Album Review
Genre: New Roots
Format: CD Album
Reviewer: Henrik Bæk
Added: Tue, Jan 1, 2008
Duane Stephenson ››
From August Town
Straight from August Town, Jamaica comes this brilliant new singer with a voice comparable to the likes of Jimmy Cliff and Richie Stephens. Last year he wrote a song for the then incarcerated singer Jah Cure called True Reflections which became a monster hit for the popular Cure. Since then Duane Stephenson has been working on his debut album From August Town, which is released on VP Records and produced by Dean Fraser, who was also responsible for Tarrus Riley smash debut of last year titled Parables. With some of the reggae islands finest musicians behind the instruments adding a great musical tapestry to match Duanes excellent song writing skills this album is in many ways unique and perhaps one of the most successful crossover albums of 2007. The force of Duane’s song writing is, that he manages to blend social commentary with romantic love songs - all about life’s up and downs. Tracks like Ghetto Pain, August Town, Chant Love, Inna Di City with the fireman Anthony B and the cover of the classic Tyrone Taylor anthem Cottage In Negril are all outstanding.
However some of the tracks like Dreamweaver and Fairy Tale seems too soft for the majority of reggae fans, but might be suitable for a broader audience. From August Town is a fine debut from one of reggae music best singers and song writing talents.
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