Universal Message 3

(Collection) - Universal Message vol. 3 (VP)
Reviewed by Sadie O, 8/15/05
New-school Roots Rock (and Righteous) Reggae compilation. Jamaica seems to be experiencing a definite backswing to the classic reggae styles of the 70's with "conscious" lyrics, after the long reign of dirty dancehall vibes. A nice mix of new faces and known names. Really nice to see this happening, and judging from online reviews, Jamaica is proud to present this collection. Pretty much all mid-tempo, roots-style.
I couldn't detect FCCs, although different transcribers have heard a word in track 11 as "pricks" and "Brits", which to a former colony might be interchangeable anywayŠ
No clunkers - you can pretty much slap on any track, but I think 2, 4, and 11 (the latter acoustic, please note) are probly the best cuts.
1. 3:42 one-drop riddim, very sweet sound and lyrics.
2. 4:04 ***great mix of vocals over cool remix of Stop that Train, defiant lyrics.
3. 3:30 young-sounding singer, classic bass line.
4. 3:57 ***versatile vocals and interesting instrumentation.
5. 3:28 nice xylophone sound in the mix, about poverty in Jamaica.
6. 3:48 slower and mellower than most of the tracks, some falsetto singing.
7. 3:36 sweet harmonies, lyrics that talk about the hole in the ozone layer!
8. 3:43 major European reggae star finally breaks in JA, bittersweet sound.
9. 4:03 **defiant toasting, same backing track as number 3.
10. 3:47 odd falsetto on much of the vocals, bubbling keyboard
11. 3:21 ***wonderful (fem) lyrics over acoustic track. Made me misty-eyed.
12. 4:17 upbeat, with spirited music (electric guitar, horns). Rastafarian message.
13. 3:59 **I could swear I'm hearing Peter Tosh - whew!
14. 3:43 slow song, nyahbinghi drumming, pretty tenor vocals, rather off-putting falsetto ending.
15. 4:08 mellow, nyahbinghi riddim & violins.
16. 3:46 **gruff toasting - sounds like the sound system dances of yore.
17. 3:32 **gorgeous vocals, pretty music, good lyrics.
18. 4:21 subdued music (with strings) nod to Bob at the end. Apparently a bit of a hit - just saw a video of this cut on Link TV.