Levi Roots : 'Red Hot'
Released: 16th November 2009
Label: Sound Box
History has shown over the years that many talented performers have transferred their skills from one art to another. Think the late, great Patrick Swayze, who went from a small-time dancer to film-star legend. Or The Rock, the wrestling sensation that successfully made the transition to the big screen. Rather bizarrely, one star has combined a dazzling music career with selling his own home-made sauce; quickly earning him a solid reputation outside of his reggae roots.
Sauce aside, Levi Roots has taken a step back from his new-found fame with his Grandmothers legendary recipe and has returned with his latest effort, Red Hot. Released on the 16th November, this sun-drenched, Caribbean beauty is rather good. Kicking off with the dreamy, reflective “Share Love (Acoustic Remix)”, Roots preaches a message of love. Amidst the serene sound, utter calmness can be felt.
Second track, “So out of my mind”, is an absolute cracker of a song. Upbeat with a Ska-like rhythm, Roots soulful vocals tell a tale of how he was besotted by a woman. “When you led me to the water I drank it”, sings the reggae star. This song clearly highlights Roots talent as a vocalist.
The album swings and sways its way through the darker “Cool me off”, politically charged “US Africa” and the slightly repetitive, yet still catchy, “Border Avenue”.
One standout track in particular was “Everything is natural”, which I can only describe as what to me sounds like new wave reggae. Not the stereotypical reggae sound, it incorporates faster beats in a backing that adds another dimension to the track. Interestingly, and rather unusually, Roots makes this intense beat blend well with the relaxing reggae layered on top of it. Brilliant.
However, let there be no doubt that the best track on the album, by far, is “Black on Black”. A thoroughly enjoyable track, it begins by saying “Brixton, Manchester, Birmingham – its Black on Black”. Brilliantly political with a moral message, it sings “Black people stop killing each other, and Black people stop the war”. Roots goes back to the streets to preach that violence is not necessary, and that everybody should come together. Catchy, with a dark Ska rhythm, is epitomises how music can hold a great social and political message.
In truth, Roots latest album isn’t quite as red hot as the name suggests, but it is still a fantastic package of quality reggae tunes. Well constructed, relaxing and above all thoroughly enjoyable, Levi Roots is sure to continue his solo success.
Score: 7/10
Words: Alex Read
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