STEPHEN MARLEY
Mind Control
CD: |
Tracklisting: |
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| 01 | Mind Control | |
| 02 | Hey Baby (ft Mos Def) | |
| 03 | Officer Jimmy (interlude) | |
| 04 | Iron Bars (ft Julian Marley, Mr Cheeks & Spragga Benz) | |
| 05 | The Traffic Jam (ft Damian "Jr Gong" Marley) | |
| 06 | You're Gonna Leave | |
| 07 | Chase Dem | |
| 08 | Lonely Avenue | |
| 09 | Let Her Dance (ft Maya Azucena & Illestr8) | |
| 10 | Fed Up | |
| 11 | Inna Di Red (ft Ben Harper) | |
| 12 | Enhanced Video: The Traffic Jam (ft Damian "Jr Gong" Marley) |
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REVIEW IN ENGLISH: SOURCE: ROOTS MUSIC Reggae & Dancehall AUTHOR: Teacha Dan  
Hail, Stephen Marley has finally released his own debut album! Born the second son of Bob Marley in 1972 he already entered the music business at age six as part of the Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers when they recorded their first single 'Children Playing in the Streets' in 1979. Stephen mostly opted to stay out of the spotlights and after the Melody Makers went their respective ways he worked mainly behind the scenes as a producer. He reaped huge success with his production album Chant Down Babylon (1999) after which Stephen became a household name in the international reggae scene. One of the first times he stepped out of his self controlled limelight was when his combination tune with Capleton 'Sunshine Girl' became one of the greatest reggae hits of 2002. Being a five(!) time Grammy award winner Stephen certainly knows his business. He won these prestigious international music awards for his production skills on two Damian Marley albums; Halfway Tree (2001) and Welcome to Jamrock (2005), and before that as performing artist on three Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers albums; Fallen Is Babylon (1997), One Bright Day (1989) and Conscious Party (1988). Mind Control was initially scheduled to be released as 'Got Music?' but naming the album after one of it's best songs was probably a good decision. The new title suggests much more and is less stuck-up. 'Mind Control' is one of the best songs as well as the introduction to the album. An album filled with that trademark husky Marley voice that Bob seems to have passed on to all of his sons. The many guest appearances spice the album and add more flavour. Some rappers do their thing and the Marley family is represented by Julian and Damian. But also world renowned guitar player Ben Harper is present for 'Inna Di Red' while 'You’re Gonna Leave' is in fact a reworking of Martina Topley-Bird's 2004 recording 'Sandpaper Kisses'. She is probably best known for her work on many of Tricky’s albums. One of the most surprising tracks on Mind Control is 'The Traffic Jam'. It has the ancient Studio 1 Answer rhythm delivered solely by human beat box (by Phantom) and some keys for effects and bass support. Damian (Jr Gong) deejays his lyrics over it and the fun they must have had recording it really rubs off. 'The Traffic Jam' is also included on the disc as a bonus video clip in QuickTime format. Not nearly as energetic as the Grammy winning albums Stephen produced for his brother Damian, Mind Control will probably still win him his sixth. The album is much more relaxed and loungy, less reggae and more crossed over with soul and pop music and that seems to be the taste of the award people, yes well, so be it. Crossing over runs in the family and it is always done so cleverly that it never seems to turn out disappointing. Crispy production, clever packaging, good lyrics, nice album. (Teacha Dan, April 2007) |
