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" Michael Rose Warrior " Music Reviews
Following on from the solid 'Africa Roots' release the veteran Michael Rose again teams up with Ryan Moore (Twilight Dub fame) who celebrates his 10th year in the reggae business. With this release Rose shows why he is still regarded as one of the best in the business, delivering uncompromising roots music. To help him on his way Moore has gathered together some majestic musicians, including; Dean Frazer, Sly Dunbar, Chinna Smith and Anseil Collins. In addition Moore also enlisted several top class studios such as Tuff Gong and Junior DelgadoÕs Music alongside side his own Twilight studio.
The result of this blend of talent is an impressive and inspiring roots onslaught, an old skool roots vibe with fat baselines and combative style drumming. The opening track, 'Warrior' is straight to the point, a serious, pounding roots cut with Rose's distinctive voice chanting down the gun culture, the overall feel being very reminiscent of that old time Black Uhuru sound.
Other standout tracks include 'Longtime' a track which sings of Rose's longevity within the dancehall and the longevity of reggae music. 'A Little Bit More' is another stomping roots cut, very intelligently composed, with some superb Nyabinghi drumming throughout.
Overall Moore and Rose keep getting better and better. 'Warrior' contains some serious roots music, which will keep the vibes alive in the dancehalls. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by JumpUp
UK ReggaeGuide
Michael Rose - Warrior
(CD) M Records 500, 2006-11-27
Former Black Uhuru lead singer Michael Rose is singing like he hasn't been for a long time, on this majestic and highly recommended roots album, recorded with the producer Ryan Moore from Twilight Circus fame. Expect slow and massive reggae rock, digital roots with lots of bass, with impressive backing by Sly Dunbar, Dean Fraser, Skully, Nambo, Chinna Smith, Bowie McLachlan, Daryl Thompson and Wally Badarou!
Djouls - www.djouls.com
"Among the best of today's reggae productions" (Djouls.com best of 2006 pt.2)
Album: Warrior
Artist: Michael Rose
Genre: Roots
Label: M Records/Twilight Circus
Reviewer: M. Patton. "General MP"
Rating: 5/5
One thing about Michael Rose's signature and clearly recognizable voice is that it remains as powerful and direct as ever. I have grown up listening to Michael Rose since his time as the lead singer of Black Uhuru to the beginning of his successful solo career.
I have enjoyed the progression of this Rastaman's musical journey, and his latest release is an outstanding collection of some of Michael's finest work. If you think I am exaggerating, have yourself a listen, and I'm sure youÕll agree this is a worthy production of Rastafari inspired music.
The musicians add a dimension and depth which is undoubtedly what makes this album one of the must haves of a complete Rose collection. Sly Dunbar, Dean Frazer, Skully, Nambo, Chinna Smith, David Madden, Bowie McLachlan, Daryl Thompson, Wally Badarou, are all masterful in their support of one of Reggae's "Longtime" celebrated singers.
Songs like "Warrior (track1)", and "Freedom" set the tone as Michael belts out his trademark sound, you can't help but sing along as Jah spirit is within the music. The song "Zion" is probably the most rootsy song on the album. "by the rivers of Babylon, we must trample dragon." You know the dragon a go feel weak when Michael sings!
In the song "Them A Look" he sings about how "Babylon a laugh when the poor man a bawl" You hearing this politricksters? Truth and rights forever! The next song is probably the heaviest song on the album, "Dangerzone" describes what life is like inna di ghetto today, an everyday. "Stop the killing" Michael pleads to the rude boys of Dungle, western Kingston, Flankers, and Spanish Town. "Now you turn it into murder zone"
The last two songs "A little Bit More"( w/ a Binghi riddim), and "Nature" are solid tracks. Again the players of instrument, lend some amazing percussions, drums, bass, sax, trumpet, guitar and keys, added with Michael's vocals to create one of the best albums in Rose's long solo career.
Bless Up,
M. Patton
BigUpRadio
Warrior (M Records, 2006)
Michael Rose is definitely on a roll. I pegged his previous release African Roots as his best, but Warrior tops it (if only marginally). It's certainly the closest Rose has come has come tocapturing the sound of his Black Uhuru days. That may or may not have been his intention, but given the presence of such Uhuru-era players as Sly Dunbar and Daryl Thompson and the prominence of female backing vocals on a few tracks (beautifully rendered by Rochelle Bradshaw), the comparisons are hard to ignore. Similarly, the riddims are reminiscentof a time when reggae was hardening up a bit inna "rockers" stylee while keeping that necessary pulse. Warrior isn't nostalgia, though. It's Rose continuing to grow and develop even as he retains many of the strengths that make him one of reggae's most distinctive artists. He's toned down his vocal eccentricities noticeably without losing the combination of ominous and playful tones that's served him so well for so long. His convictions regarding spiritual matters ("Zion"), self-assuredness ("Solid Ground," "Them a Look") and his own brand of militancy ("Warrior") are delivered in a commanding, clear-headed voice of reason that very nearly epitomizes what modern roots is (or at least ought to be) all about. So, is there anything wrong with this disc? Well, apart from the fact that the last track runs 12 minutes but only has four minutes worth of song, not really. This is Rose's second full-length album for producer/mixer/multi--instrumentalist Ryan Moore's M Records, and the affiliation continues to be a perfect fit. Great songs, clean but edgy sound, varied arrangements, top-flight musicians, and a singer in peak form; Warrior has all that and more going for it.
4.5 / 5
- Tom Orr
Reggae Reviews (Guest Review)
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