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The Book of Revelations Chapter 1: Vision (Sam's Family, 2000) What a pleasant surprise this album turned out to be. Johnny Dread's debut, 1997's Scarecrow, made such a little splash that I initially assumed that Vision was his debut. Whether or not this is his freshman effort, however, doesn't matter; what matters is that this is one of the first great reggae albums of the 21st century. Seeing Vision on the rack, it just naturally grabs your attention, due to the ornate, professional-quality packaging (perhaps a bit too ornate, as you have 10 panels to unfold plus a booklet). The musical interior match the exterior: clean, skillful, alluring. The Message that Johnny Dread -- an American-born singer of Cuban heritage -- puts forth is righteous, and his sound is unmistakably roots reggae, but he adds a decidedly pop/rock edge that -- as much as purists might balk -- accentuates the power and appeal of the music. The rock overtones certainly aren't overpowering like HR's early work or like many modern punk-imbued so-called ska groups -- if it were, I wouldn't be raving about it. Rather, the rock guitars are used sparingly and efficiently, and, though it might take you a couple of listens to appreciate them, they become an integral part of the sound that sets Johnny Dread apart from many roots acts. Beyond just the sound, however, the superior songwriting on Vision helps make it one of the most enticing albums so far in the 21st century. Unwavering in his devotion to Rastafarian tenets (nothing new there, I suppose), Johnny Dread nevertheless maintains a mainstream appeal, aided by sparkling production and musicianship that makes this sound like a major label release. "King & His Character" is pure gold for any roots fan, while "Armageddeon," "Comin Up," the anthem of identity "Who We Are," the funky "His Majesty," and the title track all shine, as does every song on this exceptional album (with the exception of the weepy "Masquerade"). |
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The Book of Revelations Capitulo Dos: Magnificent People (Johnny Dread, 2003)
After three years (an eternity in the hectic release schedule of reggae), Johnny Dread returns with the eagerly awaited Chapter Two (or "Capitulo Dos," for our Spanish-speaking brethren) of his Book of Revelations. The problem with following up any great album is that invariably everything after is compared to it, and so I must say that no, Magnificent People is no Vision. However, it stands on its own as a testament to the power of modern roots reggae and as a sign that Johnny Dread is here to stay. Indeed, Vision was no fluke, as Magnificent People continues in the same vein as that treasure, with powerful live-instrument roots tunes like "Oh Father," "Too Long," "Hold On," and the title track. One thing that hinders some cuts, however, is the fact that Johnny Dread doesn't have the greatest singing voice in the world, even for a reggae artist. His voice is often flat, scratchy, and just a bit painful to hear at times, proving to be a distraction from otherwise outstanding tunes like the placid "When the Work Is Done." Still, that's not reason enough to avoid this album; it may not be "magnificent," but it's pretty good.
| Track Listing 1. Magnificent People 2. Oh Father 3. You and I 4. Too Long 5. Fisherman Row 6. Hold On 7. New Born King 8. Judgement Day 9. Juke Them 10. En Estos Dias 11. Rootsman Dread 12. Comprehend 13. When the Work Is Done |
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