Stephen Marley – Revelations

Album Review – Stephen Marley – Revelations Pt. II: Fruits Of Life

stephenmarley-fruitoflife-albumreview

Being the son a Legend is what you call a tall order. Especially when your father is the one Bob Marley. I need not give you a history lesson on the man but it’s safe he did his bit to change the world for the better.

Stephen Marley has not done to shabby with a few Grammy’s in his closet to boot. Now he’s delivered the long awaited Revelations Pt. 11: “Fruit of Life” which is the second instalment of a 2 part series.

Following on from “The Root of Life” which was released in 2012 and was more traditionally grounded in terms of its strong reggae ties. With the “Fruit of Life” this is Marley showing how reggae has influenced other genres such as hip hop. The cast of artists (Dead Prez, kardinal offishall, Waka Flocka Flame, Iggy Azalea, Rakim) to name just some of the Hip hop artists. There’s also a healthy number of dancehall artists: Damien Marley, Sizla, Capleton, Bounty Killer, and Joe Mersa a grandson of Bob. Needless to say the mix of artists are deep and rich with talent.

From the intro where Stephen Marley samples one the most humanity conscience monologues ever, you just know what time it is. The speech is backed up by chest thumping drum beat that you imagine may accompany soldiers on their way to a battle.

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The first track “Babylon is a hip hop fusion which has you nodding with aggression and pumped fists. Dead Prez’s first line just shuts down the whole track as he spits “Look what they doing, despicable inhuman, then they got the nerve to say I’m 3/5 of a human”. Indicating how people of colour where once and still in some capacity are diminished by some of society. Dead Pez goes onto deliver other gems within the track which really capture the rebellious nature of hip hop music. When Stephen Marley comes in he gives you chills with his heart felt vocals about the conditions human being are facing in most quarters. This track offers brilliant introspection by a verbal dissection curtesy of these fine artists.

Revelation Party” Kicks off with Marley in sombre mode as he sings “I’m living my life but the struggles ahead, See I can’t look back now, but I cannot forget” you feel his melancholic mood right up until the chorus comes and this track turns into the celebration of your life as the lyrics in the track say. It’s brilliant the way Marley switches this mood from tragedy to triumph on this number.

On track “Walking Away” begins with soul stirring saxophone delivery that builds up to Marley’s heart aching delivery. Most of us can relate to a love that’s been lost due to our indiscretions. Stephen’s hook really sums it up “When I see you walking away, my soul was crying that day, never knew love was this way”. This is a beautifully produced ballad that really transcends all genres.

The Lions Roar” captures Rick Ross in good form weaving intricate imagery that has you lounging in your sofa chilling. Ross also smartly paints a picture of his come up from pissy mattresses to the ability to buy expensive Rosegold watch’s to his all back phantom. The track is heavily guitar based, the beat gives it a slightly increased tempo but for the most part it’s softer melodic piece. It’s set up perfectly for Marley to deliver an awesome emotional plea to protect his woman as he sings “I see the tears on your face, don’t you weep no baby, all this love is not in vain, I shelter you through the rain”. There are so many standouts on this extraordinary album and this is one of them.

Scars On My feet” is a story of the journey of life encapsulated in 4 minutes or so. Waka Flocka Flame (above) is in outstanding oratory form as he really is Marley’s muse on this one and takes centre stage. Waka blesses us with lines like “I done been through the headaches and the hassles, but only god can judge me with the gavel, they say I can’t write but I can make millions, so I don’t care about your opinions I ain’t ask you”. A thought provoking guitar rift accompanies a hard edged 808 back drop that sweeps you on this emotional journey. Marley sings “look at the scars on my feet, from this road I travelled, but I’m seeing change gradual, went from an apartment to a castle”.

Make no mistake this is as diverse a project as we’ve seen from a dancehall artist in recent times. The amazing part is that it actually works. Busta Rhymes appears on the sexually tinged “Pleasure or Pain” this track finds Marley switching up his flow to meet the wonderful sensual ebb and flow the production offers. Buster sits on the beat with the kind of knowingness only a vet possesses. I see this one growing legs and being another standout crowd pleaser.

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Its seems like forever since I last heard Wyclef (above)on a track, such is the outstanding pull of Stephen Marley he manages to get the ex Fugee all over “Father Of The Man”. This track is straight rebellion against the system. A haunting melody that captures the angst portrayed neatly by Marley, whilst clef drop jewels like “we went from cave man to slavemen, church said amen then they lynched men” this track gets you thinking as both paint reflective verses that forces you to consider the impact of major events over the last 60 years.

Music is alive” feels like Marley is paying straight homage to the late great James Brown, with funk flavoured boom bap beat. Brother Damien features and gives us a reminder of his obvious musical genius as he delivers a rapid fire flow. “So Strong” is happy go lucky in love number which gives life to the gruff delivery of Shaggy as he lends his humorous overtones to this feel good number. Simply summer vibes on this one, this one will ring out at many a barbecue over the remainder of the summer and the ones to come.

Thorn Or A Rose” is one of the most compelling tracks on the album. Marley takes you right through the core of his being as in the chorus he sings “didn’t you know, that the higher you go, is the more you’ll expose, if you’re a thorn or a rose”.  This is poetic genius and one glance towards the people in power gives this track epic realism. Black Thought also blesses this track with a supreme verse which mirrors Marley’s magnificence.

In “Paradise” we hear the sumptuous sweet like chocolate vocals of Jasmine Karma as she sings the hook to perfection “I love it when you smile, stay with me a while, this is paradise, this is paradise”. This track feels like it was crafted as the sun went down somewhere picturesque like Montego Bay. Marley just meets the mood of this kick back track with ease. Just when you think this can’t get any better Twister adds his typical quick fire flow to absolutely seal the deal.

Almost 2/3 through the album and we are met with “Tonight (It’s A Party)” a DJ Khaled produced feature. Feels like a guaranteed cross over without feeling too forced. With a decent verse from the much derided Iggy Azealea providing a decent verse? Wacka Flocka Flame again appears and turns in another solid verse on this one.

Ghetto Boy” is a straight gully riddim and we find Bounty Killer is explosive expressive form. As the tittle suggests this is the story of the ghetto and what disadvantaged have nots unfortunately encounter. Push up your lighter on this one. “Rock Stone” takes us back to the roots of it also. We find the irrepressible Sizla joined by King David himself Capleton just tearing down the forces that help perpetuate current negative conditions throughout the world. Marley enters to a cleverly switched dubstep tempo and adds extra weight to his heavily barbed delivery.

When She Dances” has the feel of something gigantic that’s about to absolutely tear up the scene. It’s a straight electro pop cross with a twist. Marley’s vocals fit like a glove “When she’s dancing yeah, she’s the only star that shines” with the up tempo swing that’s in full effect. Pitbull brings his brilliant magnetism to this track with lyrics that add to the picture already created by Marley.

The Album closes with what can only be described as an absolute tear jerker with Marley singing within his first lines “I’ve been a stranger to myself, I felt alone like no one else, I’ve seen the good suffer alone. I’ve felt the power of love”. Such emotion can’t help but carry you away as this full out acoustic number hits you right in the heart then holds you close and reminds you “It’s Alright”.

Album of the Year – Winner hands down!!

 

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