Entertainment

'Substance Free'of negative content

By FABIAN LEDGISTER, Staff Reporter

Gregory Isaacs album cover. - contributed

Artiste: Gregory Isaacs

Album Title: Substance Free

Rating: 3 out of 5

THE COOL RULER, Gregory Isaacs is back with 'Substance Free,' a roots-rock reggae album, released under the Vision Sounds Label. The 15 track compilation holds true to the formula of using one drop drum reggae beats combined with other instruments such as organ, piano, and horns to create a truly classic sound.

The fans of Isaacs' classical hits may be disappointed, as all the tracks on the album are new and written by the 'Cool Ruler' and Wally Frazier. However, while there are all new tracks Gregory's beloved soul-wailing style remains fairly the same.

MELLOW VIBES

As the name suggests the album is free of any negative lyrical content. The tracks are cool, mellow, and easy going.

The album opens with a religious track called, My Salvation, which shows a move from Isaacs' usual repertoire of lovers rock and socially defiant rebel songs on the album such as Rat Patrol, and Mr. Officer. The singer croones; "The lord is my light and salvation...who shall I fear." in a section of the well produced religious track.

Pay the Consequence and Poverty War, give the listener an insight into the country and environment that surrounds Isaacs, as he sings of the plight of the poverished, and the hypocrisy of the country's social structure.

Condemn, featuring Dean Fraser on saxophone, is a powerful song dedicated to those who are either locked behind bars or trapped in a state of poverty.

Although the album has numerous social commentary, and rebellious lyrics, there is a marked absence of lovers rock, for which Isaacs is famous. In fact, arguably the most popular track in his career was Night Nurse, so it is quite surprising that he had an absence of songs like this on his new album.

Other memorable tracks include Half-Way Tree and Over The Bridge with its catchy organ and impressive back-up vocals.

The backing of Dean Fraser on horns along with Sly Dunbar on drums and mixing by Bobby Digital compliments Isaacs laid back vocals, creating an album that any critic can concur is true reggae music.

Track List:

1. My Salvation

2. Runaway Slave

3. Pay The Consequence

4. Rude Buoy Bawl

5. Rat Patrol

6. Over The Bridge

7. Condemn

8. Reggamuffin Ball

9. Trenchtown Comprehensive

10. Poverty War

11. Mr. Officer

12. Preacher Bwoy

13. Fit For Society

14. We Raise Them

15. Half Way Tree