MasSicker aka King Mas – One Wish – Review
When talking about artists of our era, one unforgettable name that must not be overlooked is rising singer, songwriter, musician MasSicker aka King Mas. For many years now MasSicker aka King Mas has been featured in the Unique Reggae Mix Show so regular listeners of the Unique Reggae Mix will be familiar with his distinctive sound and style of singing with cultured messages of love and unity, not to be mistaken with other artists that have appeared recently using a similar name. Very few match MasSicker aka King Mas’s vocal skills and musical abilities.
Right from the introduction “Call Di Doc” you can tell that this album is well produced. This song is a great introduction, catching our attention with a powerful dancehall riddim this song draws us into this brand new album released in September 2012 from Viral Sounds Entertainment. Straight away I knew that MasSicker was coming at us with a very strong work or art. Moving onto more my style of song we have “Fade Away” which in my ears i feel is a really big tune. This song is not just vocally brilliant but also the riddim is tight and flowing, with its old school roots dub feel and heavyweight baseline completes this song into being a hit.
“Pain” has been featured in the Unique Reggae Mix Show several times now recently and will certainly be featured again, one thing an artist should be able to do is to make us feel through the power of sound, connect with us and this is a perfect example of MasSicker’s musical skill as a singer, songwriter. Sweet vocals that are balanced well with just the right touch of backing vocals. Several tracks into this album “One Wish” and already we can emotionally relate to this clever masterpiece from a talented thoughtful musician.
“Don’t Touch” is a serious subject that needs to be more widely covered by more artists to highlight and open eyes to those that don’t see it, helping those who are scared to come forward for them to know that its okay. In this day and age its sad to say that we are more than likely going to know someone that has had to deal with this situation but not been able to talk of it. I hope this tune lets those effected know that its okay to reach out for help if need be, and for those that think they know someone thats in that situation to give a helping hand. All on an easy listening beat it makes for us to hear the important message that MasSicker is bringing to our ears.
Creating a roller coaster of emotions listening to this album which is uplifted by the next song “Not For Sale” with MasSicker not just on the vocals but also featuring on guitar this is a prime of example of fine, strong lead vocals our artist firmly informs the ladies that this Rastaman is not for sale. Next I moved on to track six which is a new version of “Mek Dem Gwaan” Now to all of you who are familiar with that hit song you will love the new version. Its totally stripped down and re-licked this turns a hit song not just into another work of art from MasSicker but also gives the song “classic” status. “Rain Ah Fall” is another heartfelt vocally brilliant tune with the smooth riddim accompanied by MasSickers meaningful lyrics and top notch delivery, this will be a hit with the ladies and gentlemen alike.
The title track to the album “One Wish” is another heavyweight bass dub style song with soulful dreamy vocals this shows us versatility and one reason why MasSicker is rising through the Reggae ranks so quickly, attracting collaborations with not just other rising stars such as Jemere Morgan, Dubtonic Kru and more but also legends like Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace.
“Lately” offers to us a sweet love song, which again cleverly draws our ears to listen carefully to the subject being sung. Deep lyrics mixed with a well played musically delightful riddim track. The selection on this album is varied and will appeal to all kind of reggae fans from dancehall lovers, to roots and culture fans and especially the ladies. “Come Right Back” another fresh sounding dancehall hit features the likes of Jemere Morgan in a combination with MasSicker on a breezy, well made dancehall riddim track produced by MasSickers younger brother “MityMaose”
“Ambush Lova” has also been a regular feature in the Unique Reggae Mix Show. A popular sweet lovers riddim with ear pleasing vocals which are consistent throughout this whole album. “Love From A Distance” again bringing us a different flavour with a driving baseline and soft loving lyrics matched with warm vocals, allowing us to hear the quality sound all while absorbing the messages that flow smoothly from note to note. “Lullaby” starts off smoothly slowing down the pace of the album and just when your not expecting it the spiky twisted baseline comes into effect. A very experimental tune done very well and I really like it, had to rewind this song several times after first listening. I know that this song will surprise those that have not read this review!
“Judas Kiss” is the song that rounds up the journey of “One Wish” which i have to say this is an album that captures our attention right from the start and keeps us hooked on sweet vocals and tuff riddim selections. Its hard to pick a top 5 I keep saying this in these reviews, but to my ears my top 5 from this album would be:
- Fade Away
- Pain
- One Wish
- Lullaby
- Rain Ah Fall
Still its a really tough pick as every song is very different and unique in its own way. To summarise this album in a paragraph i would say that it oozes quality, hard work and passion. You can tell that many hours have been put into the making of this and it is time very very well spent as right from the start you can hear the high standards of the works. Its musical style is reality with a lot of sugar sprinkled on top and will be a favourite for a variety of Reggae, Roots, Lovers and Dancehall fans as well as selecta’s and radio personalities worldwide.
Contributions from Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace, tracks 5, 6,13,16
as well as Dubtonic Kru playing riddims, tracks 3, 4, 7
Released by Viral Sounds Entertainment 21st September 2012
Written by Gav Pauze – Pauzeradio.com 22/10/12
MP3 Download: One Wish
