SMILEY
Lively Road
CD: |
Tracklisting: |
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| 01 | Big Money Bag | |
| 02 | Disarray | |
| 03 | Lively Road | |
| 04 | Distance  |
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| 05 | Miss Sassy | |
| 06 | Da Weed | |
| 07 | Dem A Wonder (ft Junior Kelly) |
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REVIEW IN ENGLISH: SOURCE: ROOTS MUSIC Reggae & Dancehall AUTHOR: Teacha Dan 
Yes, it's here! Finally a decent release from Dutch artist Smiley. After reviewing his debut reggae cd-single 'Tomorrow' (POW Records, 2006) and awarding it four stars I had been wanting more. Early 2008 I received a rather poorly produced promo album that really let me down and my interest dwindled. In November of that same year Smiley was back again in full force with the video and single of 'Dem A Wonder' (Al.Ta.Fa.An. Records / Love & Unity Music, 2008) featuring Jamaican super star Junior Kelly. It showed what heights Smiley could achieve under proper production. The tune had Smiley focussed on what he does best, riding rootsy riddims with his uncomplicated easy flow. The beautifully produced single and video 'Distance' (Rootdown Records 2009) over the Tek A Train riddim again hit the mark and reinforced his reputation. And now there finally is an album, or at least this Lively Road EP. The mini-album features two of the three previously mentioned singles and their respective videos alongside a meagre five new tracks. The title track features a sunny ska shuffle with some mean horns while the other riddims are all crispy and uplifting roots riddims. Though Smiley has to deal with a limited vocal range he passes with first-class honours with distinction! The Lively Road EP is only flawed in two ways. There is no interface for the included videos and the two come in such different formats that you have two check them in two different players. The other flaw is that there are simply too few songs, it stirs your appetite and then leaves you hungry for more. Yet, even with just seven songs in twenty six minutes Smiley has conjured a big smile on my face again! You can order a physical copy of the album only at Smiley's website or you can download it from a host of downloadshops. (Teacha Dan, June 2010) |
