Artist: Damien Marley Album: Welcome to Jamrock Label: Tuff Gong
Reviewed by Beezher: 10/31/05

Smooth and talented Jr. Gong delivers a colorful and textured hip hop/reggae/dancehall album for the new school rasta hippie folk. Damien Marley is oh so talented and full of wisdom as he creates a versatile and unique album. Firstly, Marley’s vocals range in pitch and in style as he transforms reggae songs into melodic pieces and dancehall riddims into lyrical typhoons comin at ya from all directions. Lyrics range from love songs, to social/political, to introspective, which is very uplifting and real. There’s something for everyone to get down to, so pump it! I personally love everything on this record, but if I have to pick something…

Beezher’s Pics: 1, 2, 3, 8, 13

1. (5:29) Intro – marching drums, triumphant symphony strings, chanting
2. (4:41) Slow, reggae with symphony strings, thoughtful lyrics
3. (3:33) Roots Reggae, nice delivery, powerful lyrics
4. (4:40) Chipmunk sample in chorus, smooth beat, midtempo, chill hip hop track
5. (3:30) Midtempo, ska/motown remixed beat, lovey dovey lyrics
6. (4:47) Smooth sax and mellow percussion, R&B singing in chorus (not Damien)
7. (5:04) Slow with singing and guitars, Black Thought raps
8. (3:44) Uptempo tight remixed “Exodus” (by Bob Marley) beat, fa sho!
9. (4:53) Mellow beat, nice high and whispery vocals, interesting
10. (4:15) Uptempo, club banger beat, computerized vocals in chorus, shake it!
11. (5:17) Midtempo hip hop beat, soft humming/singing in background, featuring Nas! Chill.
12. (4:20) Thick reggae beat, positive vibe, funny vocal delivery
13. (4:44) Dancehall vibe with uptempo simple beat, catchy
14. (3:57) Chill reggae vibe track, dancehall vocal delivery, read lyrics – too fast