Jah Cure‘s long-anticipated new album ‘The Cure’ is an exceptional piece of work from one of Jamaica’s most beloved contemporary reggae artists. The thirteen song set features recent hits like his #1 reggae chart-topping John Legend cover “All of Me,” “Rasta,” “That Girl” and “Life We Live” as well as brand new singles including “No Friend of Mine,” “Made In California,” and “I Surrender.”
Jah Cure co-produced the entire album with the help of reggae producers like Christopher “Sketch” Carey, Clive Hunt, Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown, Justin “Jus Bus” Nation and Trevor “Baby G” Washington James. ‘The Cure’ showcases Jah Cure‘s signature captivating vocals and soulful conviction. Cure effortlessly blends ghetto poetry, lovers rock, and street storytelling with fervent balladry, delivering this cohesive set with near-flawless elocution.
The album opens with the slamming percussion of “No Friend of Mine.” However, the set truly jumps off with the second track – a hard-knocking rub-a-dub throwback titled “Corruption.” Cure’s vocal – slow, steady and deliberate – is underpinned by a heavy hammering Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown-produced riddim and a ferocious horns arrangement. Cure goes from strength to strength as he blesses a trio of Christopher ‘Sketch’ Carey-produced tunes (“I Surrender,” “Set Me Free,” and “Made In California”) to round out the first half of the set.
Jammy’s at the controls on “Show Love” as Trevor ‘Baby G’ Washington James takes the helm, allowing Cure lead the way RnB style with his uniquely dynamic vocal ability over this rocking lovers tune. Cure and “Sketch” Carey team up once again on “Other Half of Me,” perhaps the best track on the album. “That Girl” is a solid Clive Hunt production and one of the more noteworthy tracks featured on the album. “Rasta” is an infectious tune with an irresistible hook (“1,2, Rasta is passing through hey/I and I a keep it cool yeah/Real reggae music”).
‘The Cure’ is evidence that Jah Cure is among the most talented and influential Jamaican artists of the modern roots era. It is his best album yet and one that will certainly sit atop many Best of 2015 lists.