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AFRICAN BROTHERS
Mysterious Nature
Release date :
11-02-2004
Label :
Zenah Music
Tracklist :
1. Free Like a Bird
2. If There is a Will
3. Weep and Mourn
4. Tell me Why
5. Give Thanks and Praises
6. Hey Girl
7. All Night
8. No Need to Wonder
9. It Shouldn’t be like that
10. Couldn’t Make It.
11. Mysterious Nature
12. Fun Time
13. Tell Me Why in Dub
14. Dub for Girl
15. All Night in Dub
16. Dub Affe Make It
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REVIEW
Review written by Sébastien Jobart
on Wednesday, November 17th 2004 - 11 613 views
The first real album by the African Brothers under the aegis of the prolific French label Zenah Music, "Mysterious Nature" marks the return of a great name in reggae, with a top-flight quartet behind the microphones.
Zenah Music continues to build bridges between Jamaica and France. Its privileged relationship with Sugar Minott ("Leave Out Babylon", "Zenah Music Meets Black Roots Production") has allowed the French label to orchestrate the reunion of the African Brothers. Of the original trio formed in 1969, only Tony Tuff and Sugar Minott remain. Derrick Howard is replaced here by Ken Bob and Tristan Palma. Four names well known to roots reggae fans, for a group that is no less so. It is hard to believe that this is their first real album… Before this, apart from singles (including the essential Lead Us Father and Righteous kingdom), all you could get your ears around was a recent compilation, "Want Some Freedom", released in 2001. Zenah Music's effort is all the more commendable.
This 2004 reunion plunges us into a most pleasing anachronism. Hearing the vocal harmonies of a bygone era from these brothers over riddims of modern purity is the great strength of this album. As in the group's great days, it is Tony Tuff who takes the lead vocal on most of the tracks. The compositions, written by Zenah Music and very carefully worked, distil roots reggae of great quality, sometimes insistent and meditative (Weep And Mourn, It shouldn't be like that), sometimes cheerful and lively (the very successful Give Thanks And Praises). Let us also mention No need to wonder and its superb intro, which spreads over nearly six minutes and starts where the other tracks stop, with an irresistible piano and guitar.
Conscious and light
The African Brothers' reputed mysticism is not lacking, and you sink gently into deep lyrics. In praise of nature (the title track Mysterious Nature, with its delicate rhythm), of freedom (Free Like A Bird), or of tenacity (If there is a will: "If there's a will, there's a way / Work is the key to success / Whatever you do, do your best"): the common denominator of the album remains the seriousness of the lyrics. No Need To Wonder and the overwhelming It shouldn't be like that are in the same vein: "It shouldn't be like this / We must change all that / Why do the rich want to take what the poor have? / Why do the big want to eliminate the small?"
Amid these conscious lyrics, we are surprised to discover lighter subjects (All Night and the syncopated Fun Time) and even downright bawdy ones on Hey Girl: "Every time I see you, my temperature rises / When I see you, parts of me get bigger (…) When I'm near you, parts of me get harder / When I touch you, I want to go further." Four dubs, successful even if less punchy, close this very well-balanced album, with no false notes or failed tracks. When can we expect an African Brothers show live? Zenah Music, which is no beginner, is playing an active part in the good health of roots. And decidedly, the France-Jamaica connection is doing well.
"Mysterious Nature" is also available on LP |
Fantastic album !!!!
I just can't stop playing it along with "Leave Out A Babylon".
EXCELLENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
youhou zenah music frappe encore tres fort apres un leave out babylon et un blackroots prd ( magnifik skeud a acheté absolument et non a download ! ) Oh Yeah roots tradition !
très bon album avec des big riddims de zenah... bi up!! african brothers are back !!!
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