Crystal Woman riddim

After the Doctor's Darling riddim, made by Seeed last year, the German labels are making headlines again. And this Crystal Woman, a creation of the Rootdown label, has everything it takes to be a hit in the record shops.

Built on a heavy bassline with a sound close to that of Doctor's Darling, an acoustic guitar and rousing horns, the Crystal Woman has a percussion line that recalls its elder. Lutan Fyah brings his incisive half-deejay, half-singing flow to "When mi rise it", in the vein of his latest productions. Next comes one of the artists in best form in Jamaica right now: Richie Spice. Once again, he sounds very much at ease on this kind of riddim with the militant "Gideon Soldier".

The lesser-known Jah Mali is also on board with "On our guard" and its dynamic chorus, as is Elijah Prophet with his "Got to be conscious", a serious lyric on Rasta themes. The other soldier of the Fifth Element Crew, Chuck Fender, with his usual phrasing, reminds us on "Perfect Love" that love and unity among black people are essential. Probably one of the best cuts of the series.

A good, very well balanced series with no bad surprises, which should delight all nu-roots fans. Listen without moderation...
Also worth noting, on some B-sides, versions sung in German by artists from the local scene.