Etana - Pamoja
Modern Reggae artist "Etana" has released an aweinspiring 1 hour album titled "Pamoja"
After the ambient, calming, spoken word intro.. The album begins with "Legacy"
This track features a wide variety of instrumental styles and it doesn't fail to show the artist's maturation, laced with clever lyricism, an addictive chorus, and upbeat traditional drum beats.
The wit and care put into the love driven lyrics makes it uniquely raw and organic.
A featured artist is "Naiboi", when his vocals are introduced, you cannot help but bop your head and groove along to the harmonic, smooth tones.
The next track, Melanin, along with it's catchy music, is really meaningful, full of life and emotion.
"Black is beautiful" - these words add a message to the track, and album, bringing people together.
It really hits us with wave after wave of tranquillity and happiness. The lyrics are truly off-the-tongue, fast paced and shows off the artist's range of vocal talents.
You get the best of both worlds when it comes to traditional music with sing-a-long choruses with a modern twist.
The next track "Not 4 Sale" really caught my attention from the get go.
The introduction of brass instrumentation adds so much dynamic structure and depth to the record, proving that complexity in music composition is the way to go. Just like the previous song, this track is purposeful lyrically, with self love and respect some of the main focuses.
"Walking Away" really blew me away, it holds a very 80's vibe of music. The higher fast vocals add juxtapose with the more laidback, relaxed backing music. The music created is original and really easy to jam out to. The mixture of ska vibes and bouncy guitar really contrasts with the synthesised modern feel of the beginning.
"Fly" features Polynesian artist "Fiji", who is introduced about half way through the 4 minute song. "Fly" most definitely has one of the most unique, raw talent feels out of all the songs.
The vocals aren't flooded with too many electronic effects, it's simply perfect, REAL, music. It really makes you "feel alive!" After the tranquil ending, it leads into the next song "The One".
It begins with a powerful electric guitar section, something not really yet seen throughout this album. However the original expectations of the track will soon change, as it quickly transitions into a more slack, loosened ska feel, bringing it back into line with the rest of the songs.. until.. the electric guitar is reintroduced, with drama and strength. It carries on with a back and forth in regards to softness, until the fading end of tranquility.
Coming towards the end side of the album, "Malaika" brings you a cinematic experience, full of awe.
With crybaby wah sounding guitar, the music bounces from ear to ear, fully immersing you in the compliation of brass and classic instruments. The vocals really take the center stage in this track, showcasing Etana's strength and compassion. The song is also mixed really well.. When the aforementioned vocals showcase the strength, they never get too hidden behind the music. Even at 5 minutes long, "Malaika" still manages to make you want more.
"Natural Beauty" is the next song, featuring "Patrice". Similar to "Not 4 Sale", the brass arrangement doesn't ever stop adding depth to the well structured track. The lyrics could be either rapped, or even slowly sung, as their rhythmic, smooth wordplay is universal and open to personal interpretation from the listener.
The 2nd to last track "Jamrock Vibez" features the incredible 1 million streamer artist - "Alborosie".
It feels like 2 or even more tracks are playing at the same time, it's fully action packed, with a funky twist. It progresses constantly, building and compressing until the end.
The outro, is an emotional, ambient spoken word section, like an ending of a story book.
Check out the entire well organised, unique, original album below.
