Record of 2011
JAH ARMY
STEPHEN MARLEY FEAT. DAMIAN MARLEY & BUJU BANTON
(GHETTO YOUTHS INTERNATIONAL)
Few would argue that Bob Marley’s progeny haven’t more than proved
themselves worthy of their father’s legacy. Ziggy Marley made
quite an impact with “What A Plot” in 1982, which he followed seven
years layer with the even more powerful “Black My Story (Not His
Story)”, both on Rita Marley Music. Kymani Marley, meanwhile,
registered with the Bunny Lee-produced “Africa Unite,” and took a major
step towards a more contemporary dancehall feel in 1999, by joining up
with Beenie Man, Mr. Vegas and Buju Banton on “Party In Session,” for
Stone Love, then the ruling sound system, as well as important record
label.
But it was only with the launching of Stephen and Damian Marley’s own
Ghetto Youths United production house and imprint that a greater deal
of consistency was established – particularly as far as the highly
discriminating dancehall market was concerned. Here recognition
was afforded to Julian Marley, with “Systems” (2002), while global
crossover success came with Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley’s “Welcome To
Jamrock” (2004), arguably the hardest reggae record ever to
register on both the UK and US pop charts, which it did a year after
its initial Jamaican release.
Though not quite in the same league commercially as Jr. Gong’s
crossover hit, “Jah Army” no doubt satisfied roots followers every bit
as much. And while the thematic content might not have been
particularly fresh, the lyrics were delivered by all concerned with
suitable conviction over an original and appropriately rootsy rhythm.
Buju Banton, incidentally, was well and truly back on his best
gravel-voiced form (think: the 1990s and tunes such as “Politics Time”,
“Murderer” and “Massa God World A Run”).
Appearing in 2011, the militancy of the whole affair stood out as a
great deal more refreshing then it might have done thirty years
earlier, when lyrics about being a soldier in the most righteous army
of all were a tad commoner. Bob Marley, whose own “Buffalo
Soldiers” was one of the standouts from his final recording session,
would surely have been very, very
proud.
Peter Dalton
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