Welcome To Jamrock

The album opens with "Confrontation," where Marley adopts a prophetic tone, singing, "Any day, revolution might erupt/ And the skies over Kingston lighten up." This track serves as a fitting sequel to "Jamrock," replacing its rootsy skank with synthetic martial drums and ominous soundtrack strings. Other songs draw on the late-80s new jack swing's breakbeats and sampled funk-guitar stabs, featuring a Bobby Brown appearance halfway through the album. "All Night" stands out with a throwback beat reminiscent of Marley Marl's prime, while other tracks embrace straight-up dancehall, such as "Hey Girl," which offers a laid-back T.O.K. vibe. Marley's distinctive, abrasive voice and thick Jamaican accent set him apart from his father, Bob Marley. On "Beautiful," he namechecks Bob and sounds similar to Super Cat, while the Nas duet "Road to Zion" showcases his weary, lonely sigh, reminiscent of Horace Andy. "We're Gonna Make It" sees Marley attempting a lush old-school reggae style, which pales compared to his father's work, whereas "Move!" powerfully samples Bob's "Exodus," incorporating rushing drums and passionate quick-tongue chatting. Despite its highlights, the album suffers from constant stylistic shifts that prevent it from coalescing into a cohesive whole. Missteps like the saxophone-heavy "Beautiful," the condescending "Pimpa's Paradise" featuring Black Thought, and the pro-life ballad "For the Babies" detract from its overall impact. The title track, "Jamrock," stands out as a masterpiece that overshadows the rest of the album. Also, wow, The collaboration with Nas on "Road to Zion" highlights Marley's ability to convey deep emotion, while his distinctive, abrasive voice and thick Jamaican accent provide a fresh departure from his father's smoother style. However, the main problem I have is the lack of consistency. The frequent shifts in style can be jarring, preventing the album from building a cohesive narrative. Missteps such as the saxophone-heavy "Beautiful," the uninspired "Pimpa's Paradise," and the preachy "For the Babies" detract from its overall impact. While "Jamrock" is a standout track, eclipsing the rest of the album, its unevenness leaves some of Marley's ambitious experiments feeling unfulfilled.

DAMIAN MARLEY - Welcome To Jamrock

RATING - 7.9/10

FAVORITE TRACKS - All Night, Road To Zion

GENRE - Raggae, Hip-Hop, Rnb