Menny More – On Air Live

Menny More has been a regular feature in the Unique Reggae Mix radio show on Pauzeradio.com for many years and has a style that is completely his own. His vocals are consistent and unlike any other artist on the circuit. This latest album from Menny More, On Air Live, does not disappoint.

On Air Live starts with Last Laugh, sitting on a classic, forward-driving riddim. This song is an ideal taster of the overall feel of the album. Up-tempo but still holding tightly onto a Roots feel, it pushes across the message of the title, that he who has the last laugh wins, cleverly woven into Menny’s lyrical flow.

Count On Me switches things up with a more loving feel. Again sitting over a classic Reggae beat, Menny More tells his lady that she can always count on him. From verse to chorus, this is another strong lyrical performance, balanced through styles that help give Reggae its lasting effect. Menny switches naturally from DJ to singjay and through to singer, showing his versatility. It is also an easy track to sing along with.

Moving on to Big Man In Town, Menny More gives us an anthem, one that will definitely stay in your mind. So far, this album has a feeling almost reminiscent of the heyday of Dancehall in the 90s, keeping the dance nice while still making you want to move.

Dread Pass Thru slows the tempo slightly but is extremely catchy. A sweet, musical riddim combined with Menny’s unique vocals and lyrical flow makes for a tight tune, while delivering a strong message of Rasta teachings and livity to the youths. It feels current enough for 2017 while still carrying the foundations of classic Reggae.

This album is showcasing classic and newer riddims with up-to-date lyrics, bringing back the feeling of early to mid-90s Reggae and Dancehall, something I think is a real strength. Bad Man completely reminds me of the feeling I used to get listening to Reggae during that time. The title tells you most of what you need to know about the subject, while Menny delivers a deeper message over a swinging and musical beat.

Stay From Them is another anthem and easy singalong track, with a deep driving bassline, swinging vocals and solid production. Again, this track captures that beautiful, authentic Reggae feel. Next comes Men Of Right. As soon as the beat started on this one, I loved it. Slowing the pace down slightly, this Roots tune catches the attention straight away and is exactly the kind of track I like to feature on the Unique Reggae Mix Show. Touching on the subject of men who do right and the rewards that come from doing right, Menny pulls us in with catchy hooks blended perfectly with the riddim. This is one of my favourite tracks from the album so far.

Will You Be There brings another message for the ladies, and I like the way Menny switches his vocals on this one. It shows his diversity and just how clever his musical ability can be. The riddim itself is a little simpler than some of the earlier tracks, but where the beat is more stripped back the vocals fill the space and the balance works.

Tonight keeps us on the Lovers side of the album. Menny tells us that he wants love tonight and he is feeling right. I think many people will relate to that feeling when they find someone they believe is right for them, and the message works both ways.

Soar picks up the pace with more of a Ska feel. It is not really the kind of song I would normally choose for myself, but it carries a good message. What I do like is the way Menny sits on the beat, adapting his delivery and once again showing how versatile he is lyrically.

If I had to pick one track from the album that I was not particularly keen on, it would probably be Shouldn’t Do Me That. I like the lyrics and delivery, but to my ears the riddim feels slightly weaker and does not grab my attention in the same way as the rest of the album.

Swiftly moving on to Never See Me Crying, this is a track I really love. A solid message, sweet beat and powerfully delivered vocal performance all come together perfectly. Anyone going through a difficult time could take strength from this song, along with a reminder to hold onto faith and keep moving forward.

Finishing with a combination track featuring Capital D, Stay From Them completes the album in fine style. Menny More and Capital D sound great together, and their distinctive vocals create real depth and power while warning us to stay away from those who bring trouble. Once again, this track takes me back to the sound and feeling of Dancehall in the 90s. Great works.

Summarising On Air Live, I think it is a well-balanced combination of Roots, Lovers and Dancehall, but not the modern computer-generated Dancehall that seems to be flooding the market at the moment. This is real Roots, real Lovers and real Dancehall, the way I like to hear it.

It is a strong Reggae experience from beginning to end, with clean lyrics, good production and plenty of tracks that will have listeners singing along.

Menny More – On Air Live review by Gav Pauze, 30th April 2017