taking full creative control by playing every instrument.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the album stands as a testament to Chronixx’s evolving artistry—ambitious, reflective, and unafraid to stretch beyond genre boundaries while remaining rooted in his core message of resilience, love, and spiritual connection.