Reggae Album Reviews

Various Artists: Love Taking Over Riddim Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. After two successful releases, Roadblokk Records are back with a third – and the label has upped its game further, by releasing a full riddim this time – to good effect. Love Taking Over Riddim, released via Roadblokk Records, sees the sister label of Anotha One Productions start to properly take flight. Roadblokk is headed-up by Milan Ivkovic and DJ Vandal, and had previously released two tracks: Dem Weak by Naptali and Stranger In Town by Ray Isaacs (a tribute to his uncle Gregory on what would have

Various Artists: El YahWeh Riddim Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Train Line Records have just scored one of the strongest riddims of the year – with the lead track from none other than Dexta Daps. El YahWeh, released via Train Line Records, sees the label deliver something of sheer quality that’s highly attractive. The riddim itself is soulful yet Reggae-laced – almost classic in nature. The giveaway on this is the grand opening, with its impressive, lilting piano line – filled with rapid runs and riffs. What dominates on first listen are the chord progressions. The arrangement is predominantly

Everton Roy Collins: They Used To Be Mine Album Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Everton Roy Collins has returned with his third album – and to say it is a rich, intricate and pleasing affair would be an understatement. They Used To Be Mine, released via Mission Hill Records, sees Collins return nearly 30 years after his first release. Produced by John Harley, the album is a veritable banquet of Lover’s Rock and Reggae – but with heavy influences of Rock and Blues. The array of musicians featured is impressive, too – including Ryan Wilson on a versatile bass,

Mikey General: Hold A Heights Album Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. The legendary Mikey General is back with another album – this time heading to new heights in terms of the quality. Hold A Heights, released via Reality Shock Records, sees General and the label deliver 11 new tracks across this album. Produced by label head Kris Kemist, who also provides some of the instrumental work. The record was mixed and mastered to a very high standard at Reality Shock Studio. Musicians on the release include the renowned Horseman, Patrick Williamson, Ray Carless, Booom Hornz and legendary guitarist Earl

Sevad: Melodies EP Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. German-based Sevad may have now cemented himself as an established musical artist. Because his latest EP sees him join forces with House of Riddim – and the end result is a masterstroke. Melodies, released via Sevad Music House Group, is a melting pot of genres – swerving between Roots, Lover’s Rock, AfroDancehall-RnB and Alt RnB. All the compositions came in their original format from House of Riddim. Then, the outfit’s Sam Gilly and Sevad reworked and refined them into the five tracks on Melodies. Gilly did the pre-mix on the riddims

Various Artists: Rockin Rock Riddim Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Jumpout Production are back with another fresh riddim for summer 2022. Featuring a host of legendary and up-and-coming artists, it’s a treat for Reggae lovers worldwide. Rockin Rock Riddim, released via Jumpout Production and distributed by Tuff Gong International, sees the label combine various elements to create an almost tribute to the culture. Expertly composed by established Reggae producer Noel Alphonso (son of highly-respected saxophonist Roland Alphonso) and with classy production and engineering from Gary Sutherland of Jumpout, Rockin Rock Riddim is the perfect mix of Old Skool Dancehall,

Norris Man Deep Conversations Album Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Legendary artist Norris Man has returned with a new album; a collaboration with an up-and-coming label. And as the release shows, when an artist with decades of experience joins forces with one of the newer names to emerge onto the scene – the result is positively vibrant. Deep Conversations, released via Train Line Records, is a masterclass in how to do modern Roots Reggae that is both sympathetic to the historical culture while maintaining a sound that still sounds fresh. Production comes from Train Line founder Real Mckoy, which

Sevad The Revolution Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Of all the artists to recently emerge from Reggae culture, Sevad is perhaps one of the ones to have shown the most artistic development. His album Black Man’s Government displayed real promise but lacked production finesse. Then, his next offering The Message EP displayed real growth in that area. And now, we have his latest project. The Revolution, released via Sevad Music House Group, is perhaps Sevad’s seminal work. Unlike his peers, less is definitely more in terms of album length: eight tracks to be precise – bucking modern industry norms

Various Artists: Night-in-Gale Riddim Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. 2022 is already going to be off to a flying start in the Reggae scene – as one of (if not the) first riddim of the year sees some of the biggest names in the culture deliver stunning interpretations across a deft musical composition. Night-in-Gale Riddim, released via Train Line Records on 1 January, sees founder of the label Real Mckoy bring some lush Reggae vibes to the new year. The production and engineering are all first-rate, as would be expected from him and his outfit. Particularly good attention to

Dub On Mars Colors EP Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. After the success of the single Drunk with Sweetness featuring Awa Fall, Italy-based producer and bassist Dub on Mars has released a new EP – and it’s filled with vibrant musical colours. Colors EP was released on 22 October. Mars told Pauzeradio: “The concept behind the EP is how colours can affect us and touch our souls with different impressions. For example, how black can communicate strength or how blue is often related with sadness and red with love and passion. That’s just to name a few of the