Roots tonic riddim

We said that 2005 would see the return of reggae and positivity in force. Well, we were not wrong, and this new year begins under the best auspices with what looks set to be the new roots riddim of the moment, the Roots Tonic.
Produced by the Swedish label Hi-Score Music, the same one that gave us the superb Leaders riddim nearly a year ago, this little gem from the north was recorded in Jamaica by the Fire House Crew themselves. The result is a riddim just the way we like them, with a light stepper touch, a delightfully bouncy bassline and horns that underline it all ingeniously.

Hi-Score did not skimp on the line-up of artists either, with names like Jah Mason and Luciano, who, with Mi chalwa and Ancient memories respectively, deliver two of the biggest cuts on the riddim. Apparently very inspired, each in his own way, they ride the instrumental with disconcerting ease. Mason is more effective than in his early days with a most energetic ganja tune. Luciano, for his part, offers a vocal gem worthy of his finest songs.
The other artists who stand out on this excellent Roots Tonic are Queen Ifrica and Junior Kelly, who each prove once again the extent of their talent. Junior Kelly pulls out yet another of his magic hooks in Rasta should be deeper, and Queen Ifrica, with Wipe the tears, demonstrates her vocal range, comfortably alternating sung passages and toasting bordering on fast style.
Other notable performances on the riddim come from Military Man (Jah guide), who definitively establishes himself as the David House's number one hope, and from the young talent Zahair (From the realms), who delivers his best effort to date.
Surprisingly, Anthony B. and Tony Rebel are a little less successful this time, with songs somewhat below what they have accustomed us to over the years. Tony Rebel's Take care of yourself, although lyrically very rich, remains too soft to really convince, and Anthony B.'s Can't stop me reveals very good potential but quickly tires with its sung chorus and insipid backing vocals. Finally, Uton Green and his Heading to the top, without being particularly surprising either, do not disappoint, and remind us that the reggae business is often very hard, leaving truly talented artists in the second row.

In short, a small, high-quality new roots riddim that sets the bar very high from the outset for 2005 and reminds us that we can count on Europe and its productions again this year. BIG!