STYLE: Reggae RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 94573-16710 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith
This is the gospel reggae man's second album, following 2009's 'End Time Army'. Deezed hails from Kaduna, Nigeria but his musical heritage sounds rooted in Jamaica. The 13 tracks here are performed in a Marley-esque reggae style, with producers Daps and John P Clarka ensuring that things groove along in a uniformly smooth and pleasant way. Sleevenotes reveal that the basic tracks were first recorded in 2003, and have been newly remixed in 2010. Generally Ranking Deezed chooses to lay down tuneful reggae backdrops over which he riffs and sings, circling some simplistic but generally catchy hook lines that are repeated over and again eg "Jesus Christ, him calling you" ("Jesus Is Calling"); "Jesus really love me/Jesus really love we" ("Sacrificial Love"). Around these hooks, most of his scattergun lyric lines sound impromptu and improvised - often there are direct Biblical texts sung/declaimed, as the half singer, half preacher delivers his strong messages, punctuated by a slightly grating (after 13 tracks) high-pitched wail.
The opinions expressed in this article are
not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed
views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may
not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a
later date.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.